Bachelor in Biology

Career Opportunities

Spotlight on our alumni

Organismal Biology and Ecology

Upon completion of this master’s program, you will be qualified to pursue a scientific career in the national and international job market, particularly in research institutions, nature conservation organizations, government and non-governmental agencies, as well as private companies.

Your modeling skills, in-depth understanding of biological phenomena, passion for research, and scientific rigor will be in demand not only in scientific professions (research, development, teaching, etc.) but also across society as a whole.

Biomedical Sciences

Biomedical sciences can lead to many different careers in the field of basic and/or applied research: universities, hospitals, government agencies, laboratories in the biopharmaceutical, biotechnology, nutritional and food/animal feed, cosmetics, forensic science, and medical and laboratory equipment sectors.

Molecular Microbiology

The wide variety of research fields in bacteriology will allow you to apply your knowledge in industries or research centers involved in the development of new biotechnological, medical, or food solutions.  

Your proficiency in scientific English and your participation in a joint European program will facilitate your recruitment beyond our borders.

A Constantly Evolving Sector 

The life sciences are constantly evolving, and with them, techniques and professions. In Belgium, the pharmaceutical industry employs over 29,000 people, including more than 5,000 in research and development (R&D). With 12.8% of global pharmaceutical exports, our country holds a leading position. Alongside the healthcare sector, growing environmental awareness is opening up a growing number of opportunities for biologists. 

Advancing science 

Nearly 40% of our recent graduates begin their careers in research at a university, either in Belgium or abroad. There, they pursue a Ph.D. (typically a 4-year program) or participate in a research program, most often on a fundamental topic. 

Research is also conducted in corporate R&D departments and at public research centers. As part of a team, biologists develop new products or conduct laboratory analyses. 

After graduating, I was hired by a CRO (Contract Research Organization) located in Louvain-la-Neuve. I set up clinical trials on behalf of our clients. Specifically, I organize the submission of the trial to the ethics committee. Next, I train the staff at the site where the study will be conducted. I visit the site regularly to ensure that the protocol is being followed. I liaise with the other subcontractors involved (for example, for genetic blood analyses, for entering results into databases, etc.). Finally, I coordinate the writing of the final study report. It’s a job that requires a lot of organization and strong stress management skills 

Marie, graduate

I manage a river contract in southern Belgium, within a nature park funded by European grants. Setting up a river contract involves convincing many partners with often divergent interests. I have to promote the project, particularly by publishing brochures. I organize outreach activities, such as workshops for children. Administrative and financial management, as well as fundraising, take up a significant portion of my time.

Nicolas, graduate

On the periphery of research and development

Many service providers are involved in the downstream phase of R&D. In large companies, specific departments handle these activities, either in full or in part. 

CROs (Contract Research Organizations) are service companies that subcontract certain stages of clinical research on behalf of large companies. Some specialize in managing the clinical trials that new pharmaceutical products undergo before being brought to market, in order to verify their safety and pharmacokinetic profile (the behavior of a drug’s active ingredient within the body after administration). 

Quality is the watchword of the pharmaceutical sector. It is always necessary to be able to prove that all procedures comply with current regulations, from the earliest stages of development through to the delivery of products to customers. 

Within regulatory affairs departments, biologists supported by legal professionals monitor current regulations and handle the submission and tracking of “quality” or “intellectual property” filings with the relevant administrative authorities. 

Preserving living heritage 

An increasing number of biologists are working to protect natural, plant, and animal heritage. In accordance with established environmental policies, they conduct inventories, manage, monitor, and promote these resources. They may lead large-scale projects related to sustainable development (partner recruitment, fundraising, outreach, etc.). 

 My company develops bioreactors. We currently have 80 employees. After a year of laboratory training, I now manage a cell culture project. This involves planning the steps based on available resources—both equipment and personnel—using project management tools. I conduct literature reviews, carry out certain experiments, and present the results in the form of presentations and publications. English is essential for all communication with our partners and clients. 

Florence, graduate

I am a quality assurance manager at an agricultural research center. We test pesticides before they are released to the market. I spend 25% of my time in the field, conducting inspections in the lab, attending meetings, or performing external audits. The rest of the time, I work on drafting procedures and reports. Communication, both oral and written, is essential in my work. 

Vanessa, graduate 

Passing on a passion for life 

Science education remains a significant career path for our graduates, both in universities and in upper secondary education. 

The emergence of new careers 

In recent years, we have seen biologists entering the hospital sector, either in assisted reproductive technology laboratories or in the management of clinical trials involving patients. 

Bioinformaticians, who combine their scientific training with strong skills in databases, statistics, and programming, play a fundamental role in dealing with the influx of new genomic sequencing data and other data derived from the exploration of living organisms. They model and compare this wealth of information to formulate relevant research hypotheses to be tested in an experimental setting. 

I am a biologist in the molecular biology department of the Institute of Pathology and Genetics (IPG). One of the IPG’s missions is the screening for genetic diseases (such as cystic fibrosis) in adults, children, newborns, and even fetuses. As a biologist, I manage the work of a team of laboratory technologists, analyze the results obtained for each patient, and communicate them to the patient’s attending physician in the form of a report. We must also stay continuously informed about scientific and technical advancements through literature reviews, training, and conferences. Effective time and resource management, as well as the ability to communicate scientific data concisely, are essential skills in this profession.

Charlotte, graduate 

La Cellule Emploi accompagne les étudiants de dernière année et les diplômés dans leur parcours professionnel, via plusieurs services : diffusion d’offres d’emploi et de stage, entretiens d’orientation, ateliers sur les thématiques liées à l’insertion professionnelle, information et documentation sur le monde du travail.