Science & R&D graduate jobs & schemes 2025

Science and R&D careers span multiple industries, including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, healthcare, energy, chemicals, and environmental science. Common graduate roles include:
 

Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology

• Research Scientist
• Laboratory Technician
• Drug Development Associate
• Clinical Trials Associate
   

Environmental & Sustainability Science

• Environmental Scientist
• Sustainability Consultant
• Toxicologist
• Climate Researcher
   

Energy & Materials Science

• Materials Scientist
• Nuclear Engineer
• Renewable Energy Researcher
   

Chemicals & Food Science

• Analytical Chemist
• Formulation Scientist
• Food Technologist
   

R&D & Innovation Roles in Industry

• Product Development Scientist
• Technical Consultant
• Process Engineer (R&D)

Yes, many organisations offer structured graduate programmes in science, R&D, and technical innovation. Some leading employers include:
 

• Pharmaceutical & Biotech: GSK, AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Novartis
• Chemicals & Materials: BASF, Johnson Matthey, Croda, Syngenta
• Energy & Environment: BP, Shell, National Grid, Orsted
• Food & FMCG: Unilever, Nestlé, Mondelez, PepsiCo
• Public Sector & Research Institutes: NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP), UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), European Space Agency (ESA)
   

These graduate schemes typically last 18–36 months and provide rotations across R&D, laboratory work, and commercial applications.

Yes, most roles require a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) degree. The most relevant fields include:
 

• Biology, Biochemistry & Biotechnology
• Chemistry & Chemical Engineering
• Physics & Materials Science
• Environmental Science & Sustainability
• Biomedical Science & Genetics
• Food Science & Nutrition
   

For clinical science and medical research, postgraduate qualifications (MSc, PhD) are often required.

• Technical & Laboratory Skills – Essential for roles in chemistry, biology, and clinical science.
• Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills – Important for research, data analysis, and experimental design.
• Attention to Detail – Required in lab work, quality control, and product development.
• Data Analysis & Statistical Knowledge – Knowledge of programming (Python, R) and statistical tools (SPSS, MATLAB) is beneficial.
• Collaboration & Communication – Working in teams and translating research into practical applications.
• Regulatory & Compliance Awareness – Understanding of industry regulations (e.g., GMP, GLP, FDA standards).

Salaries vary depending on the industry, role, and employer:
 

• Lab Technician / Research Assistant: £22,000 – £28,000
• Graduate R&D Scientist: £28,000 – £38,000
• Pharmaceutical / Biotech R&D: £30,000 – £45,000
• Environmental Science & Sustainability: £26,000 – £35,000
• Food Science & Product Development: £25,000 – £33,000
• NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP): £32,000+
   

Postgraduate qualifications (MSc, PhD) can lead to higher starting salaries.

• R&D roles are competitive, especially in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and environmental science.
• Graduate schemes in large companies (e.g., GSK, Unilever, BP) have high application volumes.
• Research roles often require postgraduate qualifications, particularly in academic or government-funded research.
• Public sector science roles (e.g., NHS, government agencies) can be less competitive than corporate R&D.

✔ Gain lab experience – Through internships, research projects, or placements.
✔ Develop programming & data analysis skills – Python, R, MATLAB, or machine learning techniques can be useful.
✔ Stay updated on industry trends – Read scientific journals, attend conferences, and follow research breakthroughs.
✔ Consider further study – Many roles, especially in pharmaceuticals and clinical research, favour MSc or PhD candidates.
✔ Join professional organisations – e.g., Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), Institute of Physics (IOP), Society of Biology.