How to become A Research Scientist

Research Scientists use their five senses to explore the universe with a purpose; they plan and conduct experiments in fields ranging from natural sciences to computer science. Their findings are used to develop new products, processes or commercial applications or give the rest of humanity a unique insight into the world around them, so there is more understanding and less fear.

• Researcher
• Professional Researcher
• Certified Clinical Research Professional
• Research and Development (R&D) Scientist

What do Research Scientists do?

A Research Scientist  would typically need to:

• Plan, design and conduct experiments to investigate and analyse scientific phenomena
• Formulate research grants/proposals and funding applications/bids to guarantee sufficient funds for completion of the project; review proposals
• Carry out fieldwork and collect samples, if necessary, to strengthen research
• Organise product/materials testing to ensure quality standards are met; collaborate with domestic and international groups on standardisation
• Record, process, analyse and interpret results and data to develop theories that aim to explain the phenomena
• Write research papers, reports, reviews and summaries;  demonstrate the procedures and present findings to senior staff or other research teams
• Publish papers at academic conferences to summarise the methodology and results of the research to the broader scientific community
• Collaborate with industry/academia to apply the results of research and develop new techniques, products and practices; advise decision-makers
• Manage and train junior staff, including technicians; liaise with research, engineering and support staff
• Carry out peer reviews of written publications and presentations to validate theories and inform research; stay abreast of other scientists’ work
• Apply industry knowledge toward developing, revising and implementing new procedures and methods for testing, analysis and laboratory/equipment use and maintenance
• Teach undergraduate and postgraduate classes, if in academia
• Monitor graduate student research and have regular meetings with the students
• Serve on university committees to discuss faculty hiring, curriculum development, graduate training and routine administrative tasks

Research Scientists conduct the majority of their work in laboratories; some may need to undertake fieldwork too. They may work in teams and independently. Life science companies that have global offices and universities worldwide that collaborate on research offer prime opportunities to work overseas.

You may need to travel to and from clients’ and colleagues’ offices, mainly if your project collaborates between industry and academia or between universities. Travel overseas is sometimes necessary to attend conferences and seminars. Research in environmental science and ecology may involve international fieldwork.

Your work schedule will depend on where you work. 

Research Scientists in academia have fairly standard schedules averaging around 37 hours per week, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Most organisations give you the freedom to choose the timings for experiments conducted over the weekend.

On the other hand, Research Scientists who work in an industry may work longer hours and adjust their work schedules according to shift patterns and commercial deadlines.

There is a lot of competition for research posts, especially those with permanent contracts. You can expect fixed-term contracts lasting for several years in an industrial setting where there is well-defined funding for particular projects rather than academia. Finding a new job might seem challenging. Research Scientists will find vacancies usually advertised via the internet, by careers services, in national newspapers, in relevant scientific publications and journals published by professional institutions.

Research Scientists are generally employed by:

• Government Laboratories
• Environmental Agencies
• Utility Providers
• Specialist Research Organisations & Consultancies
• Public-Funded Research Councils
• Universities
• Private Food Companies
• Materials Companies
• Consumer Products Companies
• Pharmaceutical & Cosmetic Manufacturers
• Chemical Companies
• National & Global Health-Related Charities
• Hospitals

Professional associations and organisations, such as The International Science Council (ISC), are crucial for Research Scientists interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation.

Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Experimental work may involve working with hazardous and toxic materials
• High likelihood of emotional distress when conducting experiments on animals or animal-based products
• Intense competition for tenured posts in academia and permanent posts in industry
• High probability of funding being pulled by government and private organisations during times of economic recession

Experience in academia and industry will help you understand the difference between the two environments and inform your career choice.

A sandwich year placement in industry or vacation work will help you acquire practical laboratory experience and knowledge of the techniques used that will prove to your advantage when applying for research jobs.

Post-doctoral research and practical research/laboratory work experience will come in handy, especially when applying for academic posts.

Make the most of any scholarships, bursaries and studentships available to research institutions via government and private funding. Tap into the local network of specialists in the field to keep you up to date with the latest developments and guide you through the more challenging aspects of your doctorate.

Read about the profession and interview/job shadow experts working in scientific research to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers.

Most employers prefer applicants to the post of Research Scientist with a PhD or research-based MSc (or working towards one) in any subject related to health, medicine, agriculture, geoscience, meteorology, horticulture or biology.

Beneficial subjects include chemistry, biochemistry, biomedical science, physics, biophysics, crop & plant science, ecology, environmental biology, microbiology, molecular biology, biotechnology, computer science, environmental science, psychology, natural sciences and pharmacology.

However, some employers entertain the applications of individuals with an undergraduate honours degree in the subjects mentioned above, provided they undertake part-time study for a postgraduate qualification.

Focus on natural and physical sciences, English and math in high school.

Certification from an objective and reputed organisation in professional research can help you stand out in a competitive job market, increase your chances of advancement, and allow you to become an independent consultant.

Successful certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics.

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive the career progression of Research Scientists who are always in demand. 

Those who progress towards senior scientific research or management roles become industry-leading scientists responsible for supervising and managing projects. It's also possible to move into business development or production or a regulatory position. 

With increasing public interest in science, there is immense potential for journalists with a scientific background who can move into media or communication roles. Research Scientists with significant experience can also become Consultants who evaluate new ideas, products and technologies from a commercial and technical perspective.

Progression is pretty structured in academia, with most researchers aiming for the position of Senior Research Fellow or Professor, leading research teams.

Candidates with an MSc or PhD in related fields and significant experience in research have the best job prospects.

Research Scientists can expect support and additional training from the academic institution or from Vitae, a non-profit global leader with over 50 years of experience in enhancing the skills of researchers.

In partnership with governments, funders of research, professional bodies, trusts & foundations, universities, and research institutes, Vitae offers training, resources, events, consultancy, and membership.

Research Scientists who can lay claim to significant experience, successful research projects and publishing original, high-quality research will advance in academia.

The scientific and research skills acquired during their PhD programs will help Research Scientists move into more senior research positions in industries, provided they also have leadership and management skills. Structured training programs may include undertaking diverse roles in the organisation, working with a mentor and formulating personal development plans with line managers.

Attend academic conferences worldwide, read industry journals and network to learn about new techniques, skills and innovations. Keep up with developments in the field and read peer reviews and write scientific articles.

In addition, laboratory work needs training on health and safety and good laboratory practice. It may also include risk assessment workshops and control of substances hazardous to health regulations training.

Some locations also offer Research Scientists opportunities to work toward chartered biologist status.

Look For KTPs

Your location may offer job opportunities through Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP). It is a joint project between a graduate, an organisation and a “knowledge base” such as a university or a research organisation. KTPs allow PhD scholars to apply research in a commercial setting.

Diverse Responsibilities

A Research Scientist in industry will have quite different responsibilities when compared to one working in a higher education institution or at a research institute. Pure research may not have an intended application while applied research has a set target.

If you rub your tongue dry of saliva with a clean towel and then place some dry foods such as a cookie or pretzel on your tongue one after the other, you cannot taste them.

Working in almost every area of science imaginable, Research Scientists plan and conduct experiments and investigations that bring to light fascinating facts and amazing products.

Learn from the experiments you failed at. The library will be your best teacher when you are not sure about how to proceed with your lab experiment.