Clinical molecular geneticist
Clinical molecular geneticists use biochemical and molecular biology techniques to identify genetic abnormalities associated with disease. They screen individuals both before and after the appearance of symptoms.
The work falls into three main categories:
Some clinical molecular geneticists also use testing techniques to examine non-inherited conditions, such as analysing acquired changes in cancer tumours. They may also devise or develop new tests and procedures.
Most clinical molecular geneticists are based in The National Health Service (NHS) within large hospitals or in other specialist laboratories.
Typical activities include:
A good honours degree in genetics, or a related subject with a strong genetics component, is required for entry on to the graduate training scheme.
As of 2011, in England and Wales, a new graduate entry Scientist Training Programme (SPT) replaced the previous Clinical Scientist Training Scheme. The recruitment for the healthcare scientist training positions takes place early in the year for the September intake. Recruitment usually begins in February, with a closing date in mid-March.
NHS Trusts will offer 200 training posts in life sciences, physics and engineering and physiological sciences. Successful candidates will join a three-year training programme of workplace-based learning and a Masters degree in their specialist subject.
There is a single timetable for recruitment as well as national guidelines and assessment centres to ensure that all candidates are treated fairly and equally. Candidates can apply for the training posts at the NHS Jobs website while the selection process is organised by local trusts.
Details of all training posts are available on NHS Jobs and will be advertised in the New Scientist . Further details of the scheme and a list of all the job roles are available on the Training as a clinical scientist page on the NHS Careers website.
Scotland is also adopting the new training programme but will still be recruiting by specialist subject, rather than on a national basis for the time being. Training will be provided by individual NHS boards. Details of each training scheme can be found at Clinical Scientist Pre-Registration Training Schemes Scotland .
Entry is not possible without a degree or with a foundation degree only.
Candidates need to show evidence of the following:
Competition for posts is keen. Laboratory experience and an insight into the workings of a hospital laboratory are very important, so arrange a visit to a local hospital laboratory before you apply. Investigate the possibility of short-term work experience in a molecular genetics laboratory. It is worthwhile making speculative approaches to laboratories. See the Clinical Molecular Genetics Society (CMGS) website for a list of relevant laboratories.
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
As of 2011, in England and Wales, a new graduate entry Scientist Training Programme (SPT) replaced the previous Clinical Scientist Training Scheme. The recruitment for the healthcare scientist training positions takes place early in the year for the September intake. Recruitment usually begins in February, with a closing date in mid-March.
Trainees will be employed by an NHS trust and will join a three-year, fixed-term training programme combining workplace learning and study for a Masters degree. This training period will involve broad-based training in a range of different departments, before specialisation in the last 18 months of training. For more information, see the Training as a clinical scientist page on the NHS Careers website.
Once this training period has been successfully completed, clinical molecular geneticists are eligible for mandatory registration with the Health Professions Council (HPC) .
Continuing professional development (CPD) is an essential part of continued training, and clinical molecular geneticists are expected to gain further relevant qualifications, such as membership of The Royal College of Pathologists .
Career progression depends on merit, additional responsibilities and professional qualifications, such as membership of The Royal College of Pathologists , especially for senior positions. Those with relevant qualifications and experience may be able to enter the career at a slightly more advanced level.
Post-registration clinical molecular geneticists would assume a more supervisory role and carry fuller responsibility for the work of the laboratory. There are also opportunities to specialise.
Senior grade responsibilities entail supervising and training a laboratory team, compiling and interpreting reports, and advising health authorities on policy matters relating to molecular genetics services through work on appropriate committees.
Consultant positions are usually awarded to heads of departments or of major sections. It is also possible to gain a senior position by making a significant contribution in the field of genetics.
Career progression is likely to require geographical mobility within the UK.
Networking at all levels is part of successful career development in this role. Maintaining a professional profile by presenting research at meetings, undertaking work exchanges abroad and applying for research grants is also recommended.
There are also opportunities for management roles within the National Health Service (NHS) (see NHS Careers ). The diagnostics and pharmaceutical industries also offer a number of opportunities including pure research, technical support for sales and marketing, medical information specialist and senior management posts.
Most clinical molecular geneticists are employed in The National Health Service (NHS) based in large hospitals around the UK.
Research and scientific analysis work is also conducted in a wide range of industrial settings. Molecular geneticists work for organisations researching genetic structure and function, genetic engineering and genome mapping in plants and animals. This might be in conservation, environmental pollution, industrial contamination, forensic science and archaeology. Typical employers include pharmaceutical, agrochemical, horticulture, food, biotechnology, energy, water and environmental companies, as well as government agencies, institutes, laboratories and universities.
There are also commercial companies that employ clinical molecular geneticists to undertake commissions such as paternity testing.
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