Research Scientist

Typical Salary

£15,000 To £60,000

Typical Hours

39 to 41 a week

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

How To Become a Research Scientist

You can get into this job through:

a university course
working towards this role

College / University

You'll need a good honours degree, usually first class or upper second, in a science subject related to your area of interest. Most research scientists then go on to study for a postgraduate qualification like a PhD.

2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship are not listed for this job.

Routes into this Career

It may be possible to start as a research assistant or graduate industrial scientist and study part-time for a PhD.

UK Research and Innovation and industrial companies sometimes work together to offer Collaborative Awards in Science and Engineering studentships. This would give you the opportunity to do a PhD while getting practical research experience in industry.

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

science skills
thinking and reasoning skills
excellent verbal communication skills
the ability to use your initiative
excellent written communication skills
analytical thinking skills
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
the ability to read English
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Day To Day Tasks

The nature of your work will depend on your specialism, but may include:

drawing up research proposals and applying for funding
planning and carrying out experiments
keeping accurate records of results
analysing results and data
presenting findings in scientific journals, books or at conferences
carrying out fieldwork (collecting samples and monitoring environmental factors)
developing new products or ways of applying new discoveries
improving manufacturing production methods
testing products or materials
teaching or lecturing

Working Environment

You could work in a laboratory or at a university.

Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career Path & Progression

As a scientist with research councils and institutes or in industry, you could progress to a senior research or laboratory management position.

In an academic post, once you've gained experience and published original research, you could progress to senior research fellow or professor, leading your own team.

You could demonstrate your commitment to professional development and work towards professional recognition like Chartered Scientist status.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Career tips

It may improve your chances of finding work if you've got work experience in a research department or your degree included a placement in a research environment.

As a graduate you could look for postgraduate training opportunities offered through Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP). In a KTP you would get the opportunity to run a research project together with an industrial organisation and a university or research body.

Further information

You can find out more about a career in scientific research through the Science Council.

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.