Healthcare science | Career Development and Education
From Curiosity to Career: Chloe’s Journey into Biomedical Science at UHS
You wouldn’t expect a biology degree and a restaurant job to lead to a career in biomedical science, but for Chloe, that’s exactly how it started. With no fixed plan, just a love for science and a willingness to explore, she stepped into the NHS and found a career that continues to evolve, inspire, and make a difference.
Her story isn’t just about finding a job; it’s about discovering a calling. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your next step or wondered whether passion alone can shape a future, Chloe’s journey might just be the encouragement you need.
Starting Out: Discovering a Career in the NHS
Chloe didn’t set out to become a biomedical scientist. After graduating with a biology degree from Bristol University, she took some time to try to figure out her next steps. Working extra shifts in a restaurant, she explored career options in healthcare like genetic counselling and midwifery. During that time, she spotted a six-month role as a Medical Laboratory Assistant at the Royal United Hospital in Bath
“I literally had no idea what I was going into,” she says. “It was a lab job in the NHS, and I thought, I’ve got science experience from my degree—why not?”
That first step into the haematology department was more than just a job; it was a turning point. Chloe quickly realised how much she enjoyed the work and was drawn to the complexity behind the scenes. “People know their blood gets taken and results come back,” she explains, “but they rarely think about what happens in between.” Before that role, she hadn’t even known biomedical science was a career option. “I didn’t know this career existed until I walked into the lab.”
Progression & Development: Building Skills and Confidence
Once Chloe discovered the world of biomedical science, her drive to progress took over, and she rapidly climbed the ranks. With support from her team, she completed top-up modules and the IBMS registration portfolio, becoming HCPC-registered while working full-time. “I was studying in the evenings,” she says. “My motivation was knowing that I could do the job I saw others doing, the one I wanted.”
Her journey took her from Band 2 to Band 7, with roles at Winchester and Royal Hampshire County Hospital before joining UHS. Along the way, she completed the IBMS Specialist Diploma and a Certificate of Expert Practice in Training, which sparked her interest in supporting others. “I didn’t feel particularly well supported during my own training,” Chloe explains, “and I didn’t want anyone else to go through that. That’s what drove me to take on training responsibilities.”
Chloe’s progression wasn’t just about the qualification; it was about building confidence and finding purpose. “I like explaining things. I like knowing things,” she adds. “There’s always that craving for more knowledge.”
Life at UHS: Finding the Right Fit
Chloe joined University Hospital Southampton during the COVID-19 pandemic, an unusual time, but one that opened unexpected doors. She began working in the saliva testing lab at Chilworth Science Park, a collaborative project between UHS and the University of Southampton. “It was a very different setup,” she explains. “I had opportunities I wouldn’t have had elsewhere.”
The move to UHS wasn’t just about returning home; it was about finding a place that aligned with her values and ambitions. “Southampton is where I was born, where my children were born, and where my family is,” she says. “It had always been my plan to work here.” UHS felt like the place where she could continue to grow and contribute.
When the COVID testing programme ended, Chloe transitioned into the transfusion lab, where her previous experience made her a natural fit. Within a year, she secured a role as Senior Biomedical Scientist and Training Lead, a position she hadn’t expected to find. “I didn’t think the job I have now would ever come up, training in transfusion, part-time hours. But it did, and I went for it.”
She credits UHS for creating an environment where people can grow. “It’s a really supportive department,” Chloe says. “Being a teaching hospital, there’s a strong focus on personal development. My line manager is keen for me to pursue further training when the time is right.”
Harvey’s Lab Tours: Inspiring the Next Generation
Chloe’s role at UHS isn’t just about leading in the lab, but also about opening doors for others. Alongside her work in transfusion, she’s passionate about education and outreach, helping young people discover careers they might never have considered. “I didn’t know this career existed,” she says, “so I want to make sure others do.”
One of her proudest contributions is leading the Harvey’s Lab Tours at UHS (Find out more about the programme here), a programme that helps children understand what happens to their blood samples after testing. “I’m in charge of the tours. We tailor each visit to the child’s needs, whether they’re curious or anxious about blood tests.”
Children get hands-on experience in biochemistry, haematology, and transfusion, including looking at their own blood under a microscope and performing interactive experiments. “We finish with an emotions volcano to help them understand their feelings about hospital visits. It’s about making the experience less scary and more empowering.”
Her outreach work also includes teaching in schools and collaborating with LifeLab, and supporting Hampshire & Isle of Wight’s NHS careers programme. Whether it’s sparking interest or helping someone realise it’s not the right fit, Chloe sees every interaction as a success. “Even if someone decides it’s not for them, they’ve made an informed choice and that’s what matters.”
Advice for Future Scientists
Chloe is proof that the best path is sometimes the one you discover along the way. Her advice to future scientists is simple: don’t wait to feel ready, just start somewhere. “You don’t need to have it all figured out,” she says. “But you do need to be open to learning.”
For anyone considering a biomedical science career, Chloe encourages getting hands-on experience early. “Support roles like lab assistants or associate practitioners are a brilliant way to see if it’s the right fit,” she explains. “And if you’re thinking about university, make sure the course is IBMS-accredited, it’ll save you time and money later.”
It’s not just about choosing a career; it’s about choosing a direction that excites you. “Even if you’re not sure, ask questions, explore options, and don’t be afraid to change course. There’s always more to learn, and that’s the best part.”
Looking Ahead
Chloe’s impact at UHS reaches far beyond her role in transfusion. She’s shaping the future of biomedical science by capturing the knowledge of retiring staff before it’s lost. “We’re recording videos with experienced staff before they retire,” she explains. “It’s about passing on what we’ve learned to the next generation.”
This isn’t just about preserving procedures; it’s about safeguarding insight, judgment, and the kind of practical wisdom that only comes from years on the bench. Chloe is building a legacy of learning, where new staff inherit not just systems, but stories, strategies, and confidence. From mentoring trainees to expanding Harvey’s Lab Tours and deepening outreach in schools, she’s creating a culture where education is embedded in everything the department does.
Looking ahead, Chloe hopes to pursue further training qualifications and take on more strategic responsibilities when the time is right. “My line manager is keen for me to pursue any courses that would benefit me,” she says. For now, her focus remains on supporting the current wave of trainees and continuing to shape how biomedical science is taught, shared, and understood across the trust.
From preserving decades of expertise to inspiring the next generation, Chloe’s journey shows how careers at UHS can evolve, adapt, and make a lasting impact. If you're ready to explore your own path, whether you're just starting or looking for your next step, there’s a place for you here.
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