Level 5

Technician Scientist

Working as part of a multi-disciplinary team focusing on research, development or commercial manufacture of advanced therapeutics or complex medicines. 

Occupation Summary

Technician scientists carry out laboratory-based investigations and scientific experimentation using established instrumentation techniques and a range of routine and specialised skills following well-established principles associated with an organisation’s science and technology in Advanced Therapies. They work as part of a wider scientific team, which may include laboratory scientists and laboratory technicians, in settings where there is certainty and with limited ambiguity taking personal responsibility for decision making in routine predictable contexts.

Typical job roles may include:
Analytical Support Chemist, Technical Support Scientist, Microbiology Support Scientist, Process Development Technologist, Laboratory Assistant, Senior Laboratory Technician, Technical Specialist, Quality Control Laboratory Assistant, Laboratory Coordinator, Technical Laboratory Assistant, Laboratory Analyst, Laboratory Research Assistant.

Knowledge

The knowledge that the Technician Scientist will acquire are focused around developing an understanding of laboratory techniques, scientific experimentation and investigation, and laboratory equipment relevant to their role. They will acquire an understanding of the scientific theory appropriate to their role and workplace and the mathematical concepts required to carry out their role effectively (for example, basic statistical analysis, relating to sampling and data to evaluate results). For a full list of knowledge that the apprentice will need to develop, view the occupational standard held by Skills England. 

Skills

The Skills the Technician Scientist will develop are centred around identifying, reviewing, and applying appropriate scientific techniques while managing risks, ensuring safety, and considering sustainability. They will source, calibrate, and use laboratory equipment to conduct accurate investigations, collect and store data in line with regulations, and apply data analysis tools to produce and interpret reliable results. They will contribute to process improvements, solve technical problems, and collaborate effectively with stakeholders. Clear communication of scientific findings to various audiences, effective task planning, and ongoing professional development are also essential to maintaining high-quality, compliant scientific work. For a full list of skills that the apprentice will need to demonstrate, view the occupational standard held by Skills England. 

Behaviours

The behaviours the Technician Scientist is expected to demonstrate are focused on acting with integrity, professionalism, and respect for confidentiality, while fostering positive relationships with colleagues and stakeholders by considering the impact of their work. They will demonstrate a commitment to continuous professional development, adapting effectively to change and new challenges. For a full list of behaviours that the apprentice will need to demonstrate, view the occupational standard held by Skills England. 

Entry requirements

Typically apprentices will hold Level 3 qualifications providing the appropriate number of UCAS points for HE entry as defined by individual employers/HE providers and will have completed A levels/B-Tech in at least one science related subject.

Apprentices without Level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to endpoint assessment.

For those with an education, health and care plan, English and maths minimum requirement is entry Level 3.

Progression routes

At the end of this apprenticeship apprentices will have achieved a FdSc degree in Applied Biological Sciences.

Following successful completion of endpoint assessment the apprentice will operate as a Technician Scientist.

The apprenticeship is aligned with professional registration at RSciTech/RSci with Science Council.

Further apprenticeships and academic learning supporting roles at Level 6 for Laboratory Scientist or Healthcare Science Practitioner.

Upon successful completion, the apprentice can progress onto the Level 6 Scientist apprenticeship with advanced entry: the credits obtained by undertaking the Technician Scientist apprenticeship will be counted towards the Level 6 Scientist apprenticeship.   

Key information

Level 5 equivalent to Foundation degree (FdSc)

39 months. Up to an additional 9 months will also be required if the apprentice wishes to obtain a Foundation Degree, completed as a top-up module upon successful completion of the apprenticeship. 

 

£21,000 funding band maximum available through the Apprenticeship Levy. Employers that do not pay the Levy will fund 5% of the funding band maximum.”

Targeted to certain entrants into your business or those progressing from a successful Level 3 Laboratory Technician apprenticeship. For most entrants, the Level 6 Scientist apprenticeship will be more appropriate.

The University of Kent

TBC

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