Science

A swift run down of options for students and graduates of life sciences and physical sciences degrees.

Science, R&D, food industry +8
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What can I do with a chemistry degree?

Degree subjects

Find out more about the range of graduate jobs open to you with a chemistry degree and look up the employment rates and first careers for recent graduates of this subject.

What can I do with a physics degree?

Degree subjects

Physics students are trained to analyse evidence and handle equations. This way of thinking can be applied to many job roles, giving them the option of working in a range of industries.

What can I do with a physics degree?

Degree subjects

Physics students are trained to analyse evidence and handle equations. This way of thinking can be applied to many job roles, giving them the option of working in a range of industries.

How do I get a graduate job in science, research and development?

Everything you need to know about graduate jobs with science employers and technology companies. Whether you want to know if postgraduate study will improve your options, or simply find out what your options are, you can find careers advice here.

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Beyond science: alternative graduate careers for scientists

Areas of work, specialisms and alternatives

Whether you leave science completely, or choose to stay out of the lab, there are many graduate career options for scientists to consider.

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Science job roles: a deep dive

Get detailed insights into different job roles available to you. Compare the day-to-day tasks and entry requirements to help you decide which job would suit you best.

Research scientist: job description

Research scientists are responsible for designing, undertaking and analysing information from controlled laboratory-based investigations, experiments and trials.

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Product development scientist: job description

Product or process development scientists/technologists are responsible for researching and developing new production processes, and modifying existing manufacturing systems to improve overall efficiency and profitability.

Retail, business & commercial services +2
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Veterinary surgeon: job description

Veterinary surgeons maintain the health and welfare of a wide range of animals, from pets to livestock, zoo animals and wildlife.

Science, R&D, food industry +8
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Medical physicist: job description

Medical physicists use analytical and applied scientific techniques to assist healthcare workers to diagnose and treat patients.

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Veterinary nurse: job description

Veterinary nurses provide treatment for and take care of sick or injured domestic, farm and zoo animals.

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Toxicologist: job description

Toxicologists use analytical and scientific techniques to identify toxins such as chemicals, biological substances and radiation, and to assess the potential risks and harmful effects posed by them.

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Geneticist: job description

Geneticists research aspects of heredity – inherited traits passed down through generations – and use their knowledge to advise others.

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Soil scientist: job description

Soil scientists analyse soil samples to provide information about its quality and structure for construction, agricultural, government, industrial and scientific staff.

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Microbiologist: job description

Microbiologists use a wide range of scientific techniques to monitor and study microbes such as algae, bacteria, fungi and viruses.

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Biomedical scientist: job description

Biomedical scientists carry out experiments to help develop medical treatments.

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Clinical research associate: job description

Clinical research associates (CRAs) organise and administer clinical trials of new or current drugs in order to assess the benefits and risks of using them.

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Pharmacist: job description

Pharmacists provide advice and guidance on medicines to patients and medical staff. The role requires life-long learning to keep up to date with new drugs and treatments. Read our pharmacist job description for an overview of what the role entails.

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Environmental scientist: job description

Environmental scientists investigate the effects of human activities on the environment.

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Research chemist: job description

Research chemists use their knowledge of chemical compounds to create and improve products and processes.

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Marine scientist: job description

Marine scientists research the sea and study its interactions with its organisms, sea floors, coastal areas and the atmosphere.

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Plant breeder: job description

Plant breeders (also known as geneticists) undertake scientific research into plant and crop-based agriculture with the aim of improving plant breeding techniques and developing new strains of crops.

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Pharmacologist: job description

Pharmacologists conduct research into how drugs affect the human body.

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Forensic scientist: job description

Forensic scientists use analytical and scientific techniques to examine evidence from crimes and prepare legal statements for court cases.

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Analytical chemist: job description

Analytical chemists assess the chemical structure and nature of substances. Their work ensures that foods, chemicals and drugs are safe, and can also help solve crime.

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Food scientist: job description

Food scientists apply scientific expertise and technological principles to the study of food products and processes within manufacturing and research settings.

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Immunologist: job description

Immunologists investigate the human immune system and to develop new treatments, therapies or vaccines to control infections, illnesses and cancer.

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Nanoscientist: job description

Nanoscience is a relatively new branch of the physical sciences and is ideal for scientists who want to focus in on the small details. Nanoscientists often specialise in the industrial or engineering fields, pure research or medical nanotechnology.

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Apply for science opportunities

Discover your future career with GradSims

Get a taste of what it's like to work with leading graduate employers. In these free mini-courses you'll get career insights from graduates, do real-life tasks, and get priority access to roles.

How to nail the recruitment process

Uncover the essential skills needed for crafting standout applications, writing impressive CVs and cover letters, and mastering your interviews.

Tips you can’t miss for career success as a woman in STEM

Webinars

Discover the key careers advice shared during targetjobs’ women in STEM webinars. Learn how to kickstart your STEM career while still at university and the secrets to long-term STEM career success.

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What are the top 10 skills that'll get you a job when you graduate?

Have you got the key skills graduate employers look for? You'll need to give examples of these essential competencies in your job applications and interviews to impress recruiters and get hired.

Covering letter essentials for graduate vacancies

Applications

When do you write a covering letter to go with your CV and what should you say? Use our tips to structure this part of your job application.

Technical interviews: putting your graduate science skills to the test

They won't be looking for Einstein, but science interviewers will want to see whether you know your stuff, can think ideas through and be the best graduate for the job.

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How to prepare for an assessment centre

Interviews and assessment centres

The secret to ‘passing’ a graduate assessment centre with flying colours is the preparation you do beforehand. Here's your essential checklist.

How do you fill in a job application form?

Applications

Read on for targetjobs’ expert advice for how to fill in a job application form for a graduate role including tips to write a strong application.

The big guide to CV writing: make our template your own

Applications

Our in-depth guide to writing and structuring your CV will take you through each section of our classic graduate CV template and explain how to use the format to showcase your strengths.

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The ultimate graduate job interview preparation guide

Interviews and assessment centres

When it comes to securing a graduate role, interview preparation will make or break your chances. So, follow our nine steps when you’re getting ready to impress recruiters.

Expert video interview tips to impress recruiters

Interviews and assessment centres

Whether it’s a live Zoom interview or a pre-recorded video interview, our expert video interviews tips will help you secure an internship or graduate role.

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Get ahead: join our events

Head to our free events to network with employers that interest you, develop your skills and knowledge through interactive workshops, and get expert advice to help you secure your ideal graduate role.

AWE - Insight Day

Dive into a world of opportunities as we guide students on their journey towards a thriving career in the STEM industry. Your success story starts here!

Peers in Careers: a professional one day conference

Along with five partnering universities, targetjobs and Gradconsult are hosting a professional industry idea factory event, providing you with an invaluable opportunity to make a really positive impact on your own professional development and growth of network.

Why do postgraduate study?

Considering postgraduate science study?

You may need a postgraduate science degree to follow some career paths - our guides will help you decide which route to take.

Wanting to be on the winning team in the academic arms race? Find out how a masters degree or an alternative postgraduate qualification might improve your career prospects.

Scientific postgraduate study: MSc, MRes or PhD?

Training and progression

Getting a science postgraduate qualification could set you off on a budding academic or commercial research career or put you on the right path to getting a graduate science job in a specialist area. Find out what you could do and how to weigh up the benefits.

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How to write a winning application for your postgraduate course

Get a university careers counsellor's guide on the most effective ways to produce an impressive postgraduate application.

Which referees should I choose for my postgraduate application?

Selecting the right referees for your postgraduate application form is essential to being successful.

Employers in Science

All employers

Our top employers

Industry leaders with a large annual graduate intake.

Rolls-Royce plc

Engineering

We’re one of the world’s leading industrial technology companies, and it’s all thanks to our people.

EDF

Engineering + 7

A career that will deliver change. Together we can help Britain achieve Net Zero.

HSBC

Banking, insurance & financial services + 3

Be part of something bigger. Founded in 1865, HSBC is one of the world's largest banking and financial services organisations

AWE

Engineering + 6

We have a critical mission: to support the defence and security of the UK.

BAE Systems

Engineering + 4

BAE Systems helps to protect people and national security, critical infrastructure and vital information. It’s a culture that values diversity, rewards integrity and merit, and is a place where everyone has the opportunity to fulfil their potential, no matter what their background.