Life sciences

• The East of England is home to the second largest cluster of life sciences businesses and it’s growing. Around 15,000 people work in life sciences in Norfolk in over 1700 businesses.
• Areas of work include pharmacology (drugs and chemistry), med tech (hi-tech equipment including digital health) and bioinformatics (connecting computing, biology and medicine).
• Food and energy security, healthy ageing, and climate change are important global issues.
• People with high skill levels are needed to work in areas such as microbiology, genetics, artificial intelligence and intellectual property.
• Apprenticeships are a growing route for this type of work.
• Did you know that Norwich Research Park (NRP) is Europe’s largest cluster of food, health, plant and environmental science organisations? Watch this video to find out more about what goes on there.
• Continuing to study a STEM subject will keep your options open for a career in life sciences.

• Maths
• Leadership
• Advanced digital skills
• ICT skills
• Languages
• Problem solving
• Speaking
• Teamwork
• Attention to detail
• Analytical skills

• Computer science
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Sociology
• Physics
• English
• Business studies
• Maths
• Design & technology
• Psychology

• University of East Anglia
• John Innes
• Briar Chemicals
• Earlham Institute
• Anglia DNA
• Quadram Institute
• iDNA Genetics
• Procarta Biosystems

Lab technician                                        £17,250-£26,700

Science professional                              £19,700-£46,550

Environmental health professionals       £32,350-£43,000+

Biological scientist                                  £24,650-£50,450

Pharmacologist                                       £25,000-£50,500+

Design and development engineer         £32,200-£51,000+

Research professional                            £26,850-£70,400

(figures from the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings 2021)

Getting good GCSE grades in maths, English and STEM subjects such as chemistry, biology, and physics will help you get into this sector and keep your career options open.

Options at 16

A levels – chemistry and biology or another core maths or science subject are often looked for by universities for life science courses.

Advanced apprenticeship (level 3) - most apprenticeships in this sector begin at level 3 (A level equivalent). They include:

• Laboratory technician
• Metrology technician
• Animal technologist

T level and other vocational qualifications - a T level in health or healthcare science or options such as a BTEC in applied science can prepare you for work in a technician role or lead to an apprenticeship or higher education course.

Options at 18 or 19

Undergraduate degree - most professional careers in life sciences require a degree, often followed by a postgraduate degree-level qualification for research positions.

Apprenticeship - a higher or degree apprenticeship can be a good way of getting into this work. Some people choose this route following experience at technician level. Competition can be high for some apprenticeships – check entry requirements carefully.

Examples include:

• Senior metrology technician (level 5)
• Technician scientist (level 5)
• Clinical trials specialist (level 6)
• Laboratory scientist (level 6)
• Clinical pharmacology scientist (level 7 degree apprenticeship)
• Research scientist (level 7)
• Bioinformatics scientist (level 7 degree apprenticeship)
• Regulatory affairs specialist (level 7)

Gaining experience

Employers look for people who have enquiring minds and who are good at analysing information. Relevant work experience can help but any paid or voluntary experience will allow you to demonstrate the skills and qualities you have when it comes to applying for work, an apprenticeship or higher education course.