Pharmacologist : Training

All scientists involved in laboratory work are required to participate in training on health and safety and good laboratory practice (GLP). This training may include risk assessment workshops and control of substances hazardous to health regulations (COSHH) training. Scientists who carry out experiments using animals are required to hold a Home Office Licence, see Home Office - Science & Research .

Most employers provide the professional and specialist technical training needed by pharmacologists to perform their sophisticated laboratory work. In addition, short training courses are usually offered in areas such as project management, data interpretation, presentation skills, and report writing. Jobs in industry tend to be accompanied by structured training programmes that may include completing placements in different functions of the organisation, working with a mentor or buddy, and drawing up personal development plans with line managers.

Vitae  runs courses for PhD research students designed to develop communication, networking, teamworking and career management skills. Advice on issues such as supervisor management, academic careers, writing up and CVs can also be found on their website.

Both the British Pharmacological Society (BPS)  and the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI)  offer continuing education programmes. Some universities and research or science training centres also offer a range of training opportunities and advanced short courses.

A pharmacology degree is also a good basis from which to start if you wish to retrain in a related field such as medicine, dentistry or veterinary medicine. There are graduate fast-track medical courses available at some UK universities. See Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) .