Clinical scientist - tissue typing

Clinical scientist (tissue typing) job description: Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills | Useful links | Find jobs and courses

Most work is laboratory-based: analysing specimens of blood, tissues and so on via sophisticated computer-aided and detailed scientific testing procedures. Key tasks include:

• using molecular techniques to routinely tissue type patients and donors
• assigning donors and patients according to tissue type
• undertaking donor/patient sera screening to identify particular antibodies
• identifying specificity via specialised serological techniques
• isolating, measuring and cataloguing DNA samples
• isolating and preserving lymphocytes
• undertaking bone marrow transplant cellular assessments
• offering advice to clinicians about best donor/patient matches.

Other responsibilities include:

• laboratory management
• writing reports
• maintaining computerised records
• participating in research and development activities.

Only a few training scheme vacancies with national laboratories are available each year. These opportunities attract strong competition and are advertised on the website of the Recruitment Centre for Clinical Scientists, with a February closing date. Unfilled vacancies are advertised on this website in June or July. Vacancies are advertised in specialist periodicals such as the New Scientist.

Typical employers of tissue typing clinical scientists

• National Blood Service
• Immunology and transplantation departments of National Health Service hospitals
• The Anthony Nolan Trust
• Teaching hospitals and universities.

Qualifications and training required

A degree in a relevant subject such as biochemistry, chemistry, immunology or genetics is required for entry. A postgraduate qualification, research work, hospital laboratory placements and/or experience gained using similar scientific and analytical techniques can be beneficial.

Key skills for tissue typing clinical scientists

• A meticulous working method
• Able to work quickly and accurately
• A logical and inquisitive mind
• Good experimental and research skills
• Communication skills
• Teamwork skills.