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Overview of the science and pharmaceuticals sector

AuthorDarcy Nathan, editor
Posted on
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Discover how you can use your curiosity and skills to shape the future of science and pharmaceuticals

What is the science and pharmaceuticals sector?

This sector brings together biology, chemistry, physics, and data science across activities like:

  • clinical trials
  • lab research
  • large-scale manufacturing
  • regulatory approval.

Science plays a vital role in:

  • advancing technology
  • improving health
  • tackling global challenges such as disease and climate change.

This sector could be a great fit if you:

  • are willing to keep learning and developing your skills
  • enjoy problem solving and analytical thinking
  • want to tackle real-world challenges like climate change.

What areas of science and pharmaceuticals can I work in?

The sector offers more variety than you might expect. Depending on your interests, you could work in:

You aren't limited to labs - you could also apply your scientific knowledge in commercial and cross-functional roles, including:

Discover 10 science careers outside of the lab.

What roles could I do?

Typical roles include:

What are the fastest growing areas in science and pharmaceuticals?

The sector is evolving, with high demand in:

  • artificial intelligence (AI) and automation - optimising drug development and lab work
  • biotechnology - developing vaccines and biofuels
  • bioinformatics - combining biology with computing to analyse data
  • digital health - developing apps, wearable technology, and remote healthcare solutions
  • genomics and personalised medicine - tailoring treatments to genetics
  • green chemistry and sustainability - reducing environmental impact
  • quantum computing in drug discovery - speeding up complex calculations
  • synthetic biology and regenerative medicine - creating new therapies.

These areas are shaping the future of science and are in high demand from employers, with growth driven by:

  • government investment
  • healthcare needs
  • private-sector innovation.

Who are the main graduate employers?

The UK is home to hundreds of science and pharmaceutical companies.

Private sector employers include:

You can also find roles in government bodies and local authorities such as the:

Universities, research organisations, and environmental consultancies also offer opportunities.

For a full overview of careers, check out graduate jobs in science and pharmaceuticals.

Do I need a science degree?

Most roles require a degree, usually in a STEM subject (science, technology, engineering or maths). Some careers need specific degrees, for example, you'll typically need:

What science graduates do

According to Prospects Luminate What Do Graduates Do? 2025/26, almost half of science graduates were in full-time work 15 months after graduation, often in graduate-level roles. The strongest employment outcomes came from graduates of:

Many moved into roles in:

Around one in seven science graduates go on to postgraduate study. Graduates in chemistry and physics are particularly likely to pursue research degrees such as a Masters or PhD.

You might need a postgraduate qualification if you want to:

  • qualify for specific professions (like pharmacy)
  • specialise in areas like biotechnology or neuroscience
  • work in advanced research or academia.

Postgraduate conversion courses in areas like data science or bioinformatics can also help career changers enter the sector.

Alternative entry routes

While a degree is the most common route, it's not the only option. If you're not planning to go to university, you could consider:

These pathways can lead to roles like laboratory technician or healthcare science assistant, with opportunities to progress.

What's it like working in the sector?

Working in science and pharmaceuticals can look very different depending on your role and specialism. Examples of your day-to-day tasks could include:

  • collecting and analysing environmental samples
  • monitoring clinical trials
  • reviewing data for compliance in regulatory or data science role
  • running experiments and analysing data.

Your workplace will depend on your role. For example, you might work in a:

  • factory
  • hospital
  • lab
  • office.

Some of the main benefits and challenges of working in the sector include:

Pros Cons
Make an impact on health, technology or the environment. Competitive entry, particularly for research roles.
Strong career progression and specialisation options. Careers often require long periods of study or postgraduate qualifications.
Opportunities to work globally. Work can be high-pressure, with strict deadlines and regulations.
A variety of roles, both inside and outside the lab. Experiments and research do not always produce successful results.

Career progression

You may start as a lab technician or research assistant and progress to:

  • managerial
  • project lead
  • senior scientist roles.

Employers value candidates who engage in continued professional development (CPD) - through:

You can also move between sectors like:

  • academia
  • consultancy
  • industry
  • leadership
  • policy making.

Countries such as Switzerland, Germany, and the USA are hubs for pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, meaning your skills are highly transferable across the globe.

Typical salaries in science and pharmaceuticals

Salaries vary by role and experience. Typical UK ranges include:

  • clinical research associate: £30,000 to £60,000
  • data scientist (life sciences): £35,000 to £70,000
  • laboratory technician: £18,000 to £25,000, up to £35,000 with experience
  • regulatory affairs officer: £30,000 to £65,000
  • research scientist: £25,000 to £40,000, £50,000.

Senior and specialist roles, especially in healthcare science and leadership, can exceed £80,000 to £100,000. Salaries are often higher in the private sector, particularly in:

  • biotechnology
  • data-driven roles
  • pharmaceuticals.

What skills do science and pharmaceutical employers want?

Employers in the sector look for a mix of:

  • digital ability
  • professional skills
  • scientific knowledge.

Accuracy and attention to detail are crucial, especially in regulated environments.

Being confident with technology and data interpretation is increasingly important across the sector, so even in lab-based roles, digital skills can give you a strong advantage. Employers often look for knowledge of:

  • data analysis and visualisation techniques
  • laboratory automation and digital tools
  • modelling and simulation software
  • programming languages such as Python or R.

Alongside technical ability, employers value strong personal and professional skills. You'll need to demonstrate:

  • analytical and problem solving skills
  • attention to detail and strong observational skills
  • commercial awareness
  • communication and interpersonal skills
  • presentation and reporting skills
  • teamwork
  • time management and organisation.

These skills help you apply your scientific knowledge in real-world settings.

Where can I get science work experience?

Work experience is highly valuable and often essential in this competitive sector. It helps you build skills, understand the workplace and stand out in applications.

You could gain experience through:

Some major employers offering internships include:

If formal programmes are competitive, try applying speculatively to:

  • hospitals
  • local laboratories
  • research and development centres
  • universities.

This can still lead to valuable experience and connections.

Search for science and pharmaceuticals work experience.

How do I get a science job?

Employers want to see that you can apply what you've learned in your studies to real-world situations. There are several steps you can take to boost your employability:

  • attend careers fairs, conferences and networking sessions
  • keep up to date with industry trends and developments
  • tailor your CV to highlight scientific, technical and transferable skills.

Building experience and showing genuine enthusiasm for your chosen area can make a big difference when applying for roles.

Joining a professional body can also help you develop your career and stand out to employers. Key organisations include:

Membership gives access to:

  • industry insights
  • networking
  • training.

Some careers - like biomedical science - also require formal accreditation or registration.

Graduate schemes and apprenticeships

If you want structured training, you could apply for a science graduate scheme, which often includes:

  • fast-tracked progression
  • mentoring
  • rotations across areas of science.

Explore our guide to science graduate schemes.

Apprenticeships are another ideal option if you want to earn while you learn - for example, in pharmacy as a:

  • pharmacy assistant
  • pharmacy technician.

Discover apprenticeships in this area on our pharmacy courses guide.

What is diversity and inclusion like in science?

Women have made - and continue to make - major contributions to science. Notable figures include:

  • Elizabeth Garrett Anderson - first female doctor in the UK
  • Helen Sharman - chemist and the first British astronaut
  • Jocelyn Bell Burnell - astrophysicist who discovered pulsars
  • Marie Curie - physicist and chemist, Nobel laureate
  • Mary Anning - pioneering palaeontologist
  • Mary Somerville - astronomer and mathematician
  • Rosalind Franklin - chemist and DNA researcher.

While women remain underrepresented in some STEM fields, initiatives are helping level the playing field:

These programmes provide mentorship, networking, funding, and recognition, helping women overcome challenges like gender bias and limited role models.

The sector is also focusing on:

  • disability inclusion
  • ethnic diversity
  • socioeconomic access.

Organisations run outreach and develop policies to attract talent from all backgrounds. You could get involved in programmes such as:

Getting involved in these programmes can:

  • boost your skills
  • expand your network
  • open doors to employment opportunities in the sector.

Find out more

Written by Darcy Nathan, editor

Prospects · March 2026