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Life Science

Research careers and find opportunities in life science.

About life science

There are over 6,500 life sciences companies in the UK, employing an estimated 282,000 people.

The UK is a leading life sciences producer and exporter. Many world-class UK companies specialise in research and development and biotech products. Much of the research is healthcare-related, such as developing new treatments to extend life expectancy.

In the North East, life sciences is a key sector. More than 7,680 people are working in health and life science companies. The region’s dominance in the biotechnology sector is particularly significant, with the number of biotech companies doubling in three years.

Salaries

Starting salaries for graduate jobs in this sector can vary depending on the position.

To get an idea of typical starting salaries use the following resources:

Roles and skills

There are lots of opportunities open to you with a degree in life sciences. From academic research and healthcare science, to research and development and product development.

A postgraduate qualification is not essential for some roles, though a Master’s in a clinical or medical subject can be useful. However, for other roles, such as in academic research, you may need either a research Master’s or PhD.

Job profiles

Have a look at Prospects and targetjobs to find out what roles in this sector involve and how to get into them.

Life science

Job titles can vary quite significantly in this sector, depending on the specialism of the organisation.

It’s useful to look at life science company pages on LinkedIn and use the ‘staff’ tab to explore the job titles they use.

Research scientist job titles can include the specific area they focus on, for example 'Reagent scientist'.

These are some of the job profiles available:

You may also be interested in Science careers outside the lab.

Healthcare & clinical science

You need to be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) to work as a healthcare or clinical scientist in the UK.

To register with the HCPC you usually need to have completed an accredited education or training programme.

To become a clinical scientist, you can apply for the NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP). Once you complete this you would be able to apply to register as a clinical scientist with the HCPC.

For other roles, such as Biomedical Scientist, read our guide to becoming HCPC registered.

Read detailed information on over 50 healthcare science roles on the NHS Careers website, or use the profiles below to get started:

You may also be interested in Healthcare.

Skills employers look for

Employers in this sector look for skills including:

  • good practical laboratory skills and manual dexterity
  • an analytical and investigative mind and the ability to organise and carry out research
  • the ability to prioritise tasks, meet deadlines and work with minimum supervision
  • flexibility and the ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams
  • strong written and oral communication skills
  • the ability to communicate scientific information to non-experts
  • attention to detail and a logical and methodical approach to problem-solving

In 2018 there was an analysis of the life science labour market in the North of England. Companies listed the skills they felt were lacking in science and technology applicants. Commercial awareness came top with over 30% highlighting it as a key issue. Work experience (28%), problem-solving skills (20%) and communication skills (19%) were also considered to be lacking.

Employers felt the following would be most valuable to develop:

  • empathy
  • drive
  • ability to see the bigger picture
  • communication skills
  • commercial awareness
  • work experience

IT skills (particularly in data analysis and artificial intelligence)

Be inspired

It’s not always easy to know which roles to apply for. The resources in this section can help you find inspiration from previous students and know where to get further support.

Inspiration from people working in the industry
  • Browse our Work Experience and Graduate Employment directories. See where our students and graduates have had work experience, or been employed. 
  • Use LinkedIn’s Alumni tool to find out what Newcastle graduates are doing now. You could ask to connect with them, to gain advice and insights into their career. See Newcastle Alumni on LinkedIn to help you get started or watch our quick tutorial on Getting inspiration from others [3:13].  
  • Attend alumni events, such as Newcastle Develop, to hear directly from our graduates.  
  • Sign up for mentoring support with Graduate Mentor and The 1 Hour Project. These aim to match students with industry professionals who can provide invaluable insights. Register to be connected for a one-hour meeting. 
  • Attend events such as recruitment events and  employer and sector insights. Hear about graduate jobs, placement schemes, build your network and ask questions.   
Online reviews

Searching for reviews online can be a useful way to get an idea of what to expect from certain roles or employers. Reviews are written by employees with different opinions about what makes a good employer.

Use the following review sites for inspiration and insight into the recruitment process:

Not sure what you want to do?

If you’re not sure exactly what you want to do, we can help. You can book a guidance appointment via MyCareer. Our careers consultants can help you explore your options or plan your career.

Explore career planning advice
Making career choices
Exploring your options

Sector and industry insights

Researching the industry is essential, whether it’s to:

  • help you decide which area to work in
  • identify who to apply to
  • tailor your application
  • impress an interviewer with your knowledge of the sector

Here are some resources to help you get started.

Career guides

Read career guides for this sector, such as:

Life science

Healthcare and clinical science

Options with your subject

See the Prospects: What can I do with my degree? series. Discover career options, work experience, typical employers and skills from your degree in:

Explore the Royal Society of Biology's options after a bioscience degree. Find advice on job-seeking strategies and how to evidence your skills in applications.

Industry news

Use online magazines and journals to follow news from your industry. Reading about trends and developments is important for applications and interviews.

Examples include:

For North East sector insights, visit:

Attend events

Attend events to hear directly from professionals in the industry.

The Royal Society of Biology run an annual Bioscience Careers Day, usually in October/November. It includes talks from experts working in a range of careers. You'll have the chance to meet with bioscience professionals and other students from across the UK.

See also our Events including recruitment fairs and employer and sector insights.

Student societies

Join relevant student societies such as:

  • Biology
  • Bio Medical Sciences - host events to promote employability and industry placements.
  • Medtech - national innovation programme. Students can generate solutions for real clinical needs.
Social media

Use online media to find industry insights, such as:

Join sector-specific groups on LinkedIn to keep up to date. Posts often include news, events and opportunities. You can also find useful insights on careers on X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok. Treat these with caution, as not all content may be accurate.

Find out more about how to use social media for your career.

Professional bodies

Consider joining a relevant professional body/industry network. You can also follow them on LinkedIn, or visit their websites for news, contacts, work experience and vacancies.

Professional bodies often:

  • run networking events
  • have specialist groups you could join
  • post vacancies on behalf of their members
  • have member directories, useful for speculative applications

Key organisations

Research councils and institutes

UK Research and Innovation is a non-departmental public body. It brings together UK research councils, including:

You could also explore the following institutes

Sector skills councils/industry associations

Finding professional bodies worldwide

GoinGlobal’s country guides include details of professional bodies. Find them under ‘Professional and Personal Networking’ on each individual country guide.

Guide to finding opportunities

Many large recruiters advertise summer internships, year-long placements and graduate training programmes. For example Unilever, Pfizer, AstraZeneca and P&G.

You can also find opportunities within healthcare providers, and research institutions.

There are various ways to find internships, placements and graduate opportunities. We’ve added some tips below to help you get started.

  • search for advertised vacancies or advertised work experience using the vacancy sites listed below
  • look at the careers sections on company websites for student and graduate opportunities. Use Researching Employers to help you gain insights into companies
  • attend events such as recruitment fairs and employer and sector insights
  • contact employers speculatively – see non-advertised work experience and graduate jobs to help you find organisations to approach
  • follow companies on social media for latest news and updates
  • consider registering with a recruitment agency for graduate jobs
  • register with EmployAbility if you are disabled, neurodivergent or have a mental health condition. They can offer advice and support on applications to Newcastle students. They also run first year, internship and graduate programmes with inclusive employer partners.
  • ask family and friends if they have any useful contacts who may be able to offer you work experience
  • consider alternative ways to find relevant experience and develop your skills
  • create your own opportunity by starting your own business or working freelance

Advertised work experience

Getting into life and healthcare science is extremely competitive.

Work experience can be invaluable in developing relevant skills and demonstrating your commitment.

Placements and summer internships are usually aimed at undergraduate students in and above their second or penultimate year of study. Some companies will also consider first and final year students.

Smaller companies often don’t advertise opportunities. You may need to contact them with a speculative approach. Do this early, as it can be very competitive.

Several academic institutions and research institutes offer summer research projects to students. See scholarships and awards for funded research opportunities.

Professional bodies and research councils also advertise opportunities. This includes clinical research, funding and studentships. See above for a list of organisations.

When to apply

Apply for advertised opportunities as early as possible.

UK applications typically open early in the academic year from September or October. Some close as early as November-December. Many employers close applications as soon as their places are filled.

Search for internships and placement years

Use our resources to get started:

Search the following external sites

Research councils and institute often offer summer programmes, for example:

Other options for lab-based experience

You can also find lab-based work experience through contacting university departments. Check School noticeboards and contact science departments. They may be looking for any support staff or assistants during vacations or term time. The School of Biomedical, Nutritional and Sport Sciences at Newcastle offers development opportunities. This includes paid part-time lab assistant posts within research laboratories to stage 2 students. These run during term-time from October to the end of semester two.

Hospitals sometimes offer lab-based placements. Try approaching the principal clinical scientist in your local NHS trust hospital. You may have to go through the HR department.

See how to access hidden opportunities below, to learn how to find and contact relevant organisations.

You can also look at our examples of other ways to gain relevant experience.

NCL internships

The Careers Service runs flexible term-time and summer internships with local employers and on campus. NCL internships are aimed at all students, from any stage.

Search for these under Vacancies on MyCareer. Type in ‘NCL internship’ into the text search box.

You can find these advertised throughout the academic year. Full-time summer opportunities are advertised from around March.

Worldwide experience
  • IAESTE – global work placements, ranging from 8 to 52 weeks. Opportunities include science roles. The UK is not a member country of IAESTE, but there are opportunities to participate for students from non-member countries
  • RISE Germany – summer research internships at German universities and research institutions. For second year undergraduates
  • John Innes – international summer schools
  • AMGEM Scholars - research experience at European educational institutions

Access GoinGlobal for internships in over 120 global locations, updated daily. Search for opportunities in the local language, as well as in English. You can also use their country guides to find:

  • additional vacancy websites
  • CV, application and interview advice
  • advice on living and working in different countries and cities around the world.
Looking for ideas

If you’re looking for inspiration, try searching our NU Work Experience Directory.

You can see where our students have had internships and placements in the last five years. To see all results in a search category, keep the search field blank.

Advertised graduate opportunities

Employers in the life science sector use a wide variety of methods to recruit staff. An analysis of the life science labour market in the North of England found that:

  • 45% advertised their vacancies through recruitment agencies
  • 26% used university vacancy sites, such as MyCareer, to recruit graduates
  • 24% recruited from speculative applications

A further 17% of employers advertised on graduate vacancy sites, such as the ones listed below, and 7% used social media to recruit.

Several large employers, such as Unilever, Pfizer, AstraZeneca and GlaxoSmithKline, offer structured graduate programmes, typically lasting 1- 2 years. Applications generally open almost a year ahead, around August or September. Closing dates are as early as October and November. These tend to be advertised on university or graduate job sites.

Smaller companies often don’t advertise opportunities. It’s worth contacting them with a speculative approach - see the section Finding companies below to help you get started.

For sources of vacancies in universities and research institutions, see Research in Academia.

Professional bodies and research councils also advertise graduate opportunities, including clinical research. See About for a list of organisations.

When to apply

The resources in this section advertise both graduate jobs and graduate schemes. See our graduate jobs page to understand the difference between them.

For graduate schemes, apply as early as possible.

UK applications typically open early in the academic year from September or October. Some close as early as November-December. Many employers close applications as soon as their places are filled.

Graduate jobs tend to be immediate start positions which can be available all year round. You are more likely to apply for these towards the end of your studies.

Vacancy sites

Use our resources to get started:

  • MyCareer - search for graduate schemes and graduate jobs in the North East, UK and overseas. Register/log in to access vacancies and sign up for personalised email alerts
  • Graduate Jobs – lists graduate vacancy sites

Life science vacancy sites

See our Research in academia pages for more opportunities

Role specific sites

Healthcare and clinical science vacancy sites

To work as a clinical scientist in the UK, you must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Our guide below has information on becoming HCPC registered.

As a graduate of a relevant but non-accredited degree, you can train to work in a senior healthcare science role by completing the NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP). Find out more about the types of specialisms available and how to apply in the section below.

Some NHS healthcare science roles don’t require an accredited degree, or HCPC registration. Try searching for “science apprentice” or “science assistant” on:

Medical and healthcare charities, such as the Anthony Nolan Trust, also advertise vacancies. See Charities and voluntary organisations for more opportunities

Clinical scientist vacancies

The following websites offer vacancies for HCPC registered clinical scientist roles. You need to have completed an accredited degree or the STP to qualify for them.

See Healthcare for medical roles, dentistry and allied health professions, such as pharmacy or prosthetics.

NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP)

To become a healthcare scientist in the NHS, you can complete the NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP). This is a graduate-entry training programme that leads to more senior scientist roles in the NHS.

Trainee healthcare scientists are employed by NHS Trusts on a three-year programme. This includes study for an approved and accredited Master’s degree in your chosen science specialism.

Entry on to the STP is highly competitive and you will need a first or 2:1 degree, or a 2:2 with a relevant Master's or PhD. Relevant work experience is helpful, as is involvement with research projects.

You apply for the STP through the National School of Healthcare Science (NSHCS). Recruitment usually takes place in January, but check the NSHCS website regularly for details.

Worldwide vacancy sites

See International jobs for details of overseas vacancy sites.

Many of the vacancy sites listed above include overseas job searches as well as UK options. You could also try:

Access GoinGlobal for job adverts in over 120 global locations, updated daily. Search for opportunities in the local language, as well as in English. You can also use their country guides to find:

  • additional vacancy websites
  • CV, application and interview advice
  • advice on living and working in different countries and cities around the world.

Non-advertised work experience and graduate jobs

Not all internships, placements and graduate jobs are advertised. In fact, many people create opportunities through:

A speculative approach is common for finding work experience and graduate jobs. This is where you approach a company directly to ask if they have any opportunities available.

How to access hidden opportunities

Start by identifying organisations you are interested in. Our guide to finding organisations below can help. Then use the following steps to approach them speculatively about possible opportunities:

  1. Identify a contact name to address your cover letter to. Call or email to find out who handles recruitment within the organisation. Or, find a key contact in the department you want to work in.
  2. Send them a tailored CV and cover letter. Express your enthusiasm for the sector. Show that you have researched the company.
  3. Follow up your speculative application with a phone call, or email, around a week later. This shows you are serious and motivated.
  4. If your application was unsuccessful, ask for feedback or advice, and keep trying!
When to contact organisations

You can use this approach at any point in the year. We recommend that you:

  • start your research as early as possible to gather relevant contacts
  • contact organisations around three months before you want the opportunity to begin
How to find organisations

Use the resources below to find organisations in the North East, UK and worldwide.

North East organisations

UK organisations

UK government information

Gov.uk compile information about life science related organisations in the UK, including:

Worldwide organisations

Search GoinGlobal’s employer directory for company information in 196 countries. Their country guides list professional bodies around the world.

Specialist recruitment agencies

Recruitment agencies are commonly used for finding entry level life science opportunities. These tend to be for immediate start positions. It's worth registering with one or two agencies towards the end of your course.

North East-based recruitment agencies
UK and overseas recruitment agencies

See Recruitment Agencies to find more agencies.

Finding more overseas recruitment agencies

GoinGlobal’s country guides include details of recruitment agencies in specific countries. They are listed under the following headings:

  • staffing agencies and temporary help firms
  • executive recruiters and search firms

Recruitment agencies may not operate in the same way in different countries. In the UK agencies are free for job seekers, but this may not be the case elsewhere. Explore the terms and conditions of an agency before signing up to use them.

Other ways to gain relevant experience

We've added some suggestions to help you develop your skills and gain relevant experience.

For more advice on gaining experience in a non-lab based environment, see Science careers outside the lab.

Becoming a Biomedical Scientist

How to become an HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist

To work as a biomedical scientist in the UK, you must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). For this, you need to show that you meet their standards of proficiency for biomedical scientists. You can demonstrate this through a combination of:

  • academic qualifications and
  • clinical laboratory training

To become registered, your undergraduate degree must meet the HCPC standards of education and training criteria.

Accredited undergraduate degrees

If you have completed an Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) or HCPC approved degrees, then you meet the criteria.

Non-accredited undergraduate degrees

The Biomedical Science degree at Newcastle University is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology. It is not accredited by the IBMS, to allow for a broader curriculum. To work as a Biomedical Scientist after completing this degree, you would need to apply for a degree assessment. This is done on an individual basis.

The IBMS will tell you whether you need to do any additional top-up modules. It can take up to 12 weeks to get your degree assessed. The assessment fee is over £300 and is non-refundable.

Find out about the application process on the IBMS: Degree assessment for HCPC registration page.

Their current guidance on applications includes information on everything you need to apply.

Top-up modules

Your assessment outcome letter will tell you if you need to complete any top up modules and which ones they are.

To enrol on top up modules, you need to email course tutors on the Top-up modules in the UK list. Attach a copy of your assessment outcome letter and ask if they offer the modules you need and how much these would cost.

After completing all necessary modules, you’ll receive a confirmation letter. You can use this as evidence to show you’ve met the academic standards needed for the Certificate of Competence.

As well as the academic side, to achieve the Certificate of Competence, you’ll need clinical laboratory training (see below). This involves completing an IBMS Registration Training Portfolio in an IBMS approved laboratory.

More information is available on the IBMS Registration Portfolio page.

Clinical training

Clinical training is compulsory for anyone applying to register with the HCPC as a biomedical scientist. This is regardless of whether your undergraduate degree is accredited or non-accredited.

You need to arrange this experience yourself. See the section on Finding training opportunities below, to help you get started.

Your lab experience must be completed in an IBMS approved laboratory.

The IBMS Registration Portfolio explains the process of arranging and completing your training.

Finding training opportunities

Finding lab experience is very competitive. To find out more about clinical training, we would recommend contacting IBMS approved labs (most NHS labs are).

The IBMS website doesn’t publish their database of approved labs, due to data protection reasons. They advise graduates to contact laboratories to ask:

  • if they offer training
  • of there is an opportunity to complete of the Registration Training Portfolio as part of the role

If you’re approaching labs directly, we would suggest also asking them:

  • how often training opportunities become available
  • how competitive they are
  • where do they advertise posts (eg are they linked to an approved training provider, or will they become available for everyone on NHS Jobs)
  • do they accept speculative applications (ie you can approach labs directly, not in response to an advertised vacancy)
  • what they look for in an applicant

Many biomedical scientists start in roles such as:

  • trainee biomedical scientist
  • biomedical laboratory assistant (Higher Healthcare Technical Officer)
  • Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA)
  • healthcare science assistant

To find opportunities

  • search on NHS Jobs
  • contact NHS Trusts directly to ask if they can provide work experience
  • look for Pathology Departments contact details on the hospital’s website. If none are available, try contacting the hospital’s Training Lead
  • try other laboratories, such as Health Services Laboratories
  • consider experience in a private lab to demonstrate your skills and make your application stand out
  • contact university research institutes
  • try recruitment agencies for advice, or temporary work
  • read the IBMS advice for graduates

For more information about vacancy sites, agencies and employers, see:

Scientist Training Programme (STP)

An alternative way to become a clinical healthcare scientist in the NHS is through the NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP). This is a graduate-entry programme that leads to senior scientist roles in the NHS. See our Finding jobs section for more details.

Summer research experience, scholarships and awards

A limited number of funds are available to support science students in gaining related experience. Bursaries and funding for lab-based work experience have strict and often very early deadlines.

If you’re interested in a summer research project, you’ll need to first find a potential supervisor. This is usually someone in a university or research institute.

You could start by talking to your tutor or to a member of academic staff whose research you find of interest. In most cases, the application is made by your potential supervisor and not by you.

Newcastle University Research Scholarships provide opportunities for undergraduates to gain research experience.

You can also apply to external funded schemes. Examples of these include:

Schemes by deadline

The deadlines listed below were accurate at time of writing but are subject to change. Check websites for specific details and for eligibility criteria.

January deadlines

February deadlines

March deadlines

April deadlines

Work for yourself

Our START UP team can help you explore working for yourself at any stage. Whether you want to explore an idea or have already launched a business or freelance career, you can access the following help:

  • support with idea generation
  • provide tailored advice
  • help you develop your skills
  • introduce you to like-minded peers
  • refer you to further support from mentors
  • award grant funding up to £3,000
Find out about START UP

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