Forensic Biologist

Pathologists are doctors who solve medical puzzles by examining tissue samples and cells under the microscope. Their diagnosis helps other doctors know how to treat patients and can change lives.

Forensic Biologist

18

Biological Sciences

AI IMPACT
AI CAN DO18%moving to58%
THE DOOR, NOWB
THE DOOR, 20 YRSC
STARTING PAY£30,000 - £40,000
REGULATORY MOATThe law requires human oversight. That human could be you.
This job holds up well against AI
AI cannot yet do much of what this job actually involves, and the law requires human oversight. That human could be you. That is about as safe as careers get right now, though it is still worth learning to use the tools well.

Career progression path

Is this the only route?

This is the standard academic trajectory, but modern careers are highly flexible. You can often skip stagesby entering the industry with an advanced qualification (like a Master's or PhD), or pivot sideways from a related discipline.

0ACADEMIC FOUNDATIONUniversity DegreeUsually 3 to 4 years of full-time academic study, explicitly preparing you for the theoretical realities of the industry. Requires A-Levels, BTECs, or equivalent Level 3.-£83,910Avg. UK tuition & living
1FIRST STEPJunior Forensic BiologistIn this entry-level role, you will assist in the analysis of biological samples, learning the ropes of forensic techniques and laboratory protocols under the supervision of experienced professionals.£30,000 - £40,000
2GAINING EXPERIENCEMid-level Forensic BiologistAs a mid-level professional, you will take on more complex cases, lead projects, and mentor junior staff while continuing to develop your expertise in forensic methodologies.£50,000 - £65,000
3PEAK CAREERSenior Forensic Biologist/Head of Forensic BiologyIn this peak career role, you will oversee forensic biology operations, develop strategic initiatives, and represent your organisation in high-profile cases, ensuring the highest standards of forensic analysis are maintained.£85,000+

Recommended UK degrees

Real courses that qualify you for this career, from the same register that priced the degree above.

Careermash

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AI EXPOSURE = the share of a job's day-to-day tasks AI can already do today, from the same exposure engine used across this site (Anthropic labour market research, 2026, observed real-world AI usage by occupation). Higher means more exposed. It is a measurement of now, not a prediction. THE DOOR = how hard the job is to get into, grade A (easy) to E (extremely hard), from each career's published forecast (OpenAI, "The AI Jobs Transition Framework", Richmond 2026, CC BY 4.0). A card marked MOAT NOT YET CLASSIFIED has a real exposure score but no entry yet in our moat register, so we make no claim about what structurally protects it. Scorecard grades and verdicts are Careermash editorial judgment: we show forecasts as forecasts and own our conclusions. Salary and pathway figures are each career's own published profile. Careermash is a service provided by What School Ltd.

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