Research scientist

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role

University

You usually need a first or 2:

• 1 (upper second class) degree in a science subject to become a research scientist. Most research scientists continue to study for a postgraduate qualification like a PhD.

You could study on an integrated postgraduate master's course. These courses include independent research and are designed to lead directly on to a PhD.

Entry requirements:

• 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including a science, for a degree
• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do a Research Scientist Level 7 Apprenticeship, which is equivalent to postgraduate study.

You could also join a degree apprenticeship if you want to work in a particular field of scientific research.

Apprenticeships include:

• Biomedical Scientist Level 6
• Nuclear Scientist Level 6
• Materials Science Technologist Level 6
• Clinical Scientist Level 7

These apprenticeships can take around 3 years to complete.

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Work

It may be possible to start as a research assistant or graduate industrial scientist. You would usually need to study part time for a PhD while you work.

UK Research and Innovation and industrial companies sometimes offer studentships. This would give you the opportunity to do a PhD while getting practical research experience.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Skills:

• science skills
• maths knowledge
• complex problem-solving skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to use your initiative
• excellent written communication skills
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to read English
• analytical thinking skills
• knowledge of English language
• excellent verbal communication skills
• ambition and a desire to succeed
• knowledge of biology
• knowledge of chemistry including the safe use and disposal of chemicals
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• knowledge of medicine and dentistry
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• concentration skills
• a good memory

What you'll do:

Research scientists plan and lead experiments and investigations on a range of scientific topics.

As a research scientist you could:

• write research proposals and apply for funding
• plan, design and do experiments
• record and analyse results
• present findings in journals and at conferences
• develop new products and ways to apply new discoveries
• teach and supervise students' research projects

Possible green job

This job could help the environment.

For a research scientist to be a green job, you could:

• carry out research which supports the environment like turning waste products into fuel
• work with reusable or recyclable equipment
• use materials from local suppliers to reduce emissions from shipping

Find out more about green careers

Location : You could work in a laboratory or at a university.
Environment : Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time.
Uniform : You may need to wear protective clothing.

Salary:

Starter : £27,000
Experienced : £48,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

39 - 41 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

Career Path:

As a scientist with a research council or organisation, you could move into 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 and lead your own research team.

You could open up further opportunities for career development by gaining Chartered Scientist status .

You can get more details about career development options through Vitae .