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Life science researchers play a key role in making advances and developing new products across a range of areas from biotechnology to stem cell research.
As a researcher in life sciences, you'll mostly be involved in planning and conducting experiments and analysing results. This could either be for a definite end use, such as to develop new products, processes or commercial applications, or to broaden scientific understanding in general.
You'll usually carry out your experiments and research on your own, but you'll typically be part of a larger team and will share your findings and relevant information with colleagues. This is sometimes done at international conferences or through the publication of research papers.
You can find employment in commercial or government laboratories, hospitals and higher education institutions.
Types of work
You will usually target your research on a particular area of life science depending on your interests. There are various fields to consider including:
* bioinformatics
* biotechnology
* microbiology
* oncology
* pharmacology
* physiology
* plant sciences
* stem cell research
The work is close to the medical sciences but also crosses over into other areas such as biochemistry.
Responsibilities
The work you do will depend on the specific area of life sciences you work in, your level of seniority and whether you're in an industrial or academic setting.
However, in general you may need to:
* create and conduct experiments
* process and analyse results and data
* communicate results to the scientific community via published papers
* collaborate with industry/academia to apply the results of research and develop new techniques, products or practices
* present ongoing work and findings to colleagues at academic conferences
* carry out field work to inform research
* teach, demonstrate to or supervise students (in academia) and train and supervise other members of staff
* devise or help to draw up new research proposals and apply for funding
* work in multidisciplinary teams, in different faculties or schools in academia, and in different functions of the business in industry
* carry out peer reviews of written publications and presentations to validate theories and inform research
* keep up to date with the work of other scientists
* attend academic conferences across the world and regularly read industry journals
Working hours
Your hours will typically vary depending on whether you're in academia or industry. In academia in particular, there may be some flexibility with your start and finish times. Due to the nature of experimental work, hours can be irregular and may require some evening or weekend work.
If you're based in industry, your hours may be slightly longer and you may have to work to fit in with shift patterns and commercial deadlines.
You may also be required to work longer hours when grant application deadlines are looming or an important experiment is underway.
What to expect
* The majority of work is laboratory based, with some time spent in the office planning and writing up experiments. Field work is required for some roles. Travel to and from clients' and colleagues' offices may also be required.
* Many researchers are employed on fixed-term contracts, associated with finite funding for particular projects. Most contracts last for several years. Permanent posts are highly sought after and are more common within industry than academia.
* Opportunities within life science organisations are available across the UK but some regions are particularly strong in certain fields.
* Experimental work may involve working with hazardous and toxic materials.
* Travel overseas, as well as in the UK, is sometimes necessary for attending conferences and seminars.
Skills
You'll need to have:
* a methodical approach to analysing and processing data
* problem-solving skills when carrying out experiments
* good time management and organisational skills
* the ability to work independently
* strong communication skills for writing papers, reports and bids and for giving presentations
* the ability and desire to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams
* tenacity and patience, to see experiments through from design to completion
* networking skills, and the ability to build effective links with external organisations
Practical laboratory experience and knowledge of the range of techniques used will improve your chances when applying for research jobs. This experience can be achieved through a placement year in industry during your degree or vacation work.
The life sciences sector is broad and you can find work with a variety of employers including:
* clinical research organisations
* large pharmaceutical and cosmetics companies
* national and global health-related charities
* NHS trusts and private hospitals
* research councils and their associated institutes
* scientific and technical consultancies
* universities, including those overseas
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