• BSc (2i or 1st Honours)
  
  

Training

• PhD studentship.   Funding may come from a variety of sources, as many senior scientists in dermatology originally carry out PhD studies in other specialties (e.g. immunology, oncology, biochemistry, etc.).
  
  
• Postdoctoral positions.   Again, funding from various sources (research councils, charities, etc.), with the research being undertaken in a diverse range of medical / scientific departments, including academic dermatology units.   Some time may be spent in the biotechnology / pharmaceutical industry.
  
  

Intermediate Position

• Lecturer.   This may be in a non-clinical department, or in a dermatology unit.   Independent research council funding, e.g. a MRC Career Development award, is advantageous.
  
  

Senior Position

• Senior Lecturer (definite advantages to obtaining Senior Fellowship from MRC / Wellcome Trust, but extremely competitive application process).
  
  

Note that senior scientists in dermatology will often have spent variable amounts of their training in other (related or unrelated) specialties, and that this variety in research experience enhances the overall research in dermatology.   However, seeking career advice at an early stage from more senior colleagues in dermatological science is likely to help in ensuring that research time spent in other specialties is of maximum value for subsequent career progression.