Biological scientists and biochemists

Average National Salaries (2020)

What does this career do?

Biological scientists and biochemists examine and investigate the morphology, structure, chemistry and physical characteristics of living organisms, including their inter-relationships, environments and diseases.

Typical tasks

• studies the physical and chemical form, structure, composition and function of living organisms
• identifies and studies the chemical substances, including microbial infections, involved in physiological processes and the progress of disease
• performs tests to study physiological and pathological characteristics within cells and other organisms
• researches the effects of internal and external environmental factors on the life processes and other functions of living organisms
• observes the structure of communities of organisms in the laboratory and in their natural environment
• advises farmers, medical staff and others, on the nature of field crops, livestock and produce and on the treatment and prevention of disease
• monitors the distribution, presence and behaviour of plants, animals and aquatic life, and performs other scientific tasks related to conservation not performed by jobholders in MINOR GROUP 214: Conservation and Environment Professionals.

Current entry requirements

Entrants usually possess a degree. Entry may also be possible with an appropriate BTEC/SQA award, an Advanced GNVQ/GSVQ Level III, or other academic qualifications. Further specialist training is provided on the job. Some employers may expect entrants to gain professional qualifications.

Percentage in work

• Employed

• Unemployed

Due to insufficient sample sizes, some data was excised.

Predicted employment status in 2022

• Full-time

• Part-time

• Self Employed

Predicted employment levels in the East Midlands

Career related courses available at West Notts

• Access to HE Diploma (Sciences) - Level 3
• Applied Science with Forensics (Advanced) - Level 3
• Biology A Level - Level 3
• Chemistry A Level - Level 3

About the statistics

Data is powered by LMI for All and is sourced from labour market statistics from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the Institute for Employment Research, the Department for Works and Pensions, and the UK Commission for Employment and Skills.