Bioscience Careers Day

Tuesday 25 March — Science communication interactive panel: learn how to effectively share scientific ideas with a diverse audience 

• 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

Wednesday 26 March — AI and machine learning: areas of the biosciences they are transforming and the skills needed to get involved

• Careers in behavioural ecology — Alice Morrell, Postdoctoral Research Associate, University of Oxford
• Careers in medical writing — Joe Dixon, Principal Medical Writer, Costello Medical
• Careers in drug development — James Sweet-Jones, Business Analyst and Associate, Revena

Thursday 27 March — Career paths outside of academia/ industry: explore the different options available

• Careers in pharmaceutical science — Margret Kadembo, Marketing Assistant, Novartis
• Careers as a university technician — Jasper Chaplin, Multi-Faculty Technician, Royal Veterinary College
• Careers in plant health — Suzannah Pearce, Deputy Technical Lead & Secondary Legislation Manager, Defra

BCD 2025 Chairs 

Dr Matt Bawn is a Senior Lecturer in Microbial Genomics at Newcastle University, specialising in genomics and computation. He leads research on pathogen evolution, antimicrobial resistance and single-cell sequencing. With multi-disciplinary experience spanning bioinformatics, microbiology, physics and engineering, he integrates computational approaches into research and education. As a Digital Skills Lead, he is actively developing AI approaches for education and has designed training programmes to introduce biologists to digital and computational skills, ensuring they are equipped for data-driven research and industry applications.

Lucy Eckersley is a Senior Events Officer at the Royal Society of Biology, and also a science presenter, performing live and on TV and radio around the world. After completing a masters degree in Wild Animal Biology, Lucy has used her passion for wildlife to inspire the public, travelled to remote regions for wildlife photography, and worked alongside academics in biodiversity hotspots. At the RSB Lucy manages a wealth of bioscience events, from large conferences to monthly webinars.

Tia Salter is Senior Professional Development Officer at the Royal Society of Biology. She has a BSc and PhD in biochemistry, and her main research interests are bacterial cell biology and antibiotic resistance. Completing a PhD project during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic was an isolating experience, and Tia sought out public engagement and undergraduate teaching opportunities alongside her research. Tia ultimately realised she preferred working with people to bacteria, and joined the RSB a week after defending her PhD thesis.

BCD 2025 Speakers

Jasper David Chaplin is a Teaching and Histology Technician at the Royal Veterinary College. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Zoology and a Master’s degree in Biological Sciences by Research, both from Royal Holloway, University of London, where he specialised in comparative ecophysiology and the social dynamics of bird flocks. His role includes bioveterinary teaching and research support, histology, equipment training, and safety supervision. He works closely with the Widening Participation team, hosting lab classes for secondary school students, and is on the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee in the LGBT+ and disability action groups.

Joe Dixon is a Principal Medical Writer at Costello Medical, where he has worked since 2018. Prior to working at Costello, Joe completed a BA and MSc in Natural Sciences (focused in Chemistry) at Cambridge University, followed by a PhD in Medicinal Chemistry through an Industrial PhD programme between GSK and the University of Strathclyde. Joe much preferred writing his thesis to the performing the labwork that went into it, which led him to pursue Medical Communications. At Costello Medical, Joe’s particular interests include optimising data visualisation and finding ways to integrate AI into the day to day workflows of himself and his colleagues.

Aimee Eckert loves working in the medical research charity sector, and is shortly starting a role with British Heart Foundation as a Research Advisor. This team provides scientific support throughout the research grant application and decision process. Previously, she was a Senior Research Communications Officer at Breast Cancer Now for over five years. She has a PhD in cancer biology and the cell cycle from the University of Sussex. During her PhD, she learnt about science communication, events, and performance by setting up a Brighton branch of the 'PubhD' scheme, volunteering at science festivals, and taking part in the Wellcome Trust-funded Science Showoff Talent Factory programme.

Margret Kadembo is currently a Marketing Assistant at Novartis UK. She graduated in 2023 with a Master's in research from the University of Bristol with a project studying the effects of new ketamine derivative on the NMDA receptor. Additionally, she was selected by the British Neuroscience Association (BNA) Scholar, which led to her presentation of a pre-registration poster of her research project at the BNA Festival of Neuroscience in 2021. Margret also completed her undergraduate degree in neuroscience from the University of Bristol in 2020. Furthermore, during the pandemic she worked as a processing operative for COVID-19 rapid testing on campus.

Alice Morrell is a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of Oxford where she uses artificial intelligence to decode how African elephants communicate through vibrations in the ground (seismic communication). She holds a PhD in Movement Ecology from the Royal Veterinary College where she used GPS collars and other gadgets to track zebra movements in Botswana. Her research has contributed to understanding how these incredibly well adapted creatures find food and water over vast distances. Alice also has a Master's in Engineering and Informatics, where she learnt to code and build machine learning models. Previously, Alice has conducted research on the social lives of dwarf mongoose in South Africa, as well as assisting the discovery of a new parasite species that can infect both humans and animals in Senegal. She has also given talks on her research at international academic conferences and has been invited as a guest speakers for the Women in Ecology series in Indiana, US, as well as the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behaviour in Konstanz, Germany.

Suzannah Pearce currently works in the plant health team at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) as the Deputy Technical Lead, spanning policy, project delivery, and risk analysis in her current role for the protection of plant biosecurity. In the past, Suzie was based for six months in the Canadian Government, under the EPPO Jens-Georg Unger Plant Health Fellowship, where she was assessing the risk of blueberry pests and diseases to the UK. She specialised in plant health during her academic degrees (a BSc in Biology and a MSc in Plant Genetics and Crop Improvement) and as an employed researcher.

James Sweet-Jones is a Business Analyst and Associate at Revena, a science and technology consultancy, advising and evaluating small businesses about IP status and strategies for development. His PhD involved the use of large language models to screen patient-derived antibodies for developability, to score how well they can be turned into new therapeutics. In 2023, he was awarded for the best presentation at the London Interdisciplinary Doctoral Training Program retreat for his work. This project put him at the intersection of machine learning and biology, where he continues to apply these methods into his current work for identifying and realising opportunities in biotech.

Quang Tran is a Science Communications Officer at Alzheimer's Research UK, where he brings the latest dementia research to the public through engaging stories and expert insights. He creates content for social media and website articles, helping raise awareness and inspire support for the charity's mission. Quang also works with journalists to share research breakthroughs, securing national coverage in outlets like BBC News, Daily Mail, and The Telegraph. With a background in science communication, Quang was part of the Science Showoff Talent Factory, a two-year mentoring programme for emerging science communicators. Through this, he honed his skills in making complex topics accessible through writing or performing stand-up comedy on subjects like parasites and transgenic mice.

Faye Watson is a Public and Community Engagement Consultant leading the consultancy collaborACTION. Before becoming a consultant, she was the Public Engagement with Research Manager in the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine at the University of Edinburgh. She was also awarded a prestigious Churchill Fellowship in 2023, and travelled to Botswana and South Africa researching community engagement with marginalised communities affected by HIV and Hepatitis C. She subsequently joined the Board of Trustees for Waverley Care, Scotland's largest sexual health charity. Faye is also the Chair of the Scottish Public Engagement Network (ScotPEN) and the co-chair of Scotlands Interdisciplinary Research in Sexual Health Network (IReSH). 

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 was 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.

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