CAREERS IN PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCE
The course material sounds fascinating, all that time using high-tech lab equipment seems really fun, and the placement and industry experience opportunities mean you’ ll graduate ready for the workforce. But where can a pharmaceutical science degree actually lead?
That’ s a trickier question to answer than you might think. Although the course is primarily focused on understanding medicines, the skills you learn can also translate to a range of chemistry-related or biomedical career options. In addition to the pharmaceutical industry, Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science graduates can be found in industries ranging from paints and coatings to cosmetics to food manufacturing.
Here are some of our more common graduate destinations.
BIOMEDICAL RESEARCHER Biomedical researchers investigate how the human body works with the aim of finding new ways to improve health. Usually based in a laboratory, you’ ll conduct experiments and clinical tests to record and report on the findings.
In general, biomedical researchers within a university focus on improving tools and techniques, studying biological processes and the causes and progression of diseases. Private sector labs develop high value products that generate considerable income for the company.
CLINICAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATE As a clinical research associate you’ ll use your experience in running experiments, gathering data and documenting the results during clinical trials. Typical employers for this role include clinical research organisations, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies and even hospitals and universities.
FORENSIC SCIENTIST Forensic science is the application of scientific techniques to help investigate crimes, accidents and other incidents. It’ s not always like what you see on your favourite crime investigation TV shows, but can entail tasks such as analysing illicit drugs or suspect situations.
INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT OFFICER For graduates with a desire to work in the social advancement field, one career path is to work with an international non-governmental organisation, like the World Health Organization( WHO). With a goal to build a better, healthier future for people all over the world, WHO staff work side by side with governments and other partners to ensure the highest attainable level of health for all people.
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