NHSL 219805 Trainee Clinical Scientist (FWW)

NHS Lothian; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

NHS Lothian is seeking a Trainee Clinical Scientist for its Pharmacy & Medicines Service. This role offers a unique opportunity to study for an MSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences while gaining practical expertise in healthcare, ultimately leading to registration as a Pharmaceutical Scientist. Join a leading organization where your scientific background can make a real difference to patient care.

Benefits

University fees funded

Full-time salary during training

Experience across pharmacy technical services

Qualifications

• Degree must be in a relevant scientific field (2:1 preferred).
• Interest in the manufacture and assurance of medicines.

Responsibilities

• Undertake practical work in NHS hospitals while studying for an MSc.
• Follow a structured training programme and complete rotations in various pharmacy specialties.

Skills

Interest in quality control

Commitment to further studies

Education

First or Second Class Honours Degree in physics, chemistry, pharmacy or applied science

Job description

Trainee Clinical Scientist

NHS Lothian Pharmacy & Medicines Service

Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh

Band 6 | 1.0 WTE | 37 Hours

Fixed Term 3 Years

(including weekend and public holidays commitment)

NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.

Please note: we anticipate a high level of interest in this position and may close the vacancy early once a sufficient amount of applications are received. Therefore, please make sure you complete and submit your application at an early stage.

We will fully support disabled candidates, and candidates with long-term conditions or who are neurodivergent by making reasonable adjustments to our recruitment policy and practices.

Due to legislative changes from 1 April 2025, this post may require a different level of criminal records check done than is currently the case. If the post is assessed as a "regulated role", your appointment will be subject to joining the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme. If there is any change to what is currently required, this will be confirmed by either the Hiring Manager or the Recruitment Team. For more details on these changes please visit: .

Are you looking for a way to apply your science degree and scientific training to bring real benefits to NHS patients every day? Do you want a career in a scientific field, at the forefront of new and advanced diagnostic and therapeutic medicinal products for NHS patients? Then the Scientist Training Programme (STP) could be the perfect opportunity.

About The Role

The Pharmacy Service in NHS Lothian is looking to expand the number of roles open to science graduates working in healthcare. If you have a First or Second Class Honours Degree in physics, chemistry, pharmacy or an applied scientific subject and are looking to undertake further post-graduate study, while working within a structured training programme in the healthcare science setting, then NHS Lothian would like to invite you to apply for the post of Trainee Clinical Scientist in our Pharmacy & Medicines Service.

This supernumerary post, in partnership with the National School of Healthcare Science and the University of Manchester, offers training opportunities to high quality science graduates who are passionate about the role of science in modern healthcare. You will follow a formal programme (STP) in Pharmaceutical Sciences, which will involve completion of an MSc degree via block-release and distance-learning through the University of Manchester (). The training in NHS Lothian includes rotations and acquaintanceships across a range of pharmaceutical science specialities, such as Clinical Trials, Quality Assurance, Radiopharmacy and Aseptic in our acute hospital sites.

Your training within the NHS Lothian Pharmacy & Medicines Service will lead to registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a Pharmaceutical Scientist (), aligned with the framework for UK-wide Modernising Scientific Careers, where further roles within NHS Lothian are being developed for career progression.

Why Join Us?

Skills

NHS Lothian Pharmacy Department’s vision is to deliver clinically led, person-centred services to ensure patients across Lothian get the best from their medicines and pharmacy services. We are focussed on creating an environment where each person in the team has the opportunity to flourish, develop and make best use of their skills. You will have the chance to:

• Study for a post-graduate MSc in Pharmaceutical Science, while undertaking practical work in NHS hospitals to underpin this learning
• Have all university fees and travel funded, while earning full-time payment for working in the NHS service as a Band 6 Trainee Clinical Scientist
• Gain valuable experience in a range of pharmacy technical services, from our experienced specialist pharmacy teams
• Qualify as a registered Pharmaceutical Scientist on the accredited HCPC register
  
  

This is an ideal opportunity for an enthusiastic science graduate who wants to use their knowledge to help patients and services who need their expertise.

About You

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has a First or Second Class Honours Degree (2:1) in physics, chemistry, pharmacy or an applied science subject (for suitable degrees please see: )
• Is committed to undertaking further post-graduate study (MSc), while working within a structured training programme in the NHS
• Has an interest in the manufacture, quality control and quality assurance of medicines
  
  

About NHS Lothian

At NHS Lothian, we are committed to fostering equality, diversity, and inclusion in our workforce. Serving a population of over 900,000, we are the second-largest health system in Scotland and home to one of its four teaching boards. Join a dynamic organisation that values innovation, research, and excellence in healthcare delivery.

This is an opportunity to elevate your career while making a profound difference to patients in NHS Lothian’s acute hospitals.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

For further information on what is included in the role and the skills/experience we’re looking for, please refer to the job description and person specification linked below. However, we understand that there's only so much a job pack can convey. If you’d like to learn more about this exciting role, the teams you’ll be joining, or the opportunities available, we warmly encourage you to get in touch with the hiring manager. This is a great chance to have an informal discussion, ask questions, and explore how this role aligns with your career goals.

Reach out today to start the conversation we’d love to hear from you!

• Zoe McGroarty, Lead Quality Assurance Pharmacist, Radiopharmacy; or
• Clint Waight, Principal Pharmacist, Radiopharmacy;
• 0131 242 2929