NHS Clinical Scientist Recruitment

Because I am passionate about many areas of life sciences, not just one specific area. So why would should I relocate when I would happy to work in any of the specialisms I have picked? My degree includes microbiology, physiology, haematology, immunology, biochemistry and pharmacology so why am I any less of a good candidate for loving lots of areas of science than someone who just likes and will only work in one?

I am well aware of this, if it was a choice between no job or relocating then I would relocate. But for various reasons including financial ones I'd rather not, plus I genuinely do not have a strong preference for any of the areas I have picked. I've worked in two of them so know I would enjoy a post there. There is no rule which states that you can only like one area of science, and it doesn't make you any better just because you are unwilling to work in other areas. It's down to personal preferences and circumstances.

If the recruiters didn't think that it was appropriate for people to apply to more than one specialty they wouldn't have clearly stated the interview arrangements for people who apply to more than one. You sound well qualified and I'm sure you'll do great at interview. If it's anything like last year the questions won't be based on your application so applying to other specialties won't come up. Good luck!

Thank you I'm sure you will do really well as well, especially since you've already been through the process, that's gotta give you a really big advantage. Fingers crossed we will both get interviews!

Thanks, I just didn't think there was any reason for all the nastiness all the specialties other than med phys sound the same to me anyway! :P
I think it helps that I knew what I needed to improve on but the way they go about the process can and does change (grr aptitude tests), so it's not like I know too much of what to expect. It also means a rejection would be harder to take!

I just think that to someone has done a specialised degree and a PhD in order to get a post in their chosen field and worked in labs to gain experience, having a strong passion for that specific career path, it might come as something of an annoyance that someone who applied for many specialites, any of which would be okay as long as it was local. I think each speciality is so different, it possibly shows a lack of commitment and understanding of the role to apply for all options.

I don't know how good you are, but my particular strengths certainly don't lie in 5+ areas, as I am sure neither do most. Just keep in mind how it could look to them should they be privy to the fact that you have applied to multiple specialities. I do remember that a couple of years ago, there was a limit to the number of specialities you could apply for.

I sense that I have touched a nerve. I know that I don't know you or your ability. I said that. I was commenting on how it could come across to those recruiting, as practical advice to a question YOU had posted. I hope they do ask you actually, and see if you are able to give them a satisfactory answer without getting quite as defensive. Good luck with that.

I went to an STP open day yesterday and the lab manager who said she might be on the interviewing panel asked me whether I had applied for more than one speciality and the locations I had applied to, from what I've read on here Japryan was only advising you that you should probably have an answer ready to question they may well ask.

Im also a biomed student who's spent a year placement and completed the IBMS portfolio, but at the open day they didnt seem bothered about how much experience you had or your level of education - you have to complete a masters as part of this training programme anyway! They just want hard working, self-motivated people who care about patients needs and who are going to make good scientists - so laura you may be just what they're looking for, dont let anyone make you doubt yourself!

Best of luck to everyone who has applied, I hope we hear back soon!

Oh dear, I've not enquired about open days yet. Have I probably missed the boat?

I was waiting to hear about the application first, was that stupid?

balls

They've been posting on Twitter about open days (@NHSCareers). I've been checking everyday and there havent been very many of them especially for life sciences, only 6 people turned up to the Coventry one yesterday and I was the only one there interested in Haematology. I wasn't going to go as I live 3 hours away and could have been a possible waste of time if i dont get an interview, but I think it was still useful for me just to see the work that goes on in other labs and get an outline of what the training programme will involve and what they except from STP applicants. If you're interested in open days I'd recommend signing up to Twitter, you can also tweet NHS careers for the appropriate contact details of the hospitals you've applied for to arrange an informal visit.

i've heard that now the departments have picked the people they want to see and have passed on this info to the higher powers who arrange interviews, so we should be hearing by next week, anyone else heard something similar? Or is this one of those things that gets my hopes up and drives me insane

I haven't heard this, but then again I'm not in touch with anyone recruiting. Thanks for letting people know Do you think they'll get back to people by email or by phone call/letter?

I have no idea because last year england got back by e-mail and scotland got back by letter, and for others they got phone calls for england. lol doesn't really help you but i guess we have to check everything

The panels had to make a short list decision by 22nd March, this info had to be sent to MSC west midlands by that date, so fingers crossed it won't be long until we hear something, although the NHS has never been well known for it's time keeping