Career As a Research Scientist

A research scientist devises and conducts experiments.

For those with a passion for science, a career as a research scientist can be a good choice. There are as many types of research scientists as there are fields of scientific study. While it may take many years to acquire the necessary education to become a full-fledged researcher, aspiring college students can begin working on papers as soon as they begin their course of study.

Occupational Setting

Research scientists often work in academic settings like universities or may work for private companies. They can also work for government agencies or for nonprofit organizations. Some research scientists prefer working in the private sector, and others would rather work in a setting unaffected by the profit motive. This issue is a major career-shaping factor among research scientists.

Types of Research Scientists

There are many types of research scientists. Of course there are many positions in the fields of physics, chemistry and biology. There are also research scientist positions in newer fields like computer science, and commercial subject matter can range from fragrances to ice cream. Fields of research are constantly developing, and those expected to see growing demand include medical and environmental research. One example in the field of environmental research is the study oil spills and their impact on the marine ecosystem.

Typical Tasks and Skills

Tasks research scientists perform include conducting experiments "at the bench" and researching prior work at the library or presenting finished work. Other tasks include attending scientific conferences and writing papers. Many university professors are responsible for both teaching and conducting research. Skills possessed by successful research scientists include a natural curiosity, the patience for conducting long, detailed experiments and an ability to convey thoughts clearly in both verbal and written form.

Educational Requirements

Most research scientists have a Ph.D. or at least a master's degree in their chosen area of study. However, aspiring research scientists can start learning the skills they need as early as high school, and at many universities they will have the opportunity to participate in research projects while studying as an undergraduate.

Significance

Some of the most important discoveries in medicine and technology come from the work of research scientists. Some researchers describe the feeling of exhilaration from making a new discovery as a "rush." Those who make new discoveries have earned the satisfaction of knowing they have contributed to the collective knowledge of mankind. One famous example is the Nobel prize-winning discovery of the DNA double helix nature by Watson and Crick, which sparked a revolution in the field of biology.

Salary Expectations

According to payscale.com, the salary for a research scientist in the biotechnology area ranges from $57,369 to $95,713 a year. The amount of pay a research scientist receives can depend on the field of study and whether he works in academia or in the private sector. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, research scientists in social sciences are at the lower end of the pay scale, while those in computer and information science are at the upper end of the pay scale.

References

• Education-portal.com: Research Scientist Career Information About Becoming a Research Scientist
• Payscale.com: Salary Snapshot for Research Scientist, Biotechnology Jobs
• Careerleak.com: Research Scientist -- Is It in You?
• Nobelprize.org:The Discovery of the Molecular Structure of DNA - The Double Helix
• Thescientist.com: New NSF Grants for Oil Spill