The main employers of biochemistry graduates in the public sector are:
  • Environment Agency
  • forensic science services
  • government departments
  • National Health Service
  • research institutes
  • universities

Skills for your CV

During your degree you'll develop specific skills associated with biochemistry, such as:
  • in-depth knowledge of molecular biology techniques
  • practical laboratory skills
  • the ability to understand complex biological processes
  • the ability to assemble an argument and engage in debate
  • observation skills
  • research and data analysis
  • critical thinking and problem-solving.
Other general skills include:
  • maths and information technology
  • communication and presentation
  • report writing
  • planning and time management
  • the ability to work to deadlines
  • teamworking
  • self-management and the ability to work independently 

Job options

Jobs directly related to your degree include:
Jobs where your degree would be useful include:
Remember that many employers accept applications from graduates with any degree subject, so don't restrict your thinking to the jobs listed herake a few minutes to answer the Job Match quiz and find out what careers would sui



The practical and technical skills you develop during your biochemistry degree - through laboratory-based work and your final year research project - prepare you well for a research or technical position. Obtaining some work experience, for example a summer internship in a research laboratory or company, will help to boost your chances of finding a job.
Some universities provide a four-year undergraduate course that includes an industry/research placement year. This is usually undertaken in the pharmaceutical or biotechnical industries or a research institute. Opportunities also exist to take a placement abroad, expanding your career prospects. Work placements help develop key skills further and provide opportunities for building contacts and networking.
Whatever your career plans, it's important to enhance your degree with extra skills and experiences, which show that you are a proactive person engaging with the world around you.
Source: Prospects.ac.uk