Biomedical Scientist

Also known as:

Scientist - Biomedical
Medical Laboratory Scientific Officer

Introduction

Biomedical scientists analyse medical specimens such as blood and tissue to assist doctors with the diagnosis and treatment of disease. All their work is based on a detailed knowledge of biological, biochemical and chemical processes.

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Work Activities

Biomedical scientists analyse blood, tissues and other specimens to assist with the diagnosis and treatment of disease. They work in laboratories and use equipment such as microscopes and sophisticated computer controlled analysers.

They investigate samples taken from patients during surgery or from people who have been tested as part of a screening programme. They also study samples of tissue taken during post-mortems. All their work is based on a detailed knowledge of biological, biochemical and chemical processes.

After initial general training, biomedical scientists specialise in a particular biomedical science discipline. Some examples are:

Haematology - the study of blood samples to see whether there are any abnormal blood cells. This may indicate that a patient has a condition such as leukaemia. Other abnormalities in levels of clotting factors or haemoglobin, for example, may suggest other illnesses.

Histopathology - the study of human tissue, such as heart muscle, to look for signs of disease. The tissue is sliced very thinly, dyed using special dyes and then studied through a microscope. The biomedical scientist can recognise unusual cells and may assess which disease or illness caused them.

Medical microbiology - the study of micro-organisms, such as bacteria and fungi, which cause disease. The biomedical scientist identifies which antibiotics work most effectively against them. This may involve growing cultures of bacterial colonies in controlled conditions, treating them with different antibiotics and comparing the results.

Other biomedical scientists specialise in areas such as virology, blood transfusion, immunology and cytology (primarily studying cervical smears). Biomedical scientists must carefully record their findings so that medical staff can treat the patient accordingly. They may also discuss the results with other professional staff.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

You will need to be able to use complex laboratory equipment. Good organisational skills are needed to manage multiple investigations and the processing of a mass of data. Computer skills are important.

You need to be conscientious, able to work to a high standard of accuracy and have an eye for detail. You will need good communication skills and the ability to work within a team of health care specialists.

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Pay and Opportunities

National Health Service (NHS) employees are paid on a rising scale within defined pay bands, according to their skills and responsibilities.

In the NHS, trainee biomedical scientists start on Band 3 of Agenda for Change. From April 1, 2008 this has been £14,834 a year. After registration salaries rise to Band 5 (£20,225 - £26,123 a year). Biomedical scientists with managerial responsibilities, on Band 7, can earn up to £38,352 a year.

In the private sector, pay rates vary depending on the organisation and role and responsibilities, but are broadly in line with NHS rates.

Most biomedical scientists work 37-hours, Monday to Friday. However, late finishes and some weekend work may be required.

Biomedical scientists work in biomedical laboratories in hospitals, in medical schools, in the blood transfusion service, Medical Research Council and the Health Protection Agency.

There are also jobs in manufacturing industry (particularly pharmaceuticals), government departments, the veterinary service, forensic laboratories and the armed forces.

In some parts of the UK there is a shortage of qualified applicants.

There may be opportunities to work in other countries.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

If you don't have the qualifications needed to enter an accredited degree course, you might be able to start one after completing a college or university Access course, eg, Access to Science.

You don't usually need any qualifications to start an Access course, although you should check this with the course provider.

If you have a non-accredited science degree, this will need to be assessed by the IBMS to see if it has an acceptable biomedical science content. You might have to do further study to get up to the required level of knowledge.

• 9% of people in occupations such as biomedical scientist work part-time.
• 16% have flexible hours.

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