Over 1.2 million students were enrolled in a scientific higher education course according to 2021 HESA statistics. For these students and the many more that have since entered university to study science, it always pays to look to the future and what careers might be on the horizon.
Thankfully, there are plenty of job opportunities if you’re interested in pursuing a career in the medical profession, offering all sorts of specialities, career opportunities, and responsibilities. Here are three you may not yet be aware of.
Quality Compliance Associate
A key role in medical workplaces, Quality Compliance Associates ensure that work is carried out in accordance with relevant certifications, keeping staff and customers safe.
For instance, if medical devices are being used, it’s likely that the Associate will need to be an expert in the ISO 13485 certification – medical devices management – and how it must be employed in the workplace.
Alongside this, Quality Compliance Associates are required to support quality management systems. This involves validating activities, performing change control, analysing root causes, undertaking risk assessments and Corrective and Preventive Actions, and more. You will also spend your time auditing internal processes and those of suppliers, and training staff in how to carry out their jobs safely in line with standards.
According to Glassdoor, this role pays between £21,000 and £58,000 in the UK.
Quality Control Scientist
Quality Control Scientists are professionals that ensure the quality of medical products. They are employed by medical manufacturers and work to prevent any poor-quality materials from entering production, or sub-standard products leaving production and posing a risk to the health of customers.
Duties include creating, implementing, and improving quality control measures, testing products, performing wider audits, and training staff in line with relevant standards and certifications. Pay is good; Glassdoor estimates an average of £30,000, ranging from £19,000 to £47,000.
Laboratory Analyst
Laboratory Analysts work for medical companies and perform a wide range of analytical functions within laboratory settings. The subject of their analysis greatly depends on the organisation, but they might find themselves testing water samples, product samples, or raw materials. Alongside this, Lab Analysts often help scientists in their research, performing multiple tests and gathering data.
To excel as a Laboratory Analyst, you need to have great attention to detail, analytical abilities, time management, and computer skills. You’ll also need an in-depth knowledge of quality standards so you can perform all your tasks compliantly. Laboratory Analyst roles are generally entry-level, so a good choice for graduates, paying around £24,000, according to Reed.
If you want a career in the medical field, hopefully, the roles above have broadened your understanding of what’s on offer when you graduate. What’s your perfect job in medical science? Let us know in the comments section.