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10 science careers outside of the lab

AuthorDarcy Nathan, editor
Posted on
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When you think of science careers, you might picture lab coats and microscopes - but a science degree can lead to many paths beyond the lab. Here are ten exciting alternatives

Communication and journalism

Research only has an impact if people understand it. Whether you're informing public health decisions, raising awareness about environmental issues, or promoting new technologies, organisations need skilled communicators who can make complex scientific ideas clear and engaging.

You could work for:

  • charities and research organisations
  • media companies
  • science publications
  • universities.

If you enjoy storytelling or content creation, this is a way to stay connected to science outside a lab. You can earn around £31,511 in a career as a science writer, where you'll:

  • cover breakthroughs
  • draft product specifications
  • translate scientific concepts for varied audiences.

Scientific publishers, on the other hand, ensure research is accurate and readable in academic journals, with typical salaries of £33,229.

Check out opportunities in the marketing sector.

Science policy and government

Science drives many of the biggest societal decisions - on climate change, public health, and energy security. That's why governments and organisations need professionals who can interpret research, assess its reliability, and turn it into practical policies.

Science policy professionals work in:

  • government departments like HM Treasury
  • public organisations, including the NHS
  • private healthcare companies like Bupa.

For example, scientific advisors translate the research of epidemiologists into practical policy guidance, helping governments respond effectively to pandemics and environmental challenges. You can expect to earn an average salary of £55,569, and most hold advanced degrees, often a PhD.

Alternatively, policy officers turn scientific evidence into actionable recommendations, analysing data and shaping strategies. An average salary in this role is £31,565.

Graduates from a range of science backgrounds can enter these roles, often supported by postgraduate study in science or public policy.

Discover 7 skills for a successful career in public services.

Data science and analytics

Science produces huge amounts of data - from clinical trials and genetic research to climate models. Organisations rely on this data to:

  • make decisions
  • improve services
  • predict trends.

Data science roles combine scientific understanding with technical and statistical skills, making them perfect for science graduates.

In roles like data analyst or data scientist, you might:

  • analyse large datasets
  • build predictive models
  • identify patterns and trends
  • help organisations make data-driven decisions.

Employers include the intelligence services, as well as companies in:

If you choose to specialise in health informatics, you'll manage clinical data to improve patient outcomes. You'll need a degree in:

A Masters degree or certification can also boost your prospects, and you can expect to earn around £55,546.

As a biostatistician, you'll design and analyse clinical trials, supporting drug development and regulatory compliance. You'll typically earn around £64,767, and the role requires strong quantitative skills, supported by experience with tools such as Python and SQL and a degree in:

See what it takes to become a data scientist.

Scientific consulting

Consultants apply scientific expertise to help organisations solve complex problems, make informed decisions, and develop new technologies. If you enjoy a fast-paced, problem solving environment, this could be for you.

Consultants work with private companies, government bodies, and non-profits. Typical tasks include:

  • analysing data
  • evaluating evidence
  • identifying risks
  • providing strategic recommendations.

Roles include:

  • Environmental and sustainability consultants - assess project impacts and ensure regulatory compliance.
  • Healthcare or life sciences consultants - improve operations or patient outcomes.
  • Risk managers - help organisations mitigate scientific or operational risks.
  • Technical consultants - support innovation by evaluating new products or technologies.

Salaries vary, but entry-level positions are competitive and offer clear progression.

Find out what the business, consulting and management sector has to offer.

Intellectual property and patent law

Modern innovations - like new medicines, medical devices, renewable energy technologies, or software - are highly technical. Legal professionals in this field need to fully understand these inventions so they can assess originality, interpret detailed research, and make sure they meet strict legal criteria.

Patent attorneys protect inventions by:

  • assessing whether new technologies are original and legally defensible
  • drafting patent applications
  • guiding inventors and companies through the patent process.

A science degree is essential, with physics, chemistry, or engineering commonly required. Professional certification through the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys is also necessary. You can expect to earn around £33,693.

Solicitors specialising in intellectual property or environmental law handle complex patents, contracts, and policies. Average salaries are around £50,536. To qualify, you usually need to complete a law conversion course, the Legal Practice Course (LPC), and a training contract or pupillage.

Check out the different types of law careers.

Science education and outreach

Science education goes far beyond classrooms. As well as traditional teaching, organisations need employees who can make science accessible and engaging. Employers include:

For example, in informal education and outreach roles, you'll:

  • develop exhibits
  • deliver talks
  • engage public audiences at workshops and engagement events.

Salaries in this area start around £30,043, and experience in communication or museum studies can boost your prospects. Explore careers such as museum education officer or find out how to get a museum job.

Science educators are in high demand in traditional school-based roles, especially in physics and computing. You could also become a:

You'll typically need a science degree plus a PGCE or equivalent training, and you can expect to earn an average salary of around £39,349.

Discover routes into teaching.

Regulatory affairs and compliance

Industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and food production must meet strict legal and safety standards. Regulatory affairs professionals ensure that products are:

  • compliant with laws and regulations
  • effective and reliable
  • safe for public use.

Your work might include:

  • liaising with government agencies
  • preparing documentation for regulatory bodies
  • reviewing scientific data.

For example, as a regulatory affairs officer, you'll support the approval and safe use of medical products by providing accurate technical information and ensuring all regulatory requirements are met. You can expect to earn an average salary of £34,245, and you'll likely need a degree in:

You can also boost your career with training through The Organisation for Professionals in Regulatory Affairs (TOPRA) or an apprenticeship.

Alternatively, explore the role of a compliance officer.

Defence and national security

Science is critical to national security. From cybersecurity to environmental risks and defence systems, governments rely on scientific expertise to make informed strategic decisions.

You could work in areas such as:

  • defence technology development
  • environmental monitoring and detection systems
  • intelligence analysis
  • weapons and materials research.

For example, as a materials engineer, you'll evaluate the performance of metals, composites, and polymers used in defence equipment. You might:

  • advise on material selection for defence systems or protective equipment
  • analyse technical data to improve strength, durability, or efficiency of materials
  • collaborate with engineers and strategists to implement innovations in the field
  • contribute to project planning and risk assessments.

For an alternative path, explore the role of a textile technologist.

Employers include:

A science or engineering degree is essential, and a Masters or specialist training can give you a competitive edge in fields like:

Search for postgraduate courses in materials science.

Forensic science and criminal investigation

Science plays a central role in solving crimes. From DNA analysis to digital forensics, scientific methods are essential for:

  • building reliable cases
  • preventing future crimes
  • supporting the justice system.

If you enjoy problem solving, attention to detail, and applying science to real-world situations, forensic science offers diverse career paths outside the lab.

You could work with organisations such as:

For example, crime scene investigators (CSIs) attend and document crime scenes, collect and preserve evidence, and often liaise directly with law enforcement. They may also be called to present findings in court. You can expect to earn an average salary of £39,348 in this role.

Alternatively, forensic crash investigators earn around £34,592 and use physics and engineering principles to:

  • determine causes
  • reconstruct vehicle collisions
  • support insurance or legal cases.

As well as specialised training in evidence handling, crash reconstruction, or digital forensics, to enter these roles you'll typically need a degree in:

Careers in forensic science allow you to make a tangible impact on public safety, while applying scientific methods in investigative and analytical contexts.

Explore careers in the law enforcement and security sector.

Food science

Food scientists blend biology, chemistry, and engineering to ensure that the food we eat is safe, nutritious, and sustainable. Companies rely on scientific expertise to:

  • develop new products
  • improve production processes
  • maintain consistent quality.

This makes food science an ideal career for graduates who want to apply science in a practical, everyday context.

Food scientists can find work across a range of sectors, including:

  • food manufacturing and processing
  • regulatory oversight
  • research and development for sustainable food production
  • retail.

As a food safety or quality manager, for example, you can expect to earn a salary around £33,000. You'll be responsible for:

  • conducting inspections and testing
  • ensuring compliance with legal regulations
  • monitoring production processes
  • providing technical guidance to minimise risks in manufacturing.

A degree in food science, chemistry, nutrition, or chemical engineering is typically required, alongside a thorough understanding of:

  • food regulations
  • quality control processes
  • safety standards.

Discover everything you need to know about becoming a food technologist.

How to explore alternative science careers

If you're interested in non-traditional science roles, there are several ways to start exploring them:

Find out more

Written by Darcy Nathan, editor

Prospects · March 2026