I am going to University of Nottingham in this sep’2025 intake for MSc in Biotechnology, therefore I want to know about full time career options of this field in the UK. My target is big and world’s leading biopharma and pharma companies most of them belong to the European countries such as, AstraZenenca and GSK and too many other biopharmaceuticals. Therefore, I want someone’s guidance who can mentor me to reach there. Also, I want to know how hard or easy it would be to get a full time field related job for an international students.
how can I utilize my master degree in biotech to get the white collar job in my decided companies?
if anyone please could help me
Hi @Khushi_Patel !
It’s great that you’re planning to pursue an MSc in Biotechnology at the University of Nottingham. It’s a well-regarded program.
The UK biotech sector is growing steadily, with over 7,000 life science companies and strong hubs like Cambridge, Oxford, and London. Companies like GSK, AstraZeneca, Roche, and Pfizer have a strong presence here. However, for international students, securing a job can be competitive, especially due to visa sponsorship requirements and limited openings in R&D or regulatory roles.
To boost your chances:
- Focus on gaining research or lab experience during your course (via internships or projects).
- Build skills in bioinformatics, data analysis, and regulatory affairs, which are in high demand.
- Attend career fairs and biotech networking events in the UK.
- Explore graduate schemes or entry-level roles in quality control, clinical trials, or regulatory operations.
Getting a mentor in the field is a smart move! You can reach out to existing students on LinkedIn or join professional groups, such as One Nucleus or the UK BioIndustry Association.
I hope this helps, and best of luck! You’re on the right path.
If you have further questions, feel free to reply to this thread.
1 Like
Couldn’t thank you enough for your so helpful response. I will certainly note down and keep it my mind the points that you have proposed me in your comment.
Well, I also want to how can I approach in campus and off campus near by Laboratories to ask for part time opportunists while studying because it is so vital for me to do right part time work which will further help me to build my CV and getting degree related full time job. I know it sounds somewhere eccentric but often it is so demotivating when I hear from a few people when they say there is no field based jobs you should do what it comes to you.
Moreover, I have hands on quality control microbiologist trainee experience in India along with that I have worked in one research project during my bachelor, in addition, just recently completed internship at one Agri biotech start up company for 15 days and currently doing a virtual bioinformatics internship. So, will all these things which I have mentioned be considered by English people while I research jobs for me there?
Once again I’m very grateful for your assistance.
You’re very welcome. I’m really glad the information helped!
First of all, your experience is absolutely valuable. Your background in quality control, research projects, and internships (including the virtual bioinformatics one) shows great initiative and versatility. UK employers, especially in biotech, do recognize hands-on lab skills and prior practical experience, even if it’s from abroad. Just be sure to present it clearly on your CV with measurable outcomes (e.g., techniques used, tools handled, or what you helped improve).
Regarding approaching labs for part-time roles, here are some practical tips:
- On-campus: Connect early with your professors or lab coordinators. Express your interest in volunteering or assisting in research. Many students secure part-time lab work by simply showing genuine interest and willingness to learn.
- Off-campus: Identify nearby university spin-offs, NHS research labs, CROs (Contract Research Organizations), and biotech incubators. Email them professionally, briefly introducing yourself, your background, and how you’d like to contribute (even part-time or unpaid to start).
- Use platforms like LinkedIn, UKRI (UK Research and Innovation), and Indeed to track research projects and companies hiring interns or part-time research assistants.
And no, it’s not eccentric at all! It’s smart and forward-looking to aim for relevant part-time work. It’s true that many students take up unrelated jobs due to immediate availability, but your long-term focus will definitely pay off.
Keep that motivation alive. You’re doing all the right things! All the very best @Khushi_Patel 
1 Like
I’m so glad with your replies it has given me prompt motivation. In addition, the points that you have mentioned are so really helpful.
Can you help me with CV format because I have heard part time CV format is different than normal ones.
CV Format: Part-Time vs. Full-Time Roles in the UK
You’re absolutely right CVs for part-time jobs (while studying) and full-time graduate roles can have slight differences in focus. Here’s a quick guide:
For Part-Time Jobs (While Studying)
These are usually customer service, retail, hospitality, or admin roles.
Key Points:
- Keep it to 1 page (max 2).
- Focus on transferable skills: communication, teamwork, time management, reliability.
- Add availability (days/times).
- No need for detailed academic projects—just mention your current course and university.
Sections to Include:
- Personal Details (Name, Contact, Location)
- Personal Statement (2–3 lines about being a student seeking part-time work)
- Education (just basic info + current course)
- Work Experience (focus on customer service or any people-facing roles)
- Skills (cash handling, MS Office, languages)
- Availability (optional but useful)
For Full-Time Roles (Biotech/Pharma Jobs)
This version needs to be more technical and career-focused.
Key Points:
- Length: 2 pages max
- Emphasize research experience, lab techniques, academic projects, and certifications
- Tailor it for each job role using keywords from the job description
Sections to Include:
- Personal Details (Professional email, LinkedIn)
- Professional Summary (A tailored paragraph with your strengths and career goals)
- Education (with modules, thesis, GPA if strong)
- Research/Projects (Include purpose, tools/techniques used, and outcomes)
- Work/Internship Experience (Include biotech/healthcare-related roles, if any)
- Skills (Lab techniques, software, bioinformatics tools)
- Certifications (GMP, lab safety, etc.)
- References (optional or “Available on request”)
I hope this helps you out @Khushi_Patel .. If you have any more questions, do let me know.