Biomedical sciences : Job options

Jobs directly related to your degree

The majority of the roles listed here will require you to undertake further training following your first degree. A higher degree may also be a requirement in some cases.

• Biomedical scientist - carries out laboratory tests on human samples to help clinicians diagnose illness and evaluate the effectiveness of the necessary treatment. Specialism can be in one of the following main areas: medical microbiology; clinical chemistry; transfusion science; haematology; histology; cytology; immunology and virology.
• Immunologist - investigates the functions of the body's immune system and uses this knowledge to work towards treating and controlling a range of diseases and disorders. Immunologists work within clinical and academic settings, as well as in industrial research.
• Microbiologist - observes, identifies and monitors microbes and develops new techniques, products and processes. Areas of specialism include: basic research; medicine; healthcare; food; industries such as pharmaceuticals, toiletries and biotechnology; agriculture; and the environment.
• Clinical biochemist - analyses and interprets data related to patient samples. Clinical biochemists detect changes in the complex biochemistry of blood and other bodily fluids and tissues. They advise clinicians and GPs on the use of tests, the diagnosis of disease, and the planning and progress of treatment.
• Clinical cytogeneticist - detects and analyses hereditary diseases and abnormalities through the study of human chromosomes obtained from samples of blood, bone marrow, body fluid, amniotic fluid or foetal tissue samples.
• Clinical molecular geneticist - uses biochemical and molecular biology techniques to identify genetic abnormalities associated with disease. Clinical molecular geneticists screen individuals both before and after the appearance of symptoms.
• Haematologist - specialises in the study and analysis of blood and blood-forming tissues and associated disorders. Haematologists are involved in investigating the number, size, structure and function of different types of blood cells.
• Research scientist (medical) - plans and conducts experiments to increase the body of scientific knowledge on topics related to medicine. Research scientiests may also aim to develop new, or improve existing, drugs or other medically-related products.
• Forensic scientist - examines contact trace material associated with crimes. Forensic scientists provide impartial scientific evidence for use in courts of law to support the prosecution or defence in criminal and civil investigations.
• Toxicologist - plans and carries out laboratory and field studies to identify, monitor and evaluate the impact of toxic materials and radiation on human and animal health, as well as on the health and status of the environment.

Jobs where your degree would be useful

• Medical sales representative - increases the awareness and usage of a company's pharmaceutical and medical products, through working on a one-to-one basis with contacts and making presentations in settings such as general practices, primary care trusts and hospitals.
• 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.
• Higher education lecturer - facilitates learning and carries out research activities in universities and some colleges of further education (FE).

Other options

Entry into relevant employment is competitive. Gaining good academic results and relevant work experience is helpful. Before applying for jobs and professional training courses, a period of relevant work experience can be extremely useful and, in some cases, essential.

Structured work experience schemes are rare, but are available in some larger organisations. Schemes vary from short-term two-week supervised placements and Easter and summer vacation schemes to year-long industrial placements. Information on these schemes is usually available on company websites.

Many work experience options go unadvertised. Often employers are willing to take on volunteers, allow individuals to work-shadow or even just speak to members of staff working within the profession. See Volunteering England  for further information.

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.