Life Sciences Careers
WHAT ARE LIFE SCIENCES CAREERS?
From the discovery of antibiotics and DNA to the development of methods for treating genetic conditions, life sciences have been behind some of the world’s greatest scientific breakthroughs. These are the study of living organisms and their relationships with each other and the wider environment and they cover a wide range of disciplines from zoology and plant science to pharmacology and biotechnology.
Professionals in these fields draw on their strong foundation in science to conduct research and develop new treatments and technologies in diverse settings such as universities, hospitals, private companies, government agencies and nonprofit organisations. As technology continues to advance rapidly, new possibilities and strands of life science are constantly emerging creating a huge variety of new and exciting career opportunities to explore.
WHY SHOULD I BE INTERESTED?
A career in life sciences offers the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution by working to address some of the biggest challenges faced by society today. You could apply your knowledge and work with others around the world and across a range of professional fields to help tackle climate change, disease prevention or food insecurity.
What’s more, advancing technology and breakthroughs in further overlapping scientific fields mean life sciences careers are constantly evolving. This offers the chance to engage in cutting edge research, develop your technical abilities and be intellectually challenged as you progress through your career. For those with a passion for scientific discovery and innovation therefore, these fields offer huge scope for professional fulfilment.
KEY FACTS AND FIGURES
GROWTH
The life science sector has the potential to generate around 133,000 new jobs in the UK by 2030
EMPLOYERS
85% of employers are Small & Medium sized Enterprises and the largest sectors are Biopharmecueticals and Medical Technology
SKILLS
Key skills looked for include a strong foundation in scientific principles and the ability to think critically to solve problems
SALARY
Salaries vary widely depending on specialism and experience with a sector average of around £52,500
WHAT TYPES OF PEOPLE ARE SUITED TO LIFE SCIENCES ROLES?
Professionals working across the diverse life sciences fields are united by their passion for science and their curiosity about the natural world. These careers suit people who are driven by discovery – they have strong critical thinking skills and enjoy conducting experiments, using evidence and devising innovative approaches to help solve complex problems.
Employers value attention to detail and strong communication skills in addition to an ability to to work effectively with others as progress often requires collaboration between different scientific disciplines and with partners around the world. In general, those who are patient, eager to learn and motivated by a desire to make a positive impact on society through their research and discoveries tend to thrive in these careers.
WHAT KIND OF ROLES ARE OUT THERE?
Biomedical Scientist
25k – 46k
Starter – Experienced
38 – 40
Average hours per week
Evenings, weekends, bank holidays on shifts
What’s the role?
Biomedical scientists test patient samples and help doctors and healthcare professionals diagnose, prevent and treat disease.
Where should I start?
Often based in laboratories, Biomedical Scientists draw on specialist skills and knowledge to investigate a wide range of clinical conditions. There are a number of ways into this career
Firstly you could complete a degree in biomedical science. Some courses include a work placement which will give you the opportunity to gain laboratory experience.
Search courses here
If you’re interested in becoming a biomedical scientist with the armed forces, it may be possible for your degree to be sponsored:
Find out more about Royal Navy or Royal Air Force sponsorship.
Alternatively, if you’d like to gain some practical experience while you learn you could complete a healthcare science practitioner degree apprenticeship. This will split your time between university study and workplace learning.
Get started with advanced, higher and degree apprenticeship opportunities here
Biotechnologist
19k – 55k
Starter – Experienced
38 – 40
Average hours per week
Evenings, weekends, bank holidays on shifts
What’s the role?
Biotechnologists use plants, animals, microbes, biochemistry and genetics to develop new products and improve existing ones.
Where should I start?
Biotechnologists need a specialist set of skills and knowledge to design or enhance vaccines, medicines, energy efficiency or food productivity and safety. There are a number of different ways to start developing these skills
Biotechnologists often need a degree in a relevant scientific subject, this could include:
- biotechnology
- bioscience
- microbiology
- biochemistry
- chemistry or chemical engineering
Search courses here
Alternatively, if you’d like to develop your practical laboratory skills it may be possible to work your way towards becoming a Biotechnologist by completing a Laboratory Science degree apprenticeship.
Get started with advanced, higher and degree apprenticeship opportunities here
Clinical Research Associate
26k – 45k
Starter – Experienced
38 – 40
Average hours per week
Occasional Evenings, weekends, bank holidays
What’s the role?
Clinical research associates (CRA), run clinical trials to test drugs for their effectiveness, risks and benefits to ensure that they are safe for the intended use.
Where should I start?
Clinical Research Associates need both a strong foundation in science and experience in working with clients to effectively run clinical trials. There are a number of ways into this career
Employers will often look for you to have a degree in life sciences, medical sciences or nursing. Relevant subjects could include:
- biology
- biomedical science
- chemistry
- pharmacology or pharmacy
Some courses may include an industrial placement which will give you real world experience and practical skills.
Search courses here
Alternatively, it may be possible to start as a study site coordinator with the NHS or as a clinical trials assistant and work your way up through completing further qualifications and gaining workplace experience.
Ecologist
22k – 42k
Starter – Experienced
39 – 41
Average hours per week
Evenings and weekends
What’s the role?
Ecologists study the relationship between plants, animals and the environment.
Where should I start?
Ecologists combine their knowledge of ecosystems with practical skills to carry out lab or desk based research and fieldwork. There are a number of ways to start building these skills
Employers will often look for you to have a degree in a relevant subject such as:
- ecology
- conservation biology
- environmental science
- botany
Search courses here
To start building your practical skills, volunteering is a great option
Get ideas for volunteering opportunities here or find specific conservation opportunities with
Alternatively, if you already hold a relevant degree it may be possible to complete a postgraduate ecologist degree apprenticeship
Get started with advanced, higher and degree apprenticeship opportunities here
Laboratory Technician
17k – 30k
Starter – Experienced
38 – 40
Average hours per week
Occasional weekends on shifts
What’s the role?
Laboratory technicians support scientists and help carry out tests, research and investigations.
Where should I start?
Laboratory Technicians use their specialist skills and knowledge to support scientists. There are loads of way to start building these
You could start by taking a college course to build a general foundation in science
Relevant courses could include:
- Level 2 Certificate or Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science
- Chemistry, Physics or Biology A levels
- T Level in Science
Find course providers here
To take this further, you could look into completing a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a scientific subject such as:
- biology
- biomedical science
- chemistry
- forensic science
- pharmacy
- physics
Search courses here
Alternatively, if you’d like to build your practical skills while you learn you could consider completing a Laboratory Technician Advanced Apprenticeship or a Technician Scientist Advanced Apprenticeship
Get started with advanced, higher and degree apprenticeship opportunities here
Life Science Policy & Research Officer
20k – 40k
Starter – Experienced
37 – 39
Average hours per week
9am – 5pm with occasional events or appointments
What’s the role?
Policy officers carry out research, undertake consultations, and gather and analyse data in order to help decision-makers develop and shape policy.
Where should I start?
Policy Officers in this field need to draw on their scientific knowledge and use strong research and communication skills to advise and help shape life science policy. There are a number of ways into this career
You could start by taking a college course to build a general foundation in science
Relevant courses could include:
- Level 2 Certificate or Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science
- Chemistry, Physics or Biology A levels
- T Level in Science
Find course providers here
To take this further, you could look into completing a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a scientific subject such as:
- biology
- biomedical science
- chemistry
- physics
- psychology
Search courses here
Alternatively, if you’d like to develop your research and communication skills more broadly you could consider completing a Level 4 Policy Officer apprenticeship.
Get started with advanced, higher and degree apprenticeship opportunities here
Life Science Writer / Journalist
18k – 35k
Starter – Experienced
38 – 40
Average hours per week
Occasional evenings and weekends attending events
What’s the role?
Science writers research, write and edit scientific news, articles and features on fields undergoing rapid advances.
Where should I start?
Science Writers need to combine a strong foundation in science with great writing skills in order to convert complex scientific information into engaging articles that can be understood by the general public. There are loads of ways into this career
You could start by taking a college course to build a general foundation in science
Relevant courses could include:
- Level 2 Certificate or Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science
- Chemistry, Physics or Biology A levels
- T Level in Science
Find course providers here
Broadly speaking Science Writers often move either from a science background into writing or from journalism into specialist science writing.
To develop your science background you could look into completing a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a scientific subject such as:
- biology
- biomedical science
- chemistry
- physics
- psychology
Alternatively, you could consider a degree in journalism.
You could then specialise further by completing a postgraduate qualification in science communications.
Search courses here
Marine Biologist
15k – 50k
Starter – Experienced
38 – 40
Average hours per week
Occasional evenings, weekends and bank holidays
What’s the role?
Marine biology is the study of organisms and ecosystems in the oceans and other saltwater environments.
Where should I start?
Marine Biologists need strong technical, research and scientific skills and they often choose to specialise in a specific area.
Many Marine Biologists get started by completing a marine focused degree such as:
- marine biology
- marine science
- ocean and earth science
- oceanography
Search courses here
Alternatively, you could complete a degree in a broader science subject and then complete a marine-related postgraduate qualification. This could range from tropical marine biology to coastal management or aquatic ecology and conservation.
Get started with postgraduate qualifications here
Volunteering is also a great way to start gaining some practical experience of fieldwork. You could consider volunteering for local wildlife trusts, marine conservation organisations, local charities or ocean clean-up organisations.
Get ideas for volunteering opportunities here
Microbiologist
18k – 44k
Starter – Experienced
38 – 40
Average hours per week
Flexible working patterns
What’s the role?
Microbiologists study small organisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi and algae.
Where should I start?
Microbiologists need a strong set of scientific knowledge and skills to work on solving problems across a range of areas including health, the environment, climate and food & agriculture. There are a number of ways into this varied career
To get started, you could consider completing a degree in a relevant subject. This could include:
- microbiology
- biology
- biological science
Search courses here
If you know you’d like to focus on health you could apply to the Scientist Training Programme after your degree where you will train to become an NHS microbiologist.
Alternatively, if you’d like to gain some practical skills while you learn it may be possible to become a microbiologist by completing a Laboratory Scientist or Research Scientist degree apprenticeship.
Get started with advanced, higher and degree apprenticeship opportunities here
Pharmacologist
25k – 50k
Starter – Experienced
38 – 40
Average hours per week
Flexible working with occasional evenings and weekends
What’s the role?
Pharmacologists study the effects of drugs and other chemical substances on cells, animals, humans and the environment.
Where should I start?
Pharmacologists need a range of strong scientific knowledge and skills to conduct research for drug discovery and development.
To get started, employers will require you to have a science degree. Although pharmacology is the most relevant, you could also consider further subjects such as:
- biochemistry
- physiology
- microbiology
Search courses here
To build your practical and laboratory skills further, you could look into completing an industrial placement as part of your degree.
Alternatively, if you already hold a degree in a relevant subject you could consider completing a clinical pharmacology scientist degree apprenticeship
Get started with advanced, higher and degree apprenticeship opportunities here
