Science and pharmaceuticals

The science and pharmaceuticals sector is suited to those who want to continue to study their subject outside an academic environment or apply their scientific knowledge in a practical and commercial context.

Typical jobs in this sector include:

  • meteorologist
  • pharmacologist
  • food technologist
  • pharmacist
  • analytical chemist.

Key skills that are useful in this sector include:

  • technical and analytical skills
  • numeracy
  • commercial awareness, and knowledge of how science and business interact
  • for some roles, the ability to explain your work to non-specialists
  • perseverance in the face of technical challenges.

For job profiles and detailed information on pursuing a career in this sector, see the Prospects website:

Science and pharmaceuticals profile

Contents

How to get a job

To prepare for a career in science and pharmaceuticals, you should research the sector carefully. Because of the breadth of this sector, there is a wide variety of areas that you could explore.

Make a connection

You should talk with people who are in the sector already. To connect with people already working in the sector, consider joining Saint Connect, the University of St Andrews’ exclusive, global, online community for networking and career mentoring.

See more ideas for making a connection.

Internships and placements

Work experience is essential for gaining employment in this sector. You can get this through internships and placements.

Large graduate employers within this sector offer paid internships or placements. These usually take place over the summer for ten weeks.

For these opportunities, some employers may require you to be in your second or third year of study. Others may require you to have already completed your degree.

For some opportunities, you will need to meet academic requirements. This usually means you will need to be on course to achieve a 2.2 or 2.1 in a related degree.

Examples of large graduate employers offering internships include:

You could also look into paid internships with charities within this sector. The Wellcome Trust offers paid, eight-week internships over the summer. These are open to any undergraduate not in their first year, no matter their course of study.

For further sources of internships in this sector, see:

There are also longer-term industry placements, such as those offered by Pfizer and Procter and Gamble. These are paid, tend to last about a year, and are usually available to undergraduates in their penultimate year of study. However, these placements are only available to students whose degree course allows it. You should check with your academic School to see what regulations apply to you.

If you are having difficulties finding work experience in this sector, you might also consider making a speculative application to smaller employers, especially those in the St Andrews and Dundee areas. See bio-Dundee's business directory for a list of these and their contact details.

For additional advice on finding work experience in this sector, see:

Find internships (Careers Centre)

Attend events

The Careers Centre often puts on events where you can talk to employers visiting St Andrews. Visit the events page for more information.

Further study

A postgraduate qualification is not normally required for most careers in this sector. However, for some research-focused roles, you may need a PhD. Some major pharmaceutical companies may require a postgraduate qualification, such as an MSc in pharmacology. Additionally, getting a postgraduate degree can sometimes result in a higher salary in this sector.

For an idea of what courses are available, see FindAMasters course search and FindAPhD course search.

For further information on further study in general, see the further study pages.

Finding a job

Check out our job listings for vacancies or see the resources below for jobs in the science and pharmaceuticals sector.

Find jobs (Careers Centre)

Jobs in the UK

Graduate training schemes

A graduate training scheme is a paid, entry-level job that also acts as a training programme. Graduate training schemes are common in this sector and are one way of acquiring a graduate-level position. They are offered by a wide variety of large graduate employers, usually those that offer placements and internships.

For example, GSK’s Future Leaders Programme lasts two to three years, involves working in various areas of GSK’s business, and ends with an offer of a permanent position. For further details, see GSK’s Future Leaders FAQ page.

Other graduate training schemes, especially in the public sector, include:

Jobs outside the UK

Applying for a job

When applying for jobs in this sector, you can expect to do at least some of the following:

In addition, for graduate training schemes, you can expect to take psychometric tests or attend an assessment centre.

You may also be expected to attend a technical interview, in which the interviewer will test your ability to use the specialist skills the role requires. For more information, see TARGETjobs’ guide on technical interviews for graduate scientists.

The application process for science and pharmaceutical jobs may vary according to which company you are applying to. Research the company to understand the skills, competencies and values they are looking for. Also check the company’s website, as many provide details on their recruitment and selection processes.

If you would like personalised help on any aspect of applying for a job, you can book an appointment with a careers adviser.  

Applying for a job