Biomedical scientist — Neal Greenaway

Read how Neal's role allows him to use his love of science outside of academia and his advice for others wanting to do the same

How did you get your biomedical scientist job?

I started my career in biomedical science by applying through NHS Jobs for a Band 2 role working in specimen position at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. From this, I worked up to a Band 4 position, then applied for a Band 5 trainee post, before progressing onto my current Band 5 position.

How relevant is your degree to your job?

My biomedicine degree gave me a strong transferrable scientific foundation, which is useful to have for day-to-day trouble shooting of any problems that arise.

My degree was more research orientated, so I needed to take top-up modules to ensure it was accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) before I could become a biomedical scientist. Biomedicine was still relevant as it contained many overlaps to clinical education on various diseases and conditions.

What are your main work activities?

In one of my earlier roles the work involved setting up different analysers, carrying out testing and reporting and conducting maintenance and quality control checks on analysers. The testing and reporting is done on both routine samples, and urgent ones, such as those from the A&E department.

Now, working in cytology, I test cervical smear samples for HPV infection, look at patient slides under a microscope and prepare a variety of non-gynaecology samples for pathologists to screen (serous, non-serous, sputums, bronchial washings, CSF and more).

Again, running and checking quality controls on analysers, as quality control is a very important principle and part of the job of a biomedical scientist - no matter which discipline you work in.

How has your role developed?

The biggest change was moving from biochemistry to cytology in 2020 and completing an NHS cervical screening programme qualification, which allowed me to screen cervical smear slides. I'm currently doing my specialist portfolio to become a Band 6 in cytology.

The nice thing about this career is you can progress as much or as little as you want. If I want to stop at a Band 6 that's fine. If I decide later I'd like to do another qualification and become a Band 7, I know I'll be supported in that decision. Ultimately, it's up to you.

What do you enjoy most about working in biomedical science?

I find the job extremely rewarding and interesting. Working in academia was never for me, but to be able to use my love for science every day to help patients is something that makes me enjoy driving to work.

I also really enjoy working with like-minded professionals in the NHS, making collaborative decisions about samples, reporting results or quality control.

What are the most challenging parts of your biomedical role?

There is a lot of work, so we are always busy. I enjoy this aspect, but it can be challenging sometimes due to the high volume nature of the work. Also, samples that are out of the norm can be difficult, e.g. due to unusual results after a test. The good thing is there is always a more senior member of staff or consultant to refer to if needed.

Any words of advice for someone wanting to get into this job?

• Get your foot in the door - After graduating you're technically qualified for at least a Band 4 or a Band 5 position, if your degree is accredited. However if a Band 2 or 3 position becomes available (these are normally biomedical support worker jobs in specimen reception), still apply. These are a great way to make yourself known and progress further.
• Check your degree - You can google IBMS accredited degrees for more information. It needs to be accredited and not many degrees are. This will normally mean once you finish your degree, you need to send your degree transcript to the IBMS who will review and decide what other university modules you need to take, for it to be accredited. For me, this was five modules over a year.
• Get lab-related work experience or shadowing - There are a few veterinary labs around, which process animal samples in the same way that biomedical scientists process human samples. These can also be good places to gain experience, but if not, any experience in a laboratory is great.

Find out more

• Read all about being a biomedical scientist.
• Discover what you can do with a biomedical science degree.