I want to work in Biology

Find out how you can start a career in biology. Here we list potential job roles and some of the leading companies in that sector.

Job roles

Employment opportunities are diverse, ranging from biological and biomedical research and development, to careers in science communication, the health service, forensic science, environmental health and wildlife conservation. Bioscience graduates are employed across a number of different sectors both science and non-science related.
Biology is a fundamental subject for careers in the science and health sectors but there are many other routes you can take with this degree.

Science related sectors

Many biology graduates pursue opportunities outside the science and health sectors in industries such as business, finance, marketing, education and sales. Please use our career guides to identify some of these opportunities.
Sectors that require the skills and knowledge of a Bioscience graduate (Source: Royal society for Biology)

  • Sport and exercise science careers – helps us keep fit and healthy and to recover from disease and injury.  Biologists play an important role in identifying and developing the best ways to do this.
  • Food related Careers – biologists play an important role in food safety, food development.
  • Medical related Careers- There are a host of careers in healthcare where you will be playing a crucial role in the diagnosis, prevention and cure of disease and illness, helping people across the world.
  • Animal related careers - Biologists study animals to find out what they can teach us to help us to conserve our planet and improve human and animal health.
  • Sustainability Careers -Biologists find ways of helping humans to live sustainably.
  • Future Careers in Biology -Biologists have a vital role to play in exciting developments for the future, working to produce new and innovative technologies and preparing us for the impact and consequences of climate change.

Skills and experience
Biology-related jobs are particularly competitive, so it is valuable, and sometimes crucial, to gain practical experience in the field.
The link below details a wide range of programmes that you could apply to work experience:

Work experience demonstrates your commitment to the career and knowledge of what is involved.
During your course, you could also use the summer holidays or evenings and weekends to get some experience through paid opportunities or voluntary work.
A number of organisations offer work experience including the Science & Technology Facilities Council (STFC) and Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute.
You could also try contacting science museums, research and clinical laboratories, conservation facilities or pharmaceutical companies
Medical Research Council has an excellent resource to support students in finding opportunities for funding, job, studentships as well as lots of careers advice as well.

Some jobs related to your degree include: Source of information (www.prospects.ac.uk)

Companies

A range of employers recruit graduates for biology-related jobs including:

  • Universities and clinical research organisations;
  • Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies;
  • Private hospitals and NHS trusts;
  • National and global health and environmental charities;
  • Scientific and technical consultancies;
  • Schools and colleges;
  • Museums, science centres and broadcast companies.
  • Research institutions
  • Charities

Bioscience Employers

Find out more

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