Working as a Pharmacologist

Pharmacologists investigate how drugs and chemicals interact with biological systems. Their aim is to understand drugs and their actions so they can be used effectively and safely. They also carry out research to aid drug discovery and development.

Pharmacologists may develop biological tests in cellular or tissue systems or in whole animals to identify new medicines, or design tests to establish whether a new compound could produce side effects.

Areas of specialism include clinical pharmacology and neuropharmacology. Related occupations include toxicology, biochemistry and pharmacokinetics. As with much research, the role involves a high level of collaboration with other scientists.

If you'd like to read more about jobs in Pharmacology, read on. Alternatively, join the talent pool to find out more.

Typical work activities

Most pharmacologists carry out work activities involving the analysis of the effects of drugs on cells, animals, humans or the environment, and advocating appropriate drug usage.

Much of the work is laboratory based, as part of a scientific research team, and includes the following activities:

• designing, planning and conducting controlled experiments to improve own and others' understanding of a compound's activity;
• using computers, high technology measuring systems and other sophisticated equipment to collect, analyse and interpret complex data;
• applying and developing the results of research to work through a variety of applications, such as new products, processes, techniques or practices;
• drawing up proposals for future developmental tests;
• planning, co-ordinating and supervising the clinical testing of new drugs and medicines, ensuring quality control and securing approval for their use;
• planning, co-ordinating and supervising the duties of other technical staff and training and/or teaching junior pharmacologists.

Awareness of other research being carried out in or relating to pharmacology is important. Pharmacologists are also concerned with disseminating the results of their work to others, which may involve:

• reading specialist literature and being aware of scientific developments and how you might apply them to research;
• sharing the results of your work with colleagues and team members in group meetings;
• producing written reports: if you work in a contract research laboratory you will be required to submit reports to your customers in the pharmaceutical industry (written reports are also required to obtain approval of medicines by regulatory authorities);
• writing original papers based on your findings for submission to specialist publications;
• attending scientific meetings and conferences in order to deliver papers and to listen to presentations from fellow pharmacologists

Requirements

The complex investigations involved in pharmacology require a sound scientific education. The following subjects may increase your chances:

• pharmacology;
• biomedical sciences;
• biochemistry;
• biology;
• chemistry;
• molecular and cell biology;
• microbiology;
• physiology.

Occasionally, it may be possible to start a career in pharmacology via an HNC or HND, but this is not common.

Competition is keen, particularly if you want to enter research and development (R&D). If you want to gain employment in this area or with a major pharmaceutical company, it is becoming increasingly necessary for you to have a pre-entry postgraduate degree, such as a research degree in either pharmacology or a related subject. Students often work in their university's laboratories to gain experience whilst studying for a PhD. You may receive a stipend or bursary, and be required to teach and/or supervise undergraduate work.

Work experience is desirable and you will increase your attractiveness to an employer if you take either a vacation placement or an industrial year with a pharmaceutical company during your studies. It is sometimes possible to carry out your industrial placement abroad, for example in the USA. Further experience may be gained through laboratory assistant work at your place of study.

Potential candidates will need to show evidence of the following:

• enthusiasm for carrying out experimental work;
• excellent analytical skills, which are required for handling complex data;
• strong IT skills in order to use sophisticated computer-based equipment;
• ability to drive projects forward to conclusion;
• resourcefulness;
• leadership skills, with the ability to motivate and organise others;
• team working skills: most experimental work is done in a team setting;
• good communication skills in order to present written and oral reports.

In short, you need to be adaptable, flexible, multiskilled, creative and able to work in a multidisciplinary environment.

Major pharmaceutical companies offering graduate schemes start recruiting in the autumn term and you should prepare your applications before Christmas. Competition is fierce, as these positions are highly sought after. In other areas, recruitment is ongoing throughout the year and there are a reasonable number of vacancies all year round. Speculative applications can also be worthwhile.

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