Clinical Scientist - Biochemistry

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Job Profiles

https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/clinical-scientist-biochemistry

https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/biochemist

https://www.allaboutcareers.com/job-profile/clinical-biochemist/

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Clinical Scientist

As a clinical scientist working in biochemistry you'll analyse samples taken from patients' blood, urine or other bodily fluids to help with the diagnosis, management and treatment of diseases.

Often based in a hospital laboratory, you'll interpret and validate the results of these samples and advise clinicians and GPs on the correct use of tests and any necessary follow up investigations.

how to become

Training to become a clinical scientist working in biochemistry is done via the NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP), a three-year, full-time, work-based learning and training programme that also includes academic study at Masters level.

To apply to the programme you'll need either a first or 2:1 undergraduate degree or an integrated Masters degree in life sciences. Relevant subjects include:

biochemistry
biology
biomedical sciences
genetics
microbiology.

You can also apply if you have a 2:2 undergraduate degree in any subject and have a higher degree in a relevant subject.

Possible career routes

This list is not exhaustive but provides an idea of the options graduates have and what they have gone on to do. Some options are more directly associated with a Biochemistry degree than others.

Agronomist Cytologist Health and Safety Inspector Aquaculturalist Biochemist Ecologist

Inventor Arborist Embryologist Journalist Entrepreneur Marine Biologist Bioinformatics Specialist Epidemologist

Materials Researcher Biomedical Engineer Fisheries Advisor Microbiologist Botanist Food and Drug Inspector

Pathologist Brewmaster Food Scientist Pharmaceutical Researcher Chemical Engineer Forensics Worker Pharmacist

Crime Scene Analyst Geneticist Physician Cytotechnologist Health Policy Planner Policy Advisor

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Employers

Taken from prospects

Most clinical scientists working in biochemistry are employed in clinical biochemistry/chemical pathology departments in hospitals.

You may need to change employers during the early part of your career, as posts are geographically widespread and there won't necessarily be a vacancy in the hospital where you did your training.

There may be some opportunities in industrial companies, particularly diagnostics pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.

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