As University Graduation approaches, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed. The future is full of exciting potential – but it is also fast-approaching, with nothing you can do to stop it. After years of hard work – on your course as well as on internships and placements – you might feel ready to take on the world, with a clear career path ahead. And that is amazing. On the other hand, if you are feeling the post-university pressure to find work, there is no harm in stopping to consider your options. Here are 10 jobs you can do with a science degree!
To help you pick, we’ve given the salaries, the requirements and what you’ll have to do. So just ask yourself the important questions: do I want to work in research? Would I prefer a job in academia or industry? Would I be willing to work abroad? Your answers shape your career choices. When you are clear on what you want from future employment, there is only one more quandary standing in your way.
1. Science Writer
Salary: £15,000
Salary Cap: £47,500
Science writers create and edit scientific news, articles and features. They can write for a variety of markets and outlets including businesses, specialist scientific and technical journals, and the media in general. This can include pieces for television, radio and blogs.
If you want to use your science degree but don’t fancy more lab time, maybe a role as a science writer would suit you. The salary definitely would!
Qualifications: Move from a Science career into Writing, or from Journalism into specialised Science Writing. Many Science Writers have degrees in the Sciences, and even MSc/PhD qualifications too!
2. Nanotechnologist
Salary: £15,000
Salary Cap: £40,000
Tasks in this field include manipulating matter on the nanoscale (one billionth of a metre), helping to develop new raw materials and innovative drugs. Nanotechnology requires knowledge from across all scientific fields: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering Science and Computing Science.
Nanotech is not a little job. Get it? Little. And the salary isn’t little either!
Qualifications: A good Honours degree in a Science subject, as well as a research-based MSc or PhD.
3. Astronomer
Salary: £15,009
Salary Cap: £60,000
Astronomers are scientists who study the universe, its objects and how it works. Observational Astronomers work with cameras and telescopes to look at stars, galaxies and other objects. Meanwhile, Theoretical Astronomers use maths and computerised models to explain and predict the universe they are observing. Astronomers can specialise in areas such as: stars, galaxies, planets or even cosmology (the origin of the universe).
For anyone who has always loved the stars, this job is perfect. The £60k helps, too.
Qualifications: Almost all Astronomy jobs require PhDs. To apply, you need at least a 2:1 Degree in: Astronomy/Astrophysics, Geology/Earth Sciences, Physics, Maths, Computer Science, or other related sciences.
4. Pharmacologist
Salary: £15,285
Salary Cap: £46,271
Your job as a Pharmacologist is to help discover how drugs and medicines work, and particularly how drugs interact with biological systems. You will also carry out research to predict what sort of effect certain drugs will have on humans.
Pharmacologists are some of the most important people out there! Plus you can get a salary of £46k a year!
Qualifications: Degree in Pharmacology or a related subject such as: Biology, Chemistry or Toxicology. An MSc or PhD in Pharmacology or a related subject is also desirable.
5. Teaching Laboratory Technician
Salary: £15,500
Salary Cap: £23,699
If you take on this role you will work in educational institutions such as schools or universities, supporting the work of science teachers and/or lecturers as well as students.
Did you always like the look of the lab techs at school? Thought their job looked cool? Well why not earn £23k a year and do it?
Qualifications: A degree in the Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computing Science, Environmental Sciences etc) – non-essential but very useful.
6. Toxicologist
Salary: £20,000
Salary Cap: £60,000
Working in Toxicology, your job will be all about evaluating the impact of toxins, chemicals and even new medicines, on the environment as well as humans and animals. As part of the job you may be required to carry out laboratory and field studies.
Plus you’ll be earning £60k at the peak of your role.
Qualifications: Degree in Food/Crop/Soil/Environmental Sciences. OR Degree in Forensic/Chemical/Physical Sciences. OR Degree in Medical and Veterinary Sciences.
7. Animal Technician
Salary: £20,846
Salary Cap: £28,000
Animal technicians are vital to developments in science. They are responsible for working with and caring for animals in medical and scientific research facilities. As part of the role, you would provide the highest standard of care to these animals, as instructed by strict UK laws.
Those looking to care for the animals needed in medical research have a hard job, but if you want to support them to the highest standard you could earn up to £28k.
Qualifications: No mandatory qualifications, however degrees in Biology, Pharmacology, Animal Behaviour/Management, Physiology or Toxicology are desirable.
8. Forensic Scientist
Salary: £22,711
Salary Cap: £45,000
Also known as crime-scene investigators, Forensic Scientists collect and analyse physical evidence to be used in a court of law. As part of a forensic team, you would be responsible for collating and interpreting lots of crime-scene material, and producing detailed reports on your findings.
Want to be like your faves from CSI? And fancy a £45k a year? Go for it.
Qualifications: Degree in Biological Sciences, Chemistry or Forensic Science.
9. Biomedical Scientist
Salary: £29,879
Salary Cap: £50,819
Biomedical scientists are trained in biology, with a particular interest in medicine. They are all about discovering how the human body works, finding new ways to treat or cure diseases through innovative treatments and diagnostic methods. This is often referred to as Biomedical Research.
This is a great job for any biomed students, especially with a salary of £50k!
Qualifications: Degree in Biomedical Science, approved by Health and Care Professions and the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS).
10. Meteorologist
Salary: £33,981
Salary Cap: £61,030
There are a number of opportunities for scientists working in the field of Meteorology. If your ideal job is in research, then analysing meteorological phenomena could be the career for you. And if you fancy something a little different, it could be worth looking into weather forecasting as an Operational Meteorologist. After all, the process is completely science-based, using mathematical models and knowledge to prepare daily reports.
Sounds like a great job when you think about a £61k salary!
Qualifications: First Class Degree in: Maths, Physics, Environmental Sciences, Physical Geography or Computer Science and Climate Change.
So, what next?
Now that you have your degree in the Sciences, putting it to use is a brilliant idea. With uni halls and exam-cramming sessions behind you, you are more than ready to get out there and find your dream job. Just remember: you don’t have to rush. Take your time. Do your research. Use those network connections and ask plenty of questions. Discover yourself, and if you can, find a career that makes you excited to get up in the morning. After all, we spend more than a third of our lives at work. Why not love what you do?
Last Updated on October 4, 2024
Published on November 10, 2021
