Not Just
Lab Coats
Dive into the exciting world of the science industries. From hands-on lab roles to vital support positions in HR or marketing, diverse roles are making a real difference to our world.
Learn moreunlocking endless career possibilities
Not Just Lab Coats exists to provide you with one place to explore the career options in the science industries. You can explore job profiles, get advice and guidance along every step of your journey and discover real examples of what a career in our sectors looks like.
We not only cover all the roles you might expect, like Laboratory Scientist or Chemical Engineer, but also the heroes working behind the scenes like Admin Assistants and Marketing Managers.
Not sure where to start? Take our completely unscientific quiz, or search our career hub to explore a range of job roles
Not sure where to start? Take our completely unscientific quiz, or search our career hub to explore a range of job roles
5 female engineers you should know, but don’t
Est. Reading: 2 minutes
In honour of International Women in Engineering Day, here are five female engineers you should know, but probably don’t. Ada Lovelace Before laptops, apps, or even electricity, Ada Lovelace was already dreaming up the future. In the 1800s, she worked with inventor Charles Babbage on a machine called the Analytical…
Are GCSEs Really That Important for Apprenticeships?
Est. Reading: 2 minutes
If you’re thinking about your future and considering an apprenticeship instead of (or alongside) further education, you might be wondering: Do GCSEs really matter? The short answer is yes, but maybe not in the way you think. What Are GCSEs For? GCSEs are your first big academic qualifications. They show…
Our Top 3 Places to Find Apprenticeship Opportunities
Est. Reading: 2 minutes
Starting your apprenticeship search can feel a bit overwhelming, especially if you’re not sure where to look, what level to go for, or even what kinds of opportunities are out there. It’s totally normal to feel a bit lost at first. That’s why we’ve put together our top three places…
Chemical
Makes materials for everyday products like plastics and detergents
Coatings
The reason your coke can has a protective layer and its famous branding
Life Science
Creates medicines and technologies, saving lives and improving health
Nuclear
Uses atomic energy for power and diverse applications, like medicine
Hydrogen
Produces clean energy solutions that power transport, industry and heating without emissions
Medicines
Medicines manufacturing is responsible for a £16.4 billion contribution to the UK economy
Paper
Provides essential products, supports commerce, and promotes sustainability
Carbon Capture
Stops carbon dioxide entering the atmosphere, reducing climate change through tech
Hydrogen
Produces clean energy solutions that power transport, industry and heating without emissions
Medicines
Medicines manufacturing is responsible for a £16.4 billion contribution to the UK economy.
Carbon Capture
Stops carbon dioxide entering the atmosphere, reducing climate change through tech
Take your next step
Ready to dive into the awe-inspiring realm of science? Explore all the current roles awaiting your discovery!
View all vacancies
Research Project Administrator
MQ Mental Health
Full Time
London
Salary:
£30,000 per annum
Help research that could change millions of lives. Are you an exceptionally organised administrator who…
Closing date:
12th July 2026
R&D Technician
Bennett & Game Recruitment
Full Time
Wigan
Salary:
£24,570 per annum
My client is a leading Resin and Polymers manufacturer based in Wigan that supply products…
Closing date:
22nd April 2025
Production Operatives
Meritus Talent
Full Time
Royston
Salary:
TBC
Production Operatives - Metals Experience Preferred (Multiple Roles Available) | Aerospace Manufacturing | Royston |…
Closing date:
11th June 2025
Graduate Sales Engineer
Ernest Gordon Recruitment Limited
Full Time
Macclesfield
Salary:
£30,000 per annum
Graduate Sales Engineer Macclesfield £25,000 - £30,000 + Flexible Working Options + Hybrid + Annual…
Closing date:
29th January 2025
Finance Undergraduate Placement - ConocoPhilips
ConocoPhillips
County Durham
Salary:
TBC
Cogent Skills is working with ConocoPhillips to recruit a Finance Placement student to work at…
Closing date:
16th March 2025
Optical Glazing Technician
Zest Business Group
Full Time
Lancaster
Salary:
£32,000 per annum
Optical Glazing TechnicianLancaster/Morecambe Area, LancashireFull Time | £28,000 - £32,000 DOEEmployee Owned Optical Manufacturer Zest…
Closing date:
9th June 2026
Process Chemical Engineering Student Placement - ConocoPhillips
ConocoPhillips
Full Time
County Durham
Salary:
£26,000 per annum
Cogent Skills is working with ConocoPhillips to recruit an Undergraduate Placement Chemical Process Engineer to…
Closing date:
25th January 2026
Digital Marketeer Degree Apprentice - Pfizer
Pfizer
Apprenticeship
Surrey
Salary:
£20,000 per annum
This is a great opportunity to work for one of the world's innovative pharmaceutical companies…
Closing date:
2nd March 2025
Mobile Plant Operative
Michael Page Finance
Full Time
St. Austell
Salary:
£31,000 per annum
As a Mobile Plant Operative you'll be responsible for safely operating heavy machinery, including Rigid…
Closing date:
19th October 2026
Scientific Administrator
VRS Recruitment
Full Time
Knutsford
Salary:
TBC
We are looking for a Quality Compliance Administrator to join a successful chemicals and food…
Closing date:
3rd September 2024
Water Technician
Streamline Search Ltd
Full Time
Farnham
Salary:
£40,000 per annum
Service Engineer - Water Hygiene / Water Treatment Location: London & South of England Salary:…
Closing date:
7th January 2026
Process Technician Advanced Apprenticeship (level 3) - Venator
Venator
Apprenticeship
County Durham
Salary:
TBC
Cogent Skills is working with Venator to recruit 3 Apprentice Process Technicians to join their…
Closing date:
15th June 2025
Treasury Analyst
EET Fuels
Full Time
Cheshire, GB, CH65 4HB
Salary:
TBC
*The Role We currently have an exciting opportunity for a talented and experienced individual…
Closing date:
8th April 2025
Digital Marketeer Degree Apprentice - Pfizer
Pfizer
Apprenticeship
Surrey
Salary:
£20,000 per annum
This is a great opportunity to work for one of the world's innovative pharmaceutical companies…
Closing date:
2nd March 2025
Science Technician
Potter Johnson Recruitment Ltd
Full Time
Ilford
Salary:
£26,318.07 per annum
Science Technician Are you passionate about bringing science to life? Join a thriving secondary school…
Closing date:
22nd October 2025
Polymer Chemist
Muraspec Decorative Solutions
Full Time
Tonbridge, Kent
Salary:
Circa £30,000 per annum dependent on experience
Main Aim of the Job Responsible for polymer formulations and the development of new novel…
Closing date:
27th August 2025
How to Network When You’re Just Starting Out
Est. Reading Time: 3 mins
The word networking sounds a bit... formal. Maybe even a little cringe. Like something businessy people do over dry sandwiches and awkward small talk. But networking isn’t about wearing a suit or having loads of experience. It’s just about talking to people, building relationships that can help you grow, learn, and find opportunities. At its […]
Read moreUtilising Social Media for Research: A Guide for Career Seekers
Est. Reading Time: 2 mins
Social media is not just a tool for connecting with friends; it can also be an invaluable resource for job seekers. By leveraging social media platforms, you can gain insights into industry trends, company cultures, and networking opportunities that can help you in your career search. Here’s how to effectively utilise social media for research […]
Read more
See more tips and advice for career success
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Our Partners & Collaborators
Thanks to our awesome partners for making Not Just Lab Coats… well, awesome!
Discover a career in the
Chemical Sector
Whether it’s cosmetics, drugs, or even ingredients in food - there’s always something ground-breaking happening in the chemical sector.
Be at the cutting edge of innovation in manufacturing, product development, or even finding sustainable solutions to environmental issues.
What is it like to work in the Chemical Sector?
The chemical sector adds a whopping £18 billion to the UK economy every year. In fact, around 4,100 chemical businesses nationwide create materials for manufacturing goods. Put simply, the chemical sector is booming!
Discover a career in the
Coatings Sector
This might be an area you didn’t know existed, but we promise you’ll know about it. Coatings are the finishes on LOADS of goods and materials that provide decoration or protection - from colourful furniture to non-stick pans!
The UK coatings industry directly contributes £4 billion a year to the UK economy, so it's big business and cutting-edge stuff!
What is it like to work in the Coatings Sector?
Given the scale of the industry, there are plenty of jobs around. The UK is also a huge exporter of coatings, so there’s international job opportunities too.
Discover a career in the
Life Science Sector
If you don’t already know, life science studies living organisms and how they exist and interact in different kinds of settings.
Put simply, if you work in this area, you could help to improve global healthcare, the environment, or just general daily life. Pretty big stuff, right?!
What is it like to work in the Life Science Sector?
Life scientists are in huge demand across specialisms, from medicine and agriculture to environmental conservation. That means well-paid career opportunities are just waiting to be snapped up!
Discover a career in the
Nuclear Sector
Nuclear is a very low-carbon technology. This means it is an important source of clean and safe energy in the fight against global warming.
This trailblazing science is positively changing the world and providing a much-needed power source for future generations - without generating nasty greenhouse gases in the process.
What is it like to work in the Nuclear Sector?
With a growing demand for more affordable power made at home in the UK, the nuclear sector is set to create many more highly paid, varied, and exciting jobs.
Discover a career in the
Hydrogen Sector
The science industries are wide-ranging, but they share a common goal: creating positive change for the planet and shaping a better future.
By working at the cutting edge of innovation, you could help drive progress across our global community — from advancing renewable energy technologies to supporting cleaner transport and low-carbon solutions.
What is it like to work in the Hydrogen Sector?
With net-zero targets to meet, businesses need skilled workers to drive industrial decarbonisation and the shift to a low-carbon economy.
Discover a career in the
Medicine manufacturing Sector
Whether it’s cosmetics, drugs, or even ingredients in food - there’s always something ground-breaking happening in the chemical sector.
Be at the cutting edge of innovation in manufacturing, product development, or even finding sustainable solutions to environmental issues.
What is it like to work in the Medicine Manufacturing Sector?
The chemical sector adds a whopping £18 billion to the UK economy every year. In fact, around 4,100 chemical businesses nationwide create materials for manufacturing goods. Put simply, the chemical sector is booming!
Discover a career in the
Paper Sector
You might not think much about paper beyond what’s on your desk, but trust us – it’s everywhere. From the box your online order arrives in, to the loo roll in your bathroom, paper is one of the unsung heroes of everyday life.
The UK’s paper-based industries generate £13 billion a year and employ over 115,000 people. It’s an innovative, eco-conscious sector that’s leading the way in recycling and sustainable packaging – so it’s big business with a green heart.
What is it like to work in the Paper Sector?
Working in the paper industry is about more than just paper—it’s about innovation, sustainability, and making an impact on the world.
Discover a career in the
Carbon Capture Sector
If you don’t already know, carbon capture focuses on stopping carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere and finding smart ways to reduce climate change.
Put simply, if you work in this area, you could help protect the planet, create cleaner energy, and tackle global warming. Pretty big stuff, right?!
What is it like to work in the Carbon Capture Sector?
Experts are in huge demand across engineering, technology, and environmental science. That means exciting, well-paid career opportunities are just waiting to be snapped up!