NHS Scientist Training Programme

The NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP) is a three year postgraduate programme where candidates are employed by the NHS in a chosen specialism.

Are you looking for exciting and dynamic work in Healthcare Science? Applications for the NHS Scientist Training Programme for 2014 are now open – read on to find out if the programme could be for you!

What is the NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP)?

The STP is a graduate-entry programme leading to more senior scientist roles. You will be employed by an NHS trust for the duration of your training.

What does the training involve?

Excellent training opportunities are offered within this national postgraduate training programme located in hospitals and health services throughout England and Wales. The STP is a three year postgraduate programme and successful candidates will be employed by an NHS Trust or other healthcare provider for the duration of their training. Trainees are also enrolled for a fully funded part time vocational master’s degree in their chosen specialism.

Posts due to start in 2014 are available within one of the following areas:

• Life sciences - infection control and epidemiology, mycology, virology, bacteriology and parasitology, clinical biochemistry, haematology/transfusion science, immunology, histopathology, cytopathology, reproductive science, genetic sciences
• Physiological sciences - audiology, neurophysiology ophthalmic and vision sciences, cardiac science, respiratory and sleep sciences, vascular science, gastrointestinal physiology and urodynamic sciences, critical care science
• Physical Sciences - rehabilitation engineering, clinical measurement and development, device risk management and governance, radiation safety, radiotherapy physics, imaging with ionising radiation, imaging with non-ionising radiation, clinical pharmaceutical science, reconstructive sciences (maxillofacial prosthetics – applicants for maxillofacial prosthetics will require dental registration)
• Informatics – genomics, physical sciences, health informatics

How is the training structured?

Learning is delivered through approved and accredited three years of workplace-based training, with the first year in a range of settings before specialisation in the last two years of training. Scientist trainees will also be required to undertake a specifically commissioned master's degree in their chosen area.

You can read the NHS STP General FAQs for further information.

What are the entry requirements?

Applicants must have an honours degree (1st or 2:1) in a pure or applied science area relevant to the specialism for which they are applying. Applicants with a relevant 2:2 degree will also be considered if they have an MSc or PhD in the specialism for which they are applying.

Please read the FAQs about applications and eligibility for general information about what constitutes a relevant degree.

For all candidates, evidence of research experience (e.g. in the form of a higher degree or equivalent evidence of scientific and academic capability), is considered desirable.

Applicants must check the person specification for the STP, to ensure that they can demonstrate how they meet the required criteria for their application.

How and when do I apply?

The current application cycle closed on Friday 31 January 2014. To find out the latest information about entry in 2014, and to apply online, please see the NHS Careers website. Additionally, some training providers are holding STP open days, at which applicants can find out more about the programme.