Hiring and Sponsoring Biochemists and biomedical scientists (SOC Code 2113)

Biochemists and Biomedical Scientists, classified under SOC Code 2113, are essential professionals in the fields of healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture. Their role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, which include:

• Studying the chemical form, structure, composition, and function of living organisms.
• Identifying and analyzing chemical substances, including microbial infections, that are involved in physiological processes and disease progression.
• Performing tests to examine physiological and pathological characteristics within cells and other organisms.
• Researching the effects of internal and external environmental factors on the life processes and functions of living organisms.
• Conducting tests that aid clinicians in diagnosing and treating various medical conditions, as well as evaluating existing treatments.
• Investigating new methodologies for treating diseases and enhancing patient care.
• Researching, developing, and quality-checking new products within the pharmaceuticals, food production, and agricultural industries.

With the growing need for innovative solutions in health and science, the demand for skilled biochemists and biomedical scientists is on the rise. Many institutions, research facilities, and healthcare providers are actively seeking talented professionals, including those from overseas. This guide aims to assist HR professionals in the process of hiring and sponsoring biochemists and biomedical scientists under the UK’s immigration system.

What is SOC Code 3411 for Biochemists and biomedical scientists?

SOC Code 2113 refers to biochemists and biomedical scientists who study the chemical form, structure, composition, and function of living organisms. Their responsibilities can include:

• Conducting chemical analyses: Studying the chemical substances involved in physiological processes and disease progression.
• Performing tests: Evaluating physiological and pathological characteristics within cells and other organisms through various tests.
• Researching environmental impacts: Investigating how internal and external environmental factors affect the life processes of living organisms.
• Assisting clinical diagnosis: Performing tests that help clinicians diagnose and treat medical conditions, while also assessing existing treatments.
• Developing new treatments: Researching and developing innovative methods to treat diseases, contributing to advancements in medical care.
• Quality assurance: Conducting quality checks on new products in pharmaceuticals, food production, and agricultural industries to ensure safety and efficacy.

Biochemists and biomedical scientists play a vital role in advancing our understanding of biological processes, ultimately contributing to innovations in health and disease management.

Eligibility to Hire Biochemists and biomedical scientists (SOC Code 3411)

1. Job Requirements

Biochemists and biomedical scientists must exhibit strong scientific acumen and meet specific criteria to qualify for roles in this field. The requirements include:

• Educational Background: A degree in biochemistry, molecular biology, or a related field; advanced degrees (Master’s or Ph.D.) may be preferred for research positions.
• Laboratory Skills: Proficiency in laboratory techniques such as chromatography, electrophoresis, and spectroscopy, and familiarity with safety protocols.
• Research Experience: Prior experience in research settings, including familiarity with designing experiments and analyzing results.
• Technical Proficiency: Comfortable using laboratory equipment and software for data analysis and interpretation (e.g., bioinformatics tools).
• Publication Record: Evidence of published research in scientific journals or participation in relevant conferences can be advantageous.
• Collaboration Skills: Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams, as collaboration with other scientists and clinicians is often essential.
• Problem-Solving Abilities: Demonstrated capability to evaluate existing treatments and develop new innovative solutions to complex biomedical challenges.

Ensure that qualifications and experience align with SOC Code 2113 and that the candidates’ expertise meets the expected standards for the role.

1. Salary Thresholds
2. Use the Minimum Salary Calculator to ensure your salary offer meets immigration requirements.

Sponsoring Biochemists and biomedical scientists: A Step-by-Step Guide for HR Professionals

Once you’ve confirmed that the role and candidate meet the eligibility requirements, follow this step-by-step guide to sponsoring Biochemists and biomedical scientists under SOC Code 2113.

Step 1: Obtain a Sponsor Licence

Before hiring non-UK Biochemists and biomedical scientists, your company or institution must obtain a sponsor licence. This licence enables you to legally sponsor overseas Biochemists and biomedical scientists under the Skilled Worker Visa program.

• Sponsor Licence Application: Submit documentation proving that your business is legitimate and has a genuine vacancy. Visit the sponsor licence application guide for more information. 
• Sponsor Licence Fees: Small businesses typically pay £574, while larger institutions pay £1,579. For more information, visit the sponsor licence fees guide. 
• Processing Time: Applications typically take up to 8 weeks, but using the Sponsor Licence Priority Service can reduce the processing time to 10 working days.

Once your sponsor licence is approved, you will receive a sponsor licence number, which allows you to assign Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS).

Step 2: Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Once you have your sponsor licence, the next step is to assign a CoS to the Biochemists and biomedical scientists. This document provides key details about the job and the individual being sponsored.

• Defined vs Undefined CoS: Use a Defined CoS for Biochemists and biomedical scientists applying from outside the UK, and an Undefined CoS for those already in the UK. Learn more in the Defined & Undefined Certificates of Sponsorship guide. 
• Required Documents: Provide details such as the Biochemists and biomedical scientists’s portfolio, passport and job offer. Refer to Documents Required for Certificate of Sponsorship for a full list of necessary documents.

Step 3: Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa

Once the CoS is issued, the Biochemists and biomedical scientists can apply for the Skilled Worker Visa.

• Visa Fees: Fees vary depending on the role and visa length—use the visa fees calculator to estimate the costs. 
• Immigration Skills Charge: Employers are required to pay this charge as part of sponsoring non-UK workers. This is separate from visa fees.

Conducting a Right to Work Check for Biochemists and biomedical scientists

Before the Biochemists and biomedical scientists begins working, you must conduct a right to work check to ensure they are legally allowed to work in the UK.

• Manual Right to Work Check: Verify original documents such as the Biochemists and biomedical scientists’s passport and visa. 
• Online Right to Work Check: If the Biochemists and biomedical scientists holds an eVisa, you can use the UK government’s online system to verify their right-to-work status.

For more details on how to perform these checks, see the right to work check guide.

Post-Hiring Responsibilities and Compliance

1. Record-Keeping and Reporting  
2. • Record-Keeping: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of the Biochemists and biomedical scientists’s employment details, salary and contact information. 
   • Reporting Changes: Report any significant changes to the Biochemists and biomedical scientists’s role—such as promotions or salary increases—via the Sponsor Management System (SMS).
3. Sponsor Licence Duties and Compliance
4. Failure to comply with your sponsor licence duties can result in penalties or sponsor licence revocation, impacting your ability to sponsor future Biochemists and biomedical scientistss.

How Borderless Can Help with Sponsoring Biochemists and biomedical scientists

Sponsoring Biochemists and biomedical scientists under SOC Code 2113 can be a complex process, but Borderless can simplify it for you. We offer comprehensive support to help you manage the entire sponsorship process.

End-to-End Sponsorship Support

At Borderless, we assist with:

• Sponsor Licence Application: Guiding you through the application process and ensuring all required documents are submitted correctly. 
• Certificate of Sponsorship Assignment: Streamlining the CoS process to make hiring easier. 
• Compliance Management: Helping you stay compliant with immigration laws to avoid penalties.

If you need assistance with hiring or sponsoring Biochemists and biomedical scientists, get in touch for personalised support.

Conclusion

Hiring and sponsoring Biochemists and biomedical scientists under SOC Code 2113 can be a rewarding way to enrich the cultural landscape of your organisation. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully navigate the sponsorship process while ensuring compliance with UK immigration laws.

For further guidance, Borderless is ready to assist you with all your sponsorship needs. Contact us for expert advice.