Requirements

Biological scientist or biochemist - requirements

As a biological scientist or biochemist, you’ll carry out scientific tests and investigations on living things like bacteria and people, often focusing on disease treatment and prevention. Learn more about a career in these fields, including what to study and do to get a role.

Know what you'll need to land a job below.

What qualifications do you need to be a biological scientist or biochemist?

A biomedical sciences degree will go a long way. Subjects to consider include:

Please note this is a beta version. We'll continue to improve our suggestions here so that we show you the most relevant subjects.

Do you need a postgraduate qualification to be a biological scientist or biochemist?

An entry-level position is unlikely to need a postgraduate qualification, but you may need a master’s degree or PhD to get more advanced jobs in research or product development.

Examples of taught MAs and research degrees at postgraduate level include MAs in:

Biomedical science
Biomedical informatics
Biology
Medical sciences
Chemistry

What skills do you need to be a biological scientist or biochemist?

You’ll obviously need a strong knowledge of biology and how to conduct scientific experiments as well as analytical and problem-solving skills.

Hard skills usually include:

Biology
Microbiology
Biochemistry
Pharmaceuticals
Data analysis
Chemistry

Soft skills include:

Communication
Management
Self-motivation
Leadership
Eye for detail

Do you need work experience to be a biological scientist or biochemist?

Some roles may ask for previous experience in the industry, which is often included as part of an undergraduate uni degree or can be gained in entry-level roles or admin positions in organisations like pharmacies. In general, the more advanced the job role, the more work experience you’ll need.