clinical research scientist phd

Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCaTS)

Ph.d. program.

In support of its mission to develop independent clinical and translational science researchers, the Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCaTS) collaborates with Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences in Rochester, Minnesota, to offer a Ph.D. track in clinical and translational science.

While Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences administers the overall Ph.D. Program, CCaTS delivers the clinical and translational science track's course work and oversees the mentored research experience, a cornerstone of the program. Mentors are Mayo Clinic faculty from a wide range of disciplines.

Read more about Ph.D. Program admissions or see profiles of current Ph.D. students in the clinical and translational science track.

Our Education Contacts page contains a listing of team members who can assist you with questions.

Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Ph.D. Program

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University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus

2023-2024 academic catalog, clinical science (phd).

The Clinical Science PhD program is designed for qualified individuals who have already earned a health care graduate or professional degree (i.e., physicians, MSPH graduates, biostatisticians, epidemiologists, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists) or a graduate degree related to health sciences.

The overall goal of CLSC doctoral training program is to prepare nationally competitive clinician/clinical scientists who are able to translate across the discovery-community continuum. Students in our program are highly motivated and bright individuals who seek additional rigorous training to become leaders in their field and make significant contributions to improving the health of citizens.

Please visit the CLSC PhD website for current admission information:  https://cctsi.cuanschutz.edu/training/clsc#phd

Admissions Requirements

All completed application materials for the PhD Program must be submitted by February 1st of each year to be considered for admission. There is only one application submission and review process per year. CLSC accepted applicants may start in the summer or fall term. Specific course offerings can be previewed at our Course Books and Schedules section of this page under Resources.

Minimum Criteria for Admission

Meeting the criteria does not guarantee admission.

• An undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
• A masters, graduate or professional doctoral degree with a GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).
• A graduate degree that required course completion in study design and analytics/biostatistics.
• An acceptable and verifiable GRE, MCAT or PCAT score. This requirement can be waived by an earned MS/MPH or PhD from an accredited US School
• Previous clinical and translational research experience that involved working in clinical settings and/or with clinicians.  Those without this clinical translational experience are encouraged to contact Dr. Lisa Cicutto to discuss the appropriateness and fit of the program.

You are encouraged to speak with CLSC staff and/or faculty before applying to the program.

Please note that the Clinical Science Program does not provide stipends to assist with tuition and/or room and board expenses. In addition, we currently do not have any research or teaching assistantships to support the educational costs of international students. 

International Applicant Additional Admission Criteria In addition to the general admission requirements listed above, international applicants must meet additional requirements dictated by the University. For additional information about these requirements, please review the International Student Requirements for Graduate School admissions.

Degree Requirements

Clinical investigation track.

• 23 Required Clinical Investigation Course Credits
• 7 Elective Course Credits
• Total required course hours for degree: 30

Health Information Technology Track

• 28-29 required Health Information Technology course credits
• 1-2 elective course credits

Learning Objectives

• Perform human research adhering to legal, ethical and regulatory principles and and guidelines
• Critically appraise existing literature and sources of information
• Apply evidence based practice principals
• Accurately select, use and interpret commonly used statistics
• Apply and use appropriate study designs and methods to address research questions/hypotheses
• Identify and measure clinically relevant and meaningful outcomes
• Design and conduct research studies
• Publish research-based manuscripts to peer-reviewed journals
• Prepare and submit grant proposals
• Provide constructive reviews and feedback to colleagues
• Demonstrate effective communication and leadership skills
• Participate in interdisciplinary collaboration

Please visit the CLSC PhD website for course information:  https://cctsi.cuanschutz.edu/training/clsc#phd

Course provides overview of the field of ethics in clinical research. Topics include historical background, current regulations, IRB requirements on human subjects protection issues. Students will learn how to develop approaches to conduct ethical human subjects research in an optimal manner.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade

A-GRAD Restricted to graduate students only.

Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.

This course provides an overview of the approaches for critically appraising common study designs published in the clinical and translational sciences literature, as well as other sources of information.

Typically Offered: Fall.

This course focuses on research methodologies in clinical care, costs, health systems, policy, and health outcomes, as well as an overview of major issues in clinical outcomes research. Students are provided with both theory and application through case studies. Prerequisite: BIOS 6601 and BIOS 6602 or BIOS 6611 and EPID 6630 .

Students will understand and participate in the process of scientific review of human subject research protocols submitted to the University of Colorado Denver Clinical Translational Research Centers at University Hospital and the Children's Hospital. Prereq: BIOS 6601 BIOS 6602 or BIOS 6611 and BIOS 6612 .

Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.

This course provides an overview of the types of clinical translational studies being conducted by senior CLSC doctoral students. The interactive seminar series structure allows for interdisciplinary scientific dialogue among students at various stages of training, mentors and faculty.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade with IP

Repeatable. Max Credits: 3.

The purpose of this course is to develop and improve your skills in writing successful grant applications and participating in the critique and review process of grants. Prerequisites: BIOS 6601 and EPID 6630 . Course Restrictions: CLSC students, unless written approval of Course Director.

Typically Offered: Spring.

This course involves the student working with his/her research mentor and research project committee develop, design and execute a clinical science doctoral study as well as to write up the project as a thesis. Prerequesite: Program consent. BIOS 6601 or BIOS 6611 , BIOS 6602 or BIOS 6680 and HSMP 6617 , CLSC 7150 , EPID 6630 , BIOS 6648 or EPID 6626 or HSMP 6670 . Restrictions: Only CLSC PhD students or collaborative CLSC and CSPH Health Services Research Students.

Repeatable. Max Credits: 99.

Additional Information: Report as Full Time.

Please refer to the Graduate School Policies page .

Please visit the CLSC PhD website for contact information:  https://cctsi.cuanschutz.edu/training/clsc#phd

Galit Mankin, MSW Program Administrator [email protected] 303-724-1214

Amanda Whiting Program Assistant [email protected]

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Clinical Science Graduate Program (CLSC)

The goal of this program is to train nationally competitive clinician/clinical translational scientists by providing a formal and structured educational program in the clinical and translational sciences including formal mentoring with interdisciplinary faculty. Graduates are trained to conduct rigorous, credible and relevant patient-based research within stringent ethical and regulatory guidelines, and translate the evidence for community application.

The Clinical Science Program is committed to diversity, inclusion, equity and  accessibility . Diversity and equity drive excellence in clinical and translational research and how that evidence is applied. We are dedicated to working with trainees, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds to continuously foster a culture of inclusivity.

In our program, training occurs across many disciplines to achieve proficiency in the areas of clinical science, clinical investigation and translation, including:

• biostatistics
• clinical epidemiology
• clinical studies design
• grant writing

Inclusive Learning Environment

We work together to develop a learning community that is inclusive and respectful. Our diversity may be reflected by differences in race, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, religion/spirituality, ability, socioeconomic background, and myriad other social identities and life experiences. In a diverse community, the goal of inclusiveness encourages and appreciates expressions of different ideas, opinions, and beliefs so that conversations and interactions are opportunities for intellectual and personal enrichment. A dedication to inclusiveness requires respecting what others say, their right to say it, and the thoughtful consideration of others' communication. Both speaking up and listening are valuable tools for furthering thoughtful and enlightening dialogue.  Respecting one another's individual differences is critical in transforming a collection of diverse individuals into an inclusive and collaborative learning community.  We will hold ourselves and one another accountable, which includes bringing attention to times when microaggressions or macroaggressions happen in a classroom. Our core commitment shapes our core expectations for behavior inside and outside of the classroom.   Incidents involving microaggressions in the classroom may be reported to the appropriate university Title IX office listed below. Please refer to the CU Anschutz campus Office of Equity website for a self-learning guide about microaggressions .

CU Anschutz Campus: On the CU Anschutz campus, please contact the Office of Equity . The Office of Equity staff, including the University's Title IX Coordinator, may be reached at (303) 315-2567 or [email protected] .

MSCS Program

Phd program, d&i certificate, schedules and resources.

Core Competencies

• Perform human research adhering to legal, ethical and regulatory principles and and guidelines
• Critically appraise existing literature and sources of information
• Apply evidence based practice principals
• Accurately select, use and interpret commonly used statistics
• Apply and use appropriate study designs and methods to address research questions/hypotheses
• Identify and measure clinically relevant and meaningful outcomes
• Design and conduct research studies
• Publish research-based manuscripts to peer-reviewed journals
• Prepare and submit grant proposals
• Provide constructive reviews and feedback to colleagues
• Demonstrate effective communication and leadership skills
• Participate in interdisciplinary collaboration

Frequently Asked Questions

Master's program.

This program provides learning in new fields and acquisition of skills in clinical research to prepare clinicians for careers in clinical and translational sciences. Didactic course work and a mentored research project aimed to provide a strong foundation in:

• computational and statistical tools
• clinical research study design
• health services and outcomes research
• biomedical ethics

Degree Requirements

• a minimum of 30 credit hours, of which no less than 4 and no more than 6 must be research hours
• defense/final exam of a publishable paper
• students have 8-10 elective credit hours to allow for tailoring of coursework
• Core course credits: 16
• Research credits: 4-6
• Elective course credits: 8-10
• Total required credit hours for degree = 30

Qualified clinicians who have already earned either a professional doctoral degree (e.g., MD, DO, DDS, PharmD) or a clinically-related bachelor's or master's degree (e.g., nursing, pharmacy, physical therapy) are eligible to apply to this program.

Application Deadlines

• February 1st to be considered for admission in following summer or fall semesters
• May 1st for following fall semester
• October 1st for following spring semester

The Bursar's Office can provide information regarding tuition costs.

Minimum Criteria for Admission

• An undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).
• An acceptable and verifiable GRE, MCAT or PCAT score. This requirement can be waived by an earned MS/MPH or PhD from an accredited US School
• Clinically related bachelor's, master's or professional doctoral degree. Individuals without a clinically related degree but with an exceptional background and relevant clinical research experience are encouraged to contact Dr. Lisa Cicutto to discuss their interest further.

International Applicant Additional Admission Criteria

In addition to the general admission requirements listed above, international applicants must meet additional requirements dictated by the University. For additional information about these requirements, please review the International Student Requirements for Graduate School admissions. Please note that the Clinical Science Program does not provide stipends to assist with tuition and/or room and board expenses. In addition we currently do not have any research or teaching assistantships to support the educational costs of international students.

The application package for the MSCS program is available electronically one month prior to the admission cycle deadline.

MSCS Application Package

The application package must include the following:

• Upload A :   CV- Include your CV that includes your education and training, awards, publications, presentations, grants, research experience and other scholarly activity.
• Upload B:  Personal Statement- Introduce yourself, describe your previous experience(s) in research, and non-academic, professional, and/or community experiences you consider important that highlight your contributions, growth and factors strengthen the likelihood of success in the program. Ensure that you provide a paragraph describing the general areas of research you anticipate conducting as part of your MSCS and name your mentor(s) that will support you. Include a description of how this program will enhance your career. 
• Three recommendation letters (Once you submit your application on-line, your references will receive an e-mail explaining how to upload their letters to the on-line application system).  Your identified research mentor should be one of your letters of support.
• Clinical Science Program ATTN: Amanda Whiting University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus 1890 N Revere Ct., Campus Box B141 Anschutz Health Sciences Bldg, Room 6149 Aurora, CO 80045
• Official electronic transcripts are encouraged and should be e-mailed to Amanda Whiting.

Transcripts from foreign (non-US) institutions: Applicants must order Course by C ourse transcript evaluation from either  Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. ( ECE ) or World Education Services ( WES ). These companies also offer certified translation services for transcripts when applicable. ECE evaluation reports can be uploaded to the University portal automatically by ECE. WES evaluations should be forwarded directly to the University (make sure to request that from WES at the time of ordering the report):

Electronic evaluations should be sent to: [email protected]

Hardcopy evaluations should be mailed (directly from WES) to:

Graduate School Mail Stop C296 Fitzsimons Building, W5107 13001 E. 17th Place Aurora, CO 80045

MSCS Resources

New procedures and guidance for Student Oral Examinations (COVID-19) MSCS CLSC 6650 Sample Course Plan MSCS Final Exam Schedule Approval Form MSCS Final Project Exam Report MSCS Handbook MSCS Program Curriculum (During or after Fall 2021) MSCS Program Plan (During or after Fall 2021)

The Clinical Science PhD program is designed for qualified individuals who have already earned a health care graduate or professional degree (i.e., physicians, MSPH graduates, biostatisticians, epidemiologists, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists) or a graduate degree related to health sciences. The overall goal of CLSC doctoral training program is to prepare nationally competitive clinician/clinical scientists who are able to translate across the discovery-community continuum. Students in our program are highly motivated and bright individuals who seek additional rigorous training to become leaders in their field and make significant contributions to improving the health of citizens.

All completed application materials for the PhD Program must be submitted by February 1st of each year to be considered for admission. There is only one application submission and review process per year. CLSC accepted applicants may start in the summer or fall term. Specific course offerings can be previewed at our Course Books and Schedules section of this page under Resources.

The Bursar's Office can provide information regarding tuition costs (Graduate School - CLSC/PhD tuition costs and School of Public Health - HSR tuition costs).

Clinical Science PhD Program (HSR track) Please complete the online Schools of Public Health Application Service (SOPHAS) application and refer to the Colorado School of Public Health website for information about the program and admission requirements.

Clinical Science PhD Program (CI & HIT tracks) Qualified clinicians who have already earned either a professional doctoral degree (e.g., MD, DO, DPT, DDS, PharmD) or a health-related master's degree (nursing, public health,  epidemiology, psychology, biostatistics, etc.) are eligible to apply to the CLSC PhD Program.

Minimum Criteria for Admission Meeting the minimum criteria does not guarantee admission.

• An undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
• A masters, graduate or professional doctoral degree with a GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).
• A graduate degree that required course completion in study design and analytics/biostatistics.
• Previous clinical and translational research experience that involved working in clinical settings and/or with clinicians.   Those without this clinical translational experience are encouraged to contact Dr. Lisa Cicutto to discuss the appropriateness and fit of the program.

You are encouraged to speak with CLSC staff and/or faculty before applying to the program. Please note that the Clinical Science Program does not provide stipends to assist with tuition and/or room and board expenses. In addition, we currently do not have any research or teaching assistantships to support the educational costs of international students. 

International Applicant Additional Admission Criteria In addition to the general admission requirements listed above, international applicants must meet additional requirements dictated by the University. For additional information about these requirements, please review the International Student Requirements for Graduate School admissions. Please note that the Clinical Science Program does not provide stipends to assist with tuition and/or room and board expenses. In addition we currently do not have any research or teaching assistantships to support the educational costs of international students.

Applying The application package for the PhD program is available electronically.

For CI & HIT tracks - Please create an account and access the application and instructions (application will be available Jan 1).

• For Upload A please provide your CV listing Education and training, awards, publications, presentations, grants and research experience and other scholarly activity.
• Additional Non-academic and professional experiences can be detailed in Upload B of the electronic application.
• In your personal statement portion of the application ( Upload C ), you should identify your selected track of study, the focus for your dissertation and your research mentor. In addition, include a description of how this program will enhance your career. 
• Three recommendation letters.  Your identified research mentor should be one of your letters of support.(Once you submit your application on-line, your references will receive an e-mail explaining how to upload their letters to the on-line application system)
• Transcripts from all domestic (US)  higher education institutions. Students are not permitted to personally issue, send or deliver transcripts to program staff: All transcripts must be officially issued/sealed by and sent from the originating college/university institution. Therefore, when requesting an official transcript from your school, please instruct the school to send your transcript directly from their office to:
• Official electronic transcripts are encouraged and should be e-mailed to Amanda Whiting
• Transcripts from foreign (non-US) institutions:  Applicants must order Course by  C ourse transcript evaluation  from either Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. ( ECE ) or World Education Services ( WES ). These companies also offer certified translation services for transcripts when applicable. ECE evaluation reports can be uploaded to the University portal automatically by ECE. WES evaluations should be forwarded directly to the University (make sure to request that from WES at the time of ordering the report):

Electronic evaluations should be sent to:  [email protected]

Clinical Investigation (CI)

Clinical investigation is the discipline by which physicians, clinicians and other health related disciplines translate knowledge gained in the basic sciences or the laboratory setting to develop interventions and strategies to improve health outcomes. It can also involve translating knowledge gained about the efficacy of successful strategies conducted in the academic clinical setting to the community setting to improve health related outcomes. The mission of the Clinical Investigation Track is to train the next generation of clinician scientists who will pursue careers in clinical translational research. Clinical investigation is clearly a primary mission of academic medical and health centers, and properly trained clinicians and scientists are uniquely qualified to engage in investigative and translational studies. Training occurs across many disciplines:

• Clinical trial design
• Biopharmaceutics and pharmacokinetics
• Biodiagnostics
• Laboratory-based molecular biology techniques that assist in bridging basic and clinical sciences
• Apply relevant study design methods commonly used in clinical translational investigative studies
• Interpret results from common molecular and cellular biology laboratory experiments
• Develop a well-designed research thesis project relevant to the clinical and translational sciences
• 23 required clinical investigation course credits
• 7 elective course credits
• Total required course hours for degree = 30

Health Information Technology (HIT)

Provides a background in clinical informatics: the study of how medical data and knowledge can be stored, analyzed, and delivered to facilitate research and to improve the quality, safety, and efficiency of care. Students will develop a fundamental understanding of the technical and organizational challenges particular to the field of health information technology and will train in evaluation and research methods. Graduates will be prepared for leadership roles in developing, implementing, and evaluating clinical informatics applications in academia, industry and clinical practice. Training occurs in the following disciplines:

• Electronic health records
• Decision support
• Public health informatics
• Research informatics
• Standards and data integrity
• Privacy and security
• Demonstrate understanding of relevant standards and terminologies for communication and representation of health data
• Demonstrate understanding of major types of clinical and administrative information systems and how they are integrated
• Success factors for implementation
• Methods of encoding rules/logic
• Ability to assess and develop methods to protect privacy (e.g. HIPAA issues) and security (confidentiality, integrity, and availability) of health information
• Design appropriate research and evaluation studies in HIT, with understanding of both experimental and quasi-experimental research designs
• Ability to apply systems life cycle approach to HIT planning, analysis, design, implementation and evaluation, including translation of user needs into functional requirement
• Apply database concepts to the design and implementation of databases for clinical, research, and public health applications
• 29 required Health Information Technology course credits
• 1 elective course credits

Health Services Research (HSR)

The PhD in HSR is a collaborative program with the Colorado School of Public Health. For more information regarding this, please visit the Colorado School of Public Health website.

PhD Resources

New procedures and guidance for Student Oral Examinations (COVID-19) CLSC PhD Handbook Electronic Thesis and Dissertation PhD Thesis Approval PhD CLSC 7650 Guided Research Tutorial Course Syllabus Sample PhD Comprehensive Exam Attendance Form PhD Comprehensive Exam Report PhD Dissertation Checklist PhD Dissertation Thesis Defense Report PhD Milestones - Comprehensive Exam - CLSC PhD Milestones - Preliminary Exam PhD Milestones - Thesis Defense - CLSC PhD Permission to Proceed to Defense Form PhD Thesis Committee Report PhD Thesis Committee Report (web form for Committee Chair use only)

HIT Program Resources

PhD Health Information Technology Curriculum (During or after Fall 2023) PhD Health Information Technology Program Plan (During or after Fall 2023)

CI Program Resources

Dissemination and Implementation (D&I) Science Graduate Certificate Program

The mission of the Dissemination & Implementation Graduate Certificate Program is to equip our graduates with the D&I research skills needed to design rigorous and innovative translational research, and to successfully compete for federal funding to carry out their proposed work.

Course Books and Schedules

Clinical Science Program Course Book CU Anschutz Academic Catalog Course Offerings Related to Comparative Effectiveness Research​ Programming and Coding Courses

Summer 2024 Schedule Fall 2023 Schedule Spring 2024 Schedule School of Public Health Course Schedules​

Non-Degree Students

Academic Calendar

Graduate school resources, faculty resources.

New procedures and guidance for Student Oral Examinations (COVID-19) Clinical Science Program Faculty Hand​book​ CLSC Faculty PhD Comprehensive Exam Checklist CLSC PhD Thesis Defense Program Checklist Faculty MSCS Final Exam Process Checklist PhD Dissertation Checklist​ Anschutz Campus Graduate Faculty Directory

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The Complete Guide To Becoming A Clinical Scientist

• Specialty Guides

The Role Of A Clinical Scientist:

Clinical scientists aid the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of illness. The job title is applicable to an extensive range of roles that are grouped into four domains – clinical bioinformatics, life sciences, physical sciences and clinical engineering, and physiological sciences – and subdivided into specialisms.1 Clinical scientists may work exclusively in laboratories or in direct patient contact in clinics and wards.

Clinical bioinformaticians integrate biosciences, mathematics, statistics and computer sciences to support the delivery of patient care by developing and using systems for the acquisition, storage, organisation and analysis of biological data. The three specialisms in clinical bioinformatics are genomics, health informatics and physical sciences.  Genomics is a rapidly developing field in which databases and computing tools are applied to genomics data to determine the best diagnosis and treatment for individual patients.

Clinical bioinformaticians working in genomics may also support the 100,000 Genomes Project which aims to combine genomic data and medical records to study the causes, diagnosis and treatment of disease. Additionally, service development is a component of the job, for example, creating databases, sequencing pipelines and programs for automatic analysis. 

Clinical bioinformaticians working in health informatics use innovative technology to ensure that the use of bioinformatics data in diagnostics and treatment is efficient and conforms to information governance standards.

They also advise on mining, processing and interpreting big data and explain its significance to patients and other healthcare professionals. This role combines expertise in information analysis and computing, and clinical, biomedical or physical sciences. 

Lastly, physical sciences is concerned with designing the appliances, programs and algorithms that are used in bioinformatics. The work may include authorising computer systems for clinical use and creating computer systems for controlling medical equipment, modelling biological processes, investigations or treatment and processing data produced by medical appliances.

There are numerous specialisms in life sciences. Cancer genomics is the study of genetic mutations that result in cancer. Clinical scientists working in cancer genomics analyse DNA to identify the type of cancer to assist in deciding treatment. They also monitor treatment outcomes. Clinical biochemists analyse body fluids, for example, blood and urine, to assist in the diagnosis and management of illness. They also advise doctors on the selection of tests, interpretation of results and additional investigations. 

Developing diagnostic tools and conducting research in cooperation with clinicians are standard activities. Clinical biochemists work in hospital laboratories and, increasingly, in direct patient contact. Clinical scientists working in clinical immunology use complex molecular techniques to study patients’ immune systems to identify the cause of disease. This enables clinical immunologists to assist in the management of allergies, cancers and infectious diseases. This is a growing specialism with potential for career development. 

Clinical microbiologists are engaged in the prevention, diagnosis and management of infectious diseases . They use culturing, sequencing and molecular techniques to identify microorganisms to guide treatment. They are also involved in the development of new tests. Most commonly, the work is performed in hospital laboratories.

However, public health organisations employ clinical microbiologists for infectious disease surveillance roles. Next, cytopathology centres on the examination of cell specimens by light microscope to diagnose disease. This specialism is divided into cervical cytopathology and diagnostic cytopathology. 

Clinical scientists working in cervical cytopathology examine cells from cervical samples to detect changes that could advance to cancer, as part of screening programmes. Diagnostic cytopathology relates to other cancer diagnoses, for example, respiratory tract, lymph nodes and thyroid gland and this role may extend to sample collection. 

Clinical scientists working in genomics examine DNA to identify differences that cause hereditary and acquired genetic conditions. This comprises prenatal diagnosis, carrier testing, predicting the likelihood of genetic conditions being passed onto children and confirmation of diagnosis. 

A related specialism is genomic counselling. Genomic counsellors aid the prediction, screening, diagnosis and management of genetic conditions by analysing family history and organising and interpreting genetic and genomic investigations to provide patients and families with information regarding the impact of their condition on daily life, health and family. They also predict the likelihood of inheriting or passing on genetic conditions and counsel patients regarding adjusting to their condition and making decisions relating to it, with consideration of ethical, cultural and linguistic diversity. This expertise is now central to multidisciplinary teams working in, for example, oncology , neurology and reproductive medicine . 

Clinical scientists working in haematology and transfusion science aid the diagnosis and management of disorders of the blood and bone marrow, for example, anaemia, leukaemia and haemophilia. They are also involved in organising blood transfusions, including determining blood group status. Histocompatibility and immunogenetics is concerned with supporting stem cell and organ transplantation by tissue typing donors and recipients to assess compatibility, which minimises the risk of immune damage and rejection. Histocompatibility and immunogenetics laboratories keep records of potential donors and recipients and are responsible for the collection, processing, storage and distribution of cells and tissues. 

An additional role is assistance in disease diagnosis and management by testing for genes involved in immune function. Clinical scientists working in histocompatibility and immunogenetics are based in hospitals or organisations, for example, NHS Blood and Transplant and Anthony Nolan Trust.

Histopathologists dissect and prepare – using staining, molecular and immunological techniques – tissue samples for microscopic examination by clinicians. Finally, reproductive science and andrology focuses on the management of infertility. Clinical scientists working in this specialism are involved in fertility treatments, for example, in vitro fertilisation and intracytoplasmic sperm injection and subsequent embryo transfer.

They also perform cryopreservation techniques. Specifically, andrology relates to male reproduction.  

The third domain of clinical science is physical sciences and clinical engineering. Firstly, clinical scientists working in clinical measurement design, build and maintain medical appliances – for example, laser devices, joint replacements, electronic aids and tools for laparoscopic surgery – for diagnosis, management and rehabilitation.

They also perform quality assurance checks on hospital equipment. Some clinical scientists working in clinical measurement conduct research into, for example, body mechanics. 

Clinical pharmaceutical science is concerned with the manufacture and provision of radioactive materials used in medical imaging and treatment, for example, cancer therapies. Clinical pharmaceutical scientists also ensure that medicines are safe to use and are prepared and dispensed in an aseptic environment. Additionally, they design protocols for the manufacture of new medicines.

Clinical scientists working in device risk management and governance check that medical equipment is working safely and effectively. They are engaged in all aspects of equipment maintenance including testing prior to introduction to practice, advising on safe use and disposing safely. Some professionals in device risk management and governance may also contribute to designing equipment. 

Clinical scientists work in imaging with ionising radiation aid and advise clinical staff on generating quality images while complying with guidelines for minimising radiation exposure for patients and healthcare professionals and safely disposing of radioactive substances.

They also conduct quality assurance and safety checks on imaging equipment and develop image analysis programs. Modalities utilised in this specialism include x-ray, computed tomography and positron emission tomography. 

Clinical scientists working in imaging with ionising radiation may also perform procedures other than imaging, for example, measuring glomerular filtration rate – an evaluation of kidney function – and administering radioiodine – a treatment for hyperthyroidism. Imaging systems that do not involve ionising radiation, for example, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound and optical imaging are the remit of clinical scientists working in imaging with non-ionising radiation. They advise on safety, perform quality assurance checks and develop image analysis software.

They may also be involved in therapeutic procedures, for example, laser surgery and ultraviolet treatments. A similar discipline is radiation safety physics that is engaged in ensuring that diagnostic and therapeutic equipment that uses radiation is safe for patient and staff use. 

Additionally, they calculate radiation doses received by patients and staff during procedures, check that equipment is functioning in accordance with guidelines and design and implement policy relating to the use of radiation and radioactive substances. 

Clinical scientists working in radiotherapy physics ensure the safety and precision of radiotherapy treatment. This is achieved by calibrating equipment and performing complex calculations to design treatment regimens that are therapeutic, in that tumours are treated, but limit damage to surrounding tissues. Clinical scientists working in reconstructive science provide corrective treatment in the form of prosthetic reconstruction and therapeutic management, particularly of the face, jaw and skull, that is required as a consequence of congenital malformation, diseases such as cancer, or trauma.

They meet patients to understand their requirements, explain treatment plans and take impressions. Subsequently, they design and build devices, for example, prostheses, therapeutic splints and titanium skull plates and monitor performance at follow-up appointments. Additionally, they may be consulted in emergency settings, for example, to construct splints required for operations for trauma patients.

Lastly, rehabilitation engineering specialises in assessing the needs of people with disabilities and designing, building, testing and prescribing assistive devices corresponding to those needs. The assistive devices may be standard, or custom made. Examples comprise wheelchairs, artificial limbs, electronic communicators and devices for surgical correction of deformities. 

The final domain is physiological sciences. Clinical scientists working in this domain use innovative modalities to investigate the functioning of body systems, detect abnormalities and guide management.  Physiological sciences encompass diverse specialisms. Audiology is an evolving discipline that is engaged in the assessment of hearing and balance and subsequent provision of therapeutic services. 

Clinical scientists working in audiology design and perform diagnostic procedures and interpret the results generated. They devise care plans for patients with hearing or balance disorders. Additionally, counselling and rehabilitation of patients with impaired hearing is a key role. 

Clinical scientists working in cardiac science conduct, and interpret the results of, diagnostic and monitoring procedures – for example, electrocardiography, echocardiography and exercise stress testing – for patients with cardiac pathologies. They also have supporting roles in interventional procedures, for example, pacemaker implantation. Critical care science utilises competencies in physiology and technology relevant to the care of patients with life-threatening illnesses.

Key responsibilities comprise advising other members of the multidisciplinary team caring for critically ill patients on the use of diagnostic, therapeutic, monitoring and life-support equipment, troubleshooting problems with medical devices, for example, ventilators, renal replacement equipment and physiological measurement monitors, running satellite laboratories that perform tests, for example, blood gases and electrolytes at the point of care instead of in centralised laboratories, establishing a renal replacement therapy service and maintaining electronic patient databases. On-call work, including emergency call-outs, is an aspect of this job. 

Clinical scientists working in gastrointestinal physiology measure function of the organs of the digestive system to aid diagnosis and formulation of a treatment plan. This comprises assessment of, for example, pressure, pH and tone. Gastrointestinal physiologists may also perform ultrasound imaging and interventional procedures, for example, percutaneous tibial nerve modulation, which is a treatment for incontinence. Another specialism of physiological sciences is neurophysiology. 

Clinical scientists working in neurophysiology assist in the diagnosis and management of neurological illnesses via assessment of the function of the nervous system. Common modalities utilised are electroencephalography, evoked potentials, electromyography and nerve conduction studies. Work in this discipline is often conducted in intensive care and operating theatre settings.

Ophthalmic and vision sciences relate to the assessment of the structure and function of the optical system to acquire diagnostic and prognostic data that is required by ophthalmologists for the management of disorders of vision and pathologies of the eye and related structures. 

Common activities for clinical scientists working in ophthalmic and vision sciences are measuring visual field and eye pressure, imaging the eye and carrying out electrophysiological investigations of the optical structures. There is scope for research, for example, treatment for genetic diseases and retinal prosthetic implants. 

Clinical scientists working in respiratory and sleep sciences diagnose and treat respiratory illnesses and sleep disorders. In respiratory science, they perform lung function testing and assist in the delivery of care for chronic respiratory disorders, for example, medicines and oxygen. In sleep science, they monitor – via home monitoring or sleep laboratories – and treat patients experiencing poor sleep quality.

Examples of tests performed are cardiopulmonary exercise testing, bronchial challenge testing and blood gas testing. Urodynamics is concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of urinary diseases. Clinical scientists of this specialism utilise an array of appliances to measure parameters, for example, pressure, flow and muscle activity and interpret the results to construct reports.

Lastly, clinical scientists working in vascular science use ultrasound imaging and other non-invasive techniques to evaluate blood flow. Most often, they work with inpatients and outpatients in dedicated hospital departments. Results of the procedures performed are interpreted to write reports.

Typically, clinical scientists work 37.5 hours per week.2 This may comprise a shift pattern. The work is conducted in multidisciplinary teams that are constituted by a variety of healthcare professionals and vary by specialism. In many positions held by clinical scientists, there is vast potential for teaching, management and, particularly, research. 

The Route To Clinical Science:

The initial step in the route to becoming a clinical scientist is successful completion of an undergraduate honours degree or integrated master’s degree in a pure or applied science discipline that is relevant to the clinical science specialism that the trainee intends to pursue. A 1.1 or 2.1 degree must be achieved.3 Alternatively, if the trainee possesses a 2.2 honours degree, they are eligible to apply if they also have a higher degree in a relevant discipline. 

Subsequently, trainees apply for the Scientist Training Programme (STP), which has a duration of three years. The competition ratios for the various specialisms are listed in Table 1.4 The STP curriculum is composed of core, rotational and specialty modules, each of which features academic and work-based learning.4 The work-based learning is achieved by employment in an NHS department or, occasionally, by an NHS private partner or private company.  This element of the programme is assessed by eportfolio evidence. The academic component of the programme comprises a part-time master’s degree – MSc in Clinical Science – which is fully funded.  The master’s programme is 180 credit hours, 70 of which are allocated to a research project. 

Table 1: Competition ratios for STP specialisms.

Work-based learning, during the first year of the programme, features an induction, mandatory training, core modules and several rotational placements.5 At university, introductory modules that cover broad topics from the trainee’s chosen theme – life sciences, physiological sciences, physical sciences and clinical engineering or bioinformatics – are completed.

The first set of MSc examinations are taken at the end of the first year. There is greater emphasis on the trainee’s chosen specialism in the second year. The research project is started and there is another set of degree examinations. In the middle of second year, trainees are required to pass the midterm review of progression.

Finally, during the third year, the final MSc examinations are attempted and there is a work-based elective placement. The programme is concluded by the Objective Structured Final Assessment (OSFA).5 Successful completion of the OSFA, eportfolio and master’s degree result in trainees being awarded a Certificate of Completion for the Scientist Training Programme (CCSTP).6 Trainees then apply to the Academy for Healthcare Science (AHCS) for a Certificate of Equivalence or a Certificate of Attainment. Subsequently, they are eligible to apply to the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) for registration as a Clinical Scientist.6

A further programme, termed the Higher Specialist Scientist Training (HSST), has a duration of five years and allows some clinical scientists to progress to consultant level. It results in the attainment of a doctorate degree.

Earnings for NHS jobs are classified by pay scales. Trainee clinical scientists are appointed at band 6, at which the starting salary is £31,365.7 The salary increases in accordance with number of years of experience.

Qualified clinical scientists progress to band 7, at which the starting salary is £38,890.7 This also increases over time to a maximum of £44,503 for eight or more years of service. As further experience and qualifications are obtained, it is possible to apply for positions up to band 9 on the pay scale. 

For more information on doctor's salaries within the NHS, please feel free to review  The Complete Guide to NHS Pay .

Related Job Sources With BMJ Careers

• Hospital Jobs
• Psychiatry Jobs
• Public Health Jobs
• Research Jobs
• NHS Jobs in England
• NHS Jobs in Northern Ireland
• NHS Jobs in Scotland
• NHS Jobs in Wales

Other Complete Guides By BMJ Careers

• How To Become A Diabetologist or Endocrinologist
• How To Become A Gastroenterologist
• How To Become A Neurophysiologist
• How To Become A Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
• How To Become An Immunologist

NHS Scientist Training Programme - 2020 recruitment [Internet]. Health Careers. [cited 8 November 2020]. Available from:  https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/news/nhs-scientist-training-programme-2020-recruitment 

Audiology [Internet]. Health Careers. [cited 8 November 2020]. Available from:  https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/physiological-sciences/audiology 

Entry requirements [Internet]. National School of Healthcare Science. [cited 8 November 2020]. Available from: https://nshcs.hee.nhs.uk/programmes/stp/applicants/entry-requirements/ 

Competition ratios for the Scientist Training Programme (STP) Direct Entry [Internet]. National School of Healthcare Science. [cited 8 November 2020]. Available from: https://nshcs.hee.nhs.uk/programmes/stp/applicants/about-the-scientist-training-programme/ 

Setting the scene [Internet]. National School of Healthcare Science. [cited 8 November 2020]. Available from: https://nshcs.hee.nhs.uk/programmes/stp/trainees/setting-the-scene/ 

Completion of the Scientist Training Programme [Internet]. National School of Healthcare Science. [cited 8 November 2020]. Available from: https://nshcs.hee.nhs.uk/programmes/stp/trainees/completion-of-the-programme/ 

NHS Terms and Conditions (AfC) pay scales - Annual [Internet]. NHS Employers. [cited 8 November 2020]. Available from:  https://www.nhsemployers.org/pay-pensions-and-reward/agenda-for-change/pay-scales/annual

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The Graduate Training Programs in Clinical Investigation (GTPCI) are the first of their kind.

A joint venture between the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health (BSPH) and the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine (SOM), GTPCI trains clinicians to become clinical scientists.  We work mostly with faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and other allied health professionals working with human subjects in clinical investigation. 

In 1989, a Task Force on Clinical Research in the Department of Medicine reported results of a survey in which one-third of our clinical post-doctoral fellows indicated their desire to pursue “full-time clinical research” as a career objective. In the same survey, a large majority of post-doctoral fellows felt they were inadequately trained in clinical trial design (70%), data management (70%), the ethics of human experimentation (69%), and biostatistics (83%). At that time, almost half of the responding post-doctoral fellows expressed an interest in a structured training program in clinical investigation. Discussions on ways to meet this need ensued at the department and SOM levels, and eventually enlarged to include the BSPH. At the same time, concerns about the adverse trends for clinical investigation and about the inadequate supply of qualified clinical investigators were being expressed at the national level.  Johns Hopkins’ response to these local and national needs was the creation of GTPCI in 1992 and admitted its first students in 1993.

In 2023, GTPCI introduced  FOUR ACADEMIC PATHWAYS :  General Clinical Investigation  (including clinical trials),  Disease Oriented Studies ,  Data Science  (including machine learning and artificial intelligence), and  Health Services Research . The field of clinical investigation has expanded since GTPCI began in 1993, so the goal of these pathways is to allow students more flexibility to choose coursework relevant to their academic interests.  

GTPCI students will  gain the skills necessary to design and conduct clinical investigations of emerging medical treatments and technologies, and to apply new diagnostic techniques and approaches to the study of human pathophysiology.

GTPCI graduates pursue careers in academia, and as independent clinical investigators at pharmaceutical firms, federal research, public health, and regulatory agencies .

Doctor of Philosophy

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Clinical Investigation is designed for candidates who currently hold a postdoctoral fellowship or junior faculty appointment within the Johns Hopkins Medical Institution.

Master of Health Science

The Master of Health Science (MHS) in Clinical Investigation is a nine-month, non-research requiring degree. To apply, it is not necessary for MHS candidates to hold an appointment within the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions.

The Science of Clinical Investigation Training Program (SOCI) is an opportunity for clinical scientists to enhance their theoretical and practical skills in design, implementation and interpretation of data from clinical investigations.

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Discover the Ph.D. Program at Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences

Ph.d. program, ph.d. program overview.

At Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, you’ll discover a unique research training environment of academic inquiry and scientific discovery, combined with exceptional intellectual and technological resources designed to help you achieve your highest scientific career goals.

Through the Ph.D. program, you’ll acquire a broad expertise in biomedical science with the opportunity to go deeper into your primary area of research interest.

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Whether you’re preparing for graduate school or applying now, the Mayo Clinic experience for biomedical science Ph.D. students is different.

Program highlights:

• Research training by leading investigators in fields ranging from molecules to populations, all in the context of exceptional health care.
• Embedded within a top academic medical center, you’ll have access to clinical data from more than 6 million patient histories.
• A Career Development Internship program where senior students experience networking opportunities in career settings different from those of their research mentors.
• A national destination for research training of students from backgrounds underrepresented in science. Mayo’s NIH-funded IMSD is more than two decades old, and Mayo invented the NIH PREP concept.
• Join about 250 students who have access to 300+ faculty members in small class sizes.
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Hear from students and faculty to get an idea of what it's like to learn here, live here, and be a Ph.D. student at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science.

"I can be the scientist I want to be"

Choosing your area of specialization

You'll choose from one of eight  biomedical science specialty tracks within our Ph.D. Program. Track choice is indicated during the application process and confirmed after admission. But you'll be able to do research and learn in any Mayo laboratory that interests you, even if it's not within your track.

Perspectives on our Ph.D. Program

"Collaboration is massive here"

Collaborative research and learning environment

The hallmark of research at Mayo Clinic is the highly collaborative interaction that occurs between investigators in basic science and clinical areas. While each investigator has a competitively funded independent lab, collaboration with graduate students and staff across the institution is common. As a Ph.D. student, you’re free to select any Mayo mentor, regardless of which track you choose.

"Allowed me to build my own team"

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Tutoring and teaching opportunities are available and optional for our Ph.D. students. If you’re interested in developing these skills, serving as a tutor or a teaching assistant can help cement the knowledge you gain from your coursework.

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Apply between Sept. 1 and Dec. 4 for the following academic year.

To get in touch with the Ph.D. Program, fill out the form on the Contact Us page .

Ph.D. and master's degree program catalog (2023-2024), rev. 5-11-23

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