Science

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

Biomedical scientists carry out experiments to help develop medical treatments.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

Pharmacologists conduct research into how drugs affect the human body.

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

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.

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

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

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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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.