A wide range of roles are available in industry, research centres, university departments and government. IntroductionScientific research and development involve the creation of products, processes and commercial applications using cutting-edge, multidisciplinary approaches. A wide range of roles are available in industry, research centres, university departments and government. Industries include aerospace, defence, pharmaceuticals, fast moving consumer goods and technology.What's it like working in this sector?These sector guides, produced by leading careers information providers, include overviews of the sector:Prospects - Science and pharmaceuticalstargetjobs - Science and researchConsider whether you are interested in academic research or industry as the application process and entry requirements will differ.Use these Prospects profiles of common roles within this sector to see what each role involves, what salary to expect, work experience suggestions and typical employers:Analytical chemistAstronomerColour technologistFood technologistMedicinal chemistMeteorologistMicrobiologistProduct/process development scientistResearch scientist (life sciences)Research scientist (physical sciences)The University of Edinburgh Alumni LinkedIn group gives you access to over 20,000 members of the community. Explore careers, progression routes, and make connections. https://www.linkedin.com/groups/74624/Building experience and getting startedAny type of work experience can be valuable and will help you to develop skills, which are transferable to other workplaces and career areas.Summer research projects (or internships), based in university or research institute laboratories, provide valuable insights and experience for students who are considering a research-based career and study for a PhD. Information on how to find internships/work experience can be found in our work experience guides on Careers Service Plus: Work experience for Biological and Biomedical Sciences students (University of Edinburgh login required)Work experience for Chemistry students (University of Edinburgh login required)Work experience for Physics and Astronomy students (University of Edinburgh login required)Professional bodiesThese are a great way to gain access to:Specific career insights and informationNetworking and building connections to a professional/academic communityVacancy listings - another source to look for opportunitiesActivities such as webinars, events and conferencesMuch information is free, but student membership can provide additional benefits.Here are some examples:Royal Society of BiologyRoyal Society of ChemistryInstitute of Physics - includes links to community special interest groups, useful for networkingInstitute of PhysicsWhere can I find job vacancies?Access MyCareerHub and search for opportunities:MyCareerHub opportunitiesGradcracker - Employers by sectortargetjobs - Graduate jobs in science, R&D, food industryjobs.ac.uk – an international jobs board for careers in academic, research, science and related professions:jobs.ac.ukNature Careers – the job site from the research journal, Nature:Nature CareersPhysics World, part of the Institute of Physics, provides research updates, career profiles in different sectors where physicists work, news developments and a dedicated jobs section:Physics WorldAlso, you can check individual university vacancy webpages and research institutions for opportunities. This article was published on 2024-05-14