Bioscience Careers Day

Download the full programme.

Day one, Tuesday 3 March: Careers to help sustain our world 

• Jess Allan, Centre for Forest Protection Lead
• Dr. Peter Fretwell, Senior Geographic and Remote Sensing Scientist, British Antarctic Survey
• Melissa Haynes Agoro, Horizon Scanning Coordinator, Nuffield Council on Bioethics
• Sabrina Fleurimé, RSB Science Policy Officer

Day two, Wednesday 4 March: Careers for the future of biology 

• Beth Coad, Principal Genetic Counsellor, St George's Hospital
• Jiteen Ahmed, Times Higher Education Outstanding Technician of the Year award winner, Aston University
• Daniel Hilton, Associate, European Patten Attorney, J A Kemp
• Charlotte George, INTEGRATE Project, Medical Research Council

Day three, Thursday 5 March: Career skills and pathways for tomorrow's biologists 

• Dulcie Havers, South West Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership PhD Student, University of Bristol
• Phoebe Swift, Centre for Forest Protection funded PhD Student and former intern
• Amal Abdulkadir MRSB, Careers Officer, Royal Society of Biology — leading CV skills workshop
• Kane Burgess, PhD Student, UK Health Security Agency, University of Birmingham
• Stella Sultan, PGR Specialising in Structural Biology, University of Birmingham

Day 1

• Melissa Haynes Agoro — Horizon Scanning Coordinator, Nuffield Council on Bioethics: Melissa joined the Nuffield Council on Bioethics (NCOB) in July 2024. Her role supports the development of the horizon scanning, futures, and foresight programme at the NCOB. This programme aims to enable the organisation to better anticipate ethical challenges and develop ethically-centred futures and foresight tools and insights for others working in the sector. As part of the team, she designs and facilitates workshops, engages with key stakeholders, and conducts research to identify and explore emerging issues in biomedicine, health and the life sciences. Melissa has an undergraduate degree in Natural Sciences from the University of Cambridge and a master’s in Science, Technology and Society from UCL. 

• Jess Allan — Centre for Forest Protection Lead: Jess is the Centre for Forest Protection Lead, working within Forest Research and RBG Kew. She coordinates the science programme and aims to connect research with policy and practice through knowledge exchange, comms and engagement. Jess studied environmental science and conservation and is interested in the health and resilience of trees in all their forms – from forests and woodlands to parkland, hedgerows, farms and gardens! She previously led research projects at The Tree Council, a national charity that brings people together for the love of trees and champions research that finds solutions to real-world challenges.

• Dr Peter Fretwell – Senior Remote Sensing Scientsts, British Antarctic Survey: Peter is a senior remote sensing scientist in the Mapping and Geographic Information Centre (MAGIC) at British Antarctic Survey (BAS). He leads the Wildlife From Space group and has over the past decade published a number of ground-breaking remote sensing and GIS studies that have increase our understanding of a range of Polar environments. He has worked at BAS since January 2002 and spent the first seven years of that career in a mainly cartographic role. That changed in 2009, when by chance he discovered that he could detect emperor penguins using satellite imagery. A number of high-profile science papers followed these discoveries, which led to a change of role to focus primarily on ecological remote sensing and GIS and machine learning, with the main focus on the detection, counting and understanding of polar predators from satellite imagery. He has led a number of groundbreaking, influential and novel studies on species including emperor penguins, whales and albatrosses. The research led to Peter to creating the Wildlife From Space Group in 2022, an internal group withing BAS that has won around a dozen research grants in the last five years, funding new high profile studies on a range of wildlife including penguin, seals, walrus, whales and flying seabirds. These projects have employed multiple early career research scientists and many PhD students.

Day 2

• Jiteen Ahmed — Technician, Aston University: Jiteen is the Head of Technical Services and has worked at Aston University for over 20 years in which his journey began as an apprentice. During this time, Jiteen has undertaken and led on various roles in health and safety, teaching support, research, and procurement. Jiteen is a champion for technicians and is one of the Technician Commitment leads at Aston. Externally, Jiteen is the Chair of both Southern University Purchasing Consortia (SUPC) Laboratory Group and the STEMed National Procurement strategy group, an advisor to Lab Innovations, and a commissioner for the TALENT Policy Commission. 

• Beth Coad — Genetic Counsellor, St George's University Hospitals: Beth is a Principal Genetic Counsellor at St George’s Hospital in London. She is also a part-time Honorary Clinical Lecturer in Cancer Genomics at St George’s University London. Beth specialises in cancer genomics and has a particular interest in ensuring that clinical genetic services are inclusive for all patients, particularly the LGBTQIA+ community.

• Daniel Hilton – Associate, European Patten Attorney, J A Kemp: Dan is an associate at J A Kemp LLP, based in London. He joined the patent attorney profession in 2020 and advises on matters across biotechnology and life sciences sectors, with a particular focus on gene editing, biologics and immunotherapy. Before joining the firm, Dan graduated from the University of Oxford with a first class degree in Biochemistry. His Master’s project investigated the cellular mechanisms regulating RNA processing in eukaryotes. Dan handles global prosecution for a range of patent portfolios and has experience drafting patent applications across diverse subject matter, including recombinant enzymes, vaccines, peptide therapeutics and antibodies. He particularly enjoys working with small and medium-sized businesses seeking to grow and strengthen their intellectual property portfolios.
• Charlotte George — INTEGRATE Project, Medical Research Council: Charlie is a researcher in functional genomics at the University of Oxford. She has over 10 years of experience in applying computational techniques to investigate how the molecular regulation of genes contributes to disease. Having entered a career in bioinformatics following a wet-lab PhD in molecular biology and neuroendocrinology, she is a strong supporter of those entering data science careers and has taught over 120 researchers advanced data skills as a trainer on the Oxford Biomedical Data Science Training Programme. She is currently co-leading the MRC-funded INTEGRATE project which is focused on improving data science careers and collaboration in biomedical research.

Day 3

• Dulcie Havers — PhD Student, South West Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership, University of Bristol: Dulcie is in the third year of her PhD at the University of Bristol investigating protein secretion via bacterial secretion systems using biochemical and biophysical approaches. Her involvement with protein mechanism began during her master’s research project on bacterial cell division proteins at Oxford University. Prior to her PhD, Dulcie completed various internships focusing on bacteria as environmental markers, experiences that shape her career aspirations. Through her academic journey, she has navigated the decisions and opportunities that influence early-career science, and as she approaches the end of her PhD she is actively looking to the future as she navigates the next stages of her career. 

• Kane Burgess – PhD Student, UK Health Security Agency, University of Birmingham: Kane is a first-year full time PhD Student based at Porton Down UKHSA, working on a project in collaboration with the University of Birmingham. Their work with Mycobacterium abscessus, a drug resistant non-tuberculosis mycobacterium that primarily causes respiratory disease in immunocompromised patients and those with pre-existing lung conditions. They are investigating how the cell envelope components and lipid profile differ between morphological states during infection, and seeing how these influence interactions with individual immune systems and the complement cascade. Since starting this role in January 2026, Kane will be talking about their first few months settling into a PhD. Furthermore, how they got here; previous education and what opportunities have helped progress their career as an early post graduate research student.

• Phoebe Swift — PhD Student, Centre for Forest Protection, Queen Mary University of London: Phoebe is a PhD student at Queen Mary’s University London and RBG Kew, where she studies the genomics of ash trees in response to the fungal infection known as ash dieback disease. Before this, she undertook a Centre of Forest Protection (CFP) internship investigating local adaptation in UK alder populations and worked as a research assistant on a genome–environment association study of UK silver birch. In this talk, Phoebe will reflect on her CFP internship, the skills she gained, and how the experience helped shape her research interests and career development.

• Stella Sultan – PGR Specialising in Structural Biology, University of Birmingham: Stella is a PhD student in Professor Andrew Lovering's lab at the University of Birmingham, UK. The lab mainly studies the structure and function of proteins produced by Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus — a unique predatory bacterium that eats other bacteria! Bdellovibrio is often called a potential 'living antibiotic' because it kills pathogenic bacteria, including those that are resistant to antibiotics. Being an international student throughout her tertiary education, Stella will share a global perspective of life as a researcher, drawing inspiration from her experience doing sciences (chemistry, food science, metabolic engineering, structural biology) in Asia, Europe, and the UK. 

• Amal Adbulkadir MRSB – Royal Society of Biology Careers Officer: Amal is the new Careers Officer at the Royal Society of Biology (RSB). After studying Biological Sciences at the University of Liverpool and completing an MBiolSci, she began her career in higher education, focusing on student experience, employability, and work based learning. Over nine years, she led a wide range of careers initiatives supporting both students and established professionals, with a strong emphasis on equity, diversity and inclusion to ensure that access to careers support and opportunities is fair and genuinely empowering. She has now joined the RSB to develop a dedicated careers offer for members, helping bioscientists at every career stage build the skills and confidence needed to thrive in a changing professional landscape. In Amal's Showcasing Your Skills: Build a CV That Works session, you can expect a practical, interactive workshop designed to help you communicate your strengths in a rapidly evolving careers landscape. You’ll explore what makes an effective CV, common pitfalls to avoid, and how to use the STARR technique to present your experience with clarity and impact. Throughout the session, you’ll have the chance to put your learning into practice, with time at the end for questions and tailored advice.

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