The Life Science Industries sector includes both the biotechnology sector and other health service activities. The biotechnology sector includes making medical drugs and developing ways to administer them. Other health service activities include nursing, dentistry, psychology and other activities undertaken by organisations such as the NHS.
Source: New Economy Manchester's Policy & Research Team
Key Statistics
Distribution of Employees in Life Sciences
working within Greater Manchester, 2007
Employment Concentrations
based on numbers working in Life Sciences in Greater Manchester, 2007
Large or significant Life Sciences employers in Greater Manchester include:
AstraZeneca - Pharmaceutical manufacturers and suppliers
Bio-stat Ltd - Hospital services and supplies
BUPA UK Services - Healthcare company
Central Manchester Primary Care Trust - Primary care trust
Christie Hospital - Hospital
Manchester Royal Infirmary - Hospital
St. Ann’s Hospice - Hospice
Stockport NHS Trust - Hospitals
Tetrosyl Ltd - Chemical manufacturers and suppliers
Wythenshawe Hospital - Hospital
Source: Business Solutions, 2008
Employment Concentrations
based on numbers working in Life Sciences in Greater Manchester, 2007
Forecast employment changes in Life Sciences
in Greater Manchester, 2008-2013
Occupations include:
Ambulance staff (excluding paramedics)
Bio-scientists and bio-chemists
Care assistants and home carers
Childminders and related occupations
Chiropodists
Dental nurses
Dental practitioners
Healthcare practice managers
Hospital and health service managers
Hospital porters
Housekeepers and related occupations
Housing and welfare officers
Launderers, dry cleaners and pressers
Medical and dental technicians
Medical practitioners
Medical radiographers
Medical secretaries
Midwives
Nursery nurses
Nurses
Nursing auxiliaries and assistants
Occupational therapists
Paramedics
Physiotherapists
Playgroup leaders and assistants
Probation officers
Psychologists
Residential and day care managers
Residential wardens
Routine laboratory technician
Scientific researchers
Social services managers
Social workers
Speech and language therapists
Therapists
Undertakers and mortuary assistants
Youth and community workers
Case Studies
Ameera Ali:
Age 23
Cancer Research Assistant
As a Cancer Research Assistant my main objective is to develop the science and technology used to treat cancer. This involves designing experiments, ordering the equipment and materials to carry them out and writing up the results. I then report the results of the experiment to the Chief Scientific Officer who is also the founder of the company I work for.
While I was a student I undertook a work placement which I found really helpful in developing the skills necessary to succeed in this field. These skills include confidence and the ability to think independently, as well as discipline as you are often working to tight deadlines. Communication skills are important too, for relaying ideas and research findings.
It’s really exciting to be at the cutting edge of research into cancer prevention and naturally I feel immense satisfaction that I am contributing to something that could help save the lives of millions of people.
Mike Cleary:
Age 26
Doctor
I decided to study medicine because I wanted a job that would be fulfilling and I had always been interested in science and the human body. I also knew I wanted to do a vocational course that would lead to a secure job.
I completed my degree in Medicine at Manchester University and am currently in my training year working in a hospital. My training will involve gaining experience of a number of different hospital wards. A typical day for me at the moment involves meetings with registrars and consultants and doing ward visits. I also visit patients to give them blood test results and prepare them for going into theatre.
You have to be sure about this career because it’s really hard work and the hours are long. You have to be prepared to be on-call and work nights. However the job is also varied and hugely rewarding as I know that I am having a positive impact on the lives of my patients.
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