Elizabeth
BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science
Since graduating with a degree in BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science from the University of Bradford in 2017, Elizabeth has enjoyed a varied and rewarding career in the field.
After securing a graduate role at a global pharmaceuticals company, going back to university to study a Master's, and then working as a lab technician and analyst, Elizabeth now plays a key role in a national vaccine task force.
This is Elizabeth's story...
A love for the field
"This degree made me love microbiology."
"Originally, I wanted to get into medicine, but after a year on the Biomedical Science degree at Bradford, I quickly realised how much I enjoyed microbiology and the diagnostic side of it. I knew then that I wanted a career in it."
Building a career
“After university, I secured my first role at a pharma company.”
"My job as a quality assurance administrator was to make sure products were up to a certain grade before selling them on. It was mostly desk-based, but I got to go into the labs sometimes to physically check chemicals which I really enjoyed. It made me realise that while I knew I was getting good experience, it wasn’t ultimately what I wanted to do. I wanted to be in the labs.
"I decided to pursue a Master’s in Glasgow so I could develop my lab knowledge further, before applying for roles like research scientist and medical lab assistant. I got a job as a lab technician at another pharma company afterward, specialising in anti-cancer drugs and the anthrax vaccine. I was quickly promoted to analyst after my probation period."
Making change
“I now work as a scientist technician (ASAY operations) for UKHSA.”
"I’m part of a vaccine task force department at the UK Health Security Agency, who are responsible for making sure the Covid vaccine works on current strains of the virus. We receive blood samples from patients, test to see if they will have immunity against a current strain, and then give the results to the company who’ve funded the study."
"It's amazing to be working on something that’s affecting so many of us. And it’s also a lot of fun! I like the aspect of working with dangerous microbes."
Foundations for a career
“I couldn’t do what I do without the degree from Bradford.”
"My time at Bradford gave me such a solid basis of lab techniques, knowledge, and practical skills that I still use to this day. As a student, I quickly knew my way around a lab and felt confident using the equipment. The content of the course is broad, and that is reflected in the number of career routes you can go down afterward. The degree is also accredited, which is a huge bonus."
My ambition now is to move more into management, perhaps a HEO position. I want to complete a biomedical scientist portfolio to broaden my prospects. I want to do more research and enjoy more creative freedom. There’s still so much I want to do.
A bit of advice
“If I could go back and do the course again, I’d do a placement year.”
"It gives you a leg up over other graduates and allows you to do a portfolio, which opens up more doors once you leave university. It’s competitive getting a lab role, and a placement year would have given me a head start. I got there in the end though.
“My advice to other students is to just get out there!”
"Even if you don’t get the job you really want at first, just be reassured that it will be a foot in the door and lead to other things. Just enjoy learning and take every opportunity that comes your way."
Interested in a career in Biomedical Science?
Find out more about our course, entry requirements, and how to apply.