Research Scientist Job Description
Understanding the world around us, making new discoveries and developing new products based on their breakthroughs is the domain of the research scientist. These highly trained professionals can be found studying in any number of scientific fields. Whether it's medical research, biological research or any other kind of study, these scientists make it their job to make new discoveries and increase the breadth of human knowledge.
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Duties and Responsibilities
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The duties of a research scientist primarily involve study and investigation, though depending on their field of study, this can take many forms. Biological researchers, for example, may spend much of their time in the laboratory, studying biological samples and conducting experiments. They can also travel out into the field, collecting specimens and observing wildlife in its natural habitats. Similarly, geoscientists can analyze rock strata or computer survey information in an indoor office setting, or go about collecting it on deep ocean voyages or expeditions into remotely populated areas. These scientists can work for companies, government agencies or colleges and universities.
Education and Training
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Most research scientists have at least a bachelor's degree in their particular field of study, though many have a master's or a doctoral degree. Employers hiring laboratory researchers typically require experience with laboratory techniques, computer analysis, and setting up and implementing experiments. Similarly, field researcher positions typically require class work experience with field techniques, data collection and observational studies.
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Daily Life
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Most laboratory research scientists work in an indoor, comfortable environment. They can work regular hours, though extended and evening hours are sometimes required, especially when monitoring sensitive experiments or meeting publication deadlines. Field researchers can spend extended periods away from home, as well as working long hours when in the field.
Skills
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Research scientists, in addition to a base of knowledge in their field, must possess a natural curiosity about the world and be able to come up with creative experiments and research methods to investigate it. As they often work in conjunction with other scientists, technicians and engineers, they need good communication skills. The ability to express their findings both orally and through writing are required so they can share their discoveries with the world.
Jobs and Salary
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, research scientists can expect above average job growth in most fields. Some fields, like geoscientists or others largely tied to the petroleum industry, can experience rapid rates of growth and decline as economies change and the price and reliance upon oil fluctuates. The average salaries for these workers can vary greatly. The median salary for geoscientists, for example, was about $79,000 in 2008, while the average for food scientists was about $59,000.
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References
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