Bioscience Careers Day

The theme for this year's BCD is yet to be confirmed. A programme of speakers will be available soon.

More information on confirmed BCD speakers and chairs will be available soon.

BCD is aimed at undergraduate and Master's students. Recent bioscience graduates, PhD students, postdocs, careers advisors, and school/ college students considering a bioscience degree are also very welcome.

Employers, if you would like to connect with talented students focused on their future careers, see our sponsorship opportunities below, or email events@rsb.org.uk to discuss opportunities. 

If you are interested in being involved with Bioscience Careers Day, please download our sponsorship packages.

We would like to thank our sponsors, supporters and partners, who are vital in making Bioscience Careers Day happen every year.

This event is coordinated by the Royal Society of Biology's Careers Committee.

• RSB members — £5
• Member of a Careers Committee organisation (see below) — £5
• Non-member — £10

Bookings for this event can be made via the event page. You can submit questions for speakers ahead of time by emailing your questions to events@rsb.org.uk.

If you would like to organise for a group of your students to attend, please email events@rsb.org.uk.

This event has been approved by the Royal Society of Biology for purposes of CPD and can be counted as 18 CPD points.

• Over 10 working days before the event = 100% refund less 25% administration fee
• Between 5 and 10 working days before the event = 50% refund less 25% administration fee
• Less than 5 working days before the event = 0% refund

For more information, please see our terms and conditions.

This event is supported by the following organisations, who have worked collaboratively with the Royal Society of Biology to bring together a diverse line-up of speakers for this event.

• Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry
• Biochemical Society
• British Ecological Society
• British Pharmacological Society
• British Society for Immunology
• Gatsby Plant Science Education Programme
• Microbiology Society
• Physiological Society
• Society for Experimental Biology

Please direct all enquiries to events@rsb.org.uk or on 020 3925 3444.

Take a look at our programme for the event and read our speakers' biographies. This may help you think of questions you would like to ask in each session.

Perhaps you'd like to know how our speaker started their career? What is the best piece of advice they received? Have they ever experienced failure in their career, and how did they overcome this? Whatever you'd like to know from our speakers, this is your opportunity to ask. All questions can also be submitted anonymously, although giving a name and some information on what you are studying may help the speaker give you a more detailed answer.

Didn't get chance to ask your question? No problem. Try looking the speaker up on LinkedIn, or finding their academic profile and email address online. The speakers involved in BCD are prepared to give careers advice on a range of topics.

Having an up-to-date CV is an essential part of beginning any career journey. Take a look at Jess Wells' presentation from BCD 2020 which includes brilliant advice on how to structure your CV and the main things employers are looking for. You can also find other tips on creating a stand-out CV below.

Order your CV

• Identify the key details that the person reading your CV will be looking for and order your CV accordingly.
• You can either present your CV chronologically (starting with your most recent experience and achievements) or thematically (based on skills).

Keep things concise

• Academic CVs can often be lengthy if they include detailed lists of publications so make sure only the relevant information is included, and cut out any repeats.
• Use headers, dates, and bold or underline text to make it stand out.

Consistency is key

• Use the same font type and size throughout.
• If you are using acronyms or initialisms, explain these first.

Key information to include (and what to leave out)

• Include a contact email address and telephone number.
• Summarise your education, giving most detail to the most recent achievement.
• References can be 'available on request' — but do make sure to let your referees know if you are including them.
• There is no need to include a photograph, information on your gender, or date of birth.

Further information can be found on our careers guidance webpage, or take a look at the Biochemical Society's website for more tips and The Physiological Society's ten tips for a winning CV.

Whether you are interviewing for a place on a Masters' course, PhD, graduate scheme, or full time employment, being able to present yourself clearly and confidently is a vital skill. Matt Larkin, Newcastle University, included some valuable advice in his presentation for BCD 2020. Further resources and interview tips can be found below.

Do your research

• Look into the organisation you are applying to, paying attention to any recent news stories, publications or events.
• You can also research the people on your interview panel if you have their names, perhaps looking into the organisational structure and hierarchy.

Align your skills to the job description

• Make sure you refer to key skills and competencies mentioned in the job description, and prepare examples of how you have these skills.
• Don't be afraid to use buzz words mentioned in person specifications or job descriptions.

Give examples

• Use the STAR technique (situation, task, action, result) to answer competency-based questions, making sure to use real life examples.
• Preparing for common interview questions and practicing your answer out loud can help you identify key areas for improvement.

Prepare questions you have for the interviewer in advance

Relax! They want to know about you as a person, and how you will fit into the team and the role so try to stay positive and relaxed 

Further information can be found on our careers guidance webpage, and be sure to watch the Microbiology Society's video on how to give a great oral presentation

Networking can seem like a daunting prospect to begin with, but being able to master the skill of widening your network can be beneficial in a variety of settings.

In person

When looking to network at an event or conference, it is best to keep things simple. Introduce yourself, perhaps ask how the person is finding the event, and don't forget to tell them about yourself too. Think about what you are looking for from the conversation and stay engaged with what they are saying.

Watch the Microbiology Society's video on how to network like a pro for more tips.

Online

Online networking doesn't have to mean over a video call or in an online meeting. Making the most of social media platforms such as LinkedIn can be a great way to make new connections and can be a good way to get started if you're not ready for face-to-face networking.

Take a look at the Microbiology Society's helpful video on how to network online, or the British Society for Immunology's webinar on building an online presence.

Visit the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry's website to find case studies covering the multitude of different roles within the pharmaceutical industry, as well as frequently asked questions about furthering your career in the sector.

2025

• Careers in behavioural ecology — Alice Morrell, Postdoctoral Research Associate, University of Oxford
• Careers in drug development — James Sweet-Jones, Business Analyst and Associate, Revena
• Careers in medical writing — Joe Dixon, Principal Medical Writer, Costello Medical
• Careers in pharmaceutical science — Margret Kadembo, Marketing Assistant, Novartis
• Careers in plant health — Suzannah Pearce, Deputy Technical Lead & Secondary Legislation Manager, Defra
• Careers in public engagement — Faye Watson, Public and Community Engagement Consultant, CollaborACTION
• Careers in research communication — Aimee Eckert, Research Advisor, British Heart Foundation
• Careers in science communication — Quang Tran, Science Communications Officer, Alzheimer's Research UK
• Careers as a university technician — Jasper Chaplin, Multi-Faculty Technician, Royal Veterinary College

2024

• Careers in biomedical research — Dr Amy Vincent, Newcastle University
• Careers in academia — Professor Diane Purchase, Middlesex University London
• Careers in science illustration and communication — Hana Ayoob
• CV and application workshop — Amy Padfield
• CV and application workshop — Fiona Stubbs
• CV and application workshop — Phil Lang
• CV and application workshop — Dr Lisa Coulthwaite
• Next steps: where to find further study workshop — Alison Kusinska and Jonathan Lancaster-Shepherd
• Next steps: where to find further study workshop — Dr Kerry Broom
• What you’ve got and how to show it: useful transferrable skills for the alternative careers job market workshop — Fiona Stubbs

2023

• Careers in bioinformatics — Dr Will Wood, Naimuri 
• Careers in scientific publishing — Rebecca Harwood, Royal Pharmaceutical Society 
• Careers in plant health — Dr Charles Lane, Fera
• Careers in animal welfare and wildlife research — Dr Julie Lane, APHA
• Careers as a technician — Kitty Clouston, University of Cambridge 
• Careers in science communication — Dr Emily May Armstrong, University of Glasgow and Siren Calling

2022

• The benefits of learned societies: how to use your membership — Christopher Longmore, Royal Society of Biology 
• Careers in pharmaceutical science — Michelle Latter, Pfizer 
• Careers in medical communication — Christine Smart, Adelphi Communication
• Careers in public health — Dr Helen Patrick, Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust

2021 

• Bridging the gap between university and the world of work — Sarah Blackford, careers consultant
• Careers in research: academia — John Downey, University College Cork
• Careers in drug discovery — Dr Amanda Kennedy, MSD
• Careers in plant science — Ola Oladokun, Carlsberg Group
• Careers in conservation — Phoebe Griffith, Institute of Zoology and University of Oxford
• Careers in science policy — Alessandro Coatti, Royal Society of Biology
• Careers in educational science writing panel with Oxford University Press: Aysha Divan; Jon Crowe 
• The importance of communication — Dr Cristina Fonseca, The Genetics Society
• Careers in the charity sector — Clare McVicker, Academy of Medical Sciences

2020 

• Clinical research in the NHS — Dr Daniel Marks, University College London and AstraZeneca
• Careers in the field — Dr Maureen Berg, University of Brighton
• Careers in conservation — Lowri Watkins, Gwent Wildlife Trust
• Careers in ecology — Barbara MacFarlane, TransTech Ltd.
• Careers in science policy — Andrew Mackenzie, The Physiological Society
• Careers in climate action and sustainability — Siobhan Gardiner, Deloitte Ventures
• Alternative environmental science careers — Dr Liz Rylott, University of York
• Where to begin in outreach and communication — Ella Hubber, King's College London
• Careers in academic publishing — Mike Page, Journal of Experimental Botany
• CV writing tips — Jessica Wells, Tyne Coast College
• Interview skills — Matt Larkin, Newcastle University

2019 

• Panel discussion: careers in plant science — Laura Dixon, University of Leeds
• Panel discussion: careers in plant science — Rich Dale, Syngenta
• Panel discussion: careers in plant science — Rory Osborne, University of Birmingham
• Further study options — Fahim Hayat, Middlesex University
• How societies can support you — Ally Spencer, Royal Society of Biology
• Planning your career — Emma Adeleye, MDXWorks
• CV workshop — Emma Adeleye, MDXWorks
• Panel discussion: applying your degree to alternative careers — Cat Collins, Springer Nature
• Panel discussion: applying your degree to alternative careers — Richard Fautley, Kinapse
• Panel discussion: skills gaps in the biosciences — James Harker, Imperial College London
• Careers in science policy — Emma Sykes, Medical Research Council
• Careers in clinical science — Azara Janmohamed, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
• Careers in research: industry — Jacqui Piner, GSK
• Careers in research: academia — Emma Davies, Hartpury University
• Careers in science communication — Jenna Stevens-Smith, Medical Research Council
• Careers in the field — Laura Crook, Rothamsted Research

2018 

• Inspiring careers panel — Natalie Lamb , Anglian Water and Sheffield University
• Inspiring careers panel — Grace Paget, Cystic Fibrosis Trust
• Inspiring careers panel — Anna Mudge, Mewburn Ellis LLP
• Inspiring careers panel — Jo Hall, MSD Animal Health
• Inspiring careers panel — Carol Fan, The University of Manchester
• Planning your career — Janet Marshall
• CV workshop — Janet Marshall
• Careers in clinical science — Ang Davies
• Careers in education — Parvia Maxwell
• Careers in science policy — Eva Sharpe
• Careers in the field — Chris Jeffs
• Careers in research: academia vs. industry — Ellie Smart
• Careers in research: academia vs. industry — Kate Barclay
• Careers in science communication (view on Prezi) — Clare Fearon

A selection of useful presentations from our previous careers events

Planning your career

• Planning your careers — Janet Turner, Staffordshire University
• CV workshop — Janet Turner, Staffordshire University
• Planning your career — Amy Horne, University of Birmingham
• CV workshop — University of Birmingham
• Planning your career — Sue Mosely, King's College London
• CV workshop — Sue Mosely, King's College London

Industry 

• Careers in industry — Dr Jon Day, Society of Biology
• Career pathways in industry — Dr Mark Christie, Kings College London
• Careers in research: industry — Dr Amy Prosser, Sygnature Discovery Limited

Academia and postgraduate study

• Careers in academic research — Dr Rob Hardwick, BBSRC
• Career pathways in academic research — Dr Simon Cuttler, BBSRC
• Postgraduate study options — Dr Jeff Newman, Cranfield University

Science communication

• Careers in science communication — Sarah Blackford
• Careers in science communication — Alexa Hime, Biochemical Society
• Managing online presence — Emma Knott, Kaizo PR
• Careers in science communication — Dr Lindsay Flook
• Careers in science communication — Dr Robert Jackson, Keele University
• Careers in science communication — Dr Rebecca Nesbit, Nobel Media

Marketing

• Panel discussion: marketing — Dr Jennie Evans, British Society for Immunology

Business

• Panel discussion: business — Dr Annie Cardew, Quintiles IMS

Publishing 

• Panel discussion: publishing — Tom Ireland, Royal Society of Biology

Environment 

• Careers in the environmental sector — Dr Graham Hopkins, The Ecology Consultancy
• Careers in the environmental sector — Sasha Dosworth, The Ecology Consultancy
• Careers in the field — Dr Natasha de Vere, National Botanic Garden of Wales

Teaching and outreach

• Careers in teaching — Liz Parker-Berry, Durham University
• Careers in learning, teaching, and outreach — Dr Amanda Hardy, Royal Society of Biology
• Careers in teaching — Melissa Glackin, King's College London

Biomedical sciences and clinical science

• Biomedical and clinical science careers — Mike Carter, Health Protection Agency Colindale
• Careers in clinical science — Rebecca Tibbs, Viapath at King's College Hospital

Innovation and patent law

• Scientific innovation — what is it? — Ellie Purnell, Appleyard Lees
• Scientific innovation — what is it? — Simon Bradbury, Appleyard Lees
• Careers in patent law — Robert Andrews — Mewburn Ellis

Science policy 

• Careers in science policy — Mark Downs, Royal Society of Biology
• Careers in science policy — Dr Eva Sharpe, The Institute of Cancer Research