Unusual and interesting careers in science

Unusual and interesting careers in science

British Science Week takes place in March and is a ten-day celebration of everything science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM). With so many fantastic careers in STEM in the UK, we took the opportunity to explore some of them.

Why consider a career in science?

1. Variety

The worlds of science, technology, engineering, and maths encompass many different specialism, theories and fields of study. This means there are so many different pathways someone can explore, far beyond physics, biology and chemistry.

You might begin by studying one area of science you find interesting, and find yourself doing a job you didn’t even know existed! Studying science is a chance to explore what you enjoy and find more interesting things along the way.

2. Longevity

Science underpins everything we know to exist. It is the basis for our understanding of modern medicine, nature, technology, and the world around us. There is always something new to explore and learn about.

3. Opportunities

Because science and learning come hand in hand, there are lots of opportunities for study and learning, and often these are financially supported. Many careers in science, particularly the study of science, have teaching opportunities associated with them.

4. Stability

We are always going to need jobs in science, as science informs the way we live our lives and fuels advancements in society. Learning a science gives you a specialist understanding of a subject matter, which opens doors and provides a solid basis for a career.

5. Fulfilment

If you enjoy science and learning about the way things work, it’s likely you will find a job in science interesting and fulfilling. Many of the skills you need to study science – being curious, analytical, methodical and thoughtful – translate into brilliantly fulfilling roles.

What are some of the most interesting careers in science?

The world of science and research is so wide ranging, we couldn’t list every career pathway in one article. Instead, we have picked some of the most interesting and unusual jobs from the world of science, in celebration of British Science Week.

Forensic Scientist

Forensic scientists collect traces of physical evidence as part of police investigations and prepare them for use in courts of law. Evidence is collected from scenes of crime or accidents analysed in the laboratory before being presented in court.

Agricultural Scientist

Agricultural scientists study the industry of farming and carry out experiments to improve methodology and find new ways of producing food. They help support the sustainability of crops and livestock, designing new agricultural methods to improve food production.

Environmental Consultant

Environmental consultants advise on sustainability issues, including waste management and the impact of climate change. They help private and public sector organisations to lower their environmental impact and reduce their carbon footprints.

Wildlife Biologist

Wildlife biologists study wildlife and animals to find out how they interact with their native surroundings. They track the impact human life has on natural habitats and wildlife populations by studying the animals and their behaviours to help inform conservation efforts.

Food Scientist

Food scientists test and determine the nutritional qualities of food. They study the chemical properties of food and make sure food is safe and nutritious for consumption. Food scientists may detect potential contaminants in food using different scientific and technological processes.

 

Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists track, investigate and record the spread and distribution of disease, disability, and health outcomes. They may research and develop findings as a means for future prevention and control of the disease or disability.

Data scientist

Data scientists compute science, statistics and mathematics to create algorithms to solve various issues. They develop predictive models to inform all kinds of operational processes in industries including media, healthcare, retail, telecoms, banking and finance.

Read Jillian’s story from studying Biochemistry to becoming a Data Scientist working with large manufacturers and businesses.

Fragrance chemist

Fragrance chemists study odour molecules in order to make scents and perfumes. They test and develop fragrances for perfumes, cosmetics, food, and cleaning products. Fragrance chemists are qualified chemists who have specialised in chemical engineering and other related subjects.

Robotics Engineer

Robotics engineers use software and mechanical hardware to design, build, and test robots to execute and improve machine-based processes. They may maintain the software that controls the robots, testing and making sure the processes are operating efficiently.

Marine Biologist

Marine biologists study marine life, and the organisms and ecosystems in the oceans. A career in marine biology may include field or laboratory work, academic research, charity, policy and outreach. Marine biologists aim to reduce the effects of human activity and natural disturbances on our oceans by improving our understanding of them.

We hope we have shared some useful careers resources for students and teachers. If you are looking for further information, get in touch with us on 01484 242000 or email chat@ckcareers.co.uk.