biomedical engineer United Kingdom
Job description
The role at a glance
Tax-free
Annual bounty for training commitment
Paid Leave
Proportionate to attendance
Pension
Membership of the Armed Forces Pension Scheme
Travel
All around the world
Extra
Pay if mobilised
What you’ll do
As a qualified medical professional, you’ll already have many of the skills we need. Becoming a Biomedical Scientist (Reserve) is your opportunity to use them as part of a global effort, protecting the people who keep our nation safe.
You’ll still have your day job, but for 24 days a year, you’ll also be part of our Medical branch. That means providing essential clinical laboratory services to everyone from trauma patients in conflict zones to injured personnel in NHS hospitals. IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, TALK TO US
CALL US 0345 600 3222
Your role
Deliver world class healthcare as part of a highly skilled and motivated team.
Provide vital support to maritime and wider military operations across the globe.
Provide support in a range of challenging conditions at sea, on land or in the air. Adapt to a variety of platforms including state of the art warships such as the new Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier.
Travel the world as part of the front line medical services team.
What you’ll get
Skills for life
Qualifications you'll gain
Experience working in a multi-disciplinary laboratory
Courses to further develop your career
Leadership and management qualifications
Skills you'll develop
How to support medical teams with a clinical laboratory service, wherever they are in the world
Experience every laboratory discipline and develop your knowledge
Learn to be adaptable, flexible and disciplined
Pay and benefits
Daily rates of pay equivalent to those of full-time personnel
Annual tax-free bounty subject to meeting the minimum training commitment
Paid leave in proportion to the number of training days attended
Automatic membership of the non-contributory Armed Forces Pension Scheme
Expenses and allowances when undergoing training
Access to sports and fitness facilities
Opportunities for Adventurous Training (AT)
Career progression
Promotion is linked to successful completion of Basic Training and after that it’s merit based. After completing your initial professional training in your chosen branch and specialisation, you’ll be promoted to Leading Medical Technician.
What you'll need
Eligibility
You must be aged 20 and up to 52, (or 56 if you're serving or an ex-regular), when you start training
5 GCSEs grades C/4, which must include English Language and Mathematics
A degree in Biomedical Science
Registered as a Biomedical Scientist in Haematology, Biochemistry, Blood Transfusion or Microbiology
Membership of the Health & Care Professionals Council (HCPC) without restrictions
You must be a British or Irish national, a Commonwealth citizen who has lived in the UK continuously for 5 years prior to applying, or a Dual National
You need to be within the healthy range for Body Mass Index (BMI)
Pass the Naval Swimming Test
Skills and interests
A high level of clinical skill
A caring and compassionate nature
A passion for helping people
Be highly organised, and calm under pressure
A sense of adventure
Starting your career
Joining process
Initial training
Professional training
Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility, the joining process is as follows:
Submit an application
Your first step is to request and fill in your online application. If you have any questions beforehand, you can phone us on 0345 600 3222
Presentation
You will be invited to attend an Initial Maritime Reserves Presentation (IMRP) at your nearest Unit. This is your chance to have a look around, meet the team, ask any questions and find out about life in the Reserves
Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA) and interview
You will be invited to an interview, which is normally conducted using your own device over the Shine video platform, where we will check your eligibility and outline the joining process. See more advice here. You will then sit the DAA, which assesses: Verbal Reasoning, Numerical Reasoning, Work Rate, Spatial Reasoning, Electrical Comprehension and Mechanical Comprehension. Learn more and practise the DAA. You will also be invited to have an interview with the medical recruiting team
Join your local Unit
You will then be invited to join your Unit for Attestation. This involves swearing allegiance to His Majesty The King and signing the Official Secrets Act. At this point you’ll be a Phase 0 recruit, and will attend weekly drill nights, however you won’t be able to start formal training until you pass your medical and fitness test
Medical and fitness test
The medical tests are carried out by your nearest Ministry of Defence approved doctor, but eye tests can be completed at selected high street centres. The Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFT) requires you to complete a 2.4km run on a treadmill at a local approved fitness centre
Phase 1 training
You’ll now be a signed-up member of the Royal Naval Reserve as a Phase 1 recruit. At this stage you’ll be given your Royal Navy identification card and uniform, and be able to conduct formal basic training
Training
During your Phase 1 training you will learn about life in the Royal Navy. This takes place on weekly drill nights. You’ll also spend two weekends learning about life in the military and what it is like at sea
Confirmation course
This two-week course is held at HMS Raleigh. Once you’ve completed this you will go on to specialise in your chosen discipline
