How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
University
You'll usually need a relevant degree and often a postgraduate master's qualification in a life science subject like:
- biology
- biological science
- ecology
- marine biology
Employers may also want you to have experience in your area of interest and possibly a PhD.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
- 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including biology for a degree
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
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Apprenticeship
You could begin by doing a degree apprenticeship.
For example:
- Laboratory Scientist Level 6
- Research Scientist Level 7
- Bioinformatics Scientist Level 7
The Level 6 apprenticeship takes around 5 years to complete.
The Level 7 apprenticeships are likely to have a higher entry criteria and typically take 2 to 3 years.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship
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Work
You could start as a laboratory technician and train as a biologist by working and studying for a relevant qualification at the same time.
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Career tips
You can learn more about the latest biological research projects from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council.
This can be useful to talk about when it comes to course and job interviews.
Professional and industry bodies
You could join the Royal Society of Biology for your professional development.
Further information
You can find more details about careers, courses and training in biology from the Royal Society of Biology.