Options with biochemistry
Through studying biochemistry, you not only acquire a great deal of subject knowledge but you also develop many skills which will be invaluable for your next career move…
Jobs directly related to your degree include:
Jobs where your degree would be useful include:
Remember that many employers accept applications from graduates with any degree subject, so don’t restrict your thinking to the jobs listed here. To find out what jobs would suit you, log in to My Prospects.
Many biochemists want to forge a career in the biosciences, so you should try to gain practical and technical experience during your degree course as this will equip you well for a research or technical position. Your final year research project and other associated practical work will help towards this, and if you can secure a vacation job in a laboratory, it will definitely work in your favour when you approach employers.
Whatever your career plans (or even if you don’t have any as yet), it is important to enhance your degree with extra skills and experiences which show that you are a proactive person engaging with the world around you.
Most biochemists are employed as researchers in universities, research institutes and large companies in sectors such as pharmaceuticals. Small companies also employ biochemists to provide specialist services, such as toxicological studies. Many also work for in:
Find information on employers in teaching and education, science and pharmaceuticals, health and social care and other job sectors.
Specific skills associated with biochemistry include:
Generic, transferable skills include:
You can demonstrate your experience in these areas by giving examples from the practical work and group projects included in your degree course.
It is common for biochemists to continue their higher education if they are intending to forge a career in the biosciences. A PhD is essential for academic research or to secure a career as an academic lecturer. Even for those entering research in industry or associated careers such as publishing, science communication or clinical careers, further qualifications are an asset and increasingly essential.
If you are aiming for a career path away from science, it will be well worth considering what kind of professional qualifications may stand you in good stead for getting into, and progressing, your chosen career.
For more information on further study and to find a course that interest you, see postgraduate study in the UK and search courses and research.
Almost half of biochemistry graduates are in employment, including working while studying, six months after graduating. Of these, just over 16% enter scientific research, with a further 15% entering professional and technical occupations. Biochemistry graduates also go into other sectors, such as commercial and public sector management and business and financial professions. More than a third decide to study full time.
Find out what other science graduates are doing six months after finishing their degrees in What Do Graduates Do?
Graduate destinations data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency.
