Is it possible to get part time science based jobs?

[stbrandonsboat]

Ds is autistic and is hoping to do a science degree (biological science probably) starting next year. He really struggles with feeling exhausted if he has too much interaction/input etc. so is thinking that he'll only be able to manage a part time job once he graduates. He managed going to college three days a week, but was definitely struggling at times. He loves science though, so would like to give it a shot at getting a degree. He'd be attending a uni in our home region as he still needs support and help with things.

Are there many opportunities for part time work in this area. I don't want him to go for a degree if he's left with no opportunities afterwards. Everything I've searched online says full time. He would like laboratory based work.

I would assume that he is still quite young. A lot can change between being 17 and being 35. I wouldn't base his future choices on how he feels about interacting with the world now.

That said, there are always options. If he enjoys lab-based work, then he must enjoy interacting with others to some degree, or at least be able to tolerate it. There are lots of roles that would allow for less interaction though (working from home) but they would largely be outside of strictly laboratory work. It's worth meeting with someone who can offer some career guidance on what those options with be and with what degrees.

I am a scientist (not a laboratory one though) and I work part-time. It's actually not at all unusual in academia. I only know a handful of colleagues who work FT. I work almost exclusively from home unless I'm teaching or have a meeting to attend.