EXPLORE EXCITING CAREERS IN BIOLOGY 

Biology, the study of life and living organisms, features in a broad spectrum of careers, including scientific research, public health, and environmental protection.

The development of the COVID-19 vaccine would not have been possible without the contributions of biologists. And world-famous David Attenborough started his career presenting a TV programme called Zoo Quest. He introduced a generation to the wonders of nature. Becoming a biologist can lead to having a global impact!

Career paths in biology

As a biologist, you could find yourself working for a government agency, a manufacturing firm, a school or university or for a variety of other employers. Starting as a laboratory scientist is possible through level 3 and level 5 apprenticeships. Most biology-related careers require a degree, and if you are working in a research role, you’d be expected to have, or be working towards, a PhD. Some universities offer industry-driven degree apprenticeships in bioscience. 

Here are some of the directions a career in biology could take you:

Working with AI in biology

This is a rapidly growing field. Technology is impacting the study of DNA, drug discovery, and data-driven research. If you love asking questions, your career could lead you to the answers! Job advertisements often mention computing and coding skills, alongside laboratory expertise. In a role that combines biology and AI, you might find yourself:

• Working in a biotech or pharmaceutical firm, contributing to drug discovery
• Consulting with clients to help them use AI to automate complex laboratory processes
• Conducting university-based research, developing algorithms to analyse genetic data

The beauty and wellbeing industry

Beauty and wellbeing are massive global industries.  As such, they are highly competitive with firms vying to be first to market with new innovations. Meanwhile, biotechnology is being utilised to enhance products and develop innovative manufacturing processes. Using your biology knowledge and understanding in a role in the beauty and wellbeing industry, you might find yourself:

• Working with a research team to develop a breakthrough in skincare
• Running trials and reporting on the results for dietary supplements
• Validating new manufacturing processes or investigating product complaints

Licensing, patents and trademarks

Some biologists pursue careers in protecting discoveries and inventions. The pharmaceutical industry is highly competitive. Manufacturers employ entire teams to manage licensing and trademarking, particularly of new products. Specialising in a field like this might find you:

• Working in a biotech startup to help safeguard products and discoveries
• Examining patent applications to assess products, their uniqueness and eligibility for patent protection
• Bridging the gap between research and practical application, eg, overseeing the move of a discovery from a university to the commercial sector

Environmental conservation

Biologists play a leading role in safeguarding nature and protecting the ecosystem. They do this by preserving biodiversity, combating climate change and championing the sustainable use of natural resources. This sector is definitely the one for you if you are passionate about protecting the planet and could see yourself doing one of the following as a career:

• Working as a conservation biologist, figuring out ways to prevent the extinction of species
• Become an advocate or researcher with an NGO (non-government organisation) such as the Royal Society of Biology or the Conservation Biology Institute
• Pursue a career in education or communication, helping the public understand the role they can play in protecting the planet.

Is a career in biology for you?

The roles above are just examples of the many pathways into a biology career. Many more exist, including education, medicine, genetics, and working in forensics. Remember, while there are many jobs that require biological knowledge and qualifications, they probably won’t have the word “biology” in the title.

Most jobs expect you to have a mix of academic qualifications and practical abilities. An increasing number of job adverts mention the use of data, computing and AI. This indicates the sector is changing rapidly. Adaptability will be key and could help you stand out as an ideal candidate for jobs. 

Traditionally, a degree has been the starting point for pursuing a career in biology. However, as employers move towards favouring the ‘ability to do the job’ over qualifications, we can expect to see routes into biological careers evolving. 

Start your journey in biology  

Biology is a career that can align your professional life with your passions. Consider volunteering to gain experience working in the field, with animals or in a laboratory. 

If you are in school or college, consider seeking work experience opportunities with an organisation that you would like to work for in the future. You could even try doing an online course. The Open University offers most of its degree and diploma modules on a stand-alone basis – this could be an ideal route for testing out whether higher-level biology is for you.

Opportunities with local employers

International firm Vantive has a base in Wavertree. From time to time, they advertise in the field of vital organ therapies. 

Local giant Unilever offers apprenticeships, so keep checking their website or the LCR Bemore live apprenticeship listing. The BeMore platform also publishes a weekly list of NHS vacancies across the region.