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Biomedical and Clinical Science

Clinical science and biomedicine have a profoundly positive impact on today's world, driving advancements in healthcare, improving patient outcomes, and enabling the development of new treatments and technologies. These fields are at the forefront of addressing global health challenges, including pandemics and chronic diseases.  

A career in biomedical or clinical science offers a chance to use scientific knowledge and skills to improve human health, engage in intellectual stimulation, and contribute to a dynamic and evolving field with a wide range of career opportunities. Professionals within this area play a crucial role in understanding diseases, developing treatments, and advancing healthcare.  

Biomedical science and clinical science are related fields that both play a crucial role in healthcare. Biomedical science focuses on the scientific study of the human body and its functions, including the development of new diagnostic and treatment methods. Clinical science, on the other hand, is more directly involved in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of diseases.  

Job titles can vary quite significantly in this sector, depending on the specialism of the organisation. Why not start by looking at the following profiles from Prospects: 

Job Profiles 

Further research 

For further reading look at  

If you are interested in this area of work, these sectors might also be of interest to you: 

Skills employers look for

Employers in the biomedical and clinical science sector look for a combination of technical expertise, regulatory awareness, and soft skills to ensure candidates can contribute effectively to research, diagnostics, treatment development, and clinical operations. Such skills and attributes include: 

  • laboratory skills and the ability to plan and carry out research
  • excellent communication and interpersonal skills, to pass on findings and give advice on diagnosis to other staff as well as to give formal presentations to colleagues
  • an analytical and investigative mind to assess scientific, technical and medical literature
  • effective problem-solving skills and the ability to use your initiative and work independently
  • strong teamwork skills as you'll be working as part of a multidisciplinary team, including doctors and other healthcare staff
  • meticulous documentation and record keeping skills
  • attention to detail and the ability to work with speed and accuracy
  • the ability to work under pressure and to plan and prioritise your workload
  • a self-motivated and confident approach to work, to gain the most from training placements in busy hospital departments
  • a flexible approach to work with the ability to adapt to changing circumstances, new technologies and techniques
  • the skills to lead and motivate others
  • project management skills
  • IT skills, as most laboratories are highly computerised.

Transferable skills 

  • analytical and problem-solving skills
  • computing and the use of statistics
  • data analysis, evaluation and interpretation
  • project management
  • numeracy
  • organisation and time management
  • oral and written communication
  • teamworking - from laboratory work or activities such as sport, societies or voluntary work. 

 Every employer is different so there are no definitive lists here.  These are meant as a guide and should be considered in addition to fully exploring role requirements outlined in person specification, job description and advert for each role you consider applying for 

To develop these skills, remember Career Zone also offers a range of Personal and Professional Development sessions which are available to book on Handshake and run at least once per term.  Please also read through the sections about Gaining Experience and Further Study and Professional Development to discover how you can develop your skills through experience and by gaining further knowledge or qualifications.

Gaining Experience

All experiences ranging from volunteering, active involvement in clubs/societies can help you to develop relevant and transferable skills.  

Volunteering  

Volunteering can be a powerful way to gain work experience, especially in competitive fields like biomedical and clinical sciences offering many practical, professional, and personal benefits that can significantly boost your career prospects. 

You may wish to consider volunteering with: 

  • Local NHS Trusts such as Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust and University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust.
  • The NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre has a Research Volunteers programme where you can work with research teams, advise on projects, and help promote research.
  • Research institutions, like the Francis Crick Institute and the Wellcome Trust, offer opportunities for gaining experience in research settings.
  • The Biochemical Society offers resources and support for early career bioscientists, including volunteer opportunities.
  • International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) offers international medical volunteering opportunities with a variety of specialties, including physiotherapy, pharmacy, and clinical laboratory science. 
  • STEM outreach programmes (e.g. STEM Ambassadors, Science Museums, local science festivals) – develop communication and public engagement skills.
  • University clubs and societies -  Exeter Students' Guild.

University of Exeter Employability Schemes 

Speculative applications and where to find opportunities 

Undertaking relevant work experience will also allow you to develop new skills and gain a valuable insight into the sector. As jobs and opportunities are not always advertised, it can be useful to develop your networking skills and apply speculatively. Before visiting the sites below, you may find it useful to read our Researching employers page. 

You can find opportunities and contacts on websites such as: 

It’s also worth attending career fairs, or talks hosted by the university, employers or external professional bodies which can help develop connections and discover unadvertised (or hidden) job opportunities. 

Finding Work Experience 

Completing work experience—whether part time, through an internship, placement, or short-term job—offers a wide range of benefits that go beyond just adding something to your CV. It's one of the most effective ways to prepare for a professional career, especially in competitive fields like biomedical and clinical sciences. 

Handshake is a valuable platform for finding work experience opportunities. It features a wide range of part-time jobs, internships, and research assistant roles from employers specifically looking to hire University of Exeter students. You can refine your search using filters to match your interests, course relevance, and availability, making it easier to discover roles that align with your career goals. 

You may wish to approach other organisations such as: 

  • Health Careers NHS - Getting experience can put you on the road to an NHS career. Watch this video for further information.
  • Wellcome Sanger Institute offer geonomics virtual work experience.
  • National Health Service (NHS) Biomedical Science Placements and Internships. The NHS offers a variety of placements, internships, and assistant roles in biomedical science, allowing students to gain practical experience in NHS laboratories and clinical settings. 
  • NHSBT (NHS Blood and Transplant) NHSBT offers a science-based work experience program, as well as early careers opportunities like the NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme.
  • Research Institutions - William Harvey Research Institute and Blizard Institute: These institutions offer specific work experience programs for students interested in bioscience, medicine, and dentistry.
  • Centre of the Cell provides work experience opportunities, including the Centre of the Cell Youth Membership Scheme, which can be a stepping stone for aspiring bioscience professionals.
  • BioNow If you're seeking work experience, Bionow is a great starting point to discover companies in the sector and connect with professionals and employers across the biomedical and clinical science industries.
  • The Royal Society of Biology (RSB) offers various placement opportunities designed to provide students with practical experience in the biological sciences. For more information, please click here.
  • The Biochemical Society offer Summer Vacation Studentships ranging from Research / scientific publishing /public engagement & science communication.
  • The Science Media Centre offer internships which give you a flavour of working on the front line between science and the news media.

Finding advertised graduate roles, placements and internships

Competition can be strong, especially for entry-level positions. Use the following resources to find advertised vacancies and research employers. 

Specialist Job Boards and Recruitment Agencies 

  • New Scientist offers various work experience and internship opportunities for individuals interested in science and media.
  • Zenopa Recruitment agency specialising in all types of jobs within the healthcare sector, including sales, engineering, medical, laboratory and administrative jobs.
  • STEM Recruitment refers to the specialized hiring processes aimed at sourcing talent in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
  • Jobs in Science is a UK-based recruitment agency specializing in sourcing scientific and technical talent across various industries.
  • Royal Society of Biology serves as a hub for biology professionals across all sectors and offers a variety of services to enhance the development of biology-related careers.
  • NHS careers lists a variety of roles across multiple fields, including clinical, administrative, IT, management, and support services. It caters to all levels, from entry-level positions to senior roles, in both patient-facing and non-patient-facing capacities.
  • Careerscene focuses on vacancies within biomedical science and laboratory medicine, catering to a range of positions from trainee roles to senior management.
  • GlaxoSmithKline offers a diverse range of job opportunities across various disciplines, including research and development, manufacturing, technology, marketing, and business operations. 

For general information about finding graduate opportunities, please visit our Graduate Jobs page.

Graduate schemes  

  • There are lots of opportunities advertised on Handshake, make sure to create an account if you haven’t already.
  • AstraZeneca offers a variety of graduate programmes typically spanning two years and involve rotational placements to ensure broad exposure and skill development.
  • NHS Scientist Training Programme This programme lasts for three years and involves approved and accredited workplace-based training and gaining a master’s degree in your chosen area of work.
  • Bright Network is a UK-based early careers platform that connects students and recent graduates with top employers, offering free access to career development tools, job opportunities, and industry insights.
  • Milkround Lists graduate vacancies and tips for applying. 
  • Gradcracker is the UK's leading careers platform dedicated to STEM students and serves as a central hub for students seeking opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. 

Local and Regional Opportunities 

  • Exeter Biomedical Research Centre provide opportunities for undergraduate and masters students at the University of Exeter to experience and get involved with research early in their training, facilitated by a range of internships and placements. Details of these are outlined here.
  • Exeter Science Park Exeter Science Park is a dynamic innovation hub located in Clyst Honiton, Devon, serving as a focal point for businesses in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM).
  • Exeter Clinical Research Facility (CRF) The Exeter CRF offers work experience placements providing hands-on experience in clinical research. While the programme is currently paused, it is under review for future opportunities. Past placements have included shadowing staff and observing clinical research activities. For updates, check the Exeter CRF Work Experience page.
  • Cornwall Council offers placements in various sectors, including science and healthcare. Details are available on the Cornwall Council website.
  • Devon County Council Skills Strategy – Identifies life sciences and healthcare as priority growth sectors for the local economy. 

Placements and Internships 

If you are interested in finding out more about work placements, you can also access the Work Placements SharePoint via Single Sign-On. This resource covers all aspects of credit-bearing work experiences as part of your degree, including what a placement is, how to apply for them, and bespoke information for international students or those interested in working abroad.  

Further sources of support 

If you are an international student, visit our international webpages for help finding opportunities both in the UK and globally. 

To find opportunities outside the UK use GoinGlobal.

Further study and professional development

Some decide to undertake further study to develop their skills and knowledge of the sector and related occupations. Not all roles or employers will require this, so it is important to research entry requirements and employer preferences before committing to additional training or qualifications. Use the sites below to research your further study options.  

Information and links from professional bodies 

If you have studied a related degree, check if your course is accredited by one of the professional bodies. Being a member of a professional body is voluntary; however, it can be valuable for developing networks, continuing your professional development, and generally keeping up to date with what's happening in the sector.  

  • The Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) The Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) is the UK's leading professional body for biomedical scientists, with over 21,000 members across 74 countries.
  • Academy for Healthcare Science (AHCS) The Academy for Healthcare Science (AHCS) serves as the overarching body for the UK's healthcare science workforce, encompassing professionals from various sectors, including clinical practice, life sciences, and clinical research.
  • Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) is the statutory regulator for 15 health and care professions in the United Kingdom. Its primary role is to protect the public by ensuring that professionals meet and maintain high standards of proficiency, conduct, and ethics.
  • UK Bioindustry Association The BIA's mission is to be the voice of the UK life sciences and biotech industry, enabling and connecting the ecosystem so that businesses can start, grow, and deliver world-changing innovation.
  • Association for Laboratory Medicine is a UK-based professional body dedicated to advancing laboratory medicine. Qualifying members are automatically enrolled in the Federation of Clinical Scientists (FCS), which represents the interests of clinical scientists. 

Advice 

If you would like to pursue postgraduate study before entering your chosen sector, please visit our Postgraduate Study page for more information about choosing further study. If you are unsure whether further study is for you, you may wish to attend our ‘Postgraduate study: is it right for you?’ session which runs termly. Find these advertised on Handshake.