Give a Grad a Go is committed to being an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith, disability, or other. We are continually finding ways to improve the way we work; read our Diversity and Inclusion promise for more information about this.
Science careers FAQs
-
The UK science industry is a thriving, multi-billion-pound sector that spans academia, government, and business. That means careers in science are incredibly diverse, with career paths depending on the specific role. But if you’re a Science graduate wondering where to start, here are some of the most common routes.
Science research careers
If you love hands-on lab work, science research jobs could be a great fit. Academic and government institutions offer science jobs that focus on solving real-world problems.
For example, you could become a Biomedical Scientist, working on disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Or, if environmental science is more your thing, you could work for DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs) as a Microbiologist, helping develop microbial technologies to tackle environmental challenges. Research roles like these are challenging but highly rewarding.
Science careers in the commercial sector
Prefer the fast-paced world of business? The UK is home to leading pharmaceutical, biotech, and medtech companies like AstraZeneca, Pfizer, and GSK. These companies offer excellent career progression, competitive salaries, and world-class training.
Popular entry-level science jobs in the commercial sector include:
- Junior Nanotechnologist
- Graduate Pharmacologist
- Lab Technician
- Analytical Chemist
Careers beyond the lab
Not all science graduates want to work in a lab forever. If you’d rather apply your scientific knowledge in a business setting, there are great opportunities in:
- Product Management
- Sales & Business Development
- Regulatory Affairs
Find the right science career for you
Still figuring out your career path? Register with our graduate recruitment website to access expert career advice and job-matching services tailored to science graduates.
-
Good news – entry-level science jobs are an accessible pathway to more senior positions! These roles are designed for recent graduates, meaning you don’t always need industry experience. However, relevant work experience can give you an edge.
What do employers look for?
Employers want candidates who can connect their academic and extracurricular experiences to the skills needed for the job. For example, if you’re applying for a lab-based Pharmacology role, highlight your lab research experience from your degree on your CV.
Do you need a postgraduate degree?
Most science graduate jobs require a relevant undergraduate degree. However, research-heavy roles in academia or government often require a Master’s or PhD in a specific field.
Are science graduate schemes competitive?
Science graduate schemes offer fantastic opportunities with top companies – competitive salaries, structured training, and career growth. Because of this, they attract many applicants, and deadlines can close early. To boost your chances, stay updated and apply as soon as possible.
How to land a science graduate job?
Whether you’re applying for government science jobs or commercial graduate schemes, showcasing your transferable skills and passion is key. If your CV is ready, upload it to our site and start applying for the best science jobs in the UK today!
-
Looking for the best recruitment agency to kickstart your science career? You’ve found it. At Give A Grad A Go, we’ve helped thousands of science graduates land their dream jobs – and we can do the same for you.
Why choose us?
We go beyond just listing job openings. Our mission is to make your job search easy, stress-free, and successful. Here’s how:
- Simple application process – Register on our site, upload your CV, and apply for roles in just a few clicks. If you’re a great fit, our expert recruiters will guide you through the next steps.
- Top-tier employers – From innovative startups to world-renowned research institutions, we connect you with the UK’s best science employers.
- Full support, every step of the way – We help you polish your CV, improve your skills, and prepare for interviews. Plus, we handle the admin and keep you updated throughout the process.
Looking for remote science jobs, entry-level science roles, or graduate opportunities with an immediate start? Sign up today and take the next step in your science career.
-
For most graduate science jobs, yes, a science degree (or a closely related field) is typically required. These roles often demand specialised knowledge, technical skills, and a strong grasp of scientific principles, which are usually gained through formal education. A degree provides the foundation you need to succeed in these careers.
That said, there are exceptions. Some roles, like sales or marketing positions at biotech companies, may not require a science degree, while research or lab-based jobs usually do. It all depends on the industry, employer, and specific job requirements.
Always check job descriptions carefully, research your chosen field, and connect with professionals to understand what’s needed. While a science degree is often an advantage, some employers value experience, transferable skills, and industry knowledge just as much.
-
Science job salaries in the UK can vary based on factors like your field of expertise, education level, experience, and location. Generally, the more specialised and advanced the role, the higher the salary.
If you’re starting out, graduate salaries in science tend to be lower. For example:
- Medicine & Biotech grads typically start at around £30.5K.
- Research roles offer an average starting salary of £25K.
Salaries increase with experience, especially in high-demand areas like pharmaceuticals, data science, and engineering. To get the most up-to-date salary insights for your specific role, it’s always a good idea to research the UK job market.
(*Salary data from Give a Grad a Go internal statistics.)