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Scientific research and analysis
This career guide is designed to help University of Portsmouth students and recent graduates explore job options, key employers, and entry routes into the scientific research and analysis sectors.
As a scientist you might be undertaking fundamental research, developing the technologies of the future, making scientific ideas a commercially viable reality, developing and refining manufacturing processes, or innovating medical solutions - potentially having an impact on the lives of millions of people.
Areas of employment might include:
- academic research
- chemicals
- food science
- healthcare science
- life science
- materials science
- toxicology
You might also find opportunities in more commercial areas of the industry such as IT, finance, marketing and HR.
Many large science and pharmaceutical companies in the UK employ graduates, but you may also find roles in public sector bodies, universities and research organisations.
Potential Job Roles
Prospects has a useful list of job profiles, each containing relevant information about key responsibilities, skill requirements, starting salaries, entry requirements, career prospects with links to major employers and current graduate vacancies. Some roles include:
Professional Qualifications
If you are considering a career in scientific research and analysis, it is important to understand the qualifications, skills, and experience most valued within your chosen field. While many entry-level roles can be accessed with an undergraduate degree, progression into specialist research positions often requires postgraduate study, such as a Master's degree or PhD. Additional training in areas such as data analysis, laboratory techniques, statistics, or research methods may also be advantageous depending on the sector.
Gaining Experience
Work experience can be invaluable to develop your skills, enhance your employability prospects as well as building some professional contacts with employers in the sector. Please see below for some different ways you could find work experience within the scientific sector.
Types of opportunities
Below are some examples of the different types of opportunities to gain experience while you study.
You might be able to secure an internship, which is a short term work opportunity, or a placement as part of your year in industry.
Several large employers in this sector, such as Unilever, Pfizer, AstraZeneca and P&G, regularly offer internships and industrial placements. Applications generally open around September, with closing dates as early as October and November.
You can find more internship and placement opportunities through:
Placements will give you a long-term look at an organisation, and help you to build contacts and experience.
On some degrees, work placements are part of the programme, whilst on others you can choose to complete a placement as one of your modules. Should you choose to undertake either your first point of contact is your placement team.
Learn more about taking a placement
ou could also look to arrange your own work experience, by undertaking your own research into laboratories of interest and approaching them directly to enquire of any suitable opportunities. This is called a speculative approach.
Useful resources to assist you in locating labs to target as part of your search are:
- UK Science Park - a directory of Science Parks in the UK
- NHS Trust Directory - try approaching the principal clinical scientist in your local NHS Trust (you may have to go through the HR department)
- One Nucleus - a directory of biotech companies
- Science and Health Faculty - check your School notice boards and contact science lecturers. They may be looking for lab support staff/assistants during vacations or term time
Find out more about the speculative approach to help you find work experience
Several academic institutions and research institutes offer summer research projects to students. Professional bodies and research councils also advertise opportunities, including clinical research, funding and studentships. Use the links below, as well as internet search engines, to help you find suitable opportunities:
Where to find work experience opportunities
There are plenty of ways to find work experience in accounting, finance and economics. Some key online platforms include:
Getting the most out of work experience
Whether you already have a career path in mind or are still exploring your options, our work experience pages guide you to finding opportunities that match your interests and goals. You'll find advice on choosing an industry, broadening your search, and standing out while building valuable skills and experience.
Speculative applications
Speculative applications involve sending a CV and cover letter to an employer to ask if they have any vacancies, even if the company is not currently advertising for a role. They're a great way to access "hidden jobs" that go unadvertised.
Submitting a speculative application shows your interest in a specific company and your willingness to go above and beyond to develop your skills and understanding of the industry.
Finding a Job
We recommend starting your search using our online jobs board, MyCareer. You can also find general online job boards and advice through our Graduate Jobs page.
Job Boards for scientific research and analysis
Recruitment agencies
Recruitment consultants work with individuals to help them find suitable work to match their skills. Agency Central is the UK's leading recruitment agency directory. An advanced search and filter system finds the agencies which match your needs.
Are you looking for a role in Hampshire? Our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy can help!
If you're in the final year of your degree, you can register for support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy. They work with over 3,000 employers in the local area to place our students into fantastic graduate careers.
Speculative applications
Speculative applications involve sending a CV and cover letter to an employer to ask if they have any vacancies, even if the company is not currently advertising for a role. They're a great way to access "hidden jobs" that go unadvertised.
Submitting a speculative application shows your interest in a specific company and your willingness to go above and beyond to develop your skills and understanding of the industry.
Working for yourself
Got an idea you'd like to turn into something bigger?
Whether you're planning a business, side hustle or freelance career, our Student StartUp team can help you build your confidence and develop your plans. Access expert guidance, funding opportunities, workshops and workspace designed to help you move your idea forward.
Keep up-to-date with the industry
- New Scientist - popular science and technology publication, has lots of useful career information and advice too
- Prospects - The ‘Science sector overview’ is a useful information guide on roles and trends in the industry
- Royal Society of Biology – also see career booklet Next Steps: options after a bioscience degree
- The Institute of Clinical Research
- The Association for Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine
- Targetjobs - the 'Science and Research' overview page has lots of useful information and advice on roles available and the types of companies that recruit in this sector
- British Society for Immunology - find out about careers and news in immunology
- British Society for Genetic Medicine - information on career opportunities in genetics and genomic science
- British Pharmacological Society - discover the different career paths within pharmacology
- Society of Cosmetic Scientists - keep up to date with news from the cosmetic science industry
Explore more from the Careers Service
CVs, portfolios and cover letters
Find out how to increase your chances of getting an interview by writing a strong CV and completing a successful application.
Building work experience
Get hands-on industry experience and showcase your knowledge before you graduate!
Graduate job search guide
Learn about the types of roles you will encounter, and how to search for roles.
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