Biomedical scientist

Depending on your chosen area, you may:

• test for diseases like Legionnaires' disease and food poisoning
• test for infectious diseases like rubella or hepatitis
• analyse blood samples and monitor organ function
• support the blood transfusion and transplant service through blood grouping and matching
• test for blood abnormalities and diseases, like anaemia and leukaemia
• process and analyse tissue samples from operations and autopsies
• use specialist procedures like cell culture to detect cancer
• routinely test fluid and tissue samples like cervical smear tests
• update paperwork or computer records with data and test results

• knowledge of biology
• analytical thinking skills
• concentration skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• complex problem-solving skills
• maths knowledge
• excellent written communication skills
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role

With experience, you could move into areas like:

• specialist research
• training and education
• product development and sales
• people or project management

There are also opportunities to work as a biomedical scientist in the armed forces.

Find out more from the:

• Army
• Royal Air Force
• Royal Navy