Life Science
Research careers and find opportunities in life science.
About life science
There are over 6,500 life sciences companies in the UK, employing an estimated 282,000 people.
The UK is a leading life sciences producer and exporter. Many world-class UK companies specialise in research and development and biotech products. Much of the research is healthcare-related, such as developing new treatments to extend life expectancy.
In the North East, life sciences is a key sector. More than 7,680 people are working in health and life science companies. The region’s dominance in the biotechnology sector is particularly significant, with the number of biotech companies doubling in three years.
Salaries
Starting salaries for graduate jobs in this sector can vary depending on the position.
To get an idea of typical starting salaries use the following resources:
- our Discover your Earning Potential Pathway offers access to The Pay Index. This shows you how salaries vary across different roles, industries and locations
- job profiles, such as those listed on Prospects or targetjobs
- vacancy sites such as Glassdoor and LinkedIn
- For information about how to negotiate a salary, visit Handling job offers
Roles and skills
There are lots of opportunities open to you with a degree in life sciences. From academic research and healthcare science, to research and development and product development.
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 a research Master’s or PhD.
Job profiles
Have a look at Prospects and targetjobs to find out what roles in this sector involve and how to get into them.
Life science
Job titles can vary quite significantly in this sector, depending on the specialism of the organisation.
It’s useful to look at life science company pages on LinkedIn and use the ‘staff’ tab to explore the job titles they use.
Research scientist job titles can include the specific area they focus on, for example 'Reagent scientist'.
These are some of the job profiles available:
- Research scientist (life sciences)
- Research Scientist (medical)
- Microbiologist – see also SGM Microbiology Careers
- Biotechnologist
- Nanotechnologist
- Scientific laboratory technician – see specific case studies from Royal Society of Biology
- Clinical research associate
- Neuroscientist
- Pharmacologist
- Product/process development scientist
- Teaching laboratory technician
- Forensic scientist
- Toxicologist
- Cosmetic scientist
- Animal Technician
You may also be interested in Science careers outside the lab.
Healthcare & clinical science
You need to be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) to work as a healthcare or clinical scientist in the UK.
To register with the HCPC you usually need to have completed an accredited education or training programme.
To become a clinical scientist, you can apply for the NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP). Once you complete this you would be able to apply to register as a clinical scientist with the HCPC.
For other roles, such as Biomedical Scientist, read our guide to becoming HCPC registered.
Read detailed information on over 50 healthcare science roles on the NHS Careers website, or use the profiles below to get started:
- Biomedical scientist
- Clinical scientist, audiology
- Clinical scientist, biochemistry
- Clinical scientist, embryology
- Clinical scientist, genomics
- Clinical scientist, haematology
- Clinical scientist, histocompatibility and immunogenetics
- Clinical scientist, immunology
- Clinical scientist, physiological sciences
You may also be interested in Healthcare.
Skills employers look for
Employers in this sector look for skills including:
- good practical laboratory skills and manual dexterity
- an analytical and investigative mind and the ability to organise and carry out research
- the ability to prioritise tasks, meet deadlines and work with minimum supervision
- flexibility and the ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams
- strong written and oral communication skills
- the ability to communicate scientific information to non-experts
- attention to detail and a logical and methodical approach to problem-solving
In 2018 there was an analysis of the life science labour market in the North of England. Companies listed the skills they felt were lacking in science and technology applicants. Commercial awareness came top with over 30% highlighting it as a key issue. Work experience (28%), problem-solving skills (20%) and communication skills (19%) were also considered to be lacking.
Employers felt the following would be most valuable to develop:
- empathy
- drive
- ability to see the bigger picture
- communication skills
- commercial awareness
- work experience
IT skills (particularly in data analysis and artificial intelligence)
Inspiration from people working in the industry
- browse our Work Experience and Graduate Employment directories. See where our students and graduates have had work experience, or been employed
- use LinkedIn’s Alumni tool to find out what Newcastle graduates are doing now. You could ask to connect with them, to gain advice and insights into their career. See Newcastle Alumni on LinkedIn to help you get started or watch our quick tutorial on Getting inspiration from others [3:13]
- attend alumni events, such as Newcastle Develop, to hear directly from our graduates
- sign up for mentoring support with Graduate Mentor and The 1 Hour Project. These aim to match students with industry professionals who can provide invaluable insights. Register to be connected for a one-hour meeting
- attend events, including recruitment fairs and employer and sector insights. Hear about graduate jobs, placement schemes, build your network and ask questions.
Online reviews
Searching for reviews online can be a useful way to get an idea of what to expect from certain roles or employers. Reviews are written by employees with different opinions about what makes a good employer.
Use the following review sites for inspiration and insight into the recruitment process:
- RateMyPlacement placement year reviews written by students.
- The Job Crowd – graduate job reviews
- Glassdoor – company reviews from employees
Not sure what you want to do?
If you’re not sure exactly what you want to do, we can help. You can book a guidance appointment via MyCareer. Our careers consultants can help you explore your options or plan your career.
Career guides
Read career guides for this sector, such as:
Life science
- Prospects: Science and Pharmaceuticals
- targetjobs: Pharmaceuticals and biotechnology
- Science: Careers Articles
- CK Science: Careers Zone - advice and tips from a science recruitment agency
- Microbiology Careers - also useful for other science students and graduates
- British Neuroscience Association: Neuroscience Career FAQs
- ABPI: Careers in the pharmaceutical industry
- Royal Society of Biology - careers resources
- British Pharmacological Society - Careers in Pharmacology
Healthcare and clinical science
Options with your subject
See the Prospects: What can I do with my degree? series. Discover career options, work experience, typical employers and skills from your degree in:
Explore the Royal Society of Biology's options after a bioscience degree. Find advice on job-seeking strategies and how to evidence your skills in applications.
Industry news
Use online magazines and journals to follow news from your industry. Reading about trends and developments is important for applications and interviews.
Examples include:
- New Scientist
- The Lancet
- Nature Publishing Group
- PMLiVE
- Laboratory News
- Digital Health Base - digital health news
For North East sector insights, visit:
- The Biosphere
- UK Tech News: North East
- Invest North East England - supports companies looking to locate and invest in the north east
Attend events
Attend events to hear directly from professionals in the industry.
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.
See also our Events including recruitment fairs and employer and sector insights.
Student societies
Join relevant student societies such as:
- Biology
- Bio Medical Sciences - host events to promote employability and industry placements.
- Medtech - national innovation programme. Students can generate solutions for real clinical needs.
Social media
Use online media to find industry insights, such as:
- 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
Join sector-specific groups on LinkedIn to keep up to date. Posts often include news, events and opportunities. You can also find useful insights on careers on X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok. Treat these with caution, as not all content may be accurate.
Find out more about how to use social media for your career.
Professional bodies
Consider joining a relevant professional body/industry network. You can also follow them on LinkedIn, or visit their websites for news, contacts, work experience and vacancies.
Professional bodies often:
- run networking events
- have specialist groups you could join
- post vacancies on behalf of their members
- have member directories, useful for speculative applications
Key organisations
- Royal Society of Biology
- The Institute of Biomedical Science
- British Pharmacological Society
- The Microbiology Society
- British Society for Immunology
- Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences
- The British Toxicology Society
- Association for Laboratory Medicine
- Association for Clinical Genomic Science
- British Society for Genetic Medicine
- The Genetics Society
- British Neuroscience Association
- The Academy of Medical Sciences
- The European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) - funding, training and jobs
- The Society of Cosmetic Scientists
- Institute of Clinical Research
- Black Pharma - pharmaceutical career programmes for black candidates
Research councils and institutes
UK Research and Innovation is a non-departmental public body. It brings together UK research councils, including:
- Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council – see also list of related institutes
- Medical Research Council – see also list of related institutes
- Research England
You could also explore the following institutes
- Francis Crick Institute
- The European Bioinformatics Institute - open data in the life sciences
- The Sanger Institute
- Wellcome Trust
- John Innes Centre
Sector skills councils/industry associations
- Cogent Skills - skills and talent partner for science industry companies, including life science
- Association of British HealthTech Industries
- The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI)
- Biotechnology Industry Organization
- The BioIndustry Association
Finding professional bodies worldwide
GoinGlobal’s country guides include details of professional bodies. Find them under ‘Professional and Personal Networking’ on each individual country guide.
Guide to finding opportunities
Many large recruiters advertise summer internships, year-long placements and graduate training programmes. For example Unilever, Pfizer, AstraZeneca and P&G.
You can also find opportunities within healthcare providers, and research institutions.
There are various ways to find internships, placements and graduate opportunities. We’ve added some tips below to help you get started.
- search for advertised vacancies or advertised work experience using the vacancy sites listed below
- look at the careers sections on company websites for student and graduate opportunities. Use Researching Employers to help you gain insights into companies
- attend events such as recruitment fairs and employer and sector insights
- contact employers speculatively – see non-advertised work experience and graduate jobs to help you find organisations to approach
- follow companies on social media for latest news and updates
- consider registering with a recruitment agency for graduate jobs
- register with EmployAbility if you are disabled, neurodivergent or have a mental health condition. They can offer advice and support on applications to Newcastle students. They also run first year, internship and graduate programmes with inclusive employer partners.
- ask family and friends if they have any useful contacts who may be able to offer you work experience
- consider alternative ways to find relevant experience and develop your skills
- create your own opportunity by starting your own business or working freelance
Advertised work experience
Getting into life and healthcare science is extremely competitive.
Work experience can be invaluable in developing relevant skills and demonstrating your commitment.
Placements and summer internships are usually aimed at undergraduate students in and above their second or penultimate year of study. Some companies will also consider first and final year students.
Smaller companies often don’t advertise opportunities. You may need to contact them with a speculative approach. Do this early, as it can be very competitive.
Several academic institutions and research institutes offer summer research projects to students. See scholarships and awards for funded research opportunities.
Professional bodies and research councils also advertise opportunities. This includes clinical research, funding and studentships. See above for a list of organisations.
Search for internships and placement years
Use our resources to get started:
- MyCareer - search for internships and placements in the North East, UK and overseas. Register/log in to access vacancies and sign up for personalised email alerts
- Internships, placements & shadowing - links to vacancy sites
- Global work experience - for internships or placements abroad
Search the following external sites
- Gradcracker - internships and placements for science students
- Student Ladder: lists science internships and industrial placements. They also advertise internships in scientific research
- Rate My Placement - science and research placement and internship guide
- Bright network
- Royal Society of Biology – list of industrial, summer placements and undergraduate studentships
- British Pharmacological Society – internships and placements in the UK and overseas
- ABPI: Pharmaceutical recruiters – search list for recruiters offering internships and placements
Research councils and institute often offer summer programmes, for example:
- Wellcome Trust
- Francis Crick
- Institute of Cancer Research
- Science and Technology Facilities Council
- BBSRC: professional internships for PhD students
- See list of professional organisations above for more examples of research institutes. For more related work experience opportunities, see Research in Academia.
Other options for lab-based experience
You can also find lab-based work experience through contacting university departments. Check School noticeboards and contact science departments. They may be looking for any support staff or assistants during vacations or term time. The School of Biomedical, Nutritional and Sport Sciences at Newcastle offers development opportunities. This includes paid part-time lab assistant posts within research laboratories to stage 2 students. These run during term-time from October to the end of semester two.
Hospitals sometimes offer lab-based placements. Try approaching the principal clinical scientist in your local NHS trust hospital. You may have to go through the HR department.
See how to access hidden opportunities below, to learn how to find and contact relevant organisations.
You can also look at our examples of other ways to gain relevant experience.
NCL internships
The Careers Service runs flexible term-time and summer internships with local employers and on campus. NCL internships are aimed at all students, from any stage.
Search for these under Vacancies on MyCareer. Type in ‘NCL internship’ into the text search box.
You can find these advertised throughout the academic year. Full-time summer opportunities are advertised from around March.
Worldwide experience
- IAESTE – global work placements, ranging from 8 to 52 weeks. Opportunities include science roles. The UK is not a member country of IAESTE, but there are opportunities to participate for students from non-member countries
- RISE Germany – summer research internships at German universities and research institutions. For second year undergraduates
- John Innes – international summer schools
- AMGEM Scholars - research experience at European educational institutions
Access GoinGlobal for internships in over 120 global locations, updated daily. Search for opportunities in the local language, as well as in English. You can also use their country guides to find:
- additional vacancy websites
- CV, application and interview advice
- advice on living and working in different countries and cities around the world.
Looking for ideas
If you’re looking for inspiration, try searching our NU Work Experience Directory.
You can see where our students have had internships and placements in the last five years. To see all results in a search category, keep the search field blank.
Advertised graduate opportunities
Employers in the life science sector use a wide variety of methods to recruit staff. An analysis of the life science labour market in the North of England found that:
- 45% advertised their vacancies through recruitment agencies
- 26% used university vacancy sites, such as MyCareer, to recruit graduates
- 24% recruited from speculative applications
A further 17% of employers advertised on graduate vacancy sites, such as the ones listed below, and 7% used social media to recruit.
Several large employers, such as Unilever, Pfizer, AstraZeneca and GlaxoSmithKline, offer structured graduate programmes, typically lasting 1- 2 years. Applications generally open almost a year ahead, around August or September. Closing dates are as early as October and November. These tend to be advertised on university or graduate job sites.
Smaller companies often don’t advertise opportunities. It’s worth contacting them with a speculative approach - see the section Finding companies below to help you get started.
For sources of vacancies in universities and research institutions, see Research in Academia.
Professional bodies and research councils also advertise graduate opportunities, including clinical research. See About for a list of organisations.
When to apply
The resources in this section advertise both graduate jobs and graduate schemes. See our graduate jobs page to understand the difference between them.
For graduate schemes, apply as early as possible.
UK applications typically open early in the academic year from September or October. Some close as early as November-December. Many employers close applications as soon as their places are filled.
Graduate jobs tend to be immediate start positions which can be available all year round. You are more likely to apply for these towards the end of your studies.
Vacancy sites
Use our resources to get started:
- MyCareer - search for graduate schemes and graduate jobs in the North East, UK and overseas. Register/log in to access vacancies and sign up for personalised email alerts
- Graduate Jobs – lists graduate vacancy sites
Life science vacancy sites
- Gradcracker
- GetReskilled: UK Pharmaceutical Jobs Board
- Royal Society of Biology: Jobs
- Applied Microbiology International – life science vacancies in the UK and overseas
- UK Bioindustry Association
- Pharmiweb.Jobs
- New Scientist Jobs
- Nature
- Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) - partnerships between a business, a graduate and an academic institution. These paid projects last between 1-3 years. They welcome applications from international graduates. View current opportunities
- Jobs.ac.uk - for lab, clinical and technical roles
- ResearchGATE – life science research roles
- Times Higher Education – life science roles in academia
- British Society for Immunology Jobs Board - immunology PhD opportunities
- Medical Research Council (MRC) - vacancies in MRC units.
- UKRI jobs
- Civil Service Jobs – science opportunities within government departments and agencies
See our Research in academia pages for more opportunities
Role specific sites
- Microbiologist
- Biotechnologist
- Nanotechnologist
- Clinical research associate
- Neuroscientist
- Pharmacologist
- Laboratory technician (schools)
- Forensic scientist
- Toxicologist
- Cosmetic scientist
- Animal technologist
Healthcare and clinical science vacancy sites
To work as a clinical scientist in the UK, you must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Our guide below has information on becoming HCPC registered.
As a graduate of a relevant but non-accredited degree, you can train to work in a senior healthcare science role by completing the NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP). Find out more about the types of specialisms available and how to apply in the section below.
Some NHS healthcare science roles don’t require an accredited degree, or HCPC registration. Try searching for “science apprentice” or “science assistant” on:
Medical and healthcare charities, such as the Anthony Nolan Trust, also advertise vacancies. See Charities and voluntary organisations for more opportunities
Clinical scientist vacancies
The following websites offer vacancies for HCPC registered clinical scientist roles. You need to have completed an accredited degree or the STP to qualify for them.
- The Biomedical Scientist Jobs – biomedical scientist
- British Society for Genetic Medicine - clinical cytogeneticist/clinical molecular geneticist
- Health Jobs UK – health science jobs
See Healthcare for medical roles, dentistry and allied health professions, such as pharmacy or prosthetics.
NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP)
To become a healthcare scientist in the NHS, you can complete the NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP). This is a graduate-entry training programme that leads to more senior scientist roles in the NHS.
Trainee healthcare scientists are employed by NHS Trusts on a three-year programme. This includes study for an approved and accredited Master’s degree in your chosen science specialism.
Entry on to the STP is highly competitive and you will need a first or 2:1 degree, or a 2:2 with a relevant Master's or PhD. Relevant work experience is helpful, as is involvement with research projects.
You apply for the STP through the National School of Healthcare Science (NSHCS). Recruitment usually takes place in January, but check the NSHCS website regularly for details.
Worldwide vacancy sites
See International jobs for details of overseas vacancy sites.
Many of the vacancy sites listed above include overseas job searches as well as UK options. You could also try:
- BioSpace - international biotech and pharmaceutical jobs in the USA
- Science Careers – worldwide vacancy search
- Diversity in Research Jobs
Access GoinGlobal for job adverts in over 120 global locations, updated daily. Search for opportunities in the local language, as well as in English. You can also use their country guides to find:
- additional vacancy websites
- CV, application and interview advice
- advice on living and working in different countries and cities around the world.
Non-advertised work experience and graduate jobs
Not all internships, placements and graduate jobs are advertised. In fact, many people create opportunities through:
- networking and making contacts
- developing their own business ideas
A speculative approach is common for finding work experience and graduate jobs. This is where you approach a company directly to ask if they have any opportunities available.
How to access hidden opportunities
Start by identifying organisations you are interested in. Our guide to finding organisations below can help. Then use the following steps to approach them speculatively about possible opportunities:
- Identify a contact name to address your cover letter to. Call or email to find out who handles recruitment within the organisation. Or, find a key contact in the department you want to work in.
- Send them a tailored CV and cover letter. Express your enthusiasm for the sector. Show that you have researched the company.
- Follow up your speculative application with a phone call, or email, around a week later. This shows you are serious and motivated.
- If your application was unsuccessful, ask for feedback or advice, and keep trying!
How to find organisations
- find organisations on MyCareer. Select ‘search' then 'organisations’
- use the business directories and databases on our Researching employers page
- search for companies on LinkedIn. The Find Alumni tool shows you where Newcastle graduates are currently working
- browse our Work Experience and Graduate Employment directories. See where our students and graduates have had work experience, or been employed
Use the resources below to find organisations in the North East, UK and worldwide.
North East organisations
- BioNOW - biomedical and life science companies in the North of England with member directory
- North East Process Industry Cluster (NEPIC) - includes a member directory
- UK Science Park Association – includes NETPark, the Wilton Centre and the National Innovation Centre for Ageing in the North East.
- NorthEastPharma – cluster of pharmaceutical manufacturers in the North East
- The Biosphere – cluster of life science, healthcare and biotechnology companies
UK organisations
- Find organisations on MyCareer - click on ‘search organisations’ under the Vacancies tab
- Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) - list of companies. You can filter those which offer work experience
- BioIndustry Association: member directory
- GetReskilled - list of pharmaceutical and medical device companies in the UK
- One Nucleus - see their member directory
- UK Medical research institutes
- LinkedIn Alumni tool - see where Newcastle University graduates are working for inspiration
- Check professional body websites for member directories, which are helpful for finding employers
UK government information
Gov.uk compile information about life science related organisations in the UK, including:
- UK Life Sciences Support – list of organisations which support life science companies in the UK.
- UK Life Sciences Membership Associations. These may have opportunities within their own organisations. You can also look at member directories, useful for speculative approach.
- View the life sciences company data on their Bioscience and health technology sector statistics page (third link down). Filter by region, eg North East, to view range of employee numbers, turnover, and whether they are in therapy, medical diagnostics etc.
Worldwide organisations
Search GoinGlobal’s employer directory for company information in 196 countries. Their country guides list professional bodies around the world.
- EuroScienceJobs - science jobs in Europe in and outside the lab
- Biospace - North American life science company profiles
- Nanowerk – global directory of nanotechnology companies and research labs
- Innopharma Education - list of 40 Pharmaceutical and Medical Technology companies in Ireland
UK and overseas recruitment agencies
- eMedCareers, – jobs board for agency vacancies in pharmaceutical biotech, medical or healthcare
- STEM Recruitment - browse jobs by degree subject
- Pharmajobs – vacancies in the pharmaceutical sector
- Agenda Life Sciences – specialising in service and animal technician roles
- Entrust Resource Solutions
- Jobs in Science
See Recruitment Agencies to find more agencies.
Finding more overseas recruitment agencies
GoinGlobal’s country guides include details of recruitment agencies in specific countries. They are listed under the following headings:
- staffing agencies and temporary help firms
- executive recruiters and search firms
Recruitment agencies may not operate in the same way in different countries. In the UK agencies are free for job seekers, but this may not be the case elsewhere. Explore the terms and conditions of an agency before signing up to use them.
Other ways to gain relevant experience
We've added some suggestions to help you develop your skills and gain relevant experience.
- join the University’s Street Science Team. Get paid for helping to promote STEM subjects
- have a look at the development opportunities offered by the School of Biomedical, Nutritional and Sport Sciences. Includes peer mentors and employability ambassadors
- think about science communication/explaining at Life Science Centre in Newcastle. BIG lists opportunities and has an article on how to get experience in science communication
- contact science outreach/education providers for possible opportunities – see STEM Directories
- complete a free virtual internship to learn more about the industry, such as Molecule to Market from Pfizer. You can also explore free virtual internships in Life Sciences by using Forage.
- sign up for free online courses to develop new skills or refresh knowledge in specific areas. For example the British Neuroscience Association list online courses relating to neuroscience
- attend events and network to make contacts and connections
- enter a science related competition - prizes can often include internships
- find a part-time job, such as care worker, or in the NHS, for experience of dealing with patients
- consider volunteering. Go Volunteer offers student volunteering projects, including NHS and healthcare opportunities. See Volunteering for more opportunities
For more advice on gaining experience in a non-lab based environment, see Science careers outside the lab.
Becoming a Biomedical Scientist
How to become an HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist
To work as a biomedical scientist in the UK, you must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). For this, you need to show that you meet their standards of proficiency for biomedical scientists. You can demonstrate this through a combination of:
- academic qualifications and
- clinical laboratory training
To become registered, your undergraduate degree must meet the HCPC standards of education and training criteria.
Accredited undergraduate degrees
If you have completed an Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) or HCPC approved degrees, then you meet the criteria.
Non-accredited undergraduate degrees
The Biomedical Science degree at Newcastle University is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology. It is not accredited by the IBMS, to allow for a broader curriculum. To work as a Biomedical Scientist after completing this degree, you would need to apply for a degree assessment. This is done on an individual basis.
The IBMS will tell you whether you need to do any additional top-up modules. It can take up to 12 weeks to get your degree assessed. The assessment fee is over £300 and is non-refundable.
Find out about the application process on the IBMS: Degree assessment for HCPC registration page.
Their current guidance on applications includes information on everything you need to apply.
Top-up modules
Your assessment outcome letter will tell you if you need to complete any top up modules and which ones they are.
To enrol on top up modules, you need to email course tutors on the Top-up modules in the UK list. Attach a copy of your assessment outcome letter and ask if they offer the modules you need and how much these would cost.
After completing all necessary modules, you’ll receive a confirmation letter. You can use this as evidence to show you’ve met the academic standards needed for the Certificate of Competence.
As well as the academic side, to achieve the Certificate of Competence, you’ll need clinical laboratory training (see below). This involves completing an IBMS Registration Training Portfolio in an IBMS approved laboratory.
More information is available on the IBMS Registration Portfolio page.
Clinical training
Clinical training is compulsory for anyone applying to register with the HCPC as a biomedical scientist. This is regardless of whether your undergraduate degree is accredited or non-accredited.
You need to arrange this experience yourself. See the section on Finding training opportunities below, to help you get started.
Your lab experience must be completed in an IBMS approved laboratory.
The IBMS Registration Portfolio explains the process of arranging and completing your training.
Finding training opportunities
Finding lab experience is very competitive. To find out more about clinical training, we would recommend contacting IBMS approved labs (most NHS labs are).
The IBMS website doesn’t publish their database of approved labs, due to data protection reasons. They advise graduates to contact laboratories to ask:
- if they offer training
- of there is an opportunity to complete of the Registration Training Portfolio as part of the role
If you’re approaching labs directly, we would suggest also asking them:
- how often training opportunities become available
- how competitive they are
- where do they advertise posts (eg are they linked to an approved training provider, or will they become available for everyone on NHS Jobs)
- do they accept speculative applications (ie you can approach labs directly, not in response to an advertised vacancy)
- what they look for in an applicant
Many biomedical scientists start in roles such as:
- trainee biomedical scientist
- biomedical laboratory assistant (Higher Healthcare Technical Officer)
- Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA)
- healthcare science assistant
To find opportunities
- search on NHS Jobs
- contact NHS Trusts directly to ask if they can provide work experience
- look for Pathology Departments contact details on the hospital’s website. If none are available, try contacting the hospital’s Training Lead
- try other laboratories, such as Health Services Laboratories
- consider experience in a private lab to demonstrate your skills and make your application stand out
- contact university research institutes
- try recruitment agencies for advice, or temporary work
- read the IBMS advice for graduates
For more information about vacancy sites, agencies and employers, see:
Scientist Training Programme (STP)
An alternative way to become a clinical healthcare scientist in the NHS is through the NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP). This is a graduate-entry programme that leads to senior scientist roles in the NHS. See our Finding jobs section for more details.
Summer research experience, scholarships and awards
A limited number of funds are available to support science students in gaining related experience. Bursaries and funding for lab-based work experience have strict and often very early deadlines.
If you’re interested in a summer research project, you’ll need to first find a potential supervisor. This is usually someone in a university or research institute.
You could start by talking to your tutor or to a member of academic staff whose research you find of interest. In most cases, the application is made by your potential supervisor and not by you.
Newcastle University Research Scholarships provide opportunities for undergraduates to gain research experience.
You can also apply to external funded schemes. Examples of these include:
- The Harry Smith Vacation Studentship offered by The Microbiology Society. The Society also gives grants to members for specific purposes, including attending conferences. Deadlines vary depending on the type of grant applied for.
- The Royal Society of Biology lists undergraduate studentships.
- The British Neuroscience Association also lists opportunities for undergraduate summer research placements.
- The Wellcome Trust offer biomedical vacation scholarships. Applicants should apply directly to one of the universities running their vacation scholarships. They also offer summer internships to undergraduates.
- The Academy of Medical Sciences - includes schemes and conferences for undergraduate students
Schemes by deadline
The deadlines listed below were accurate at time of writing but are subject to change. Check websites for specific details and for eligibility criteria.
January deadlines
- John Innes Research Centre offers a funded 8 week international summer school. In plant, microbial and computational biology.
February deadlines
- Amgen Scholars - hands-on summer research experience for undergraduates.
- The Francis Crick Institute - summer placements for life sciences students in their penultimate year of study.
- The Biochemical Society provides summer vacation studentships for penultimate year undergraduates.
- The Universities Federation for Animal Welfare offer animal welfare student scholarships. These are open to students from a range of disciplines interested in carrying out a project in animal welfare.
- The British Pharmacological Society offer vacation studentships and study awards.
March deadlines
- Applied Microbiology International offer a Summer Studentship Grant. This enables full society members to apply for fully funded studentships on behalf of students. See their website for details of additional grants and awards.
- Medical Research Council's London Institute of Medical Sciences. Students in the middle years of their undergraduate degree are eligible to apply. Successful applicants are matched with a research group to work and study in, gaining laboratory experience.
- The Genetics Society. Financial support for undergraduate students interested in genetics.
- The British Society for Cell Biology - summer vacation studentships for cell biology. Applications must be made by your prospective supervisor.
April deadlines
- The Society for Reproduction and Fertility offer vacation scholarships. Projects must relate to reproduction, fertility and lactation in humans and other animals.
- Undergraduate student bursaries are available from the British Mycology Society. The application must be made by the person who will supervise the research and not by the student.
- Kupcinet-Getz Program - eight-week international science summer school in Israel. Accommodation and a small weekly stipend is provided.
Work for yourself
Our START UP team can help you explore working for yourself at any stage. Whether you want to explore an idea or have already launched a business or freelance career, you can access the following help:
- support with idea generation
- provide tailored advice
- help you develop your skills
- introduce you to like-minded peers
- refer you to further support from mentors
- award grant funding up to £3,000