For biochemistry students, securing a placement opportunity is not only a valuable addition to their academic journey but also a crucial step towards building a successful career in the field. With a wide array of placement options available, students have the opportunity to gain practical experience, develop essential skills, and explore different facets of biochemistry. In this post, we delve into the various types of placement opportunities, including industry placements, research placements, and international experiences, providing insights into the companies, research institutions, and organisations offering these invaluable opportunities.
Industry Placements:
- Industry placements offer biochemistry students the chance to gain hands-on experience in real-world settings within the corporate sector.
- These placements typically involve working with pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, healthcare organizations, and other industry partners. For example, companies like GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), AstraZeneca, and Pfizer often offer industry placements to biochemistry students, providing exposure to drug discovery, development, and manufacturing processes.
- Students may work on projects related to drug synthesis, formulation, quality control, and regulatory affairs, gaining insights into industry standards and practices.
Research Placements:
- Research placements provide biochemistry students with the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge scientific research and contribute to advancements in the field.
- These placements are often available within academic institutions, research laboratories, and government agencies. Institutions like the University of Oxford, Cambridge University, and Imperial College London offer research placements to undergraduate students, allowing them to work alongside leading researchers and scientists.
- Students may participate in laboratory experiments, data analysis, literature reviews, and scientific presentations, gaining valuable research skills and insights into current scientific challenges and discoveries.
International Placements:
- International placements offer biochemistry students the chance to broaden their horizons and gain cross-cultural experience while pursuing their academic and professional goals.
- These placements may involve studying abroad, participating in international research collaborations, or undertaking internships with global organisations. Programs like Erasmus+ and Study Abroad facilitate international exchanges and placements for UK students, enabling them to immerse themselves in different cultures and scientific environments.
- Students may choose to work with renowned research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, or non-profit organizations abroad, such as the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Novartis, or Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), gaining diverse perspectives and global insights into biochemistry and related fields.
Whether you choose to pursue an industry placement, research placement, or international experience, each option provides unique benefits and contributes to your personal and professional development. These opportunities can help you gain valuable skills, expand your networks, and embark on rewarding careers in the field of biochemistry and beyond!
Have you considered pursuing a placement opportunity in biochemistry, and if so, which type of placement interests you the most?