Biology : Job options

Jobs directly related to your degree

The majority of these jobs will require you to gain further skills or do further study to enter and/or progress:

• Research scientist (life sciences) - analyses and interprets the results of experiments and field work and communicates findings to the scientific community through presentations at seminars and conferences and by publishing work in specialist literature.
• Research scientist (medical) - plans and conducts experiments to increase the body of scientific knowledge on topics related to medicine. May also aim to develop new, or improve existing, drugs or other medicine-related products.
• Pharmacologist - investigates how drugs and chemicals interact with biological systems. A pharmacologist’s aim is to understand drugs and their actions so they can be used effectively and safely. Pharmacologists also carry out research to aid drug development.
• Secondary school teacher - teaches one or more subjects to classes of pupils aged 11-18. Subjects are determined by the national curriculum but how they are taught depends on the professional judgment of the teacher.
• Higher education lecturer - teaches academic or vocational subjects to undergraduate and postgraduate students from age 18 upwards. You may also undertake research activities.
• Soil scientist - interprets and evaluates soil and soil-related information to understand how soil contributes to agricultural production, environmental quality, human health issues, climate change and biodiversity.
• Clinical molecular geneticist - uses biochemical and molecular biology techniques to identify genetic abnormalities associated with disease. Individuals are screened both before and after the appearance of symptoms.
• Nature conservation officer - works to protect, manage and enhance the local environment, including promoting and implementing local and national biodiversity action plans in partnership with statutory and voluntary organisations.

Jobs where your degree would be useful

Again, you may have to do further study or demonstrate particular skills and experience to enter these professions:

• General practice doctor - provides primary and continuing medical care for patients and are usually the first contact for patients needing medical services.
• Dentist - provides preventive and restorative treatments for problems that affect the mouth and teeth.
• Science writer - researches, writes and edits scientific news articles and features for business, trade and professional publications, specialist scientific and technical journals, and the general media.
• Education administrator - organises and oversees administrative activities and systems that support and facilitate the smooth running of an education institution. The majority are based in higher or further education (HE or FE), but opportunities are increasingly available in schools and private colleges.
• Training and development officer - manages the learning of an organisation's workforce. The training element of the work gives staff the knowledge, understanding, practical skills and motivation to carry out particular work-related tasks.

Other options

It is possible for biology graduates to pursue options outside of the science and health sector. Many graduates pursue opportunities in business, finance, marketing, education and sales.

When pursuing a particular career option, it is useful to talk with professionals in the field to get an idea of the day-to-day work involved. Getting experience can be helpful regardless of which career area you pursue. Depending on the area you are interested in, target specific employers as you seek out these opportunities.

Biology-related jobs are particularly competitive, so it is valuable, and sometimes critical, to gain practical experience in the field. It demonstrates commitment to the career area and knowledge of what is involved. During your course, think about using summer holidays or evenings/weekends to get some experience through paid opportunities or voluntary work.

Although some of the jobs listed here might not be first jobs for many graduates, they are among the many realistic possibilities with your degree, provided you can demonstrate you have the attributes employers are looking for. Bear in mind that it’s not just your degree discipline that determines your options. Remember that many graduate vacancies don't specify particular degree disciplines, so don't restrict your thinking to the jobs listed here. Look at your degree... what next? for informed advice on career planning and graduate employment, or login/register with My Prospects to find out what jobs would suit you, a helpful starting point for self-analysis.

Explore types of jobs to find out more about the above options and related jobs.