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Build a career in Biomedical Science
This career guide is designed to help University of Portsmouth students and recent graduates explore job options, key employers, and entry routes into the Pharmacology sector.
In this guide
Potential Job Roles
Pharmacology roles can be be found in industries including:
To research different sectors in the industry to find out about available roles, you can use these links on the ABPI (The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry) website:
In addition, the ABPI website also has a range of case studies to learn about the personal journeys of those working in the industry.
You can also find detailed job profiles for the following roles on the Prospects website.
The NHS health career website profiles more than 350 different careers. You can explore the roles section for more information.
Some roles you could research include the following:
Biotechnology is the application of biological systems to solve problems, improve processes and develop and manufacture products. Biotech companies exist in several industrial sectors, which include: biomedical, food and agriculture, and environmental. The UK Biotech website has a life science map where you can find and research companies by location or research by specific sectors.
Our Scientific research and analysis career guide can provide further details on opportunities in this industry.
Graduate Training Schemes
Opportunities are available for pharmacology graduates in the broader job market such as, banking and business, working in roles in accounting, insurance or investments.
Organisations run graduate training schemes for applicants with the transferable skills such as problem solving, innovative thinking and working independently and as part of a team.
Different schemes offer different roles depending on the size and business focus of the organisation, so take a look at these schemes to see which you think you would be most interested in.
Roles can be researched on several graduate job sites - suggested sites for you to explore:
Gaining Experience
Types of opportunities
An internship is a short term work opportunity, or undertake a placement as part of your year in industry.
Applications open around September, closing dates as early as October and November. Please see the below sites for Internship opportunities;
To learn more about completing a placement, you can contact the Placements team in the Careers and Employability Service.
Undertaking your own research into laboratories of interest and approaching them directly can lead to acquiring further practical experience.
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 using a 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 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
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 Graduate Job
Where to find opportunities
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.
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.
Keeping up to date
Here are some key resources to help you keep updated with industry news and explore the sector further.
- 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
- The Institute of Clinical Research
- The Association for Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine
- British Society for Immunology - find out about careers and news in immunology
- British Society for Genetic Medicine - 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 the cosmetic science industry
- Society for Endocrinology - Next steps: options after a biosciences degree
- 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
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