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What's your job?

I’m a scientist, or a pharmacologist to be more precise. Pharmacology is the science of medicine or other substances and their effect on living systems.

I currently work part-time as a science teacher, inspiring school-age children and supervising university students.

How did you get started in this role?

My childhood began in Pakistan and ended in Hull, where I was the only student of Asian heritage at my comprehensive school.

I went to university and did a degree in pharmacology. Then I worked in industry as a formulation scientist and for a university as a social scientist. After that, I decided to use my scientific expertise to set up my own ethical skincare business. I used my garage as the warehouse, my kitchen as the formulation department and my phone and email as the customer relations department.

What inspires you?

It’s all about exploration. I was really into Star Trek as a kid and did a lot of role play with my brother.

Science is like being Captain Kirk, but instead of exploring different planets, there’s so much to explore here on Earth.

Qualifications

I did A-levels in Chemistry, Biology and Physics, a degree in Pharmacology and masters degree in Health Service Research and a PhD in Social Science.

Best thing about your job

The fascinating thing about science is that you can apply it to cooking, to make-up, to cleaning - basically anything. It gives you tools to do so many different things. It’s great fun. If I was born again, I’d be a scientist all over again.

Top tips

• Be brave enough to explore different ideas
• Expect to work long hours, so feeling passionate about your work is a must
• Practice mindfulness and meditation, as it can be very stressful
• Get your basic education and focus on doing well in your core subjects
• Don’t be afraid to change your career.

I'm a biker, a rock music fan and a pharmacologist. We live in a fluid world and it is okay to change your mind about what you want to do for a living - at any age.

What to expect if you want to be a pharmacologist

• Pharmacologist average salary: £25,000 to £50,000 (Band 5-Band 8)
• Pharmacologist typical working hours: 38 to 40 hours per week

What qualifications do you need to be a pharmacologist?

You could get into this role via a university course or a degree apprenticeship. For a university course, you'll need four or five GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, Maths and Science and three A-levels, or equivalent, including Biology and Chemistry. Alternatives to A-levels include taking a T-level (England only), which is equivalent to three A-levels. Check with your course provider which alternative qualifications they accept. For a degree apprenticeship, you'll need a degree in the relevant subject and you may need to be a Science graduate or already be working in a clinical pharmacology role.

Sources: LMI for All, National Careers Service, .

This information is a guide and is constantly changing. Please check the and the for the latest information and all the qualifications needed and the for more on T-levels.

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