Science graduate jobs

The UK science industry is a vast, multi-billion pound sector that spans academia, government, and commercial business. As such, careers in science are extremely varied, with the trajectory of junior science jobs being situational to each role. However, there are a few common routes for science graduates that are worth closer inspection…

Research science roles at academic or governmental institutions are an obvious career option for science graduates. Science phd jobs like Biomedical Scientist, that involve laboratory research into the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases like cancer, are a great option for graduates that enjoy the hands-on fieldwork of science. Government jobs for science graduates offer similar research-heavy opportunities. For instance, you could work for Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) as a Microbiologist, developing microbial technologies to solve environmental issues. Such research jobs in science provide graduates with a challenging yet rewarding career.

Working in scientific research in the public sector is far from your only option. If you’re looking to move into the commercial sector of the UK science industry, there is a plethora of great job options available to you. Science-led businesses, such as pharmaceutical companies, are an enormously important staple of the global economy. The UK houses some of the biggest pharmaceutical brands, BioTech firms and MedTech startups. Such companies include the likes of AstraZeneca, Pfizer and GSK. Working for a globally-recognised brand can provide great training and development opportunities, a competitive salary package and rapid progression. Commercial entry level science jobs include:

• Junior Nanotechnologist
• Graduate Pharmacologist
• Lab Technician
• Analytical Chemist

There are also career options available for graduates that want their scientific expertise to be a secondary feature of their role. Product Management, Sales and Business Development are areas of opportunity for science graduates who want to work in the industry in a more commercially-focused capacity.

If you’re not sure what kind of science career is the right fit, register to our graduate recruitment website to gain access to our expert career advice and job matching services.

Entry level job vacancies for science graduates are notoriously more accessible than senior level positions. This is because entry level jobs are designed for fresh graduates who are looking for their first job post-graduation. Industry-experience is not, therefore, a pre-requisite of most junior science roles – though work experience is often desirable. What prospective employers are looking for is an ability from the candidate to understand how academic and extra-curricular experience has provided them with the transferrable skills they need to succeed in the role. For instance, if you are applying to a lab-intensive pharmacologist job, evidence the lab research experience that you gained from your degree on your CV.

As is implied, whilst most grad jobs in science do not require industry-experience, nearly all jobs in the science sector require candidates to have obtained an undergraduate degree in the relevant scientific field. Research-intense jobs for academic and governmental organisations are usually difficult to acquire without obtaining a postgraduate qualification, at Master’s or PhD level, in the specific area of research. Science graduate schemes can also pose difficulty for graduate applicants – not because of educational constraints but because of their competitive nature. Science graduate schemes offer entry-level opportunities at some of the industry’s biggest companies, at a competitive salary and with great training and mentorship. With such great career benefits on offer, graduate schemes are extremely popular but only offer limited places. As such, application openings can often close earlier than expected and it can be difficult for grads to stay on top of moving deadlines. But, don’t stress! The key is to keep up-to-date and apply as soon as possible.

Whether you applying for science graduate government jobs or commercial graduate schemes in science, it is important to showcase your transferrable skills and industry passion in your applications. If you think your CV is up to the mark, register a profile and upload it to our site to apply for the best science jobs in the UK!

To cut straight to the point – we are. Having helped thousands of graduate job seekers secure their dream role in the science industry, the Give A Grad A Go team is best placed to support you in your search for your dream science job. But, what really sets us apart from other agencies that advertise science opportunities?

The answer is simple. We truly care about boosting graduate employability, career satisfaction and making the job hunting process as stress-free as possible. We achieve this by:

• Streamlining our processes – The job application process with us could not be more simple. All you have to do is register a profile on our site, uploading your CV and clicking ‘apply’ to whichever graduate science job catches your eye on our jobs board. If your CV looks like a good fit for the role, one of our specialist recruiters will be in touch and support you through the next stages.
• Working with the top employers – As a hub of scientific innovation, the UK hosts some of the most ingenious, cutting-edge scientific institutions in the world. We’re proud to offer a range of jobs at the UK’s best scientific organisations, from global brands to thriving startups.
• Offering holistic support – We’re on hand to help you perfect your CV, build your skillset via our competitions, and prepare for interviews through our specialist guides. If you’re in the process of interviewing, our team will always relay feedback, handle any administrative duties, and act as your key point of liaison with employers.

Regardless of whether you’re after work from home jobs for science graduates, master of science jobs or immediate-start junior positions, our website is the place to be – register to take advantage of our expert services now!

In general, most science grad jobs do require a science degree or a closely related field. Science jobs typically involve specialised knowledge, technical skills, and a solid understanding of scientific principles, which are usually acquired through formal education in the relevant scientific discipline. A science degree provides you with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to excel in these roles.

There can be exceptions based on the specific job role, company and industry. For example, a sales executive at a BioTech company may not be required to have a degree in biology, but a research scientist at the same company may need an undergrad or postgrad qualification.

It’s important to carefully read job descriptions, research the industry, and network with professionals in the field to understand the specific requirements and expectations for the roles you’re interested in. While a science degree is often a strong prerequisite, there can be flexibility depending on the context and the employer’s needs.

 

The salary for science jobs in the UK can vary widely depending on factors such as the specific field of science, the level of education and experience required, the location, the industry, and the role itself. Generally, science jobs that require higher levels of education, specialisation, and expertise tend to offer better salaries. That’s why the salary for science grad schemes and trainee science jobs is on the lower end of the scale.

If you’re a graduate looking for your first job in Medicine or BioTech, you can expect a salary along the lines of £30.5k*. If a career in Research is your ambition, the average graduate pay in this field is around 25K*.

Before pursuing a specific science job, it’s advisable to research up-to-date salary expectations for that role within the context of the UK job market.

*According to Give a Grad a Go internal statistics.