THE SOCIETY of Biology in the UK says that laboratory and science technicians will increase their employability and have a clearer route to career development through its new Technicians’ Register, launched this week.
By joining the register, technicians can win the right to be recognised as a Registered Science Technician, Registered Scientist, or Chartered Scientist.
The Registered Science Technician, abbreviated to RSciTech, is the lowest of these new qualifications and is intended for those with academic achievements to A level, BTec, or SVQ in science, engineering, and mathematics (Stem) subjects. Formal academic qualifications are not actually required as experience may be recognised in lieu.
The Registered Scientist, RSci, is aimed at those with a foundation degree, Higher National Diploma (HND), or higher level apprenticeship, while the Chartered Scientist status (CSci) requires membership of the society and a Masters degree or equivalent. This is equivalent to the society’s existing Chartered Biologist status, CBiol, which remains available. Where CBiol is free to society members, CSci is licensed by the Science Council and attracts a £30 annual fee.
“To gain Registered or Chartered status, scientists must show evidence of competency and commitment to Continuing Professional Development. I would encourage all scientists to ask their employer or training provider about professional recognition. Advice and support is also available from the Society of Biology”, said Mike Trevethick, senior project manager for the Technicians’ Register at the Society of Biology.
Further information at http://www.societyofbiology.org/membership