Clinical scientist
Clinical scientists research and develop techniques and equipment to help prevent, diagnose and treat illness.
Typical Salary
£46,000 – £72,000
per year
Working Hours
38–40
hours per week
Day-to-day tasks
There are 4 main areas of clinical science. Depending on your area you could:
- analyse data from genetic material to trace how diseases develop
- research and test methods to improve diagnoses and treatments
- assess abnormalities in different parts of the body
- study cells or diagnose and analyse blood disorders
- investigate the causes of illness or death
- instruct medical staff on how to use instruments and equipment
Skills needed
- knowledge of biology
- thinking and reasoning skills
- excellent verbal communication skills
- the ability to use your initiative
- science skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- complex problem-solving skills
- maths knowledge
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
How to get into this role
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- an NHS training programme for non-graduates
Career progression
With experience you could:
- apply for the NHS Higher Specialist Scientist Training programme
- become a consultant clinical scientist or move into healthcare management
- work in research and study for a PhD
- teach in higher education