The National School of Healthcare Science manages recruitment to the Higher Specialist Scientist Training Programme (HSST) in England.
The HSST is a 5 year funded, full time programme with 52 days per annum allocated for study leave. Trainees are required to attend the relevant Higher Educational Institute (HEI) in line with their teaching/delivery timetable. The expectation is that trainees will be employed on a fixed term training contract, which is funded at no less than Agenda for Change Band 7.
Deferrals can only be considered for statutory reasons such as maternity. As part of the application you are asked to declare availability to start in the coming October.
Click the links below for details of the programme, the entry requirements and list of specialities.
pagesOur recruitment process
Appointment to the HSST is through a national recruitment and selection process. For 2025 the final selection will be made through an online interview to assess:
- suitability, meeting the entry requirements and person specification
- values, behaviours, leadership and management skills to reflect the needs of the programme and the NHS Constitution
- research, innovation and any scientific experience
As in previous years, we will ask for panel member support with the interview process and would appreciate employer’s commitment to supporting consistent panel membership, to ensure a fair and transparent interview process.
Types of posts recruited to
In-service
You may only apply for an in-service post if you are already employed by the NHS in the scientific specialty you are applying for. You will remain employed by your current employer throughout the programme. You should be employed at a minimum, as an Agenda for Change Band 7 for the duration of the programme. You will be eligible for this route only if you are nominated by your employer and your employer has an allocated training post in place.
Direct entry
There are no direct entry posts for 2025 admission.
Employer roles and responsibilities
We initially convey all recruitment information to employers via the NHS England local commissioners.
Employers must ensure that:
- any internal recruitment processes for posts are instigated as soon as the post(s) has been confirmed by the NHS England Local Team
- one or more members of the department are nominated to participate where required in the shortlisting and interview processes
- their HR department are aware of the posts, the national process and are engaged from the beginning of recruitment
- they fulfil the requirements of the HSST accreditation process
- they can support HSST trainees through the programme including ensuring protected time whilst on programme
Any queries regarding the national recruitment process should be sent to england.hcsapplicants@nhs.net