Hiring and Sponsoring Biological scientists (SOC Code 2112)

Biological Scientists, classified under SOC Code 2112, are essential professionals in the life sciences who engage in a wide range of activities focused on living organisms. Their contributions are vital to various sectors, including agriculture, healthcare, and environmental conservation. The responsibilities of biological scientists include:

• Studying the physical form, structure, composition, and function of living organisms.
• Researching the effects of internal and external environmental factors on life processes.
• Observing community structures of organisms in both laboratory settings and natural environments.
• Advising farmers and medical professionals regarding field crops, livestock, and produce, along with disease treatment and prevention.
• Monitoring the distribution, presence, and behaviour of plants, animals, and aquatic life.
• Performing scientific tasks related to conservation efforts, distinct from those carried out by conservation professionals.

With the increasing importance of biological research in addressing global challenges, the demand for skilled biological scientists is on the rise, prompting many institutions and research organizations to look for talent from overseas. This guide aims to assist HR professionals in navigating the hiring and sponsorship process for biological scientists within the UK’s immigration framework.

What is SOC Code 3411 for Biological scientists?

SOC Code 2112 refers to biological scientists who study the physical form, structure, composition, and function of living organisms. Their responsibilities can include:

• Researching living organisms: Investigating the effects of internal and external environmental factors on life processes.
• Observing communities: Studying the structure of communities of organisms in both laboratory and natural settings.
• Providing expert advice: Offering guidance to farmers, medical staff, and others regarding field crops, livestock, and produce, as well as on treatment and prevention of diseases.
• Monitoring biodiversity: Tracking the distribution, presence, and behavior of plants, animals, and aquatic life.
• Conservational research: Conducting scientific tasks related to conservation that are not performed by other conservation and environment professionals.

Biological scientists play a vital role in advancing our understanding of living systems, contributing to agricultural practices, public health, and environmental conservation.

Eligibility to Hire Biological scientists (SOC Code 3411)

1. Job Requirements

Biological scientists must exhibit a strong foundation in biological sciences and meet specific qualifications and experience criteria. These may include:

• Educational Background: A degree in biological sciences, biology, or a related field; advanced degrees (Master’s or Ph.D.) may be preferred for higher-level positions.
• Research Experience: Demonstrated experience in scientific research, including the design, execution, and analysis of experiments related to living organisms and their environments.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in laboratory techniques, statistical analysis, and the use of scientific software relevant to biological research.
• Fieldwork: Experience in field research and data collection, including observing and monitoring living organisms in their natural habitats.
• Advisory Skills: Ability to communicate findings and provide recommendations to farmers, medical professionals, and other stakeholders regarding ecosystem health, crop management, and disease prevention.
• Specialization: Expertise in specific areas such as ecology, microbiology, genetics, or conservation biology may be beneficial.

Ensure that the job description aligns with SOC Code 2112 and that the candidate’s experience and work meet the expectations for the role.

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

Sponsoring Biological 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 Biological scientists under SOC Code 2112.

Step 1: Obtain a Sponsor Licence

Before hiring non-UK Biological scientists, your company or institution must obtain a sponsor licence. This licence enables you to legally sponsor overseas Biological 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 Biological scientists. This document provides key details about the job and the individual being sponsored.

• Defined vs Undefined CoS: Use a Defined CoS for Biological 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 Biological scientists’s portfolio, passport and job offer. Refer to Documents Required for Certificate of Sponsorshipfor a full list of necessary documents.

Step 3: Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa

Once the CoS is issued, the Biological 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 Biological scientists

Before the Biological 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 Biological scientists’s passport and visa. 
• Online Right to Work Check: If the Biological 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 Biological scientists’s employment details, salary and contact information. 
   • Reporting Changes: Report any significant changes to the Biological 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 Biological scientistss.

How Borderless Can Help with Sponsoring Biological scientists

Sponsoring Biological scientists under SOC Code 2112 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 Biological scientists, get in touch for personalised support.

Conclusion

Hiring and sponsoring Biological scientists under SOC Code 2112 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.