Scientific Career Guide

 

Potential Roles in Science

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After studying science to degree level or beyond, scientists have several options, including practical laboratory work, further research, or using their skills in other sectors, like medical communications.

Research scientists work on various research projects in the public, private or charity sectors. Scientific research jobs can have many different elements, including planning and managing a research project from start to finish, assisting on an existing research project, laboratory work, working with study participants, writing up findings and presenting data. It’s important to note that some research involves animal testing, so candidates might want to consider their stance on this before applying for jobs.

Scientific directors work in medical communications, overseeing the scientific content and leading an editorial team. Scientific director jobs involve creating scientific strategy, guiding content development and managing writers and editors.

Scientific directors must communicate and build relationships with multiple stakeholders in a project, often working closely with their managers, patient focus groups, clients, physicians and writers. Many medical communications agencies work closely with pharmaceutical companies, so an interest in the pharmaceutical field is beneficial.

Biomedical scientists work in laboratories, analysing medical samples and specimens for hospitals, healthcare providers and research trials. Biomedical science jobs often involve round-the-clock shiftwork. You are expected to contribute to all aspects of supporting the daily running of the laboratory, including receiving and recording samples, carrying out tests, reporting results and liaising with other professionals, like doctors, nurses and researchers.

 

Salary and Career Progression

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A wide range of career paths in the scientific sector means that salary and career progression opportunities are varied.

Research scientist salaries depend on the sector and employer. Private sector companies, particularly in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, tend to pay higher salaries than organisations in the public sector, third sector or academia. Research scientists can expect to earn anywhere from £24,000 up to £100,000 or more.

Of course, salary is not always the driving factor for research scientists. Many choose to work in cutting-edge fields, developing new medical treatments or making ground-breaking discoveries, even if the salaries are not competitive.

Scientific director jobs are senior roles that attract salaries of around £65,000 to £90,000 per year. As a scientific director already has many years of experience in most cases, there is limited scope for further progression beyond this point while staying in a similar role. Some scientific directors may decide to progress into starting their own medical communications agency or other venture.

Biomedical scientists employed by the NHS start on a Band 5 salary of £27, 055, earning more with experience and movement through the pay bands. Band 6 employees earn £33,706 to £40,588 per year, and Band 7 staff earn up to £47,672. More senior NHS biomedical scientists earn over £48,000. Biomedical scientist jobs in the private sector may attract higher salaries, although this is variable between employers. Biomedical scientists can progress to the level of Consultant Biomedical Scientist, a very senior and well-respected role that usually comes after several years of experience.

 

Qualifications, Education and Experience

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Research scientists must have a solid background education in science. They need:

• The relevant GCSEs to access A’ Levels
• A’ Levels, typically in one or more science subject
• A Bachelor’s of Science degree related to the relevant science: biology, chemistry or physics
• Industry experience may be required
• Some roles require knowledge of the legal requirements around animal testing
• You may need to hold a Master’s degree or PhD for some roles

Scientific directors must have the following:

• The necessary GCSEs to access A’ Levels
• Relevant A’ Levels to enter a BSc degree programme
• A bachelor’s degree in a Life Science, e.g. pharmacology, medicine, biomedical science
• An MSc or PhD in a relevant scientific field
• Considerable writing and editing experience in a medical communications agency
• Experience in managing a team of medical writers
• A keen interest in the topic or medical speciality in which the agency works

Biomedical scientists must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council to practice, as well as having:

• The necessary GCSEs to access A’ Levels
• Relevant A’ Levels to enter a BSc degree programme
• An IBMS (Institute of Biomedical Science) accredited honours degree
• Knowledge of commonly used laboratory equipment and machinery
• Some roles ask for a minimum number of years of experience

 

Skills

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Research scientists need a mix of skills to do well. They must be:

• A team player
• Focused
• Self-motivated
• Methodical, logical and analytical
• Open-minded
• Able to pay close attention to detail
• Diligent

Scientific directors need a mix of high-level science and literacy skills, including:

• Excellent written communication skills
• Logical thinking
• Organisation and efficiency
• Motivation
• Careful attention to detail
• Diligence and focus
• Leadership skills
• Knowledge of online software writing, editing and project management tools

Biomedical scientists need a variety of skills, including:

• Ability to follow protocols carefully
• Attention to detail
• Diligence and focus
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritise work effectively
• Analytical skills
• Sound judgement

 

Working Hours

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Working hours in the scientific sector entirely depend upon the industry, type of employer, and service needs. Some roles, including those in communications and research, will often be standard office hours of 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Other jobs, particularly laboratory work, may involve unsociable hours and shift work across evenings, weekends, nights and bank holidays.

 

Notable Locations

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Due to the wide range of possibilities in the scientific sector, jobs are available almost anywhere.

Cities may offer the most opportunity, especially those with universities and large teaching hospitals, including:

• London: seven hospitals in the City of London alone, and more in Greater London, as well as eighteen universities.
• Manchester: five universities and ten hospitals.
• Glasgow: nine main hospital sites and three universities.

For jobs in medical communications, Cheshire, Cambridgeshire, and Oxfordshire are agency hotspots outside the major UK cities.

 

Notable Companies

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• AstraZeneca – has locations across the UK, including in London, Cheshire and Liverpool.
• The Christie NHS Foundation Trust – a world-leading research centre for cancer treatments, located in South Manchester and closely linked with The University of Manchester.
• University College of London – has a strong focus on research with a dedicated Institute of Clinical Trials and Methodology.
• Helios Medical Communications – a global healthcare communications agency with offices in Cheshire and Oxfordshire.
• UK Government – many government departments offer scientific jobs and internships, including the Government Office for Science.

 

Next Steps

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