Life Science Jobs Beyond the Lab: Exploring Alternative Careers

Although a career in life science may bring to mind a sterile laboratory environment, this industry offers a huge array of exciting and rewarding roles that extend beyond traditional lab settings. Life science graduates can pursue careers in areas like science communication, medical sales, patent law and so much more!

Keep reading this blog for a rundown of some of the most popular life science careers that take place outside of the lab. 

 

Science Communication

There are a multitude of career options available for science graduates in the field of science communication and outreach. For example, you could start a career in scientific writing and create technical documents, reports and other scientific materials. Alternatively, you could become a science journalist and work on relaying science news to the general public through various media outlets and publications.

To excel in this area of the life science industry, you will need strong communication skills and the ability to adapt your writing to a variety of different audiences. You will also need excellent research skills and a robust knowledge of your chosen scientific field so that you can explain complex concepts clearly and accurately, with all information being backed up by appropriate research.

 

Medical Sales

This is another area of life science that doesn’t require you to work in a lab. Medical sales jobs tend to involve consulting with healthcare providers (such as GPs, pharmacists and nurses) to understand their needs and recommend appropriate medical equipment / prescription drugs.

To succeed in this field, you will need to have strong interpersonal communication skills alongside good selling skills and plenty of product and market knowledge. You will need to be able to work independently and stay motivated to achieve your sales goals.

 

Consultancy & Business Analysis

Science consultancy and business analysis is another life science role that requires excellent communication and interpersonal skills, all built on a strong foundation of in-depth scientific knowledge. Those who work in this field often have a degree in business, economics or engineering in addition to their scientific qualifications.

Science consultancy involves providing expert advice to organisations in the life science sector. You will need to apply both your scientific background and your analytical skills to solve client problems; for example, you may need to provide advice on the efficiency of manufacturing processes, or help your client change their marketing strategy.

 

Intellectual Property & Patent Law

If you’re interested in the overlap between life sciences and the legal field, a career in patent law and intellectual property may be perfect for you. As a patent attorney or patent examiner, you will work with inventors to protect their intellectual property. This will involve evaluating whether an invention is new and innovative, and therefore whether it is eligible to be patented.

Teaching

Teaching is another viable option for life science graduates who are looking to share their expertise with others. However, you will need to gain additional qualifications in order to become a teacher (at the primary or secondary school level) by completing a postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE) or a teacher training course.

Recruitment

Your knowledge of the science industry and strong interpersonal / communication skills could also be put to good use in the science recruitment sector. In this sector, you could work as a recruitment consultant and help to match candidates’ skills and experience to the right scientific role – just like we do here at HRS!

At HRS, we know that the life science industry can feel competitive and overwhelming. This is why we specialise in helping to connect graduates with opportunities across the life science sector, including roles that take place outside of the lab.

So, if working in a laboratory doesn’t appeal to you, don’t fret! Contact Hyper Recruitment Solutions today for expert advice and support on finding secure roles in the life science industry.