Within the 'Life Sciences' sector, biology, physics, informatics, chemistry, medicine, and engineering come together. Due to the many opportunities within the life sciences, it can be difficult to choose one specific career path. One way to narrow down the search is to look at the expected income. What are the best and worst paid jobs within Life Sciences?
Keep in mind that this is not an absolute ranking but to provide you with an idea of which types of jobs are generally well paid and which are less well paid. Salaries are also heavily dependent on the type and size of the company and the individual experience and skills of the applicant. The below numbers are based on full-time contracts.
Which education level do you need for a job in Life Sciences?
Before we look at the highest and lowest paying jobs within the life sciences, it's important to first understand what education is needed to even work in this field. Life sciences focus on the study of living organisms and biological systems. People aspiring to a career in this sector usually have a completed MBO, bachelor, master or PhD degree in fields such as biomedical sciences, ecology, environmental sciences, bioinformatics, or a related discipline like chemistry.
10 of the best paid jobs in Life Sciences
1. Bio-informatician
Average salary 0-5 years after completing education: € 3.000-4.500
Bioinformaticians combine biology and computer science to understand and interpret complex biological data. They develop software and algorithms to analyze genome sequences, protein structures, and gene expression. For example, a bioinformatician can study which genes play a role in cancer by comparing the genes of cancer patients with those of healthy individuals. Education level: master's or PhD.
2. Business developer
Average salary 0-5 years after completing education: € 4.000-5.000
A Business Developer identifies growth opportunities, develops strategic partnerships, increases revenue, builds market position, and enhances business relationships through negotiation, networking, and marketing strategies. Education level: master's or PhD.
3. Biomedical engineer
Average salary 0-5 years after completing education: € 3.000-4.000
A biomedical engineer specializes in applying technical skills and scientific knowledge to develop, operate, and maintain medical equipment and instruments used in healthcare diagnosis and treatment. Education level: bachelor's or master's degree.
4. QA/QC manager
Average salary 0-5 years after completing education: € 4.500-5.500
A QA/QC Manager in Life Sciences oversees quality assurance and control, ensures regulatory compliance, manages laboratory testing standards, implements process improvements, and maintains product consistency in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, or healthcare sectors. Education level: bachelor's, master's or PhD degree.
5. Chemical engineer
Average salary 0-5 years after completing education: € 3.500-4.500
Chemical engineers apply their expertise in chemistry and engineering to design and optimize chemical processes. They can conduct research, provide advice, and lead chemical processes on a commercial scale. They may also be involved in the production of various raw materials, such as foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals, or synthetic substances. Education level: BSc, MSc, or PDEng.
6. Clinical Research Associate
Average salary 0-5 years after completing education: € 3.500-5000
Clinical researcher associates play a crucial role in the development of new medical treatments. They oversee the development and implementation of clinical research projects to assess the safety and efficacy of various drugs, products, and medical equipment. Education level: BSc, MSc, or MD.
7. Epidemiologist
Average salary 0-5 years after completing education: € 4.000-5.000
Epidemiologists are experts in the spread and causes of diseases within populations. They collect and analyze data to identify patterns and risk factors. They play a leading role in developing prevention strategies and improving public health. For instance, they research factors that influence the spread of diseases, such as age or gender, and analyze which people are affected by certain diseases and why. Education level: MSc or PhD.
8. Pharmacologist
Average salary 0-5 years after completing education: € 4.000-5.000
A pharmacologist is a researcher specialized in studying the effects of pharmaceutical products and substances on the body. They assess the effects of drugs on the body and contribute to the development of safe and effective medications for treating various conditions. For example, a pharmacologist investigates which substances can work well together and which do not. Based on this information, new medications can be developed. Education level: MSc or PhD.
9. Clinical geneticist
Average salary 0-5 years after completing education: €6000-7000
Geneticists are experts in the study of genetics, heredity, and genetic variations. They research how genes cause or influence diseases, identify genetic risk factors, and play a role in developing genetic tests and therapies. Clinical geneticists primarily work with rare disorders, such as intellectual disabilities, hereditary forms of cancer, or neurological conditions. Education level: MD and PhD.
10. Medical Science Liaison
Average salary 0-5 years after completing education: € 5.500-6.500
A Medical Science Liaison bridges communication between pharmaceutical companies and medical professionals, providing scientific and clinical information, supporting research initiatives, and fostering collaborative relationships within the healthcare community. Education level: MD or PhD.
5 of the worst paid jobs in Life Sciences
1. Lab/research assistant
Average salary 0-5 years after completing education: € 2.500-3.500
Laboratory assistants support scientists and researchers in laboratories by performing routine tasks, preparing samples, maintaining equipment, and collecting data. They play a crucial role in ensuring smooth laboratory operation and assisting research teams with their experiments.
Education level: vocational education level 3/4 (mbo-3/4) or HBO.
2. Science journalist
Average salary 0-5 years after completing education: € 2.500-3.500
A science journalist, researches, writes, and communicates complex scientific topics to the public in an understandable way, often covering advancements, debates, and implications in various scientific fields. Educational level: Msc of PhD.
3. Fieldworker
Average salary 0-5 years after completing education: € 2.500-3.000
Fieldworkers assist in collecting data and samples. They gather data that cannot be obtained from behind a desk (for example, for soil research). These positions are often seasonal or temporary and typically pay less. Educational level: BSc or MSc.
4. Career coach
Average salary 0-5 years after completing education: 2.000-3.500
A career coach, guides individuals in their professional development, offering advice on career choices, job search strategies, skill enhancement, resume building, and navigating workplace challenges.
Educational level: any.
5. Veterinary assistant
Average salary 0-5 years after completing education: € 2.000-€3.000
A veterinary assistant supports veterinarians in animal care, manages administrative tasks, assists in medical procedures, maintains clinic hygiene, and provides compassionate customer service to pet owners.
Education level: vocational education level 3/4 (mbo-3/4) or HBO.
The 6 most in demand skills in life sciences
To make an informed choice for a specific career within Life Sciences, it's not only important to consider the expected salary but also to assess the availability of opportunities and job prospects. According to the labor market research conducted by the Health & Life Sciences Academy (HELIS), the following 6 skill areas within Life Sciences are in high demand in the coming years:
- Data science & stewardship
- Business Development
- Good Manufacturing Practices (QA/QC)
- Product en process engineering
- Medical device engineering
- Clinical trial coordination and regulatory affairs
Conclusion
Life sciences is a very broad sector with many different professions. The highest-paying jobs within life sciences often require extensive expertise and a completed university degree, but especially within quality assurance and sales, there are also very good opportunities for graduates with vocational (MBO) or higher professional (HBO) degrees. Regardless of the specific role, finding a job in this dynamic and growing field begins with writing a good resume. An effective cv-template can be a valuable tool to showcase your experience, skills and education towards employers.
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Article written by Reinier van der Galiën from www.lerensolliciteren.nl
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