Clinical scientist, embryology

Clinical scientists working in embryology help people to have children by applying science to fertility treatment and reproductive research

As a clinical scientist in embryology, you'll carry out diagnostic services and therapeutic embryological procedures, such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), at hospitals and clinics. You'll also be involved in the collection, storing and fertilisation of patients' eggs, supporting individuals and couples on their fertility journey.

Within reproductive sciences, you could also specialise in andrology, which focuses on male fertility.

Job titles may include clinical embryologist or embryologist.

Responsibilities

As a clinical scientist working in embryology, you'll need to:

• assess fertility levels through diagnostic testing
• work with doctors, nurses and counsellors to plan infertility treatments
• receive and prepare eggs and sperm (gametes) in the lab for processing
• test the quality and suitability of gametes before use in treatment
• prepare the laboratory environment for fertilisation and to support embryo development
• use assisted reproductive technologies (ART), such as IVF and ICSI, to support conception
• track embryo growth and prepare embryos for transfer or freezing
• manage cryobanks where gametes and embryos are stored for future use
• follow strict quality control, ethical and legal guidelines to protect patients and embryos
• keep clear and accurate records to support safe, high-quality care.

Salary

• Jobs in the National Health Service (NHS) are usually covered by the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay rates consisting of nine pay bands. Trainee clinical scientists on the NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP) are on Band 6 of the scale, with salaries starting at £38,682.
• Once qualified, you're likely to earn between £47,810 and £54,710 (Band 7).
• Salaries for principal scientists and consultant scientists, the highest grade at which clinical scientists work, range from £55,690 (Band 8) to £125,637 (Band 9), for the most senior roles.

If you're working in London and the surrounding areas, you may receive a high-cost area supplement of between 5% and 20% of your basic salary.

AfC pay bands differ across the four countries of the UK. Pay negotiation happens annually at different times, so salaries will change when each country agrees their new pay award. Check your country's AfC scales for the most up-to-date NHS salary information. â¶Ä¯

Salary levels for clinical scientists working for private companies, universities, government bodies and other organisations may vary.

Income figures are intended as a guide only.

Working hours

Working hours are generally a standard 37.5 hours per week, although you may be required to work a shift pattern.

Flexible and part-time work is generally available following successful completion of training.

What to expect

• You'll mainly work in laboratories and fertility clinics as part of a multidisciplinary team, alongside doctors, nurses and counsellors.
• Jobs are available across the UK, mostly in larger hospitals and specialist fertility centres. You may need to relocate to progress your career.
• The three-year NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP) can be challenging, and you'll need to be highly organised from the very start. Make the most of any opportunities to develop your skills and make sure you keep a healthy work/life balance. â¶Ä¯
• Training includes placements in different hospitals to get a range of experience. You may need to travel to training centres in other parts of the country as part of the programme of rotations, so may have to stay there for a few weeks at a time. You'll also travel to university to complete an accredited part-time Masters degree. 
• Once qualified, you may sometimes visit other hospitals or clinics and will also travel to attend or present at national conferences. â¶Ä¯There are some opportunities available in fertility clinics overseas.

Qualifications

To become a clinical scientist in embryology, you'll usually complete the NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP), a three-year, full-time, salaried training scheme that combines work-based learning with academic study at Masters level.

Entry requirements include a first or 2:1 undergraduate degree, or an integrated Masters degree, in a relevant subject such as biomedical sciences, biology, microbiology, genetics or biochemistry. You can also apply with a 2:2 undergraduate degree in any subject if you have a higher degree (e.g., a Masters or PhD) in a relevant subject. Strong academic results, relevant research experience and related work experience will all strengthen your application.

Applications are made via Oriel, the online portal for postgraduate healthcare science training programmes. Recruitment takes place annually, usually in January. There is only a short application window, and late applications are not accepted. You can only apply to one specialty, so it's important to research carefully before applying. Not all specialties are recruited to each year and depend on NHS needs. â¶Ä¯â€¯

The selection process includes an online Situational Judgement Test (SJT), application form and interview. Sample questions for the SJT are available at Pearson VUE.

If successful, you'll be employed by an NHS Trust (or in some cases by an NHS private partner or private healthcare provider) as a trainee clinical scientist on a fixed-term contract for the duration of the programme and paid a salary. Your first year will include rotations across different settings, with specialisation in years two and three.

Training includes:

• a programme of workplace training
• fully funded, part-time study for an approved and accredited Masters degree in clinical science (cellular sciences - reproductive science) or in clinical science (andrology).
• a final assessment of competence.

If you already work for the NHS, you can apply to the STP as an internal candidate. 

On completion, you'll be awarded the Certificate of Completion for the Scientist Training Programme (CCSTP) by the National School of Healthcare Science (NSHCS). This allows you to register with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a clinical scientist. â¶Ä¯â€¯â€¯

The NSHCS website has more advice on how to apply, including competition ratios for each specialism. â¶Ä¯

Other routes to HCPC registration are offered by the:

• Association of Clinical Scientists (ACS) - Certificate of Attainment
• Academy for Healthcare Science (AHCS) - Certificate of Equivalence.

For information on training in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, see:

• Wales - Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW)
• Scotland - NHS Scotland: Healthcare Science
• Northern Ireland - NI Direct Healthcare Scientist

Skills

You need to have:

• strong laboratory skills, including planning and carrying out investigations and experiments
• an analytical approach for interpreting scientific, technical and medical information
• meticulous documentation and record-keeping skills
• attention to detail and the ability to work with speed and accuracy
• communication and interpersonal skills to explain procedures and support patients seeking reproductive help
• teamworking skills for collaborating with doctors, nurses and counsellors
• sound judgement when making decisions that affect patients' treatment and impact their lives
• effective problem-solving skills and the confidence to use your initiative
• the skills to lead and motivate others
• the ability to stay calm under pressure and manage a busy workload
• self-motivation, emotional resilience and flexibility to adapt to new technologies and techniques.

Work experience

Entry on to the STP is competitive and there are many more applicants than places. Experience with reproductive biology and familiarity with hospitals and clinics are important, so try to arrange a visit to a local hospital laboratory before applying.

Related experience is useful so investigate the possibility of short-term laboratory work experience in a fertility clinic or assisted conception unit of a large hospital. If you're studying a relevant degree or Masters programme, you may have the opportunity to complete a placement as part of your course.

It's also worth making speculative approaches to clinics and hospitals. The Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority (HFEA) has a list of fertility clinics and embryo research centres. Contact the consultant or principal clinical scientist in embryology in your local NHS Trust hospital to discuss the career and opportunities for experience.

Voluntary work with patients, for example, can also be useful. It's good to have a range of life experiences so you can show your range of skills. Mentoring experience is also helpful.

You may need to think creatively - being active in a university society, having a part-time job or getting involved in youth groups, for example, can also provide you with transferable skills such as teamwork, communication and time management.

If the chance arises, attend an open day for your specialism to gain a better insight into the role and STP programme. Also, try to speak to people currently on the STP programme to find out what it's like to be a trainee so you can show that you understand the role and the commitment involved.

Additional experience, such as involvement with research projects and publications during your studies, is also useful.

Find out more about the different kinds of work experience and internships that are available.

Employers

Many clinical scientists working in embryology are employed by the NHS in assisted conception units of large hospitals around the UK. They're also employed by independent providers of fertility treatments. For a list of both NHS and private fertility treatment providers, see HFEA.

Look for job vacancies at:

• ARCS Jobs Board - jobs page of the Association of Reproductive and Clinical Scientists (ARCS).
• New Scientist Jobs
• NHS Jobs - for jobs in England and Wales.
• NHSScotland Jobs
• Jobs.hscni.net - for vacancies in Northern Ireland.

Professional development

Continuing professional development (CPD) is essential for keeping your HCPC registration. This can include workplace training, attending workshops and conferences, joining professional bodies, reading up on new research, or even presenting your own work at events or in journals.

It's important to join the Association of Reproductive and Clinical Scientists (ARCS), as membership gives you access to training, events, networking opportunities, career advice and professional support.

With experience, you could apply to the Higher Specialist Scientific Training (HSST) programme, a five-year funded doctoral-level programme that develops future consultants and scientific leaders.

Other options include completing a PhD and moving into research or academic roles, where publishing and presenting your work will be key to career progression.

Career prospects

There is a structured career path within the NHS. Once qualified, you can progress through the grades by gaining experience and completing further training, study and research. Promotion is based on merit, and you may need to move to other hospitals to make the most of available opportunities.

As your career develops, you're likely to take on a more supervisory role with responsibility for the work of your department. Progression to consultant involves further training via the HSST programme. Promotion to deputy head or head of department is likely to involve the management of a large department or major departmental section. It's possible to gain a senior position by making a significant contribution in your area of expertise.

There are opportunities to move into clinical research, working for a university or research institute, or to get involved in training and registration assessments.

You can also develop your career by getting involved with professional bodies, taking on external professional roles or moving into advisory roles. There are also some opportunities to move into general management roles within the NHS.