What kind of jobs are there in the pharma sector?

The pharmaceutical sector offers a broad range of jobs for graduates. Whether research is your passion or you’re a tenacious salesperson, the pharma sector likely has a role that’ll suit you.

Want to know more about the types of positions in the pharmaceutical industry? We’ve rounded up some of the most common jobs in the pharma sector to help you narrow your focus.

We’ll explain what you’d do if you were a:

• Chemical engineer
• Scientist
• Clinical pharmaceutical scientist
• Research assistant
• Pharmacist
• Pharmaceutical sales rep

Chemical engineers work out how to turn raw materials into useful and usable products – medicine is one of these outputs. Within the pharmaceutical industry, chemical engineers figure out how to produce medicine and treatments on a large scale and develop the systems that make it possible.

If you’re interested in chemical engineering, there are various avenues you can pursue. However, the most common roles in the pharmaceutical industry will see you specialise in work that’s laboratory-focused (chemical processes, products and materials) or plant-based (industrial plants and equipment).

Whatever route you take within chemical engineering, you’ll have to adhere to strict rules and regulations set out by governing bodies. That’s why attention to detail and a meticulous approach are important skills.

Pharmaceutical scientists research treatments and medicine. It’s a rewarding job as it can lead to life-changing (and life-saving) breakthroughs.

As a pharmaceutical scientist, you’ll research new and existing medicines and their possible uses. You’ll also make sure treatments are safe.

The type of degree top pharmaceutical companies expect will depend on the role you’re applying for. For a scientist role, a bachelor's degree in a STEM subject is usually required. If you want to stand out, a master's or PhD is also highly valued by employers. If you’re considering continuing your education, check out our guide to pursuing further study.

Clinical pharmaceutical scientists oversee the manufacture and supply of radioactive substances used in medical diagnostics and treatments. Sometimes, they’ll work in medicine testing and radiopharmacy (radioactive drugs).

As a clinical pharmaceutical scientist, you’ll usually work at a hospital within the medical physics or radiology department.

“I thought a clinical scientist was something else?” You’re right. The term ‘clinical scientist’ refers to a range of roles focused on improving how medical professionals prevent, diagnose and treat illnesses, diseases and disability-related conditions. Within clinical science, there are various specialisms like audiology (hearing, balance and tinnitus), immunology (immune system disorders) and embryology (fertility). Not all clinical scientist roles cross over with pharmaceuticals, but they’re all adjacent to healthcare.

If you're looking to break into the pharmaceutical sector, applying to become a research assistant can be a rewarding entry-level position. Scientists require assistants to help conduct research and manage the day-to-day running of projects. Research assistant roles are a great introduction to the pharma sector. Plus, they’ll help you develop transferable skills.

As a research assistant, you may check clinical equipment, prepare tests, monitor clinical trials and analyse data.

When it comes to pharmaceutical jobs, pharmacists are on the front line. They’re the people we interact with when we pick up medicine at a pharmacy, hospital or GP surgery. They’re vital sources of pharmaceutical knowledge for other medical professionals and the public.

There are two key types of pharmacists:

• Hospital pharmacist
• Community pharmacist

As a hospital pharmacist, you’ll collaborate with doctors to recommend doses and application methods.

As a community pharmacist, you’ll usually work in a high street pharmacy (although sometimes at a GP practice) and provide guidance on common ailments as part of your role.

Wherever you work, you’ll likely calculate doses and make sure that medication meets quality standards.

Many pharmacists work within the NHS while others are employed by a pharmacy.

Attention to detail is vital, as is knowing your stuff. Those pursuing a science-based degree are well suited to a pharmacist role. You’ll also need to have good interpersonal skills. Being friendly will hold you in good stead.

Interested in breaking into the pharmaceutical industry but don’t have a science or medicine-based degree? Pharmaceutical sales is a promising avenue.

In terms of positions in the pharmaceutical industry, sales is a fast-paced and demanding role. However, it can be rewarding in terms of salary and lifestyle.

If you enjoy interacting with new people and like the idea of travel, a pharmaceutical sales job could be for you. Within a sales role, you’ll need to know the product you’re selling down to a tee. Therefore, research skills will go a long way. In addition, knowing how to network will propel your career in sales further.

Within pharmaceutical companies, there are various positions including sales reps and chemical engineers. There are NHS jobs in the pharma sector too, such as hospital-based pharmacists and clinical pharmaceutical scientists. Which pharmaceutical industry role will suit you best will depend on what the pharma employer is looking for, your expertise and your interests. When choosing a path, you also might want to consider your earnings potential. To find out how much you could earn in the jobs we’ve discussed, visit our guide to pharmaceutical salaries.

Know that you want a STEM role but unsure if pharma’s the route for you? Check out our science and pharmaceuticals sector profile and learn about the different areas, a wider range of roles, the skills you’ll need, key employers and much more.

This article was last updated in May, 2025.