Clinical scientist, biochemistry

As a clinical scientist working in clinical biochemistry, you'll interpret and validate the results of tests on patients' blood, urine and other body fluids to help diagnose and monitor diseases and inform treatment.

You'll advise doctors and other healthcare professionals on the significance of test results, the most appropriate tests to use and whether further investigations are needed.

Work usually takes place in a hospital clinical biochemistry or chemical pathology laboratory, although you may also support point-of-care testing, where tests are carried out near patients on hospital wards or in clinics and operating theatres.

Working as a clinical scientist in biochemistry

You'll need to:

• advise healthcare professionals on which tests to use and help them understand complex results
• carry out complex or specialist analyses on blood, urine and other body fluids, using automated and manual techniques
• interpret, check and approve test results, identifying abnormal or unexpected findings
• recommend further investigations where necessary and communicate urgent or clinically significant results to healthcare professionals
• check the accuracy and reliability of testing and investigate problems with tests, equipment or results
• help ensure that laboratory services meet quality, safety and professional standards
• evaluate, develop and introduce new tests, analytical methods and laboratory equipment
• carry out clinical audits to review how tests are used and how well they perform, and contribute to laboratory procedures and clinical guidelines
• undertake research, development and service-improvement projects and present or publish the findings
• work with laboratory and clinical teams and occasionally have direct contact with patients.

As your career progresses, you may also:

• teach and train healthcare professionals, laboratory staff and students
• manage laboratory resources, budgets and service performance.

Clinical scientist salaries

• Jobs in the NHS are usually covered by the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay rates, which consist of nine pay bands. Trainees on the Scientist Training Programme (STP) typically start at £39,959 (Band 6) in England.
• Once qualified, you're likely to be employed on a salary of £49,387 to £56,515 (Band 7).
• With experience and further qualifications, you may progress to principal, lead or consultant clinical scientist roles at Bands 8a to 8d, with salaries ranging from £57,528 to £108,814. A small number of the most senior service leadership posts may be paid at Band 9, which ranges from £112,782 to £129,783.

These figures apply to NHS England. NHS salaries in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland differ.

NHS staff working in and around London may receive a high-cost area supplement of 5%, 15% or 20% of their basic salary, depending on location and subject to minimum and maximum payment levels.

Salary levels for clinical scientists working for private companies, universities, government bodies and other organisations may vary.

Income figures are intended as a guide only.

How many hours does a clinical scientist in biochemistry work?

In the NHS, you'll typically work 37.5 hours per week. Although you'll usually work standard daytime hours, you may work extended hours or weekends or join an on-call rota to provide clinical advice outside normal working hours, depending on your role and employer.

Part-time and flexible working opportunities may be available.

How do I become a clinical scientist in biochemistry?

Training in England is usually through the NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP). This is a three-year, full-time programme combining work-based learning with funded part-time study for an MSc in Clinical Science (Blood Sciences), specialising in clinical biochemistry.

To get a place on the STP, you'll need a first or 2:1 in an undergraduate honours or integrated Masters degree in a pure or applied science subject relevant to clinical biochemistry. Examples include:

• biochemistry
• biomedical science
• chemistry
• healthcare science
• medical sciences.

Research experience, for example through a Masters degree or PhD, is also desirable. You may also apply if you have a 2:2 honours degree in any subject plus a relevant higher degree, such as a Masters.

Applications are made via Oriel, typically in January, and you can only apply to one specialty. The process includes:

• an online application
• an online situational judgement test
• shortlisting of your application
• a virtual interview.

Availability depends on NHS workforce needs, and not every specialty or location has training places available each year.

Existing NHS staff working in a relevant scientific specialty may be able to complete the STP through the in-service route.

If successful, you'll be employed as a trainee clinical scientist on a fixed-term contract for the duration of the programme and paid a salary. During the first year, you'll complete rotations in related areas before focusing on clinical biochemistry in years two and three. Some placements may require travel to other laboratories.

After completing the STP, you'll receive a Certificate of Completion for the Scientist Training Programme (CCSTP) and can apply for registration as a clinical scientist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

For full details about the STP in England, see the National School of Healthcare Science website. Recruitment and training arrangements vary across the UK. See the relevant information for:

• Northern Ireland
• Scotland
• Wales

Experienced scientists who've completed other relevant training may be able to demonstrate that their knowledge and experience meet the standards required for registration through either of the following routes:

• Academy for Healthcare Science (AHCS) - Certificate of Equivalence
• Association of Clinical Scientists - Certificate of Attainment.

Key skills for a clinical scientist working in biochemistry

You'll need:

• clinical reasoning and analytical skills to interpret biochemical results, recognise abnormal patterns and assess their significance for patient care
• practical laboratory and problem-solving skills to perform specialist analyses and troubleshoot tests, methods and equipment
• accuracy, attention to detail and organisational skills to validate results, maintain records, monitor the quality of testing and prioritise urgent work
• written and verbal communication skills to explain complex results, advise healthcare professionals and present scientific findings clearly
• digital and data-handling skills to use laboratory information systems and analyse, manage and present scientific data
• research and critical appraisal skills to assess scientific evidence and contribute to research and service improvement
• teamworking skills and leadership potential to collaborate with laboratory and clinical colleagues and, as you gain experience, guide and support others.

Do I need clinical science work experience?

Entry to the STP is competitive, but formal clinical science work experience isn't essential. However, you'll need to understand the programme, your chosen specialty and the role of a clinical scientist in biochemistry. You can develop this insight by speaking to current trainees, attending an STP open day or careers event or, where possible, visiting a clinical biochemistry or chemical pathology department.

Relevant laboratory experience is valuable and may be gained through a placement, internship or practical laboratory work as part of your degree or Masters.

Where laboratory experience is difficult to secure, voluntary or paid work in a healthcare or patient-facing environment can help you demonstrate an understanding of patient care. Research experience, including an undergraduate or postgraduate research project, can also strengthen your application.

You may need to be proactive in gaining experience. Taking an active role in a university society, having a part-time job or getting involved in youth groups, for example, can also help you develop transferable skills such as teamwork, communication and time management.

Find out more about the different kinds of work experience and internships that are available.

Who employs clinical scientists in biochemistry?

Most clinical scientists working in biochemistry are employed by the NHS, usually in hospital-based clinical biochemistry or chemical pathology laboratories.

Other employers include:

• diagnostic equipment and laboratory technology companies
• pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies
• private hospitals and independent diagnostic laboratories
• universities and research institutes.

Look for job vacancies at:

• HealthJobsUK
• HSCNI Jobs - Northern Ireland.
• jobs.ac.uk - university and research opportunities.
• NHS Jobs - England and Wales.
• NHSScotland Jobs - Scotland.

For opportunities with independent laboratories or diagnostics, pharmaceutical or biotechnology companies, check individual employers' websites and specialist science recruitment websites.

Where can a career as a clinical scientist in biochemistry lead?

There is a structured career pathway, with opportunities to progress to senior, principal and consultant clinical scientist roles. You can also develop expertise in areas such as:

• endocrinology
• inherited metabolic diseases
• paediatric biochemistry and newborn screening
• point-of-care testing
• toxicology.

Progression depends on your experience, performance, specialist knowledge and further qualifications. As you become more senior, you may lead a specialist area or laboratory service, manage staff and budgets, advise on complex cases and help shape clinical practice. Other options include clinical research, education, service management, advisory work or roles in the diagnostics and pharmaceutical industries.

With at least 12 months' NHS employment following the STP, you may apply for the five-year, funded Higher Specialist Scientist Training (HSST) programme, which leads to a Doctor of Clinical Science (DClinSci) and Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists (FRCPath). On completion, you'll be eligible to apply for consultant clinical scientist posts. Alternatively, you could undertake a PhD and pursue a clinical academic or university research career.

Continuing professional development (CPD) is essential to maintain your HCPC registration and keep your scientific, clinical and leadership skills current. Activities may include:

• attending conferences
• presenting or publishing research
• reading scientific literature
• taking professional courses
• workplace training.

Membership of the Association for Laboratory Medicine provides access to professional training, resources and networking.