Kent labour market information
Life sciences
A career in life sciences can mean working at the cutting-edge of scientific discovery. You could be researching new medicines, improving global health or creating technology to help people manage their own health better.
Pharmaceuticals, medical and biotechnologies, diagnostics and digital health are all part of the life sciences industries in Kent and Medway. Not all jobs require a science background – roles in legal and regulatory affairs, sales and marketing, and management are also vital to this sector. Job openings can be found in large international companies and small, private companies as well as hospital laboratories.
20 jobs and careers in life sciences
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toxicologist geneticist clinical research associate
pharmacologist analytical chemist data scientist
science communicator research laboratory technician biotechnologist
drug safety officer epidemiologist sales representative
health economist quality assurance manager bioinformatics technician
public relations (PR) officer regulatory affairs officer histopathologist
mathematical modeller clinical scientist: imaging
Now and the future
During the Covid-19 pandemic we got a glimpse of how critical the life sciences sector is to global health. Its swift response to the spread of the virus through the creation of diagnostic tests, vaccines, treatments and tracking demonstrated its highly-skilled and flexible workforce.
Life sciences companies make a major contribution to the UK economy, and the UK pharmaceutical sector in particular remains strong.
This is a sector which is constantly innovating: increased use of AI and machine learning is being used to analyse data, accelerate research, develop new treatments such as gene therapies, and create new digital technologies.
People who work in this sector may also be involved in addressing the effects of climate change through research into biofuels or increasing crop production.
Spotlight on Kent and Medway
Kent and Medway is home to around 2,000 life science enterprises (source). Hotspots include two of the UK’s leading science parks - Discovery Park in Sandwich, which houses companies involved in drug discovery, biotechnology and healthcare, and Kent Science Park near Sittingbourne, a base for many agri-tech, biotech and biopharma businesses – and higher than average jobs in Dover and Sevenoaks. Various research activities also take place at the University of Kent’s School of Bio-sciences.
Scroll to the bottom of this page to find links to some great local employers.
More information
- has strong analytical thinking skills
- enjoys working collaboratively
- has advanced digital skills
- is innovative
- is good at problem solving
- has excellent communication skills
- pays attention to detail.
Useful subjects
These subjects and qualifications could help you get into this sector:
chemistry | biology | maths | computer science | English | PE | design and technology | physics | history | business studies | psychology | sociology | law | economics | healthcare science
What about apprenticeships?
Apprenticeships are mostly available at advanced and higher levels.
For vacancies in Kent and Medway and further information:
- Find an Apprenticeship
- Amazing Apprenticeships
- Higher and Degree Apprenticeship Vacancy Listing
- Apprenticeships in the pharmaceuticals industry
- Explore the Skills England apprenticeship maps for this sector.
Your choices @
14-16
You’ll gain useful skills in maths, chemistry, biology, English, PE and physics; computer science, history, and design and technology may also be useful.
Post 16
Five or more GCSEs at grade 4+ including English and maths | Working towards grade 4 GCSE English or maths |
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Post 18
- Degree.
- Other higher education qualification.
- Higher or degree apprenticeship.
- Employment with or without further training.
This sector employs a high percentage of university graduates, and some will also hold postgraduate and postdoctoral qualifications. For scientist roles in the NHS, applicants must complete the three-year work-based NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP) following completion of a relevant degree.
Some careers require a degree-level qualification or apprenticeship approved by a professional body. However, not all roles in this sector require a science background and a wide range of degree courses such as law, economics, history or journalism may provide an entry route in.
Gain skills and knowledge by building up experience. This could include volunteering, work shadowing, a work experience placement, or paid employment.
Want to know more?
Careers in the Pharmaceutical Industry
A Future in Chemistry
Biochemical Society
Microbiology Society
Health Careers (NHS)
Technicians. We make the difference
Kent employers
