Trainee Clinical Scientist - Clinical Pharmaceutical Science

Job summary

NHS Wales - Trainee Clinical Scientists Clinical Pharmaceutical Science. Exciting opportunities to use your science degree for patient and public benefit. Gain a master's degree and specialist work-based experience through a nationally recognised training programme. Starting salary will be on the first point of Band 6 on a 3-year fixed-term contract.

Healthcare science is one of the most exciting and dynamic areas to work in. Join a unique team who are inspired to apply their exceptional scientific knowledge and skills to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease and the rehabilitation of patients.

The NHS in Wales is offering 2 salaried post-graduate training programmes in Clinical Pharmaceutical Science for high-calibre science graduates who are passionate about science and its role in patient care.

The Trainee Clinical Scientist will be employed by the host organisation for a fixed term of three years. During this time, they will work through a work-based programme of learning. This will be combined with an academic programme at master's (MSc) level over the three-year period.

The first part of the academic programme will introduce the basic science and theoretical background of the rotational disciplines and their application in clinical science within health, as well as providing an introduction to healthcare services and values. The master's degree includes a research project within year 2/3.

Main duties of the job

The Clinical Pharmaceutical Science programme offers trainees the opportunity to develop as a specialist in the manufacture or preparation of a wide variety of pharmaceutical products e.g. Systemic Anti-Cancer Treatments, Parenteral Nutrition and Radio Pharmaceuticals. In addition to this training in the associated disciplines which support these NHS services such as Quality Assurance and Control. Your science degree should be applicable to this practice area e.g. in a pure or applied science subject.

It can be advantageous to have gained some experience of working in a relevant environment before applying for a place, so as to understand the type of work you would be undertaking. An understanding of the responsibilities the role requires is beneficial, as well as the ability to progress excellent leadership skills to work in this fast-paced and demanding environment.

You should be able to demonstrate your personal values, these must fit well with the NHS Organisation you apply for a placement with, and meet the requirements of the NHS Constitution.

About us

This is a three-year post-graduate programme, and the successful candidates will be employed by an NHS Wales organisation for the duration of their training and will be based in one of:

• 1x Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, St Mary's Pharmaceutical Unit
• 1x Swansea Bay University Health Board, Singleton Hospital

APPLICANTS MUST STATE IN SUPPORTING INFORMATION:
Preferred training centre(s) (location) - CVUHB / SBUHB (can state more than one)

The training is aligned with the Scientific Training Programme (STP) and supported by the National School of Healthcare Science.

Posts are due to commence in September 2025.

Job description

Job responsibilities

You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents or please click "Apply now" to view in Trac.

Trainees will be required to rotate through other areas, which may involve placements at other locations. On completion of training, prospects for permanent employment within Wales are excellent. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals who are motivated to pursue their career within Wales.

Person Specification

Qualifications and Knowledge

Essential

• Applicants must have an honours degree (1st or 2.1) in a pure or applied science relevant to the specialism for which they are applying. (Applicants with a relevant 2.2 degree will also be considered if they have an MSc or PhD in the specialism for which they are applying).
• Have an understanding of quality control and management assurance in a science or work-based context.
• Has an understanding of the role of their chosen specialism in healthcare and disease and its application in a healthcare setting.

Experience

Essential

• Knowledge acquired through study and experience to formulate appropriate advice and judgments.
• Have taken part in supervised clinical activity to postgraduate diploma level.

Desirable

• For all candidates evidence of research experience, e.g., in the form of a higher degree or equivalent evidence of scientific and academic capability, is considered desirable.

Skills and Attributes

Essential

• A committed in-depth interest in Scientific Practice and its application to direct clinical care of patients in a clinical environment.
• Ability to develop proficiency in the performance of routine and complex techniques currently in use where they are training and the ability to develop and validate new techniques.
• Ability to design research investigations and experiments.
• Able to identify problems associated with scientific equipment, inappropriate testing, and incompatible results and to investigate these, plan corrective action confirming appropriateness with senior colleagues and follow up.
• Ability to work under pressure and ability to prioritise and plan work.

Desirable

• Welsh Language Skills are desirable levels 1 to 5 in understanding, speaking, reading, and writing in Welsh (please delete as appropriate).

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.

Additional information
Employer details

Employer name

Health Education and Improvement Wales
Address

St Mary's Pharmaceutical Unit, Singleton Hospital

Cardiff, Swansea

SA2 8QA