Life science researchers design and run experiments to deepen scientific understanding and support breakthroughs in areas such as biotechnology, genomics, pharmacology and stem cell research
As a research scientist in the life sciences, you'll plan and carry out experiments, analyse and interpret data, and share your findings with colleagues and the wider scientific community.
Your work may contribute to new products, processes or clinical applications, or help to build fundamental scientific knowledge. You'll usually work as part of a wider research group and may collaborate with partners in universities, hospitals, government laboratories and industry.
Types of life science work
You'll usually specialise in a particular area of life science, depending on your interests and expertise. Common areas of work include:
- bioinformatics and genomics, using computational tools to analyse biological data
- biotechnology, developing new products and processes using living systems
- microbiology, studying microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and fungi
- neurosciences, researching the brain and nervous system
- oncology and pharmacology, focusing on cancer and drug development
- physiology and plant sciences, exploring how organisms function and respond to their environment
- stem cell research, investigating cell development and potential medical applications.
What does a research scientist in the life sciences do?
As a research scientist (life sciences) you may need to:
- design, plan and carry out experiments and research studies
- process, interpret and analyse experimental data
- write up results in research papers, reports and theses
- present your work at conferences, seminars and internal meetings
- collaborate with academic and industry partners on joint projects
- contribute to research proposals and apply for funding
- supervise or train students, technicians and junior researchers
- review the work of other scientists and keep up to date with developments in your field.
Research scientist (life sciences) salary
- As a PhD student, you may receive a funded studentship that covers tuition fees and project costs, plus a tax‑free stipend of at least £21,805 for 2026/27 if funded by UKRI, with some institutions and industry‑funded projects offering more.
- Once you're working as a research scientist after completing your PhD, you could earn £25,000 to £40,000, depending on your specialist area and experience.
- University professors or senior researchers, such as principal investigators, can earn £50,000 to £75,000, with higher salaries possible in senior industry roles, particularly in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology.
Starting salaries may be similar in academia and industry, but senior-level salaries are often higher in industry, particularly in pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. University salaries are usually linked to grade and pay-scale structures, with pay varying by role, institution, funding source and level of responsibility.
Income figures are intended as a guide only.
How many hours does a research scientist (life sciences) work?
Your working hours will vary depending on whether you're in academia or industry. In universities and research institutes, there is often some flexibility in start and finish times, but experimental work can be unpredictable and may require evening or weekend work. Travel within the UK and overseas is common for conferences, seminars and collaborative research and this may impact your working pattern.
In industry, your hours may be more structured and aligned with shift patterns, production schedules or commercial deadlines. You may also work longer hours when grant deadlines are approaching or when important experiments are underway. Fixed‑term contracts are common, especially in academia, and you may move between projects and institutions.
How do you become a life sciences research scientist?
You'll typically need a good honours degree, usually a 2:1 or above, in a relevant science subject. Particularly useful subjects include:
- biochemistry
- biomedical science
- crop and plant science
- ecology
- environmental biology
- microbiology
- natural sciences
- pharmacology.
Other useful subjects related to health include biology, medicine, agriculture and horticulture.
Many employers also expect you to have a research‑based MSc or a PhD, or to be working towards one, especially for higher‑level roles and progression in academia. Without a PhD, your career progression in universities is likely to be limited, although you may still progress in some industry roles.
It may be possible to enter a junior research or technician‑level role with an undergraduate degree, foundation degree or HND if you have substantial laboratory experience. You could then study part time for a postgraduate qualification to move into more senior research positions.
Funding for postgraduate study is often provided to universities and research institutes by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and other research councils, and then passed on to students as scholarships, bursaries and studentships.
Search postgraduate courses in life sciences.
Key skills for research scientists (life sciences)
You'll need to have:
- a methodical, analytical approach to designing experiments and processing data
- strong problem‑solving skills to troubleshoot experiments and interpret complex results
- good time management and organisational skills to manage projects and deadlines
- clear written and verbal communication skills for papers, reports, funding bids and presentations
- the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams
- tenacity and patience to see long‑term experiments and research projects through to completion
- networking skills to build effective links with external organisations and research partners.
Life science research work experience
Practical laboratory experience will significantly improve your chances of securing a research role. You can gain this through a placement year in industry, summer internships, vacation research projects or part‑time work in university laboratories. Experience in both academia and industry can help you understand how the two environments differ and inform your career choices.
You can also make speculative applications to potential academic supervisors or research group leaders to ask about work experience, shadowing or volunteering opportunities.
Keeping up to date with developments in your area, for example by reading peer-reviewed journals and following organisations such as the Royal Society of Biology (RSB) and BBSRC, will also strengthen your applications and interview performance.
Find out more about the different kinds of work experience and internships that are available.
Who employs research scientists (life sciences)?
The life sciences sector is broad, and you can find opportunities with a range of employers, including:
- clinical research organisations
- large pharmaceutical and cosmetics companies
- national and global health‑related charities
- NHS trusts and private hospitals
- research councils and their associated institutes
- scientific and technical consultancies
- universities and higher education institutions in the UK and overseas.
Some roles are available through Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs), which link graduates and researchers with organisations and a university or research institute to apply research in a commercial setting.
Look for job vacancies at:
Specialist scientific recruitment agencies include:
Many organisations and funders, including UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), have equality, diversity and inclusion policies to support a more inclusive research environment.
Where can a career as a research scientist (life sciences) lead?
Once you're working in a life science research role, you'll continue to develop your scientific and technical skills through on‑the‑job training, supervision and formal courses. If you're studying for a PhD, you'll usually be supported by a supervisor and may have access to additional training through your institution or organisations such as Vitae, which supports researcher development.
Continuing professional development (CPD) is important throughout your career to keep up with new techniques, technologies and regulations. You'll be expected to attend conferences, workshops and seminars, and may present your own work. Many researchers also work towards professional membership of bodies such as the Royal Society of Biology, and some aim for chartered biologist status. All laboratory researchers must complete training in health and safety, good laboratory practice (GLP), risk assessment and control of substances hazardous to health (COSHH).
In academia, career progression typically moves from postdoctoral researcher to more senior research fellow or lecturer roles, and eventually to professor or principal investigator, where you'll lead research groups, secure funding and take on more teaching and administrative responsibilities.
In industry, you might progress into senior scientist, project leader or management roles, or move into related areas such as business development, production, regulatory affairs or scientific consultancy.
With experience, you could also move into science communication or journalism, helping to improve public understanding of science, or into consultancy roles where you provide technical and commercial advice on new ideas, products and technologies.