What impact could you make?
I want to look back and know that I’ve made a difference – to myself and my skill set but also the patients that I see.RachaelTrainee Clinical Scientist, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital
Life sciences at a glance
Life sciences are central to Scotland's fight against the climate emergency. The industry is also using precision medicine and technology, such as artificial intelligence, to improve our health service.
Employment
In 2024, there were 21,400 people working in the life sciences industry in Scotland.
Future demand
Between 2024 and 2027, it's expected there will be 1,500 people needed to fill job openings in Scotland.
Job diversity
There's big investment and growing demand in life sciences across Scotland. Jobs aren't just in laboratories or working with patients – there's a wide variety of practical and supporting roles.
Be part of making discoveries
We’ve pulled out some of the most popular life sciences job profiles for you to explore.
Things you may not know about life sciences
The life sciences sector contributes almost £10.5bn to the Scottish economy.
Source: Gov.Scot
There are more than 750 life sciences organisations operating across Scotland, ranging from large multinational industry to local Scottish-owned companies.
Source: Life Sciences in Scotland
There are lots of opportunities, both in a lab environment and elsewhere! For example, you could work as an engineer, developing medical technologies.
Source: NHS Scotland Careers
What subjects you could take in school
We've pulled together some examples of subjects and Foundation Apprenticeships (FAs) that could be useful for getting into a life sciences career.
English
Scientific Technologies FA
Biology
Chemistry
Data Science
Computing
Physics
Science
Maths
Engineering FA
Food and Drink Technologies FA
Leaders in life sciences
Discover some of the organisations within life sciences and how they’re making an impact on the industry.
IBioIC
IBioIC is a networking and support organisation. It connects industry, academia and government to bring biotechnology processes and products to the global market.
Visit IBioIC
NHS Education for Scotland
NHS Education for Scotland offers education, training, workforce development, data and technology for NHS employees. There's also lots of information about NHS Scotland careers.
Visit NHS Education for Scotland
Scottish Universities Life Science Alliance
Scottish Universities Life Science Alliance (SULSA) is a partnership between 11 Scottish universities. It aims to advance the nation's research and innovation in the life sciences.
Visit SULSA
Royal Society of Biology
The Royal Society of Biology is the UK's voice for biology. It advises the Government and influences policy while supporting education and professional development.
Visit Royal Society of Biology
Institute of Biomedical Science
Each year in the UK, biomedical scientists carry out over 1 billion diagnostic tests, including for the NHS. Find out how you can become a biomedical scientist.
Visit Institute of Biomedical Science
Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Centre (MMIC)
The MMIC allows industry, academics, healthcare providers and regulators to work together to develop life-changing medicines.
Visit MMIC
Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI)
The Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre collaborates with partners to use data and technology to make great ideas into digital health and care solutions.
Visit Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI)