How to Find a Research and Development Job
Research and Development (R&D) refers to the formal experimental process of finding new knowledge so it can be applied to products, services and processes. R&D jobs are among the most challenging and rewarding. An R&D job seeker must have education at the graduate or postgraduate level with a significant research component. Less qualified staff are often hired for support roles that do not qualify as Research.
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Instructions
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Understand the hiring model of the research and development job market. The R&D field is quite tight. R&D job seekers enter the work force typically from two entry points: from university directly, as recent graduates and through specialized employment agencies, as experienced professionals. The research and development job market is controlled by recruiters to a greater extent than other job markets.
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Gain specialization in a field that interests you by undertaking a Master's or a doctorate degree. If you obtain a Master's degree, make sure it has a thesis component. Otherwise, you will not be considered for an R&D job. The professor under whose supervision you will be doing your research work will be your link between university and industry. Make sure you build a solid relationship with him based on hard work and integrity.
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Find job agencies that match your industry and years of experience. Visit your local library and request a complete directory of all the recruitment agencies in the city of your interest. You might be given a copy from the reserve section that you are not be able to borrow. These directories are more reliable than the ones found online. Make a list of all the recruiters that interest you. When contacting the recruiters, secure an interview instead of just emailing your resume. A person-to-person meeting can convey a lot more than a resume.
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Apply to companies online. You can use job boards like Dice or search for companies that have R&D departments and apply directly through their Employment Opportunities page. To obtain a complete listing of research and development companies, visit your local library.
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Network with other professionals. To join an online network, create an account with Linked In and look for names of former colleagues or alumni. Contact them and ask them for insider company information. To join an off-line network look for professional associations or licensing bodies. Attend their meetings, explain your interests to new people you meet and give them your business card.
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Tips & Warnings
The world's three largest spenders of R&D for 2006 were the United States ($330 billion), China ($136 billion) and Japan ($130 billion).
