Job summary
NHS Wales - Trainee Clinical Scientist - Neurophysiology
Exciting opportunity to use your science degree for patient and public benefit
Earn a competitive salary and gain a Masters degree through a 3 year, full-time, nationally recognised training programme
Starting salary will be on the first point of Band 6 on a 3 year fixed term contract.
Healthcare science is one of the most exciting and dynamic areas to work in. Join a unique team who are inspired to apply their exceptional scientific knowledge and skills to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease and the rehabilitation of patients.
The NHS in Wales is offering two positions on a salaried post-graduate training programme in Neurophysiology for a high calibre science graduate who is passionate about science and its role in patient care.
Neurophysiology is a discipline within Healthcare Science which is exciting and dynamic. Healthcare practitioners and healthcare scientists measure the function of the nervous system to help in the diagnosis and/or monitor the progress of neurological disorders.
There are four types of tests which are performed in neurophysiology departments:
- Electroencephalogram (EEG) Routine /Advanced
- Evoked Potentials (EPs)
- Nerve conduction studies (NCS)
- Electromyography (EMG)
This post is fixed term for 3 years to meet the needs of the service.
Main duties of the job
Electroencephalogram (EEG)The EEG is the recording of the function of the cerebral cortex (brain) by applying electrodes to the scalp overlying the various lobes of the brain. The EEG records over time, the changes in the electrical potentials generated by the cerebral cortex.
Evoked potentials (EPs)EPs are electrical changes within the nervous system in response to a sensory stimulus (i.e. visual). The main uses of evoked potentials are to investigate neurological disorders such as optic neuritis or multiple sclerosis (MS).
Nerve conduction studies (NCS)These studies measure the function of the peripheral nerves, those responsible for movement (motor function) and sensation (sensory function). The nerves are tested by applying a small electrical current to them and recording the response. These tests are used in neurological and other conditions that affect the function of the peripheral nerves e.g. carpal tunnel and other nerve entrapments. These tests are performed by healthcare practitioners and healthcare scientists but also Clinical Neurophysiologists.
Electromyography (EMG)EMG is performed by doctors who specialize in Clinical Neurophysiology, however healthcare practitioners and healthcare scientists assist during these tests. Electromyographies test the function of the skeletal muscle and are used in the diagnosis of neurological conditions which affect the muscles such as motor neurone disease, plexopathy or radiculopathy
About us
Clinical Neurophysiology departments are usually based in hospitals and linked to neurological centres. Most of the investigations in neurophysiology are recorded in dedicated environments, however they are also performed at the patient's bedside, in the intensive care and special baby care units and also in the operating theatre.
Neurophysiology 1 Post - Based at Swansea Bay University Health Board) with rotation throughout other Health Boards in Waleshttps://sbuhb.nhs.wales/
Neurophysiology 1 Post - Based at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board) with rotation throughout other Health Boards in Waleshttps://cavuhb.nhs.wales/
The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply.
Job description
Job responsibilities
You will work as part of a multi-disciplinary team that includes doctors specialising in Neurology, specialist nurses and other healthcare science staff (e.g. those specialising in audiology or ophthalmic and vision science).
This is a three year post-graduate programme and the successful candidate will be employed by an NHS Wales organisation (see below) for the duration of their training. Trainees are also enrolled for a fully funded part time vocational Masters degree in their chosen specialism.
Trainees may be required to rotate through other areas which will involve secondments at other locations. On completion of training, prospects for permanent employment within Wales are excellent. For individuals with aptitude and commitment there are opportunities to progress through the career pathway to Consultant Clinical Scientist. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals who are motivated to pursue their career within Wales.
Healthcare practitioners and healthcare scientists perform a range of different tests, in patients of all ages, all of which require a considerable amount of patient contact and also good communication skills as each involves attaching electrodes to the patient and encouraging co-operation before the recordings can be made.
You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specificationattached within the supporting documents or please click Apply now to view in Trac
For informal queries, please contact:
Swansea Bay: Helena Morgan- Helena.Morgan@wales.nhs.uk
Cardiff & Vale: Laura Lea-Thomas - laura.lea-thomas@wales.nhs.uk
Interview dates to be confirmed but will be after 11th April
Closing date for applications for all posts: 6th February 2023
Job description
Job responsibilities
You will work as part of a multi-disciplinary team that includes doctors specialising in Neurology, specialist nurses and other healthcare science staff (e.g. those specialising in audiology or ophthalmic and vision science).
This is a three year post-graduate programme and the successful candidate will be employed by an NHS Wales organisation (see below) for the duration of their training. Trainees are also enrolled for a fully funded part time vocational Masters degree in their chosen specialism.
Trainees may be required to rotate through other areas which will involve secondments at other locations. On completion of training, prospects for permanent employment within Wales are excellent. For individuals with aptitude and commitment there are opportunities to progress through the career pathway to Consultant Clinical Scientist. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals who are motivated to pursue their career within Wales.
Healthcare practitioners and healthcare scientists perform a range of different tests, in patients of all ages, all of which require a considerable amount of patient contact and also good communication skills as each involves attaching electrodes to the patient and encouraging co-operation before the recordings can be made.
You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specificationattached within the supporting documents or please click Apply now to view in Trac
For informal queries, please contact:
Swansea Bay: Helena Morgan- Helena.Morgan@wales.nhs.uk
Cardiff & Vale: Laura Lea-Thomas - laura.lea-thomas@wales.nhs.uk
Interview dates to be confirmed but will be after 11th April
Closing date for applications for all posts: 6th February 2023
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Applicants must have an honours degree (1st or 2.1) in a pure or applied science relevant to the specialism for which they are applying. Applicants with a relevant 2.2 degree will also be considered if they have an MSc or PhD in the specialism for which they are applying.
- For all candidates evidence of research experience, e.g. in the form of a higher degree or equivalent evidence of scientific and academic capability, is considered desirable.
Scientific Skills Demonstrated in a work or study context
Essential
- A committed in depth interest in Scientific Practice and its application to direct clinical care of patients in a clinical environment
- Ability to design research investigations and experiments.
- Ability to analyze and assess scientific, technical and medical literature.
- Ability to make judgements, including clinical judgments involving facts or situations that impact on patients.
- Have an understanding of quality control and management assurance in a science or work based context
- Ability to develop proficiency in the performance of routine and complex techniques currently in use where they are training
- Has an understanding of the role of their chosen specialism in healthcare and disease and its application in a healthcare setting.
- Good IT skills and knowledge of common computing packages for word processing, spreadsheets, presentation packages and databases.
- Ability to analyse complex information comprising laboratory or workshop data, images and clinical details. Knowledge acquired through study and experience to formulate appropriate advice and judgments.
Transferable Skills Demonstrated in study, work or non-work contexts
Essential
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both writing and speaking in English language in order to: oExplain analytical, scientific and clinical aspects of the work to a variety of people including scientific colleagues, clinical professionals, service managers and patients and to listen to their needs. oMake formal presentations to groups of colleagues.
- Good active listening skills to build rapport with listener to encourage an open discussion.
- Self-aware and flexible enough to adopt a range of evaluative or empathising listening styles according to the needs of the listener and the situation.
- Ability to work autonomously in the planning and execution of their own work and under the guidance of their Departmental Supervisors. Flexibility to acquire the skills to organise, plan and monitor the workload of others.
- Demonstrable ability to lead others.
- Under guidance develops good interpretative skills in the formulation of advice to multi-disciplinary team members on diagnosis and appropriate treatment of patients.
- Ability to handle patient samples, hazardous reagents and chemicals in a safe manner in accordance with Health and Safety regulations.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Applicants must have an honours degree (1st or 2.1) in a pure or applied science relevant to the specialism for which they are applying. Applicants with a relevant 2.2 degree will also be considered if they have an MSc or PhD in the specialism for which they are applying.
- For all candidates evidence of research experience, e.g. in the form of a higher degree or equivalent evidence of scientific and academic capability, is considered desirable.
Scientific Skills Demonstrated in a work or study context
Essential
- A committed in depth interest in Scientific Practice and its application to direct clinical care of patients in a clinical environment
- Ability to design research investigations and experiments.
- Ability to analyze and assess scientific, technical and medical literature.
- Ability to make judgements, including clinical judgments involving facts or situations that impact on patients.
- Have an understanding of quality control and management assurance in a science or work based context
- Ability to develop proficiency in the performance of routine and complex techniques currently in use where they are training
- Has an understanding of the role of their chosen specialism in healthcare and disease and its application in a healthcare setting.
- Good IT skills and knowledge of common computing packages for word processing, spreadsheets, presentation packages and databases.
- Ability to analyse complex information comprising laboratory or workshop data, images and clinical details. Knowledge acquired through study and experience to formulate appropriate advice and judgments.
Transferable Skills Demonstrated in study, work or non-work contexts
Essential
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both writing and speaking in English language in order to: oExplain analytical, scientific and clinical aspects of the work to a variety of people including scientific colleagues, clinical professionals, service managers and patients and to listen to their needs. oMake formal presentations to groups of colleagues.
- Good active listening skills to build rapport with listener to encourage an open discussion.
- Self-aware and flexible enough to adopt a range of evaluative or empathising listening styles according to the needs of the listener and the situation.
- Ability to work autonomously in the planning and execution of their own work and under the guidance of their Departmental Supervisors. Flexibility to acquire the skills to organise, plan and monitor the workload of others.
- Demonstrable ability to lead others.
- Under guidance develops good interpretative skills in the formulation of advice to multi-disciplinary team members on diagnosis and appropriate treatment of patients.
- Ability to handle patient samples, hazardous reagents and chemicals in a safe manner in accordance with Health and Safety regulations.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Additional information
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
