Shy, autistic, and intelligent - what job would suit me? (title edited by MNHQ at request of OP)

Nope, horrendous idea. One of the highest occupations for burnout. Especially for people who absorb others emotions and are sensitive.

Hadn't realised there were so many other data suggestions! I'm like you OP and I work in data 😊

Radiography.

You get the nhs bursary plus a student loan even if it's a second degree.

What about something research based or policy/procedure in government/local authority.
Especially if you're detailed focused but find people can overwhelming after a while.

My DH is autistic and is in financial management. I can't say he loves it but the balance between people and focus works well for him. There are many of his colleagues who are also ASD.

I'm a software developer and I suspect me and many of my colleagues are autistic. You do have to go on Zoom meetings and defend the technical aspect of your work with pushy project managers. And they do want everything done ASAP with little budget or capacity. However, your will be working with a lot of like minded people who want to do their job well. It really suits people who enjoy solving a hard problem and learning new things.

Is biology really that bad for a very technical person?

Given your biology and lab background, I'd suggest going into data for biology.

Try a course with Code First Girls? They are awesome.

Your post has resonated with me. I suspect I am autistic (most of my family is, with or without diagnoses) with a masters degree from a very top university.

I used to work as a data analyst. I found it so interesting. I left to have children and ended up having a ten year break from paid work (though volunteered throughout). I became a TA at my children’s school and have mostly loved it, but now feel on the edge of burn out. The role has changed over the last year, and I really struggle with plans being changed and no one telling me as they seem to overlook the TAs.

I have toyed with going back to my old job in data analysis and have been doing some Codecademy courses in Python and data science. The trouble is, I have been out of the field for so very long. A big change like that is massively scary!

I am really struggling to make a decision about staying or going. I mostly love my TA role, but feel totally deflated by the lack or recognition and appalling pay.

Someone beat me to it recommending exploring coding and Code First Girls free courses being a great way to dip your toe in with no commitment. https://codefirstgirls.com/courses/

I've hired Devs who took this route

We are always looking for engineers in my job. Apprenticeships come out every spring. You're ideal.

Library work?

maybe pharmacy?

definitely not teaching. talk to people who do the jobs you are thinking about and get a good understanding of what it is like before you start.

Working as a patent examiner might perhaps be a good option for you. A fair few autistic people do the job successfully. It requires a combination of scientific and/or technical background knowledge, acuity with language (your healthcare writing could be an asset here) and attention to detail. Training in the legal side of things is provided.

The main downside is that there is only one UK Intellectual Property Office, in Newport Wales, which is a pain if you live in Edinburgh! Most people work mostly from home and some work completely from home (though this is usually something to negotiate after a few years experience). Some attendance in the office is usually required, about once a week on average, though this could possibly be something to discuss varying as a reasonable adjustment (as mentioned in this blog post by an autistic patent examiner).

More info on the job generally via these links:
Patent examiner job profile | Prospects.ac.uk
Patent examiner role - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

This

Following this with interest as I think I have the exact same personality traits as you OP! I’m curious about the data analyst suggestions. I currently work in a patient-facing role in the NHS and I really enjoy it but find it absolutely exhausting and often very stressful. Can anyone give some specifics about what working as a data analyst in the NHS would involve, in terms of actual day to day work and structure?

Pharmacy - back room stuff, maybe medicines preparation, manufacturing, quality assurance - the things that require attention to detail? Very hands on and team based with the potential to specialise and work your way up.

Op, I have a similar personality to you and am a Physiotherapist. Like you, I enjoy making a difference to people’s lives and I also like interacting 1:1 with my patients. There are some settings that wouldn’t suit me, like busy outpatient departments, but I’ve found a setting that suits me very well and really enjoy my work. I wish you well in your search.

How much have you explored other roles in the lab, if you enjoyed that job? I would be surprised if you couldn't work up in a pharmaceutical company to be on the salary you're aiming for?

Regulatory affairs ?
Patent attorney? I believe a PhD is usually needed though.
Bioinformatics if you are good with IT ?
QA or QC
Scientific librarian is unfortunately a job that has been massively scaled back with the rise of IT.
Clinical research?

NOT teaching !

Not working for a charity if you want to earn reasonable ££.

I would suggest a dental therapist. The course is less than a dentist (3 years) and usually most applicants are slightly older than the dental course. Working day is in a room with a nurse and patients but the practices are usually really friendly and nice. Your background in science will be beneficial, pay is good and can be either self employed or employed and you are working under a prescription from a dentist so less stressful than a dentist role.

Definitely go and have a look at UKRI jobs. There’s one being advertised at the moment that would fit you well.

Shy, autistic AND intelligent

fixed that for you @imthewor

Biomedical scientist in a hospital laboratory?

Definitely not teaching. The ability to understand and be flexible with other people's behaviour and understanding social cues are a key part of teaching. If you struggle with those, I wouldn't recommend it at all.