How to Become a Research Scientist
Desiring to become a research scientist is the stuff of dreams for many youth. Fortunately, many of us become adults without losing our natural curiosity about how the world works. Today, new technology and discoveries have opened up exciting opportunities for the research scientist, including research in biotechnology. Dare to open new doors by learning how to become a research scientist.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Challenging
Instructions
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Plan on attaining at least a Master's degree to become a research scientist, the minimum requirement to become involved in research and development in most industries. However, if your goal is to become engaged in independent research, then plan on obtaining a Doctorate.
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Avoid placing too much emphasis on undergraduate courses of study thinking it will help you to become a research scientist. While it's true that you'll want to dedicate time to the study of chemistry and biology, most advanced courses are undertaken during graduate work. However, you will want to round out your undergraduate curriculum with an emphasis in science courses, as well as mathematics, physics and computer science.
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Draft a professional curriculum vitae (resume). However, in order to facilitate your quest to become a research scientist, you should design your resume toward targeting what you plan to achieve in the position rather than what you have already accomplished via previous employment. In addition, if you lack applied research experience, you may wish to present your prior endeavors in a functional, rather than chronological, format.
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Include all of your academic credentials, published works (especially research or white papers) and any other professional achievements on your curriculum vitae. Unlike a standard resume, a curriculum vitae may run several pages, which is considered perfectly acceptable.
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Read current job openings for a research scientist available with the U.S. government by visiting USAJOBS online (see Resources below). If you prefer to use the automated telephone system instead, you may call (703) 724-1850 or TDD (978) 461-8404 (note that these numbers are not toll-free).
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Tips & Warnings
Advances in biotechnology have created new venues for the research scientist to explore, including the areas of biology, forensics (including DNA fingerprinting) agriculture, environmental preservation and medicine.
Nearly half of all biological research scientists are employed by the government sector, while the other half work in the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry in research and testing facilities.
Concerns over the environmental impact of pesticide use and global warming issues are expected to drive the need for research scientists considerably over the next few decades.
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Comments
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e-how, is there nothing that cannot be summarised in 5 bullet points?
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not bad
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nice
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rhyme
Aug 29, 2007
* Try to get papers published as early as possible, as these will really count when it comes to applying for a job. * Be prepared to move around the country or around the world to get a job in your field, or simply to get a diversity of experience that will lend your CV credibility. It's usually best to do your PhD at a different university than where you did your Bachelor's degree. * In many countries (e.g. England and Australia), PhD degrees do not usually include coursework. This makes it more important to do the right courses in your undergraduate degree, and to know when to ask for help. -
rhyme
Aug 29, 2007
* Try to get papers published as early as possible, as these will really count when it comes to applying for a job. * Be prepared to move around the country or around the world to get a job in your field, or simply to get a diversity of experience that will lend your CV credibility. It's usually best to do your PhD at a different university than where you did your Bachelor's degree. * In many countries (e.g. England and Australia), PhD degrees do not usually include coursework. This makes it more important to do the right courses in your undergraduate degree, and to know when to ask for help.
