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Want to kickstart a career in science? If yes, then read on. Here, you'll learn about different science-related roles - from researcher and geneticist to biomedical scientist, pharmacologist, and much more. Plus, learn how to make your applications stand out, and get expert interview tips to help set you up for success.
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What can I do with a science degree?

Learn about the range of graduate jobs open to you with certain science degrees, including physics, chemistry, and biology.

What can I do with my science degree in...?

Careers advice and planning
A swift run down of options for students and graduates of life sciences and physical sciences degrees.
  • Science, R&D, food industry +8

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?

Careers advice and planning
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.
  • Science, R&D, food industry +8

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.
  • Science, R&D, food industry +8

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

Job descriptions and industry overviews
Research scientists are responsible for designing, undertaking and analysing information from controlled laboratory-based investigations, experiments and trials.
  • Science, R&D, food industry +8

Product development scientist: job description

Job descriptions and industry overviews
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

Veterinary surgeon: job description

Job descriptions and industry overviews
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

Medical physicist: job description

Job descriptions and industry overviews
Medical physicists use analytical and applied scientific techniques to assist healthcare workers to diagnose and treat patients.
  • Science, R&D, food industry +12

Veterinary nurse: job description

Job descriptions and industry overviews
Veterinary nurses provide treatment for and take care of sick or injured domestic, farm and zoo animals.
  • Science, R&D, food industry +8

Toxicologist: job description

Job descriptions and industry overviews
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.
  • Science, R&D, food industry +8

Geneticist: job description

Job descriptions and industry overviews
Geneticists research aspects of heredity – inherited traits passed down through generations – and use their knowledge to advise others.
  • Science, R&D, food industry +8

Soil scientist: job description

Job descriptions and industry overviews
Soil scientists analyse soil samples to provide information about its quality and structure for construction, agricultural, government, industrial and scientific staff.
  • Science, R&D, food industry +8

Microbiologist: job description

Job descriptions and industry overviews
Microbiologists use a wide range of scientific techniques to monitor and study microbes such as algae, bacteria, fungi and viruses.
  • Science, R&D, food industry +8

Biomedical scientist: job description

Job descriptions and industry overviews
Biomedical scientists carry out experiments to help develop medical treatments.
  • Science, R&D, food industry +8

Clinical research associate: job description

Job descriptions and industry overviews
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.
  • Science, R&D, food industry +8

Pharmacist: job description

Job descriptions and industry overviews
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.
  • Science, R&D, food industry +11

Environmental scientist: job description

Job descriptions and industry overviews
Environmental scientists investigate the effects of human activities on the environment.
  • Science, R&D, food industry +8

Research chemist: job description

Job descriptions and industry overviews
Research chemists use their knowledge of chemical compounds to create and improve products and processes.
  • Science, R&D, food industry +8

Marine scientist: job description

Job descriptions and industry overviews
Marine scientists research the sea and study its interactions with its organisms, sea floors, coastal areas and the atmosphere.
  • Science, R&D, food industry +8

Plant breeder: job description

Job descriptions and industry overviews
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.
  • Science, R&D, food industry +8

Pharmacologist: job description

Job descriptions and industry overviews
Pharmacologists conduct research into how drugs affect the human body.
  • Science, R&D, food industry +8

Forensic scientist: job description

Job descriptions and industry overviews
Forensic scientists use analytical and scientific techniques to examine evidence from crimes and prepare legal statements for court cases.
  • Science, R&D, food industry +8

Analytical chemist: job description

Job descriptions and industry overviews
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.
  • Science, R&D, food industry +8

Food scientist: job description

Job descriptions and industry overviews
Food scientists apply scientific expertise and technological principles to the study of food products and processes within manufacturing and research settings.
  • Science, R&D, food industry +9

Immunologist: job description

Job descriptions and industry overviews
Immunologists investigate the human immune system and to develop new treatments, therapies or vaccines to control infections, illnesses and cancer.
  • Science, R&D, food industry +8

Nanoscientist: job description

Job descriptions and industry overviews
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.
  • Science, R&D, food industry +8
Graduates working

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.
  • Engineering +2

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

Careers advice and planning
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

Careers advice and planning
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.
  • Science, R&D, food industry +8

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.
  • Languages, libraries & culture +1

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.
  • Investment banking & fund management +21

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

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!

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The Black Excellence Programme

The Black Excellence Programme

targetjobs has partnered with leading employers in the UK to host The Black Excellence Programme. An event for Black Heritage students to meet with some of the biggest organisations in the world who have open roles for you to apply to.

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targetjobs Career Success Programme

targetjobs Career Success Programme

Land your dream job with the targetjobs Career Success Programme

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Peers in Careers: a professional one day conference

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.

Find out more

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.