Research scientist

Career path and progression

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.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• 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
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Biology - Research scientists in fields like biochemistry, ecology, and biomedical science need a deep understanding of living organisms, cells, genetics, and ecosystems. They design experiments to investigate biological processes and interpret results that could lead to new medicines, conservation strategies, or food technologies.
• Chemistry - Research scientists regularly work with chemical reactions, molecular structures, and laboratory techniques like spectroscopy and chromatography. Whether developing new materials or analysing biological samples, understanding how substances interact at a molecular level is central to much scientific research.
• Physics - Research scientists in areas like materials science, nuclear science, and energy research rely on physics to understand forces, particles, and how matter behaves. Physics also underpins many of the instruments and techniques used in laboratories across all scientific disciplines.
• Mathematics - Research scientists use statistics to analyse experimental data and determine whether their results are meaningful. They also use mathematical modelling to predict outcomes, design experiments efficiently, and interpret complex patterns in their findings.
• English Language - Research scientists write detailed research proposals to secure funding and publish their findings in scientific journals. They also present at conferences and need to explain complex ideas clearly to different audiences, so strong written and spoken communication skills are essential.

Also relevant

• Computer Science - Research scientists increasingly write code to analyse large datasets, run simulations, and automate experiments. Programming languages like Python and R are widely used in scientific research for data processing and statistical modelling.
• Environmental Science - Research scientists working in green careers investigate topics like turning waste into fuel, reducing emissions, and protecting ecosystems. Understanding environmental systems and sustainability issues helps them design research that addresses real-world environmental challenges.
• Geology - Research scientists studying the Earth – including seismologists and those working in materials science – draw on knowledge of rocks, minerals, and geological processes. This is particularly relevant for research into natural resources, natural hazards, and the history of our planet.
• Economics - Research scientists need to write compelling funding proposals and manage research budgets effectively. Understanding how resources are allocated and how to make a strong case for the value of their work helps them secure the financial support their projects need.