Key resources

• Overview of careers in healthcare science from NHS Health Careers
• Overview of the NHS Scientist Training Programme (the main route into health sciences in the NHS for graduates)
• Careers information from the Institute of Biomedical Sciences
• Careers information from the Institute of Physical and Engineering in Medicine

Research the sector and keep up with current issues by reading:

• Laboratory News and health news from news sources like the BBC
• New Scientist (you can read print copies in the Careers and Placements information room).

As well as a degree in a sciences subject related to your chosen specialism, you’ll need to demonstrate:

• research planning
• problem-solving
• oral and written communication
• attention to detail
• teamwork
• good IT skills
• leadership
• laboratory skills for lab-based roles.

You can read the person specification for the Scientist Training Programme to understand the required scientific and transferable skills.

Entry onto the Scientist Training Programme is particularly competitive, so work experience is essential to demonstrate your interest in the work.

• Arrange a visit or job shadowing opportunity with a laboratory/department in your area of interest, to supplement your lab experience from your studies.
• If you’re interested in the STP, attend the open day for your specialism to learn more about the role.
• Take on a volunteering opportunity to develop your transferable skills.
• Consider a summer internship or a placement year - you will find opportunities in a range of STEM roles on Gradcracker.
• Look into part-time work in a role such as a laboratory assistant.

The STP usually opens for applications in January each year and close in the February.

Other jobs are advertised on:

• job websites like HealthJobsUk, New Scientist, NHS Jobs and Pharmiweb.
• company websites - Bionow has a map of biomedical and life science businesses across Northern England
• Jobs.ac.uk for roles in universities.

Some science organisations prefer to use recruitment agencies, such as:

• SRG
• CK Science
• Network Scientific
• Vector Recruitment.

• The STP has a multi-stage recruitment process including an online application, aptitude tests and interviews - read the advice for candidates applying in 2019
• Recruitment in other roles will vary. You may be required to do any of the following:
  • Complete an online application
  • Send a CV and covering letter
  • Assessment centre
  • Competency tests
  • Technical tests
  • Interview.

• Volunteer through Careers and Placements, YUSU or your college to develop the skills you’ll need to demonstrate in an interview.
• Attend Careers and Placements events to develop your skills, such as project management.
• Use York Profiles and Mentors to connect with York graduates who have gone into your chosen career.
• Practice aptitude tests to prepare for the STP application process.
• Apply for internships through the Student Internship Bureau.
• Look out for talks and events in your department or faculty - Biology usually runs an STP talk once a year and Physics organises a visit to a hospital medical physics department.
• Look out for research internships offered by some science departments, usually to 2nd year students.
• Book a Science faculty careers advice appointment to discuss your options.