1. Home: Explore careers
  2. Pharmacologist

Pharmacologist

Alternative titles for this job include

Pharmacologists study the effects of drugs and other chemical substances on cells, animals, humans and the environment.

Average salary (a year)

£25,000 Starter

to

£50,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

38 to 40 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends flexibly

How to become a pharmacologist

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship

University

You'll need a science degree to become a pharmacologist. Pharmacology is the most relevant subject, although a degree in biochemistry, physiology, or microbiology may also be accepted by employers.

A postgraduate qualification may also be a requirement when applying for some jobs.

Some courses include a year working in industry, which will give you an advantage when you start applying for work. You can also get experience by working as a lab assistant or through work shadowing.

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
  • 3 A levels, or equivalent, including biology and chemistry

More Information

Apprenticeship

The following apprenticeships may be relevant:

  • Clinical pharmacology scientist degree apprenticeship.

As an apprentice clinical pharmacologist you would follow medicines through their entire lifecycle, from discovery to research, to dosage recommendations, safety, efficacy, marketing and approval.

You may need to be:

  • already working in a clinical pharmacology role
  • a pharmacist looking to use your skills in research
  • a science graduate

Entry requirements

To do this apprenticeship, you'll need:

  • a degree in a relevant subject for a degree apprenticeship

More Information

More Information

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the British Pharmalogical Society for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a pharmacologist through the British Pharmacological Society and the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • science skills
  • knowledge of biology
  • knowledge of chemistry including the safe use and disposal of chemicals
  • complex problem-solving skills
  • analytical thinking skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • thinking and reasoning skills
  • maths knowledge
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As part of your day-to-day duties, you might:

  • design, set up and carry out experiments
  • analyse data using complex equipment and measuring systems
  • test drugs on cells in labs and through clinical trials
  • make recommendations using the results of research to develop new products and manufacturing processes
  • study the effects of drugs and testing the safety of manufactured products

Working environment

You could work in a laboratory.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could progress to supervisor or manager. You could also move into medical sales and marketing, drug registration, patent work or information science.

You could work in research and development with a postgraduate degree in pharmacology or a relevant PhD.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a pharmacologist right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Are you interested in becoming a pharmacologist?

Search for training courses near you.

Jobs In the United Kingdom

The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.

Search further careers

Related careers

Skills assessment

Take an assessment to learn more about your skills and the careers that might suit you.

Speak to an adviser

Call 0800 100 900 or use webchat

  • 8am - 8pm Monday - Friday
  • 10am - 5pm Saturday

Is this page useful?

Yes No

Thank you for your feedback.

Thank you for your feedback. Click here if you'd like to let us know how we can improve the service.