Biology Career Insight by LJMUCareers

Biology CAREER INSIGHT

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

www2.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

Career Insight: BSc Biology

Introduction A degree in Biology from Liverpool John Moores University will open many doors in terms of career choices. LJMU students often ask what career options are open to them as a result of studying their particular subject so here we provide some examples of employment sectors and typical jobs that are linked to your degree in Biology. We highlight the importance of the skills developed during your degree together with links to relevant careers information/vacancy websites for you to start your research, along with details of who to speak to for further advice. Researching your future career is important, as employers are increasingly looking for relevant experience. If you are looking to do further study or research it may also be important to think about selecting your modules carefully early on. You should also consider setting up a LinkedIn profile and following relevant organisations via Twitter. Many employers use social media to post work experience opportunities so take advantage of this to help you make links with potential employers and find out more about what opportunities are out there. Whilst many students will look for a career directly related to their degree (and many biology students do) it is also important to remember that this is by no means the only career route to consider. There are opportunities to enter a wide range of careers that are not directly related to your degree subject. For example, there are many Graduate Training Schemes (within both the public and private sector) and many of these employers accept applications from graduates with any degree subject (see below for more information about Graduate Training Schemes).

Career opportunities after a Biology degree…. A degree in biology can lead to a diverse range of employment and postgraduate study opportunities. You will gain skills that you can use no matter which career path you choose, both in and out of science. They are highly valued by employers and will look great on your CV or application. Some example careers using biology include: • • • • • • • • • • •

Research Scientist (pharma, food & drink, agriculture, ecology, environment, medical) Clinical Scientist (NHS Clinical Scientists Training Programme) Forensic Scientist Clinical Research Associate Medical/Pharmaceutical Sales Bioinformatics Health Professions (e.g. Dietician, Nursing etc) Policy related careers (e.g. Public Sector, Civil Service) Environmental (consultancy, education, management, conservation) Education (teaching, lecturing) Communication (journalism, publishing, museums/science)

Many of the biology related careers above would involve working in organisations such as the pharmaceutical industry, microbiology laboratories, national parks, environmental agencies and the NHS. A number of biology graduates have gone on to successfully complete postgraduate courses with the aim of gaining qualifications for a specific career. These courses include the Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) in Radiotherapy, and the Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma in Education (PGCE/PGDE) for both primary and secondary school teaching. Biology graduates have also progressed on to a variety of exciting taught Masters (MSc) programmes in areas such as Industrial Biotechnology, Virology, Human Nutrition, Molecular Medicine, Human Molecular Genetics and Reproductive Medicine at a variety of universities across the country. During your time at LJMU, particularly during your final year research project, you may have been switched on to

https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

© 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: BSc Biology the idea of a career in research. Many of our graduates have gone on to successfully complete PhDs or Masters of Research (MRes) programmes in a variety of areas, including Translational Oncology and Post Genomic Science.

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 the suggestions below and for your own career ideas. You could start exploring typical job options via the prospects.ac.uk website and use the ‘What can I do with my degree?’ link: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/options_biology.htm Another option to help you explore careers with biology is to use the Royal Society of Biology’s publication ‘Next Steps: Options after a Bioscience Degree’. This not-for-profit resource was developed jointly by societies from the Bioscience Careers Group. The guide provides information and guidance on: job seeking strategies, importance of skills, postgraduate study options, making applications, interview techniques and example CVs www.rsb.org.uk/careers-and-cpd/careers/bioscience-careers-group Example job options within the science and healthcare sector include:         

      

Microbiologist: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/microbiologist_job_description.htm Pharmacologist http://www.prospects.ac.uk/pharmacologist_job_description.htm Biomedical Scientist: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/biomedical_scientist_job_description.htm Healthcare Scientist/Clinical Biochemist: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/clinical_biochemist_job_description.htm Ecologist: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/ecologist_job_description.htm Soil Scientist: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/soil_scientist_job_description.htm Clinical Research Associate: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/clinical_research_associate_job_description.htm Forensic Scientist: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/forensic_scientist_job_description.htm 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 Research Scientist (life sciences): http://www.prospects.ac.uk/research_scientist_life_sciences_job_description.htm Research Scientist (medical): http://www.prospects.ac.uk/research_scientist_medical_job_description.htm Scientific Laboratory Technician: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/scientific_laboratory_technician_job_description.htm Medical Laboratory Assistant: www.stepintothenhs.nhs.uk/jobdescriptions/Medical-LabAssistant.aspx NHS Scientist Training Programme: https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/i-am/considering-or-university/not-studying-healthrelated-degree/nhs-scientist-training-programme Dietician: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/dietitian_job_description.htm Therapeutic radiographer: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/therapeutic_radiographer_entry_requirements.htm

Postgraduate courses are available to qualify as a nurse, doctor or dentist, but competition is intense and relevant work experience is required, so if you are interested in this option, ensure you start looking for

https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

Career Insight: BSc Biology relevant experience early on in your course and complete this alongside your studies. Also look out for the “Applying to graduate courses in dentistry and medicine” workshop, which usually runs once per semester. Your options within the Environmental and Conservation Field include:    

Nature Conservation Officer: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/nature_conservation_officer_job_description.htm Environmental Consultant: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/environmental_consultant_job_description.htm Environmental Manager: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/environmental_manager_job_description.htm Horticultural Manager: https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/planning/jobprofiles/Pages/horticulturalma nager.aspx

Other options include:    



 

Medical Sales Representative: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/medical_sales_representative_job_description.htm Patent Examiner: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/patent_examiner_job_description.htm Science Writer: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/science_writer_job_description.htm 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 https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/ http://www.jobs.nhs.uk/index.html Secondary School Teacher http://www.prospects.ac.uk/secondary_school_teacher_job_description.htm Primary School Teacher http://www.prospects.ac.uk/primary_school_teacher_job_description.htm

You are by no means restricted to these job areas and could use your skills, interests and work experience to enter careers in a variety of other sectors, including research, marketing, retail, consultancy, finance and accountancy. 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/careers-report 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? 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. We also recommend that you download a copy of our “Planning your Career” guide from the Careers website at https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/Careers/123871.htm This includes a list of useful questions to help you explore your career options.

https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

Career Insight: BSc Biology What skills have I gained from my biology degree? The skills gained from a biology degree are highly desirable. Your research, analytical and numerical skills are especially marketable within the scientific sector and in other graduate roles. Some of the specific skills gained while doing a degree in Biology at LJMU include:       

Research skills Critical reasoning, analytical and evaluation skills Ability to handle and analyse complex data Written and oral communication skills (through written work, and group work in the laboratories, etc.) Time management and organisation Monitoring and recording Independent work skills including time management and self-motivation

To help you communicate your skills to employers on CV’s and application forms, we have broken down the ‘key professional skills’ you will have developed whilst studying Biology at LJMU. We have given you examples by level of study on the next page.

Key Professional Skills Developed at L4 Key Professional Skills Fundamental Written and Oral Communication Skills Critical and Analytical Abilities Field competency skills Group working

Examples: Presentations (oral and written)

Used in: Most Professional Roles

All modules

Mull Wood, practical exercise, tutorials Mull Wood Various field trips Tutorial exercises

Most Professional Roles

Ecology Practical Skills for Biology Fundamentals of Scientific Research Ecology Physiology

IT skills

Practical Skills for Biology Genetics and Evolution Microbiology Physiology Practical Skills for Biology Fundamentals of Scientific Research Practical Skills for Biology All modules

Time management

All modules

Self awareness

Fundamentals of Scientific Research

Laboratory skills

Data presentation and analysis

Developed in: All modules

https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

Mull Wood Group presentations Residential field trip miniproject Microbiology, physiology and genetics practicals

Statistical analyses

Use of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) Managing the organisation, preparation & submission of coursework Career Smart assessment

Ecological surveying, research Most Professional Roles

Clinical/medical/pharma research

Consultancy work Local Authority Roles Research related Roles Most Professional Roles Most Professional Roles

Most Professional Roles

Career Insight: BSc Biology Key Professional Skills Developed at L5 Key Professional Skills Advanced Field Work Skills Collection, Analysis and Presentation of Biological Data Laboratory skills

Developed in: Ecology Field Skills Marine & Freshwater Biology Research Skills & Employability All other modules Developmental Biology Genes & Genomes Immunology & Infection Physiology of Life

Critical analysis and reasoning IT skills

Research Skills & Employability

Organisational awareness

Research Skills & Employability

All modules

Examples: Tenerife field trip Various field trips Statistical workshops Practical reports Development practicals Genetics practicals Microbiology practicals Plant physiology practical Tutorials and literature review Use of Microsoft Office and SPSS Organisational awareness statement

Used in: Ecological surveying, research Most Professional Roles

Used in: Most Professional Roles

Clinical/medical/pharma research

Most Professional Roles Most Professional Roles Most Professional Roles

Key Professional Skills Developed at L6 Key Professional Skills Advanced data presentation and analysis Laboratory skills

Developed in: Research Project

Experimental Design

International Expedition Research Project

Group Work IT skills

Health & Disease All modules

Field Work

Applied Marine Biology

Examples: Statistical workshops Project report Protein practical Microbiology practicals Genetics practicals Blowfly larvae burying behaviour practical Neurophysiology practicals Cockroach parasite practical Project development Personal project Project development Group case study Use of Microsoft Office, SPSS, various other software Millport field trip

International Expedition

Costa Rica field trip

Work-Based Learning for Credit

Organisational overview

Health & Disease Advanced Infection & Immunity Applications of Genetics in Health & Disease Forensic Bioscience

Neurobiology Parasitology Independent research skills

Organisational awareness

Research Project

https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

Clinical/medical/pharma research

Research and various professions Research and various professions Most Professional Roles Most Professional Roles

Advanced marine sampling including boat surveys Ecological surveying, research Most Professional Roles

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: BSc Biology

Looking for work experience If you wish to work within some of the above fields, then it is a very good idea to gain relevant work experience during your degree course. Biology-related jobs can be extremely competitive, so any practical experience gained in the field will prove invaluable. Some biology-related jobs could require you to acquire further skills or undertake further study in order to be eligible to apply. The most valuable experience can be gained by doing a placement year, spending the year between your second and final year in industry. However you can also consider shorter periods of work experience, relevant volunteering, work shadowing or research opportunities in your department. Many undergraduate students secure work experience through a more ‘speculative’ or ‘creative’ approach, i.e. after contacting organisations directly through networking events, via email or through LinkedIn. Some research organisations and pharmaceutical or consumer goods companies offer summer or yearlong placements in both scientific and non-scientific roles. Examples of such companies include AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, Novartis, P&G, the Wellcome Trust and Cancer Research UK. Check their websites for details and closing dates. Example organisations offering work experience/internships/ project placements:              

Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute (Summer and sandwich placements): http://www.sanger.ac.uk/workstudy/placements/ MRC Clinical Sciences Centre (8 week summer placement): http://csc.mrc.ac.uk/studyhere/summer-studentships/undergraduates/ MRC Harwell : An International Centre for Mouse Genetics (summer studentships): http://www.har.mrc.ac.uk/careers/summer-studentships Unilever Summer Placement Scheme (R&D section of relevance to students): http://www.unilever.co.uk/careers-jobs/graduates/summer-placement/ MRC Molecular Biology Laboratories (summer studentships): http://www2.mrclmb.cam.ac.uk/students/summer-studentships/ BBSRC Research Experience Placement (summer placement): http://www.biodtp.ox.ac.uk/research-experience-placements/index.html Diamond Facility: http://www.diamond.ac.uk/Careers/Work-Placement/SummerPlacement.html# Physiological Society (summer studentship): http://www.physoc.org/undergraduate-vacationstudentship-scheme Francis Crick Institute (summer and sandwich placements): http://www.crick.ac.uk/aboutus/jobs-and-study/sandwich-students/ GlaxoSmithKline: http://uk.gsk.com/en-gb/careers/undergraduates/science/ Merck Sharp Dohme http://www.msd-uk.com/careers/students/pages/home.aspx Wellcome Trust: http://www.wellcome.ac.uk/About-us/Jobs/Work-placements-andinternships/index.htm Change Agents UK - paid work placements for graduates (1-24 months) http://changeagents.org.uk/graduate-recruitment Cogent - sector skills council for the Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals, Nuclear, Life Sciences, Petroleum and Polymer Industries www.cogent-placements.com - Their website lists a range of placements and internships.

https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

Career Insight: BSc Biology  

National Trust – offers internships and skills training opportunities, in addition to volunteering www.nationaltrustjobs.org.uk/join-us STEP programme – internships for undergraduates (Step Classic) and graduates (Step Graduate) with a small or medium sized company. Some placements have an environmental focus www.step.org.uk

You can also use vacancy websites such as www.prospects.ac.uk, www.targetjobs.co.uk, www.ratemyplacement.co.uk to search for work placements. You can also 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. Useful websites to research a range of voluntary opportunities include http://www.do-it.org.uk/ http://www.volunteeringliverpool.org.uk/ and http://www.Frontier.ac.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. There are further links below to help you with this research.

Further Study Masters level Many students now to choose to supplement their UG degree with a Masters level qualification. There are many different Masters level opportunities for Biology graduates. Below are some specific examples relevant to the course:        

MSc Industrial Biotechnology: LJMU MSc Human Nutrition: Chester University MSc Molecular Medicine: Sheffield University MSc Biomedical Science: Chester University MSc Reproductive Medicine: Edinburgh and Sheffield Universities MRes Translational Oncology: Sheffield University MRes Post Genomic Science: Liverpool University MRes Molecular Biology of Parasites & Vector Control, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine

https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

Career Insight: BSc Biology PhD Study Some students go on to study for an MPhil or PhD after graduating from Biology. Websites such as www.findaphd.com can help with the search for available PhD projects.

Graduate Training Schemes In addition to the options mentioned above, there are lots of Graduate Training Schemes with large companies and many employers accept applications from graduates with any degree subject. 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 http://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/careers/123871.htm. Many of these opportunities are advertised in the Prospects Directory and the Targetjobs Directory (available from Careers Zones or on the Prospects and Targetjobs website); on websites like www.milkround.com as well as on the organisations’ own websites. Check out the Target Jobs website for more information: http://targetjobs.co.uk/graduateschemes. We also deliver a Graduate Schemes uncovered workshop and webinar on a regular basis. To reserve a place on the workshop visit: https://worldofwork.ljmu.ac.uk/events/

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 teacher training, may require you to demonstrate a significant amount of relevant work experience so start looking for opportunities early on in your course. 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 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

https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

Career Insight: BSc Biology 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 offered by the Careers Team. Some examples of the destinations of our former Biology graduates include:          

Rebecca (graduated 2015), Assistant Technical Officer, Christies Hospital in Manchester Marcus (graduated 2015), Quality Control Lab Assistant, Elucigene Diagnostics, Manchester Clare, (graduated 2015), Graduate Ecologist, Ecus Ltd, Manchester, Environmental consultancy Jake (graduated 2015), Graduate Recruiter, IT staffing company, TEK systems, Manchester Stephen (graduated 2015) DNA analyst, LGC (Life Sciences measurement & testing company) Emily (graduated 2014), Ecologist, Atkins Fergus (graduated 2013), Microbiology technologist, Bioquell Peter (graduated 2013), Microbiology Research Assistant, Unilver Matty, (graduated 2013), Secondary School Teacher Lauren (graduated 2009), Embryology Practitioner – Liverpool Women’s hospital

Useful links and websites Careers Information / Vacancy websites: Royal Society of Biology www.rsb.org.uk/careers-and-cpd/careers/career-resources ‘Next Steps: Options after a Bioscience Degree’ - This not-for-profit resource was developed jointly by societies from the Bioscience Careers Group. The guide provides information and guidance on: job seeking strategies, importance of skills, postgraduate study options, making applications, interview techniques and example CVs’ www.rsb.org.uk/careers-and-cpd/careers/bioscience-careers-group Ecology Careers www.cieem.net/students-careers Microbiology Careers http://www.sgm.ac.uk/all-microsite-sections/careers/index.cfm NHS Careers https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/ Pharmacological Careers www.careersinpharmacology.org Pharmaceutical Careers http://careers.abpi.org.uk/Pages/default.aspx Jobs in Science http://www.jobsinscience.com/ Nature Jobs www.nature.com/naturejobs/science/ New Scientist Jobs http://jobs.newscientist.com/en-gb/ SRG Lab staff http://www.srg.co.uk/pages/default.aspx Academic, science and research jobs http://www.jobs.ac.uk/ NHS Jobs www.jobs.nhs.uk Careers Section on Lantra website www.lantra.co.uk/Careers/Career-Finder.aspx NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme www.nhsgraduates.co.uk Local Government Jobs www.lgjobs.com Opportunities: The Public Sector Media http://opportunities.co.uk Jobs Go Public www.jobsgopublic.com Overseas Biology Jobs http://sciencecareers.sciencemag.org/

Science Communication: Association of British Science Writers British Science Association European Medical Writers Association

https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

www.absw.org.uk www.britishscienceassociation.org/ www.emwa.org

Career Insight: BSc Biology PSCI-COM (discussion list)

www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/psci-com.html

Research Councils: Research Councils UK Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council Economic and Social Research Council Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council Medical Research Council Natural Environment Research Council Science and Technology Facilities Council

www.rcuk.ac.uk www.bbsrc.ac.uk www.esrc.ac.uk www.epsrc.ac.uk www.mrc.ac.uk www.nerc.ac.uk http://www.stfc.ac.uk/

Professional Associations: Societies and professional bodies can be a good source of careers information (see links below) many have careers pages. Each and every occupational area will normally have at least one society and/or a professional body associated with it – if you aren’t sure which society represents the sort of science that interests you, ask your tutor or lecturer for ideas. Royal Society of Biology http://www.rsb.org.uk/home Society for General Microbiology www.sgm.ac.uk/ Institute of Biomedical Science www.ibms.org/ Society for Experimental Biology http://www.sebiology.org/ The Physiological Society http://www.physoc.org/ British Ecological Society www.britishecologicalsociety.org British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) www.bvna.org.uk/ Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons www.rcvs.org.uk/home/ Botanical Society of the British Isles www.bsbi.org.uk/ Lantra (Sector Skills Council for land based and environmental industries) www.lantra.co.uk/ Chartered Institute of Water and Environmental Management: http://www.ciwem.org

Undergraduate Studentships/Funding for summer placements: Undergraduate studentships run over the summer and are normally designed for undergraduate students who have just finished their second year of study. The Royal Society for Biology have a list of some organisations who may be able to help you organise a studentship: http://www.rsb.org.uk/getinvolved/grants/undergraduate-studentships

Events: ‘Life Sciences Careers Conferences’ - organised by the Royal Society of Biology. This brings together a number of Learned Societies and Trade Bodies representing the Biosciences who work together to provide information and advice on careers in the biosciences. The conference is aimed at undergraduate and postgraduate students, and recent graduates. http://www.rsb.org.uk/careers-and-cpd/careers/life-sciences-careers-conferences

Additional ways to explore types of careers:   

There are a couple of useful blogs dedicated to careers after biological sciences which you may find useful: https://biosciencecareers.wordpress.com/ and https://blogs.jobs.ac.uk For added inspiration, see New Scientist Careers Special: http://jobs.newscientist.com/engb/landingpage/1401410893/careers-guide-uk/ Also useful are Guardian Careers: http://www.theguardian.com/careers and Professional Network: http://www.theguardian.com/guardian-professional

Social Media: Follow relevant companies/websites through Twitter

https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

Career Insight: BSc Biology

@Prospects @targetjobsUK

@Science_Jobs @BES_careers

@naturejobs @jobsinscience

@RoyalSocBio

@jobsacuk

@Jobsgopublic

Applying to Teacher Training Courses: Information about the various ways to train as a teacher: www.education.gov.uk/get-into-teaching/teacher-training-options.aspx Information about the funding available for PGCE Courses www.education.gov.uk/get-into-teaching/funding/training-in-england Teach First www.teachfirst.org.uk UCAS Teacher Training http://www.ucas.com/how-it-all-works/teacher-training Open University Flexible PGCE http://www3.open.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/qualification/education/pgce/index.htm Teaching factsheets from the Careers Team – info about postgraduate teacher training options and gaining work experience https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/Careers/123871.htm

General graduate websites for research into careers: Prospects (check ‘jobs’ section and ‘industry insights’) www.prospects.ac.uk Target Jobs Careers website http://targetjobs.co.uk/career-sectors Job Profiles on National Careers Service https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/Pages/Home.aspx Milkround - Graduate jobs, placements & internships http://www.milkround.com/

Other Useful Job Vacancy websites: LJMU My Jobs and Placements website http://ljmu.prospects.ac.uk/ Prospects (click on ‘jobs’ and then ‘graduate job search’) www.prospects.ac.uk Target Jobs (for a variety of graduate jobs) www.targetjobs.co.uk Guardian Jobs Website http://jobs.guardian.co.uk Graduate Talent Pool (internship for graduates) http://graduatetalentpool.direct.gov.uk/ Graduate to Merseyside www.graduatetomerseyside.co.uk/ Local Government Jobs www.lgjobs.com Opportunities: The Public Sector Media http://opportunities.co.uk Jobs Go Public www.jobsgopublic.com

Volunteering opportunities: ‘Do-It’ lists volunteering opportunities www.do-it.org.uk/ LJMU Volunteering Service www.ljmu.ac.uk/volunteering Volunteering Opportunities for 14-25 year olds www.vinspired.com Volunteer Centre Liverpool www.volunteercentreliverpool.org.uk/index.htm Frontier http://www.frontier.ac.uk/ Traveller’s World www.travellersworldwide.com (Note that Frontier and Travellers Worldwide can arrange voluntary work projects abroad in wildlife conservation but there is a charge for their services) School Experience Programme http://www.education.gov.uk/get-into-teaching/schoolexperience/sep.aspx

Post-graduate study: Prospects (see ‘post-graduate study’) UCAS Database of Taught and Research Masters Courses Database of PhD Opportunities

https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

www.prospects.ac.uk http://www.ucas.com/ www.findamasters.com www.findaphd.com

Career Insight: BSc Biology Post-graduate Studentships Website Jobs.ac.uk (allows you to search for PhD Studentships)

www.postgraduatestudentships.co.uk www.jobs.ac.uk

Self-assessment in relation to career choice/Job Suggestion Questionnaires: Prospects Planner http://www.prospects.ac.uk/myprospects_planner_login.htm TARGET Jobs careers report http://targetjobs.co.uk/careers-report National Careers Service's own Skills Health check tool https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/tools/skillshealthcheck/Pages/default.aspx# Manchester University Careers Kickstart quiz www.manchester.ac.uk/careerkickstart Myers Briggs Personality Type www.personalitypathways.com Keirsey Temperament Sorter www.keirsey.com

Key events and networking  

  



‘Annual Life Sciences Careers Conference’ organised by the Royal Society of Biology https://www.rsb.org.uk/careers-and-cpd/careers/bioscience-careers-festival The ‘Undergraduate Ecological Careers Conference’ organised by the British Ecological Society: http://www.britishecologicalsociety.org/learning-and-resources/careerdevelopment/undergraduates/ Liverpool Careers Fair: usually held in the autumn and spring of each year, see fairs website http://www.liverpoolfairs.org.uk/ for additional event Manchester Careers Fairs: open to students and graduates from any university; check http://www.careers.manchester.ac.uk/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. LiverpoolSU Clubs and Societies: https://ljmu.unioncloud.org/groups?parent_link=clubs-

societies-menu-wrapper 

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. LinkedIn have produced 6 video guides aimed at students and graduates to help get you started: http://students.linkedin.com/uk

Other information Centre for Entrepreneurship The Centre for Entrepreneurship supports students and graduates who want to set up their own businesses. Whether you want to develop a new business idea, work as a freelancer or launch a product or service, the Centre for Entrepreneurship can help. To book a place at one of their free workshops or a confidential business advice session with one of their business advisers, call 0151 231 3300 or visit their website https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/startup

Careers Zones Campus-based Careers Zones provide easy access to careers support in convenient locations at Byrom Street, Aldham Robarts Library and at IM Marsh, staffed by the Careers Team. Support available includes CV and application form reviews, Careers Adviser appointments, drop-in quick queries, practice interviews and access to careers resources and information. The Zones also host regular employer visits during term time where you can meet and network with employers and discuss job

https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

Career Insight: BSc Biology and placement opportunities. For the latest updates and details of locations and opening times, try our Twitter and Facebook pages.

Finally, here are some example case studies of LJMU Biology Alumni. There are also other examples in your school Career Planning Guide:

Graduate Case Studies: NAME: Rebecca Edge ROLE: Process Development Scientist ORGANISATION: AstraZeneca Supply Biologics What does your job involve? My current role is in the pre-manufacturing of influenza virus vaccine. I work in the downstream processing of the vaccine, performing manufacturability and filterability studies. The data generated in these studies directly influences the manufacturing process to ensure the manufacturing of the vaccine goes as smoothly as possible. These studies require the use of an ultracentrifuge, a tangential flow filtration system and other laboratory skills such as Western blotting. What do you enjoy about your job? My job allows me to be cross trained in a variety of pre-manufacturing processes and has provided me with valuable current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) knowledge. As well as gaining more scientific knowledge, the job has also given me great insight into a more engineering-orientated role. Sometimes the hardest part of research is working out how something can be translated into production, and this role has definitely helped me think about this aspect more carefully. I also enjoy interacting with the wide range of departments on site, forming good intra-department relationships. You never know when you may need a favour! How have your skills and experiences acquired from LJMU helped you in your role? I gained a lot of practical laboratory experience at LJMU which has definitely helped me in this current role, and helped me throughout my MSc degree. It was at LJMU that I was first required to give presentations, which built my confidence over the three years. Since starting this role Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had to present a paper to my peers, which was definitely made easier from my presentations during modules at LJMU. What was the best thing about studying biology at LJMU? In the Biology practical labs at LJMU the lecturers and technicians were all extremely helpful. The great flexibility and choice of third year modules was also a bonus as it allowed me to select modules I had the most interest in and learn skills in those areas. NAME: Claire Knight ROLE: Graduate Ecologist ORGANISATION: Ecus Ltd, http://www.ecusltd.co.uk/ What does your job involve? I work at an environmental consultancy where I spend a lot of time doing field work related to protected species in the UK for clients such as Network Rail and Natural England as well as development companies wanting to build new housing or retail units. The field work is always varied and includes nesting bird surveys, great crested newt surveys and bat surveying of sites to confirm presence/absence which can impact on how the client moves forward with their scheme of works. I

https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

Career Insight: BSc Biology write reports for clients of the survey findings and do a lot of mapping of data which is used both internally to enable work to be carried out and externally when issued to clients within the reports. We prepare mitigation plans for the clients to enable them to carry out their development plans whilst protecting the wildlife on site. What do you enjoy about your job? I love the fieldwork and variety in the wildlife I get to see. Last week I saw a grass snake, dragonflies, great crested and smooth newts, toads, frogs, voles and shrews all on the same site. I also love photography so this job really gives me a chance to capture photos of species that I wouldn’t see day to day if I didn’t do this line of work. How have your skills and experiences acquired from LJMU helped you in your role? Whilst studying at LJMU I chose several ecology based modules including Ecology Field Skills where we carried out a Phase 1 Habitat Survey of Thurstaston and used ArcGIS to map out the data we collected. This survey technique is key to a career in ecological consultancy and a skill I also used for the Work Based Learning module in my final year where I had a placement at Natural England’s Fenns and Whixall Moss NNR on the Shropshire/Wales border. I would thoroughly recommend the work based learning module as it made a huge difference for me when applying for jobs having had the practical experience of working at Natural England as well as the academic background attained from the degree programme. What was the best thing about studying biology at LJMU? I would have to say the variety, for example, in my final year I took Forensic Bioscience which was a fascinating (if not slightly grim) module whilst also studying intraspecific aggression in the beadlet anemone for the research project module, two completely different topics but both so interesting! I also have to say that jointly with the variety, one of the best things about studying at LJMU was the fantastic lecturers we had who are so passionate about the subjects they teach. They are all really approachable and help is always there if you just ask.

https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

Looking for out of hours careers support? Access our suite of online careers tools at any time, from anywhere ...

CAREERS ZONE

24/7

❙❙ CV builder ❙❙ Interview simulator ❙❙ Job search websites ❙❙ Careers Newsroom ❙❙ Psychometric testing and

assessment centre practice portal ❙❙ GoinGlobal international jobs database Access Careers Zone 24/7 from the Careers website:

www2.ljmu.ac.uk/careers LJMU CAREERS WORLD OF WORK CAREERSTEAM CENTRE 0151 231 2048/3719 ❚ careers@ljmu.ac.uk || worldofwork@ljmu.ac.uk 0151 231 2048/3719

www2.ljmu.ac.uk/careers www2.ljmu.ac.uk/worldofwork