Jobs guide
There was a time when the biomedical science profession suffered from recruitment and retention problems
Finding vacancies
The Biomedical Scientist is one of the biggest sources for biomedical science vacancies. Whilst the NHS also has jobs websites www.jobs.nhs.uk and www.jobs.scot.nhs.uk.
Newspapers and journals
The local, national and specialist press can be a good place to look for job opportunities.
The Biomedical Scientist features job adverts in the Classified section.
Lab Managers will often use the local press to advertise for Medical Laboratory Assistants (MLAs) and trainees.
University careers service and events
Your University careers service can offer you valuable advice on finding a job once you graduate as well as help you polish your CV and plan an effective job seeking strategy. There will also be workshops and resources available in your University’s careers centre and online.
They will keep a database of graduates, who are happy to advise you about their current field of work. You can use these contacts to build a network in your chosen field.
Careers fairs and events provide excellent opportunities to meet employers and find out what qualities they are looking for in a graduate. These events allow you to research a wide range of job sectors and pick up tips on how to stand out with potential employers.
National events like the National Graduate Recruitment Exhibition offer workshops, presentations, advice and the opportunity to meet leading graduate employers.
Several Universities hold specialist Science, Technology and Engineering Careers Fairs including; Manchester, City University (London) and Birmingham.
Take copies of your CV along to careers events – you’ll look professional and prepared.
Speculative enquiries
If there is an employer that you are particularly keen to work for it may be worth making contact with them – even if they aren’t currently advertising any available jobs.
Contact the employer and ask who would be the best person to send a copy of your CV to. Make sure you research the company and tailor your covering letter to show why you would be an asset to their organisation.
For speculative enquiries contact laboratory managers or HR departments in larger organisations.
Having the right degree
Students graduating with IBMS accredited degrees do have a big advantage over those with non-accredited degrees because their degrees are designed to give tailored scientific knowledge and training to enter the profession.
Graduates with 'non-standard' and non-accredited science degrees can enter the profession but may need to supplement their degrees with additional modules that are an integral part of accredited biomedical science degree courses.
The harsh truth is that applicants for the trainee positions who do not have an accredited degree are likely to fall at the first hurdle. Employers are not generally prepared to engage someone who still needs a top-up qualification when they can attract applicants trained, registered and ready to practice from accredited degree programmes.
For advice on topping up your degree please contact the IBMS Education Team registration@ibms.org
