Child and Adolescent Mental Health Nurse

Trainee Clinical Scientist in Respiratory Physiology

Band 6

Fixed term 3 years, 37 hrs/week, Mon-Fri

Post commences 1st Sep 2025

This is a fully-funded postgraduate level training position comprising of a three year academic and vocational programme, on completion of which the post holder would be eligible to apply for positions as a Respiratory & Sleep Clinical Scientist or Respiratory & Sleep Physiologist.

The programme is commissioned by NES and leads to the dual attainment of (i) the academic award of MSc in Clinical Science with specialisation in respiratory & sleep science and (ii) professional registration as a Clinical Scientist with the Health and Care Professions Council, the statutory regulator. The academic component is delivered by a combination of block release and distance learning at a Higher Education Institute (HEI) to be supported by self-directed, personal study and assessed by written examination and coursework, as well as audit and research projects to be undertaken in the clinical environment. The vocational component requires staged completion of an evidence portfolio of clinical, scientific, technical and professional competencies, assessed by formal workplace-based assessment and OSCEs administered by the university. Placements in allied disciplines of healthcare science are also included and there may be a requirement to complete a placement(s) at other Health Boards in the region or possibly beyond. The curriculum is defined by the National School for Healthcare Science and scientific competencies are defined by the Academy for Healthcare Science Clinical Scientist Standards of Proficiency.

At the outset, the post holder will be entirely supernumerary. Upon incremental demonstration of competencies, the post holder will expand their repertoire as an independent practitioner but will retain a supernumerary role when performing more complex investigations. Protected personal study time is provided throughout the programme, in addition to the required attendance at university.

The successful candidate will be an enthusiastic and motivated team player, joining the existing Pulmonary Function and Sleep Team in Grampian. The department is well equipped and delivers a full range of investigations including full lung function testing, respiratory muscle assessment, bronchial provocation using Mannitol and EVH, hypoxic challenge testing, CPET and sleep studies (oximetry, polygraphy and transcutaneous capnography) and also includes commencing patients on CPAP treatment and ongoing support of sleep apnoea patients.

Informal enquiries should be made to claire.fotheringham@nhs.scot

Interviews will be held on 7th July 2025.

NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.