Immunologist
Immunologists are responsible for investigating the functions of the body's immune system and applying this knowledge in order to treat and control a range of diseases and disorders. They are concerned with understanding the processes and effects of inappropriate stimulation, which are associated with the development of conditions including autoimmune diseases, immunodeficiencies, allergies and transplant rejection.
Immunologists work within clinical and academic settings, as well as in industrial research. Their role often involves characterising and measuring components of the immune system, including cells, antibodies and other proteins. They develop new therapies, looking at how to improve methods for treating different conditions.
The exact nature of the role depends on the work setting.
In academic/research roles, tasks typically involve:
In clinical roles, tasks typically involve:
In industrial/commercial roles, tasks typically involve:
In all roles, management responsibilities increase with seniority.
Trainee biomedical scientists usually have a first or upper second class honours degree in biomedical science accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) . Graduates from other life science subjects may also enter biomedical science but they will usually need to top up their degrees with core biomedical modules as prescribed by the IBMS.
For those wanting to follow an academic career, a degree in one of the following subjects may increase your chances:
As of 2011, in England and Wales, a new graduate entry Scientist Training Programme (STP) 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 NHS Healthcare Scientist Training Programme (STP) 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 and can also be found in the New Scientist .
Although people entering this area of work traditionally have a degree in one of the medical or life sciences, many areas of medical research now actively encourage interdisciplinary work. Applicants for roles within industrial research will be at an advantage if they have completed a four-year degree course, particularly one that includes a year in industry.
Entry is not possible with an HND alone although entry at technician level may be possible and many employers will offer support to gain further qualifications.
Most people entering this field of work will have completed a postgraduate qualification, often a PhD. Most research posts require at least an MSc, but more usually a PhD, in a relevant subject.
Pre-entry experience is not essential, but any work experience in an appropriate environment is useful. In vivo experience is particularly sought after by employers and supervisors.
As well as relevant scientific skills and knowledge, candidates also need to show evidence of the following:
Large companies often recruit in the autumn and spring terms, but vacancies occur throughout the year. Research potential employers thoroughly and be prepared to make speculative applications.
There are only a few specialist immunology university departments, so those interested in postgraduate study should apply as early as possible.
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
In academic settings, a research degree can be regarded as training for this type of work. This is usually in the form of a PhD, which is undertaken full time over a minimum of three years (although four-year PhDs with a stronger element of formal training are becoming more common). Part-time PhDs are also available.
Most PhD research is either self-funded or funded by universities, research councils or trusts. The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) is a major funder of immunological research. Students are supported by a PhD supervisor, who is usually an established scientist. All research students are also entitled to receive formal training, which is either provided by the institution or by Vitae . Postdoctoral training is rare, although attendance and presentation of material at conferences is common.
Outside academia, immunologists attend technical courses to address specific areas. Larger pharmaceutical companies run many internal courses and also develop scientific staff through attendance at national meetings. Immunologists must keep up to date with research techniques and new developments, so many employers will support activities that promote this development.
Immunologists in industry and the scientific civil service initially work in hands-on functions to increase their professional knowledge and practical skills. As they develop their experience, they take on more responsibility for projects and will begin to manage the work of other scientists, before eventually becoming project managers/technical directors. A small number of immunologists undertake senior research roles as specialists, whilst others move into other scientific and commercial functions.
Clinical immunologists in the National Health Service (NHS) follow a structured career development path, with further training and increased responsibilities. See NHS Careers and Modernising Scientific Careers for further details.
In order to retain qualified and experienced staff, employers in the pharmaceutical industry provide opportunities for promotion and development, although these may involve more commercial roles or the management of technical teams.
For academic roles, a PhD is usually followed by short-term postdoctoral research contracts of up to three years in length. Most newly qualified postdoctoral fellows will take up advertised positions or will apply speculatively to an established scientist with whom they wish to work. Geographical mobility can be helpful for career progression. Academic promotion depends on research achievements and success in attracting funding. Further career development is into lectureships and, ultimately, to professorial level with managerial responsibility. Competition for permanent posts is intense and permanent research posts without teaching/administrative responsibilities are rare and highly sought after.
Specialist recruitment agencies also advertise vacancies, usually within the private sector and for candidates with experience. Search the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) consultancy finder for a list of relevant member agencies.
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