Working in science is not just lab coats, test tubes and Bunsen burners
From a forensic jeweller to a beekeeper and glassblowing to hair recycling, the opportunities are almost endless. Below we take a look at 10 jobs in science which you didn’t realise were jobs in science.
Glass design and fabrication facility manager
“People always say ‘you make it look easy’. Well, I should hope so, I have been doing it a long time.”
Terri Adams is the only scientific glassblower at the University of Oxford.
Her role involves working with researchers to design and create bespoke pieces of glassware for their experiments.
Instrumentation engineer
Jeff Benson and his team at the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) take care of more than 2,000 different types of scientific instruments.
This covers everything from temperature sensors to the famous autonomous underwater vehicle Boat McBoatface.
Although largely based at NOC headquarters in Southampton, Jeff often gets to join researchers out on their voyages.
Material design researcher
Sanne Visser recycles human hair, working with local hairdressers and barbers to see the problems of waste and opportunities this presents.
The PhD researcher was one of the Design Researchers in Residence at the Design Museum in 2021 to 2022.
“We have been using human hair for a very long time so in theory it is nothing new. What I’m interested in is actually looking at the infrastructure and the systems how we use human hair and how that actually is embedded in modern day life.”
Agronomist and Agri-Technologist
Farmer Andrew Christie works at crop, soil and environmental research centre The James Hutton Institute.
His role as an agronomist and agri-technologist includes making sure the institute’s farm, which covers 270 hectares, is maintained so that research can take place.
He also acts as the middleman between the scientists and farm team on site.
“I translate the science into a format that our Field Trials Officers can easily apply and put into practice, whether that’s trial layouts, seed or fertiliser rates, or testing different chemicals in different areas. It ensures what’s going on in the fields matches the academic side.”
Woodland conservator
Nigel Fisher is conservator of Wytham Woods in Oxfordshire.
His role includes coordinating the management of research within the 1,000 acres of ancient woodland.
Nigel can be trying to find certain soil types for researchers one day and showing schools groups around the estate the next.
Forensic jeweller
“I have taken two disciplines that are very much of interest to me — that would be jewellery design and forensic science — and really tried to explore what happens when those two intersect.”
Edinburgh College of Art lecturer Dr Maria Maclennan takes the principles that underpin jewellery, like hallmarks and serial numbers, to inform forensic and criminal investigations.
She has worked with anthropologists, forensic archaeologists, embalmers and police officers. This took her into a world that she did not know was possible with her existing skills and knowledge.
Honeybee researcher
“Now bees are a fundamental part of our food security ecosystem. If we harm them and if they collapse, we will be in huge trouble.”
Beekeeper Rui Gonçalves is part of a team at the Oxford Bee Lab investigating the nutritional needs of honeybees and bumblebees.
His work includes searching for the perfect artificial food formula to supplement a bee’s diet during the winter.
Partnership leader
Alice Purkiss brings people from the National Trust and the University of Oxford together to carry out research.
While the National Trust can apply for research funding directly, a lot of its research is done in partnerships, which would not be possible without Alice facilitating connections.
“The National Trust has an incredible collection of places, landscapes, collections, and all of those need to be researched.”
Livestock and field technician
“There’s no two days back-to-back that are ever the same, which is brilliant.”
Josh Misselbrook’s journey to his role as a livestock and field technician came after failing his A-levels.
He completed his agricultural apprenticeship while working at a dairy farm and now plays a crucial part of the research and innovation system.
At Rothamsted Research, Josh describes his role as being between what his father did as a research scientist and that of a full-time farmer.
Specialist archivist
As keeper of archives and special collections, Gary Brannan works as part of a team at the Borthwick Institute for Archives at the University of York.
They care for the vast collection of historical material dating back to the 11th century.
Gary’s responsibilities include helping all manner of researchers, students and even members of the public to access material in the archives in person and online.
If you want to find out more about the many roles that contribute to research and innovation in the UK, check out our 101 Jobs That Change the World playlist on YouTube.
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