What careers can biomedical science lead to? You could find yourself working in a diverse range of jobs and fields after completing a biomed degree at UQ.
Just ask Chris Pymble, who runs her own science communication company. Or ask Harrison Gray, who shapes change for his clients at a global technology and solutions consultancy.
So, what can biomedical science lead to for you? And why choose biomedical science at UQ?
Well, to help answer those questions, Chris and Harrison have shared their stories to highlight:
- the many unexpected avenues a biomedical science program took them down
- how their learnings have helped them succeed in their careers
- what they loved about studying biomedical science at UQ.
Where biomedical science took Chris
Since graduating from the Bachelor of Science (Honours) program, where she specialised in biomedical science, Chris Pymble has since gone on to become the founder and CEO of her own business, Graphics et al.
I was encouraged to explore my project and follow my curiosity, supported by supervisors with an incredible amount of knowledge and experience.
Having been exposed to a broad range of disciplines throughout her studies at UQ, Chris' passion for scientific communication was ignited. This inspired her to kickstart a career she would never have explored otherwise.
“Throughout the course of my biomedical studies, particularly in honours, I came to appreciate the importance of accurate science communication,” she says.
“Following this passion led to my current career, because I was shown the professional standard to which researchers and educators are expected to present their learning materials, and I saw an opportunity to provide high-quality resources to meet those standards.”
Graphics et al. is a tool that helps science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) students, educators and professionals easily create their own visual aids for use in research papers, funding proposals, educational forums, and essays.
“It can be hard in STEM fields to accurately and effectively communicate complex ideas, and this is often due to the fact that visual aids in the form of diagrams and illustrations are difficult and time-consuming to create,” says Chris.
“The idea then came to me to provide support to people on all levels in STEM fields through an easy-to-use platform that saves them time and improves their ability to communicate their research.”
Is biomedical science worth it?
Having forged out a successful career of her own, thanks to the knowledge and skills gained from the biomedical science program, Chris fondly reflects on her time studying at UQ.
The first-rate facilities available throughout the program, as well as the many opportunities to explore topics outside of her comfort zone, made completing the Bachelor of Science (Honours) program, specialising in biomedical science, a life-changing experience for Chris.
“My honours year at UQ was one of the most empowering experiences of my life, where I was encouraged to explore my project and follow my curiosity, while being supported by supervisors with an incredible amount of knowledge and experience,” she says.
“I always felt as though I could approach lecturers with deeper questions on the content that interested me, and, looking back, I can say that I would absolutely recommend this program.”
Where biomedical science took Harrison
Harrison Gray also completed the Bachelor of Science (Honours), specialising in biomedical science, and is now Head of Digital and Transformation at Clear Ridge Consulting.
The optional honours year taught me how to research, analyse and communicate complex subject matter to a range of audiences.
In his current role, Harrison helps clients navigate digital transformation, balancing hands-on problem solving with a broader view of where the sector is heading.
"My days are a mix of solving concrete problems for clients as a deeply embedded resource, and having tactical conversations about opportunities and trends across the sector with Clear Ridge," he says.
"All of my work involves strategising around people, processes and technology, how they work together, and how we can get the most out of all three for our clients."
Harrison's career has taken him from Accenture's strategy and consulting practice, through a product management role at Microba Life Sciences, to his current position leading digital transformation at Clear Ridge Consulting. Across each move, he credits his biomedical science background as the constant.
"An underrated part of consulting is being able to identify root-cause issues to problems," he says.
"Science is extremely good at reducing things to their fundamental components and organises your thinking around first-principles problem solving."
That grounding has held up across very different industries.
"All problems and opportunities across industries are complex, just like science," he says.
"Being able to communicate complex subject matter is key to getting buy-in from executives and enterprise, particularly when the answer is not what they first thought.
“You are very rarely able to affect change singularly; consensus building and taking folks on the journey is a necessary capability for all areas of society."
Harrison's advice to current biomedical science students follows the same thinking.
"Completion of any degree demonstrates perseverance that employers value," he says.
"Never limit yourself to an industry that resembles the subject matter you mastered. The world is changing fast, but the principles of the scientific method are enduring. It has been, and always will be, the most useful thing you learn in your degree."
Other career opportunities in biomedical science
Biomedical scientist
What you’ll do
A biomedical scientist works in clinical and research laboratories, analysing patient samples to help diagnose, treat, and monitor disease. It's one of the most direct biomedical science careers available to graduates, with clear pathways into a range of specialisations including haematology, microbiology, clinical biochemistry, immunology, and histopathology. Graduates often develop expertise in one or more of these areas over time. On any given day, a biomedical scientist might be processing blood samples to detect infection, running genetic tests to identify disease markers, or analysing tissue samples to support a cancer diagnosis.
What employers look for
It's detail-oriented, methodical work where accuracy directly affects patient outcomes, so a rigorous approach to quality control and laboratory protocols is essential. Strong analytical thinking, proficiency with diagnostic equipment and software, and the ability to interpret and communicate results clearly are all important capabilities in this role.
Where you'll find work
In Australia, most biomedical scientists work within public and private hospital pathology services, with additional opportunities in diagnostic laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, public health agencies, and medical research institutes. Biomedical science jobs in this field tend to be stable and consistently in demand, making it one of the more reliable graduate pathways available.
IVF scientist (embryologist)
What you'll do
An IVF scientist, also known as a clinical embryologist, works in reproductive medicine laboratories carrying out the precise procedures that underpin assisted reproduction. This includes handling eggs and sperm, performing fertilisation, culturing and grading embryos, and preparing samples for transfer or cryopreservation. It's high-stakes, meticulous work where the quality of every procedure matters enormously, and the role sits at the intersection of science and some of the most significant moments in people's lives.
What employers look for
The role demands exceptional hand-eye coordination, technical precision, and the ability to work calmly under pressure. Beyond the bench work, IVF scientists collaborate closely with fertility specialists, nurses, and counsellors, so strong communication skills and interpersonal awareness are just as important as technical ability. Scientific curiosity also serves the role well, as reproductive science continues to evolve rapidly and staying current with developments in areas like preimplantation genetic testing and time-lapse embryo monitoring is part of the job.
Where you'll find work
In Australia, most IVF scientists work in private fertility clinics or hospital-based reproductive medicine units. Additional opportunities exist in academic research focused on reproductive biology and developmental science. Demand for fertility services has grown significantly in recent years, making this a realistic and increasingly accessible biomedical science career path for graduates.
Why study biomedical science at UQ?
UQ is ranked #1 in Queensland for its life sciences and medicine programs, meaning you’ll be perfectly placed to kickstart a career in biomedical science if you enrol in one of the programs we have available.
How should I study biomedical science?
Looking for more career inspiration? Discover careers in science and medicine.
