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Science Research and Development

The UK is a leading life sciences producer and exporter. You could be doing critical research, developing future technologies, making scientific ideas commercially viable, developing and refining manufacturing processes, or innovating medical solutions such as developing new treatments to extend life expectancy.  

The Southwest  alone is home to over 370 life sciences companies and employs approximately 20,000 people in the sector. An average starting salary is of between £18,000 and £25,000, progressing to beyond £100,000 in certain roles with experience.  

Scientific research and development (R&D) takes place in university departments, in large companies, in SMEs and start-ups, in government departments and agencies, in research institutes funded by charities or research councils, and in hospitals. Employers include: 

  • Cancer Research UK (cancer biology)
  • DSTL, the Defence Science and Technology Lab (a range of sciences)
  • Large pharmaceuticals such as AstraZeneca, Pfizer and GSK
  • Specialty chemicals such as Akzo Nobel and BASF
  • Technology companies such as Philips and Siemens
  • Fast moving consumer goods companies such as Unilever, Coca Cola, RB, P&G and Nestle
  • Defence, aerospace and security such as Qinetiq
  • Contract research organisations, which undertake all or part of the scientific research process on behalf of a client, such as Quintiles, Covance, PAREXEL and LGC
  • Scientific start-up or spin-out companies. Increasingly, cutting edge science is being carried out in small high-tech companies typically based in science parks . 

Scientific research and development requires subject-based knowledge, so good research/technical skills are essential. Many employers look for graduates with degrees in a science, technology, engineering or maths (STEM) subject. A postgraduate qualification is not essential for some roles, though a Master’s in a clinical or medical subject can be useful. However, for other roles, such as in academic research, you may need either research Masters degree or PhD. 

You could also consider science-related careers in healthcare, engineering and manufacturing, energy and utilities, environment and agriculture or media and internet.  For more information visit these sector pages:  

Further Research

If you would like to do further research into this sector, the following webpages may be useful.  

Making Contacts

Making contacts is essential for success in this and other sectors. Many jobs in this field come through networking and speculative applications. You could start by speaking with the experts – find out what they did after graduation and contact them for advice.  

  • The Science Council - connecting the science professions to foster knowledge exchange through our professional registers.
  • ResearchGATE - professional online network for researchers across scientific disciplines.
  • NHS Research and Development Forum - for those managing and supporting research and development in health and social care. 

Also consider joining Exeter Students’ Guild societies such as MedTech and BioPharma society who run yearly Alumni and networking events.  

Making contacts for work shadowing, informational interviews and speculative applications. 

To help increase your networks who may also be able to suggest ways to gain experiences look at: 

  • Ask an Alum: A fuss-free way to connect with University of Exeter alumni to ask careers questions. 
  • Career Mentor Scheme: A popular employability scheme which matches a student or graduate with an experienced professional, for sector insight and one-to-one careers advice and guidance. Look out of the specialist annual scheme in partnership with the Institute of Clinical Research (Dates to be confirmed).
  • Professional Pathways: a suite of sector-specific training courses and paid 35 hour internships that take place in June and July including a Pathways to Scientific Laboratories. This Pathways programme offers the opportunity for students to gain valuable experience supporting one of the university's laboratories.. Please note, this programme is currently open to students within the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences only.

Events

Recruitment fairs, careers fairs, open days, talks, and events give insights and opportunities to make contacts.  For details of future events visit Handshake. If you have not yet activated your account, select the Single Sign On (SSO) option and follow the onscreen instructions.  

Other annual events of interest include:  

  • Events | South West Life Sciences.
  • The Royal Society of Biology run an annual Bioscience Careers Day, usually in October/November. It includes talks from experts working in a range of careers. You'll have the chance to meet with bioscience professionals and other students from across the UK.
  • Careers in Health and Life Sciences Career Fair runs annually in March at Streatham Campus.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Women in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) are still underrepresented but increasingly are now recognised and rewarded for the part they play in the industry. Initiatives are in place to help champion women in STEM. The WISE Campaign aims to inspire women into STEM careers and provides help and support to those working in these industries. The Athena Swan charter recognises the commitment of institutions that promote and advance careers of women in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEMM), in academia. For a list of charter members see Advance HE. 

For further breadth of resource including LGBTQI and Race explore Diversity & Inclusion resources - The Science Council   

UNESCO and L'Oreal Foundation run the UK and Ireland Rising Talent Award, a national programme offering five post-doctoral women scientists a grant of £15,000 each. The grants can be spent on whatever the winners need to further their research 

Many major graduate recruiters have policies and processes that are proactive in recruiting graduates from diverse backgrounds. To find out the policies and attitudes of employers that you are interested in, explore their equality and diversity policies and see if they offer Disability Confident Employer Scheme or are recognised for their policy by such indicators as Mindful Employer or as a Stonewall’s Diversity Champion.  

The UK law protects you from discrimination due to your age, gender, race, religion or beliefs, disability or sexual orientation and more. For further information on the Equality Act and to find out where and how you are protected, as well as information on what you need to do if you feel you have been discriminated against, visit the Government’s webpages on discrimination. 

To learn more about how to share details of a disability with an employer and the support you can receive applying for jobs and work experience visit the Career Zone equality and diversity page.

Action

Explore roles in the sector by visiting the areas of work below. Each profile covers typical duties and responsibilities, entry requirements, key skills required, professional development opportunities and links to finding both work experience and graduate roles.

Biomedical and Clinical Science

Pharmaceuticals, Biotech

Careers Outside the Lab