Biomedical Science Career Insight by LJMUCareers

Biomedical Science CAREER INSIGHT

LJMU CAREERS TEAM 0151 231 2048/3719 ❚ careers@ljmu.ac.uk

www2.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

Career Insight: Biochemistry, Biomedical Science and Forensic Science

Introduction A degree in Biochemistry, Biomedical Science or Forensic Science will not only develop your subjectspecific knowledge in areas like cellular biology, physiology, genetics, or analytical methods of biology and chemistry, but through the practical aspects of your course also allow you to develop a range of hands-on laboratory skills, which will open up career paths in a variety of health and science-related fields. However, you are by no means restricted to these areas and could use your skills, interests and work experience to enter careers in a variety of other sectors, including research, teaching, marketing, retail, consultancy, or finance and accountancy. Many graduate roles are open to candidates from any degree background or you could gain required qualifications by undertaking relevant postgraduate study. In recent years, securing a graduate role has become increasingly competitive, so gaining relevant work or voluntary experience and engaging in extracurricular activities alongside your studies is crucial to demonstrate to prospective employers that you have the motivation to succeed in your chosen area and have developed the required skills. Being aware of the range of options open to you is important to make an informed career decision. Researching different career pathways and entry requirements is essential preparation for your graduate career, so ensure you make the most of available resources, attend career events or employer talks, join relevant professional bodies and take every opportunity to network with professionals to find out as much as possible about the career areas that interest you.

Typical job options Your job options depend on your degree background as well as the skills and experience you develop alongside your studies, so ensure that you check entry requirements for each suggestion below and for your own career ideas. You could start exploring typical job options via http://www.prospects.ac.uk/options_biochemistry.htm, http://www.prospects.ac.uk/options_biomedical_sciences.htm and http://www.prospects.ac.uk/options_forensic_science.htm Please note that some of the jobs listed below or overleaf may require further study or training. Please use the website links given, to research each job further.

Your options within the science and healthcare sector include:

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Analytical Chemist: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/analytical_chemist_job_description.htm

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Biomedical Scientist: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/biomedical_scientist_job_description.htm

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Clinical Biochemist: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/clinical_biochemist_job_description.htm

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Clinical Research Associate: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/clinical_research_associate_job_description.htm

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Forensic Scientist: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/forensic_scientist_job_description.htm

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© 2017. Liverpool John Moores University. The content of this document is copyright material of Liverpool John Moores University. No part of this document may be reproduced or distributed without prior written permission of the copyright owner.

Career Insight: Biochemistry, Biomedical Science and Forensic Science

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Haematologist/Immunologist/Microbiologist/Toxicologist: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/haematologist_job_description.htm http://www.prospects.ac.uk/immunologist_job_description.htm http://www.prospects.ac.uk/microbiologist_job_description.htm http://www.prospects.ac.uk/toxicologist_job_description.htm

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Research Scientist: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/research_scientist_life_sciences_job_description.htm

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Scientific Laboratory Technician: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/scientific_laboratory_technician_job_description.htm

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Assistant Technical Officer (within the NHS) www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/explore-by-career/wider-healthcare-team/careers-in-the-widerhealthcare-team/clinical-support-staff/assistant-technical-officer/

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Medical Laboratory Assistant (within the NHS) www.stepintothenhs.nhs.uk/jobdescriptions/Medical-Lab-Assistant.aspx

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NHS Scientist Training Programme: http://www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/explore-by-career/healthcare-science/training/nhs-scientisttraining-programme-(stp)/

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Dietician: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/dietitian_job_description.htm

If you are interested in the job roles of doctor or dentist, you may wish to consider the four year graduate medicine courses which are offered by some universities. Note that academic entry requirements for these courses vary considerably so make sure that you research these requirements carefully, before applying. Also look out for the “Applying to graduate courses in dentistry and medicine” session, which usually are run once per semester by the Careers Team.

Some Science graduates may also consider a career within the allied health professions. The allied health professions include those careers which involve working directly with patients, but which do not include roles such as doctor or nurse. The allied health professions include roles such as chiropodist, dietician, occupational therapist, orthotist, physiotherapy, radiography and speech and language therapy. Some (though not all) of these allied health professions have an accelerated route into them for graduates which means that instead of completing another three or four year BSc course you may be able to qualify in some of these fields by completing a two year Masters (or post-graduate diploma) Course. To find out more about which universities offer these course, please refer to the HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council) website: www.hcpc-uk.org/education/programmes/

https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/Careers/index.asp

Career Insight: Biochemistry, Biomedical Science and Forensic Science

Your options within the education sector: Further training is needed for some of the job roles given below: 

Primary/Secondary Teacher: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/primary_school_teacher_job_description.htm http://www.prospects.ac.uk/secondary_school_teacher_job_description.htm

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Teaching post 16/FE Lecturer: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/further_education_lecturer_job_description.htm http://archive.excellencegateway.org.uk/page.aspx?o=320148

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Higher Education Lecturer: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/higher_education_lecturer_job_description.htm

Other options include: 

Medical Sales Representative: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/medical_sales_representative_job_description.htm

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Patent Examiner: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/patent_examiner_job_description.htm

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Scenes of Crime Officer: https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/planning/jobprofiles/Pages/scenesofcrimeo fficer.aspx

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Science Writer: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/science_writer_job_description.htm

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Civil Service Fast Streamer: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/civil_service_fast_streamer_job_description.htm http://faststream.civilservice.gov.uk/the-different-streams/

In addition to the Scientist Training programme, the NHS also offers a range of graduate roles in administration and management-related positions. http://www.nhsgraduates.co.uk/ and http://www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/ http://www.jobs.nhs.uk/index.html The suggestions listed here are by no means exhaustive so we would encourage you to conduct further research to find out about additional careers open to you and consider other relevant options, e.g. based on previous work or voluntary experience, skills and interests. To explore job options by sector, check http://www.prospects.ac.uk/types_of_jobs.htm You can also use career planning tools like http://www.prospects.ac.uk/myprospects_planner_login.htm and http://targetjobs.co.uk/careersreport to generate initial career ideas. Ensure you check entry requirements for each area, e.g. will you need a degree in a specific subject? Is a 2:1 degree classification essential? Will you need to complete a postgraduate degree? Is any specific work experience required? If it is, how could you go about gaining the required experience? We also recommend that you download a copy of our “Planning your Career” guide from the Careers Team website at: https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/Careers/123871.htm

https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/Careers/index.asp

Career Insight: Biochemistry, Biomedical Science and Forensic Science

This includes a list of useful questions to help you explore your career options and introduces you to the DOTS model to help you with your career planning.

Main employers The majority of biochemists find employment in research roles in universities, research institutes or the pharmaceutical sector. Others are employed in the NHS, government bodies like the Food and Environment Research Agency or public health laboratories like the Health Protection Agency. The NHS and Health Protection Agency also employ Biomedical Science graduates. Other employers include universities, research councils, the Health and Safety Executive, NHS Blood and Transplant, the National Blood Authority, forensic or government-funded laboratories as well as private pathology laboratories. Graduates also work in research and development, quality assurance and sales roles in the food and drink, biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors. For Forensic Science graduates, the closure of the government-owned Forensic Science Service (FSS) in 2012 means that you need to research roles available within private providers of forensic science services, e.g. LGC, Forensic Access or Key Forensic Services Ltd. The Ministry of Defence and police support departments also employ Forensic Science graduates. All occupational profiles listed on http://www.prospects.ac.uk/types_of_jobs.htm include a section on typical employers and vacancy sources, so use these as a starting point to research potential employers within the career areas that interest you. To find out more about laboratory based job opportunities, please consult our guide about looking for paid employment or work experience within a laboratory setting. This guide can be downloaded from our website here: https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/Careers/123871.htm

Useful links and websites

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LJMU Vacancy website http://ljmu.prospects.ac.uk/

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Prospects – Careers information and graduate jobs http://www.prospects.ac.uk/

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TargetJobs – Careers information and graduate jobs http://targetjobs.co.uk/

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Milkround – Graduate jobs, placements & internships http://www.milkround.com/

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Jobs in the public sector http://www.lgjobs.com/ http://www.jobsgopublic.com/

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Vacancies in higher education and research http://www.jobs.ac.uk/

https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/Careers/index.asp

Career Insight: Biochemistry, Biomedical Science and Forensic Science

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Graduate Talent Pool – Graduate internship opportunities http://graduatetalentpool.direct.gov.uk/

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NHS Careers – http://www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/

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Information about postgraduate teacher training options http://www.education.gov.uk/get-into-teaching http://www.ucas.com/how-it-all-works/teacher-training http://graduates.teachfirst.org.uk/

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Biochemical Society – information on career events and conferences http://www.biochemistry.org/

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Association of Clinical Biochemistry – information on careers and regional events http://www.acb.org.uk/

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Institute of Biomedical Science http://www.ibms.org/

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Biomedical Science Career Network http://www.careerscene.com/

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Forensic Science Society - www.forensic-science-society.org.uk/home

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NHS Scientist Training Programme http://www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/explore-by-career/healthcare-science/training/nhs-scientisttraining-programme-(stp)/

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Explore Forensics – interesting articles on Forensic Science http://www.exploreforensics.co.uk/

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New Scientist – General Science news and jobs http://www.newscientist.com/

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Food and Environment Research Agency http://www.fera.defra.gov.uk/

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Health Protection Agency http://www.hpa.org.uk/

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Health and Safety Executive http://www.hse.gov.uk/careers/index.htm

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NHS Blood and Transplant http://www.nhsbt.nhs.uk/

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National Blood Service http://www.blood.co.uk/

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Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council www.bbsrc.ac.uk

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Association of British Science Writers www.absw.org.uk/

https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/Careers/index.asp

Career Insight: Biochemistry, Biomedical Science and Forensic Science

Follow relevant companies/websites through Twitter, e.g.: 

@LJMUCareers

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@Prospects

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@newscientist

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@NHS_Careers

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@BiochemSoc

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@BiomedScience

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@FSSoc

Depending on your specific career interests, you could also follow relevant websites and organisations e.g. @retailweek for news relating to the retail sector.

Sources of work experience Download our mini-guide on “Making yourself employable whilst at University” from https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/Careers/123871.htm for an overview of the different types of work experience available and some general suggestions about finding work experience opportunities. Some large employers may offer summer or year-long sandwich placements, but this depends on the type of industry. These are quite common in the financial and accounting, marketing, legal, retail, and business and consultancy sectors. Opportunities are generally advertised on websites like Prospects, Targetjobs or Milkround as well as the organisations’ own websites. Many placement schemes are open to students from any degree discipline. Check your eligibility before making an application, as some summer placements are specifically aimed at second-year students. LJMU has been managing a summer internship programme for Level 5 students in recent years, so keep an eye on your LJMU inbox for details of any opportunities. Some research organisations and pharmaceutical or consumer goods companies also offer summer or year-long placements in both scientific and non-scientific roles, such as AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, Novartis, P&G, the Welcome Trust and Cancer Research UK. Check their websites for details and closing dates. Research placements such as through the Nuffield Foundation (http://www.nuffieldfoundation.org/nuffield-research-placements) can also be a useful way to test your skills in a work-based environment and to find out whether a career in research is for you. Local hospitals might also offer summer work experience in some of their labs, so contact relevant organisations to find out about potential opportunities. Many undergraduate students also secure work experience through a more ‘speculative’ or ‘creative’ approach, i.e. after contacting organisations directly through networking events, via email or through LinkedIn. Once you have some initial career ideas, undertaking work experience or voluntary work in these areas can be a great way not only to find out whether this role would be right for you but also to build up a network of professionals and organisations in your chosen sector, which can often lead to further work experience or even a full-time role after graduating.

https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/Careers/index.asp

Career Insight: Biochemistry, Biomedical Science and Forensic Science

Make sure you research the organisation beforehand and find out the best person to get in touch with. It is important that you demonstrate that you are interested in the organisation and have spent some time finding out what they do. Even when applying for work experience for the first time in this industry, show the employer what you have to offer. Briefly outline any relevant skills or knowledge you gained from your course. Look at the skills outlined under entry requirements in the occupational profiles on Prospects (http://www.prospects.ac.uk/types_of_jobs.htm) and try to outline these on your CV, drawing on examples from your course and work experience or extra-curricular activities to demonstrate how you developed these. Useful websites to research a range of voluntary opportunities include http://www.do-it.org.uk/ and http://www.volunteeringliverpool.org.uk/. You could also contact LJMU Volunteering Manager Chris Prescott on 0151 904 6356 or c.j.prescott@ljmu.ac.uk to enquire about current opportunities. It is also worth researching relevant organisations/charities and contacting them directly to find out about voluntary roles on offer. These could include 

STEM Ambassador: http://www.stemnet.org.uk/content/stem-ambassadors

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Lab in a Lorry: www.labinalorry.org.uk/

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Volunteering in schools and local youth clubs to gain relevant experience for postgraduate teacher training courses: contact organisations directly to find out about opportunities

Recruitment schedule Recruitment cycles and deadlines will vary depending on the type of work you are applying for. Again, research is key to ensure that you do not miss relevant opportunities. As a rule of thumb, the selection process takes longer in larger organisations, as they tend to receive a higher number of applications and use several different stages to reduce the number of potential candidates. As a result, application deadlines can be as early as November in your final year of study for a start date in August or September of the following year. If you are considering postgraduate study, find out if there are any specific closing dates for applications. Bear in mind that some postgraduate courses, e.g. in physiotherapy or teacher training, may require you to demonstrate a significant amount of relevant work experience so start looking for opportunities early on in your course. Many graduate training schemes with large companies are open to students of any degree background. This includes roles in e.g. retail, consultancy or finance and accounting. However, some large consumer goods, chemical or pharmaceutical companies like P&G, Johnson and Johnson, CRODA, Unilever etc. also run graduate schemes in Research and Development or Technical Sales specifically for Science graduates. If you are interested in these roles, you will need to be aware of the graduate recruitment cycle. Many recruiters begin the graduate recruitment process during the autumn term for final-year students. Some placements are advertised then as well. Most closing dates are in November and December, but some are earlier so it is important to start researching companies that you want to apply to early on. The application process for graduate training schemes usually involves completing an online application form, which may require you to answer ‘competency based questions’. This may be followed by psychometric tests, a telephone interview and an assessment centre. You may also need to submit your CV. Most of the large recruiters have a section on the student/graduate pages of their website that outlines the different steps of their selection process, so check these to find out what is required. For more information about graduate schemes, download the ‘Graduate Schemes’ guide from https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/Careers/123871.htm The NHS runs a Healthcare Scientist Training Programme www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/explore-bycareer/healthcare-science/education-and-training/nhs-scientist-training-programme-(stp)/ which interested candidates usually have to apply for between February and April of their final year. Please

https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/Careers/index.asp

Career Insight: Biochemistry, Biomedical Science and Forensic Science

note that this programme has been undergoing a lot of changes over recent years, so if you are interested in this route, keep an eye on their website for up-to-date information about training routes and deadlines. For opportunities as lab assistants or trainee biomedical scientists please check the NHS Jobs website. Opportunities also exist in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). These types of organisations don’t usually have structured graduate training schemes but will recruit ‘as required’. They may use their own application form but most applications will be by CV and covering letter. These positions will be advertised on company websites, relevant recruitment websites, the Job Centre, and national and local newspapers. The ‘creative’ or ‘speculative’ approach to job hunting, outlined above, is also important when looking for graduate roles. Using your personal contacts and/or approaching organisations speculatively to look for work are common routes into employment. In this sector, it is not uncommon to secure a graduate role with an employer a candidate had previously completed work experience with, so gaining experience and building up a network of professional contacts is important. For more information about the speculative approach to job hunting, download a copy of our guide to ‘The Hidden Jobs Market’ from https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/Careers/123871.htm You can get advice about the recruitment process by booking a one-to-one appointment with a careers or employability adviser or you can attend relevant workshops in the Careers Zones.

Key events and networking   

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Liverpool Careers Fair: usually held in the autumn and spring of each year, see fairs website http://www.liverpoolfairs.org.uk/ for additional events Manchester Careers Fairs: open to students and graduates from any university; check http://www.careers.manchester.ac.uk/students/events/ for details Careers and Employability events at LJMU: Keep an eye on our events pages at https://worldofwork.ljmu.ac.uk/events/ for details of upcoming employability workshops, networking sessions and employer talks. You might be interested in the “Pursuing a career in clinical psychology” session we usually run once per semester. LiverpoolSU Clubs and Societies: http://ljmu.unioncloud.org/groups#club-society LinkedIn: You could also consider setting up a LinkedIn account (http://www.linkedin.com/) to network online with professionals and organisations in your chosen industry

Other information LJMU Enterprise Fellowship Programme – Support for LJMU students and graduates interested in starting up their own business. Further details can be found here: http://www.ljmu.ac.uk/startup/ including eligibility, timescales and training dates.

Careers Zone Our campus-based Careers Zones are based in the reception area of James Parsons Building at Byrom Street, in Aldham Robarts Library and in IM Marsh Library. Call in for help with any careers enquiries, to book an appointment with our advisers, pick up careers guides and resources, meet employers, book a practice interview and much more.

https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/Careers/index.asp

Career Insight: Biochemistry, Biomedical Science and Forensic Science

Notes

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ÂŠ 2017. Liverpool John Moores University. The content of this document is copyright material of Liverpool John Moores University. No part of this document may be reproduced or distributed without prior written permission of the copyright owner.

Career Insight: Biochemistry, Biomedical Science and Forensic Science

Notes

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