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How To Become A Scientist: A New Scientist Careers Guide

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What does a scientist do?

Scientists are, by definition, individuals who study and gain expertise in one of the natural sciences: biology , chemistry , physics , astronomy and earth sciences . Each of these five main natural sciences has its own subdivisions, and the scope of work will vary for each subdivision. 

As a scientist, you will study and research a topic within one of these fields, often in great detail. Research scientists are essentially experts in specific topics within their fields.

However, even though there are many different types of scientists, the responsibilities of all research scientists are very similar.

Most scientists will need to propose their own research and gain funding for it from relevant organisations. As a scientist, you will therefore need to write up research proposals and funding applications. 

Once you start your research, you may conduct it in a lab, out in the field, or in a specialised facility, depending on the research topic. When you obtain results, you will then need to analyse them and present them to other scientists, as well as write up research papers to publish in journals or books. 

Being a scientist can be a very gratifying job, as you will often help in the development of new products. For instance, you might develop new tests as a biomedical scientist , advance technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) or work with machine learning as a computer scientist, or produce new medical guidelines as a clinical scientist .

You will also support scientists and workers in other disciplines. For example, as a data scientist you will analyse large sets of data to produce insights into datasets that may then be used in further scientific research.

How to become a scientist

Becoming a scientist requires a lot of studying and researching. Y ou wi ll need to complete an undergraduate degree in the field you woul d like to work in. F or example, if you woul d like to become a forensic scientist you should study forensic science or a related subject such as criminology. 

To obtain an undergraduate degree in a specific science, you will often need to have A levels or equivalent in particular subjects. For example, if you want to apply for a degree in biology, you will need A level biology. 

However, if you only decide what you would like to do after your secondary education, some universities offer foundation year degrees, aimed at those who don’t have a relevant A level or equivalent qualification.

After completing a bachelor’s degree, many aspiring scientists choose to do a master’s degree, and many scientists eventually also obtain a doctorate, but how common this is depends on the field.

It is important to gain some hands-on experience during your studies to become a scientist, regardless of the speciality you choose. This is because in addition to knowledge and qualifications, scientists also need to develop skills such as problem-solving, effective communication and teamwork.

Some industries, such as data science or computer science , offer postgraduate job posts for people straight out of university. These are often designed as training posts, where you will complete a training programme rotating between different teams in the company before becoming a permanent employee.

Additionally, some companies offer their employees the opportunity to undertake a fully- or partially-funded masters or even a PhD while working.  

How long does it take to become a scientist?

The exact duration of training depends on the field of study you choose. However, for most scientist jobs , it will take at least three to four years to complete the required undergraduate degree. 

It is common to then take a year to complete a master’s degree, and many scientists also undertake a PhD which can last around three to five years.

So, depending on the route you choose, you could spend between three and 10 years in education. But, for example, if you do a PhD, you will be working independently as a research scientist during that time, and will be paid for your research.  

A day in the life of a scientist

Different scientists will spend their days in different work environments and may carry out a variety of different specific tasks. Nevertheless, the broad responsibilities are often similar for many scientists across different fields of study.

For example, most research scientists will need to do tasks like proposing projects, designing and carrying out experiments in a lab or out in the field, and writing up and presenting the findings.

Other types of scientists, like engineers or computer scientists, will also need to propose projects, but they will focus less on data collection and interpretation, and more on developing new technology .  

Scientist: Career options

S cientist s work around 40 hours a week. Depending on which field they work in and what kind of role they take on , they may need to work some evenings, weekends or bank holidays, and some might even work unsocial hours. For example, research scientists will often need to spend weekends doing administrative work , forensic scientists may be called out on weekends or during the night, and computer scientists may need to work out of hours to finish projects on time.

There are many directions your science career can take. These narrow down as you choose your scientific field and subspeciality.

For example, if you know you want to study life sciences, or more specifically be a scientist in a biology-related field, you could become anything from a molecular biologist , a zoologist or a wildlife biologist to a climate change scientist.

Similarly, if you would like to study physics or maths, you might become an astrophysicist, an applied mathematician , a statistician or even an engineer.

Within most academic-oriented science careers, the natural career progression is from academic research scientist to senior research fellow, and eventually professor. This progression will require an increasing level of independence and you will need to publish original research and lead research teams to become a professor. 

As a scientist, you may also work in a more industrial setting. For example, pharmacologists often work in large pharmaceutical companies, where they help to design and research new medication, or produce already established pharmaceuticals .

Other fields, such as physics, computer science or even medical science, may have less of a research focus as you progress, and more of an applied component. For instance, as a geneticist you might progress from researching molecular genetics to a career in medical genetics and advising on genetic conditions. 

Or, as a computer scientist, you might take on managerial roles as you become more senior and lead a team of junior computer scientists to develop new software or systems.

In summary, a career in science is broad and offers many opportunities, whichever field you choose.  

How much does a scientist earn in the UK and the US?

As a research scientist in the UK, you might earn between £17,688 and £43,000 depending on your level of expertise. However, this will vary between different scientific fields. 

In the US, the salary range for a scientist is large, starting from around $50,700 to $132,100 for the best paid roles. This will, as in the UK, vary depending on your expertise, specialisation and workplace.  

References:

• National Careers Service. Research Scientist. Available from: https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/research-scientist 
• Get Educated. How to become a scientist. Available from: https://www.geteducated.com/careers/how-to-become-a-scientist/#/ 
• Career explorer. Comprehensive list of science related careers and degrees. Available from: https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/scientist/#comprehensive-list-of-science-related-careers-and-degrees 
• Careers Wales. Scientist: How to become. Available from: https://careerswales.gov.wales/job-information/scientist/how-to-become 
• Career explorer. Scientist salary. Available from: https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/scientist/salary/

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What is a Research Scientist?

Learn about the role of Research Scientist, what they do on a daily basis, and what it's like to be one.

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Definition of a Research Scientist

What does a research scientist do, key responsibilities of a research scientist.

• Designing and implementing rigorous experiments to test hypotheses and solve complex problems.
• Collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data using statistical techniques and specialized software.
• Writing research papers, reports, and reviews for publication in scientific journals and presentations at conferences.
• Applying for funding and grants to support research projects and initiatives.
• Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams of scientists and professionals to enhance research quality and applicability.
• Staying current with the latest scientific advancements and literature in their field of expertise.
• Developing and testing new scientific methods and technologies to improve research efficiency.
• Mentoring and supervising junior researchers, technicians, and graduate students.
• Ensuring all research activities are conducted in compliance with ethical and regulatory standards.
• Reviewing and providing feedback on the work of peers to validate research findings and proposals.
• Communicating with stakeholders, including industry partners, government agencies, and academic institutions.
• Translating research discoveries into practical applications and products for industry or societal use.

Day to Day Activities for Research Scientist at Different Levels

Daily responsibilities for entry level research scientists.

• Conducting experiments and recording detailed observations
• Assisting with literature reviews and data collection
• Performing basic data analysis and interpretation
• Maintaining laboratory equipment and ensuring supplies are stocked
• Participating in lab meetings and presenting findings
• Complying with lab safety protocols and regulatory requirements
• Receiving training in research methodologies and best practices

Daily Responsibilities for Mid Level Research Scientists

• Designing and leading their own experiments or sub-projects
• Writing grant proposals and securing funding for research
• Authoring and co-authoring scientific papers and reports
• Presenting research findings at conferences and seminars
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams within and outside the organization
• Mentoring entry-level scientists and research assistants
• Contributing to the development of research strategies and objectives

Daily Responsibilities for Senior Research Scientists

• Leading and managing major research projects and collaborations
• Developing and directing research strategies and priorities
• Mentoring and supervising mid-level scientists and research teams
• Securing substantial funding and managing budgets for research activities
• Establishing partnerships with industry and academia
• Advising on policy and contributing to the broader scientific community
• Reviewing scientific manuscripts and serving on editorial boards

Types of Research Scientists

Theoretical research scientist, experimental research scientist, clinical research scientist, data research scientist, applied research scientist, environmental research scientist, what's it like to be a research scientist , research scientist work environment, research scientist working conditions, how hard is it to be a research scientist, is a research scientist a good career path, faqs about research scientists, how do research scientists collaborate with other teams within a company, what are some common challenges faced by research scientists, what does the typical career progression look like for research scientists.

How To Become a Research Scientist in 2024

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A Research Scientist is responsible for designing and conducting experiments, analyzing data, and interpreting results in order to make scientific discoveries and advancements. They often work in a laboratory setting, but may also conduct field research. They may also be responsible for writing research papers and presenting their findings to peers in the field. Research Scientists may work in a variety of fields, including biology, chemistry, physics, and medicine. They often have a PhD or a similar advanced degree.

What Does A Research Scientist Do?

How to become a research scientist.

To become a Research Scientist, one typically needs to have a PhD or a similar advanced degree in a relevant field such as biology, chemistry, physics, or medicine. Additionally, relevant experience in research and laboratory work is also important.

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Research Scientist Jobs

Herbert and florence irving cancer research data scientists.

April 29, 2024

Average Salary for Research Scientist

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Research Scientist Education

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Job descriptions and industry overviews

Research scientist: job description.

targetjobs editorial team

7 Feb 2024, 16:47

Research scientists are responsible for designing, undertaking and analysing information from controlled laboratory-based investigations, experiments and trials.

Supported by:

The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)

You could work for government laboratories, environmental organisations, specialist research organisations or universities.

What does a research scientist do? | Graduate salaries | Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills

Research scientists work in almost every area of science imaginable. They plan and carry out experiments and investigations in a range of areas, including geoscience, medical research, meteorology and pharmacology. These are broad research areas; a research scientist will most likely be working on a much more specialist topic, such as gravitational waves or stem cell biology. If your specialism is likely to be chemistry-based, take a look at our research chemist job description.

A research scientist's work is almost entirely laboratory-based, with responsibilities that include:

• planning and conducting experiments
• recording and analysing data
• carrying out fieldwork, eg collecting samples
• presenting results to senior/other research staff
• writing research papers, reports, reviews and summaries
• demonstrating procedures
• preparing research proposals and funding applications/bids
• supervising junior staff including technicians
• organising product/materials testing
• ensuring that quality standards are met
• liaising with research and/or production staff
• developing original solutions to problems
• keeping up to date with relevant scientific and technical developments

What will I earn as a research scientist?

Graduate programmes with science employers usually offer a salary of around £25,000. With experience, you could earn around £35,000 to £40,000, depending on your experience.

Where do research scientists work?

Typical employers of research scientists include:

• Government laboratories
• Environmental agencies
• Utilities providers
• Specialist research organisations and consultancies
• Public funded research councils
• Universities
• Private food companies
• Materials companies
• Consumer products companies
• Pharmaceuticals producers
• Chemical companies.

Research posts, particularly those with permanent contracts, attract strong competition. Science graduate jobs are advertised online, by careers services, in national newspapers, in relevant scientific publications such as New Scientist , Science , Nature , Chemistry World and in journals published by the professional institutions. Speculative applications are advisable, for which directories such as Current Research in Britain may be useful.

The recruitment process is likely to involve a technical interview. Read our article on technical interviews to find out what these involve and how you can tackle them.

What qualifications do I need to be a research scientist?

You can only become a research scientist if you have a good degree (a 2.1 or above) in a science subject.

A relevant postgraduate qualification (a PhD/research-based MSc) is also normally required, particularly for permanent positions. Post-doctoral research and/or practical research/laboratory work experience is also beneficial, and frequently required for academic posts. Read our article on scientific postgraduate study to explore your different options.

What skills do research scientists need?

• Determination
• Scientific and numerical skills
• Flexibility
• Decisiveness
• A logical and independent mind
• Meticulous attention to detail and accuracy
• Excellent analytical skills
• Teamwork skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Written and oral communication skills.

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What does a research scientist do and how do I become one?

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As a research scientist, you’ll plan and conduct experiments to help expand the canon of scientific knowledge. With limitless opportunities for discovery across a range of high-growth sectors and industries, being a research scientist is one of the most exciting career paths in STEM. 

What does a research scientist do, exactly.

The purpose of a research scientist role is to conduct lab-based trials and experiments.

Work is often divided between pure research, which advances our understanding of basic processes, and applied research, which uses the information gathered to meet targets such as creating new products, processes, or commercial applications.

Of course, your targets will depend on the specialism of your employer. Research scientists work across a variety of different fields, including biology, chemistry, medicine, computer science, environmental science, and even political science.

Responsibilities

Typical day-to-day responsibilities of a research scientist include:

• Creating research proposals
• Planning and conducting experiments
• Collecting samples
• Monitoring experiments
• Recording and analysing data
• Collaborating with other researchers and academia to develop new techniques and products
• Supervising junior staff
• Carrying out fieldwork and monitoring environmental factors
• Researching and writing published papers
• Staying up-to-date with the latest scientific developments

Work environment

As a research scientist, you’ll spend most of your week in a laboratory. These environments can vary depending on your specialism. For example, biology labs are designed to safely house and contain living specimens, while psychology labs may simply consist of a bank of computers.

Aside from lab work, certain aspects of your role (including writing up results or research papers) will be undertaken in an office environment. You may also be required to visit the labs or offices of other researchers or companies, especially if you are collaborating on the same project.

Working hours

Research scientists typically work 35 to 40 hours a week on a 9-to-5, full-time basis. On occasion, you may be required to work overtime or visit the laboratory on weekends to complete certain tasks. That said, most organisations offer flexible working arrangements. 

What skills are needed to be a research scientist?

Though research scientists come in all personality types, you’ll need to have an academic mindset and be naturally inquisitive. Research scientist skills include:

• A methodical approach to gathering and analysing data
• Meticulous attention to detail
• Critical thinking
• Advanced research skills
• Time management
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• The ability to work independently
• A collaborative mindset
• Stakeholder management
• Patience and tenacity

How to become a research scientist

As a minimum requirement, you’ll need to obtain a 2:1 bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field of science. Most research scientists also have a postgraduate qualification, such as an MSc, an MSci or MBiol. Relevant qualifications include:

• Biochemistry
• Biomedical science
• Environmental science
• Microbiology
• Natural science
• Pharmacology

While a PhD isn’t necessarily required, some employers prefer candidates that either have or are working towards a doctorate. Demonstrable experience of working in a laboratory environment will also improve your employment chances.

Tip: If you’re currently studying or have already attained a relevant degree, try to gain research experience in a lab environment. The best place to start is by expressing your interest to your university department, who may have some voluntary positions available. Alternatively, sending your CV/resume to hospitals and STEM companies will also increase your chances of gaining that vital experience.

How much do research scientists earn?

Like many roles in science, salaries for research scientists depend on your level of experience, your specialism, the employer, and, to a lesser extent, the location. It’s also worth bearing in mind that private-sector salaries tend to be higher than those in the public sector or academia.

In the UK, research scientist salaries range from £20,000 at the entry-level to over £70,000 for university professor senior research fellow roles. The average research scientist salary is £32,330. Most research assistants earn between £26,000 and £35,000.

According to Indeed, the average salary for a research scientist in the US is $111,444.

Please note that income figures are subject to economic conditions and are only intended as a guide.

Is research scientist a good career?

With science constantly opening up exciting new avenues of research, working as a research scientist provides secure employment and gives you the chance to make a real difference within STEM.

Indeed, the outlook for the role is positive: in the US alone, the vocation is expected to grow by 8% and produce over 10,000 job opportunities across the country by 2028 (Zippia). As one of the least likely jobs to be automated in the coming years, the role also offers stability in these turbulent times. 

Offering a strong earning potential and the opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research in a range of industries and locations, research scientist represents one of the most fulfilling career paths around.

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What do research scientists do.

Wondering what the job is really like for research scientists?

You've come to the right place.

Keep reading to find detailed information about what research scientists do, including the type of work they are tasked with on a daily basis, industries in which they work, and the specific skills needed for a successful career.

Research Scientists Overview & Description

Let's get started with the basics about research scientists by taking a look at a simple description and popular job titles.

Research Scientists conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software.

Popular Job Titles For Research Scientists

Sample of reported job titles.

• Computer Scientists
• Machine Learning Scientists
• Staff Scientists
• Computational Scientists
• Research Engineers
• Computer Vision Scientists
• Machine Learning Research Scientists
• Research Scientists
• Applied Scientists
• Big Data Analysts
• Cybersecurity Research Scientists
• Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning Engineers

Read on for insight into the industries where the highest concentration of jobs for research scientists can be found.

Best Industries for Research Scientists

Research scientists jobs by industry.

• Federal Government, Civilian: 31.1%
• Computer Systems Design and Related Services: 28.9%
• Scientific Research and Development Services: 17.4%
• Education and Hospitals (State Government): 4.2%
• Web Search Portals, Libraries, Archives, and Other Information Services: 3.5%
• Software Publishers: 2.9%

When it comes to jobs in the United States, the largest single category of research scientists can be found working in the Federal Government, Civilian sector. In 2022, about 31.1% of all jobs for research scientists were found there.

Other top industries by percentage include Computer Systems Design and Related Services (28.9%), Scientific Research and Development Services (17.4%), Education and Hospitals (State Government) (4.2%), Web Search Portals, Libraries, Archives, and Other Information Services (3.5%) and Software Publishers (2.9%).

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Degree Options for Research Scientists

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Bridge the gap between business and technology and develop the interpersonal skills to become an IT liaison in your organization.

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Build technical savvy and business acumen that bridges the gap between business and technology with a B.S. Information Systems with a Business Information Systems focus.

Get the knowledge to manage healthcare data, navigate regulations and inform ethical decision-making with a B.S. Information Systems-Healthcare Information Systems Focus

Play a vital role in any business environment by designing and implementing mission-critical infrastructure, security, and servers.

Develop the advanced technical skills needed to turn complex programming specifications into well-designed computer programs.

• Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
• Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission

Deliver high-quality software that helps companies and organizations maintain data security and integrity with Franklin’s 20-month online M.S. in Computer Science with a focus in Cybersecurity.

• Months To Complete: 20

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Earn your M.S. in Information Technology degree 100% online in as few as 16 months.

• Months To Complete: 16

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Certificates & Microcredentials for Research Scientists

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• Time To Complete: 3-4 months

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Fast track your IT career with the Google IT support training and certificate that helps you learn about network protocols, operating systems, and solving problems using code.

• Time To Complete: 4-5 months

Put your creativity to work with these Google UX design courses that equip you to build and test user-centered solutions and to use Google Analytics to improve usability.

Develop practical skills in Python and IBM applied AI thanks to deep learning courses that show you how to design, build and deploy AI-powered apps.

Build your cloud developer portfolio with this hands-on IBM full stack cloud developer certificate course that uses the latest tools and technologies to manage full stack cloud native apps.

• Time To Complete: 5-6 months

What Do Research Scientists Do on a Daily Basis?

So you have a high-level understanding of what research scientists do and the types of industries in which they work - but what do they really do each day?

A great way to understand the type of work research scientists do is to examine actual job postings and focus on the specific skills that employers are seeking. That will help paint a clearer picture of the tasks that research scientists tackle each day.

Continue reading for a breakdown of specialized skills found in job postings for research scientists, as well as common skills - interpersonal qualities and attributes - that can help you thrive in the workplace.

In-Demand Skills for Today's Research Scientists Based on 15,896 job postings

Top 5 specialized skills for research scientists, top 5 common skills for research scientists.

Based on 15,896 job postings related to research scientists, computer science was the top specialized skill sought by employers, with 42% of all postings looking for that skillset. Skills for python (programming language), machine learning, algorithms, data analysis and c++ (programming language) were also highly sought.

As for common skills, research was the most desired skill found in job postings for research scientists, followed by communications, mathematics, innovation, writing and leadership.

Most In-Demand Jobs for Research Scientists

Top 5 posted job titles.

Expand the section below to see unique job postings for all occupations related to research scientists.

Ready to dig deeper into career information for research scientists? Visit our other pages focused on salary and education for research scientists.

All Occupations

The Best Adult Colleges and Careers Guide has compiled data for dozens of in-demand jobs. Explore our full catalog of occupation data by visiting the link below.

About This Data

The Best Adult Colleges & Careers Guide is sponsored by Franklin University, a nonprofit, accredited institution. The guide uses 2022 information from Lightcast™ to provide data on dozens of in-demand jobs.

Job titles used in government data may differ slightly from the job title on this page, so the closest matching government job classification may be used as a proxy to present data here.

On this page, data corresponds to the following occupational classification: Computer and Information Research Scientists.

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• Home: Explore careers

Research scientist

Alternative titles for this job include.

Research scientists plan and lead experiments and investigations on a range of scientific topics.

Average salary (a year)

£27,000 Starter

£48,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

39 to 41 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

Jaz is a research scientist at the Natural History Museum.

Their research involves studying cells and DNA, and has even included a trip to the Arctic.

How to become

How to become a research scientist.

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role

You usually need a first or 2:1 (upper second class) degree in a science subject to become a research scientist. Most research scientists continue to study for a postgraduate qualification like a PhD.

You could study on an integrated postgraduate master's course. These courses include independent research and are designed to lead directly on to a PhD.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including a science, for a degree
• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do a Research Scientist Level 7 Apprenticeship, which is equivalent to postgraduate study.

You could also join a degree apprenticeship if you want to work in a particular field of scientific research. 

Apprenticeships include:

• Biomedical Scientist Level 6
• Nuclear Scientist Level 6
• Materials Science Technologist Level 6
• Clinical Scientist Level 7

These apprenticeships can take around 3 years to complete.

To get onto an apprenticeship, you'll find it useful to have:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
• guide to apprenticeships

It may be possible to start as a research assistant or graduate industrial scientist. You would usually need to study part time for a PhD while you work.

UK Research and Innovation and industrial companies sometimes offer studentships. This would give you the opportunity to do a PhD while getting practical research experience.

Career tips

It may improve your chances of finding work if you've got work experience in a research department, or your degree included a placement in a research environment.

As a graduate, you could look for postgraduate training opportunities offered through Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) . In a KTP you would get the opportunity to run a research project together with an organisation and a university or research body.

Further information

You can get advice about research careers from the Science Council and professional bodies for particular scientific fields, such as:

• Biochemical Society
• Royal Society of Biology
• Institute of Physics

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

What you’ll do

What you'll do, day-to-day tasks.

As a research scientist you could:

• write research proposals and apply for funding
• plan, design and do experiments
• record and analyse results
• present findings in journals and at conferences
• develop new products and ways to apply new discoveries
• teach and supervise students' research projects

Possible green job

This job could help the environment.

For a research scientist to be a green job, you could:

• carry out research which supports the environment like turning waste products into fuel
• work with reusable or recyclable equipment
• use materials from local suppliers to reduce emissions from shipping

Find out more about green careers

Working environment

You could work in a laboratory or at a university.

Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

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 .

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships in england, materials engineering degree apprenticeship.

• Wage: £12,148.00 Annually
• Location: Stocksbridge, Sheffield

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Courses In England

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What does a researcher do?

Would you make a good researcher? Take our career test and find your match with over 800 careers.

What is a Researcher?

A researcher is trained to conduct systematic and scientific investigations in a particular field of study. Researchers use a variety of techniques to collect and analyze data to answer research questions or test hypotheses. They are responsible for designing studies, collecting data, analyzing data, and interpreting the results. Researchers may work in a wide range of fields, including science, medicine, engineering, social sciences, humanities, and many others.

To become a researcher, individuals usually need to obtain a graduate degree in their chosen field of study. They may also need to gain experience working as an assistant or intern in a research setting before becoming a full-fledged researcher. Researchers may work in academic or industrial settings, or they may work independently as consultants or freelance researchers. Regardless of the setting, researchers play a vital role in advancing knowledge and finding solutions to real-world problems.

What does a Researcher do?

Researchers are essential to the advancement of knowledge in various fields, including science, technology, medicine, social sciences, and humanities. Their work involves conducting systematic investigations to gather data, analyze it, and draw meaningful conclusions. Through their research, they can identify new problems and challenges, develop innovative solutions, and test hypotheses to validate theories.

Researchers also play a critical role in improving existing practices and policies, identifying gaps in knowledge, and creating new avenues for future research. They provide valuable insights and information that can inform decision-making, shape public opinion, and drive progress in society.

Duties and Responsibilities The duties and responsibilities of researchers can vary depending on the field of study and the type of research being conducted. However, here are some common duties and responsibilities that researchers are typically expected to fulfill:

• Develop research proposals: Developing a research proposal typically involves identifying a research question or problem, reviewing the relevant literature, selecting appropriate research methods and techniques, and outlining the expected outcomes of the research. Researchers must also ensure that their proposal aligns with the funding agency's objectives and guidelines.
• Conduct literature reviews: Literature reviews involve searching for and reviewing existing research papers, articles, books, and other relevant publications to identify gaps in knowledge and to build upon previous research. Researchers must ensure that they are using credible and reliable sources of information and that their review is comprehensive.
• Collect and analyze data: Collecting and analyzing data is a key aspect of research. This may involve designing and conducting experiments, surveys, interviews, or observations. Researchers must ensure that their data collection methods are valid and reliable, and that their analysis is appropriate and accurate.
• Ensure ethical considerations: Research ethics involve ensuring that the research is conducted in a manner that protects the rights, welfare, and dignity of all participants, as well as the environment. Researchers must obtain informed consent from human participants, ensure that animal research is conducted ethically and humanely, and comply with relevant regulations and guidelines.
• Communicate research findings: Researchers must communicate their research findings clearly and effectively to a range of audiences, including academic peers, policymakers, and the general public. This may involve writing research papers, presenting at conferences, and producing reports or other materials.
• Manage research projects: Managing a research project involves planning, organizing, and coordinating resources, timelines, and budgets to ensure that the project is completed on time and within budget. Researchers must ensure that they have the necessary resources, such as funding, personnel, and equipment, and that they are managing these resources effectively.
• Collaborate with others: Collaboration is an important aspect of research, and researchers often work with other researchers, academic institutions, funding agencies, and industry partners to achieve research objectives. Collaboration can help to facilitate the sharing of resources, expertise, and knowledge.
• Stay up-to-date with developments in their field: Research is an evolving field, and researchers must stay up-to-date with the latest developments and trends in their field to ensure that their research remains relevant and impactful. This may involve attending conferences, workshops, and seminars, reading academic journals and other publications, and participating in professional development opportunities.

Types of Researchers There are many types of researchers, depending on their areas of expertise, research methods, and the types of questions they seek to answer. Here are some examples:

• Basic Researchers: These researchers focus on understanding fundamental concepts and phenomena in a particular field. Their work may not have immediate practical applications, but it lays the groundwork for applied research.
• Applied Researchers: These researchers seek to apply basic research findings to real-world problems and situations. They may work in fields such as engineering, medicine, or psychology.
• Clinical Researchers: These researchers conduct studies with human subjects to better understand disease, illness, and treatment options. They may work in hospitals, universities, or research institutes.
• Epidemiologists : These researchers study the spread and distribution of disease in populations, and work to develop strategies for disease prevention and control.
• Social Scientists: These researchers study human behavior and society, using methods such as surveys, experiments, and observations. They may work in fields such as psychology, sociology, or anthropology.
• Natural Scientists: These researchers study the natural world, including the physical, chemical, and biological processes that govern it. They may work in fields such as physics, chemistry, or biology.
• Data Scientists : These researchers use statistical and computational methods to analyze large datasets and derive insights from them. They may work in fields such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, or business analytics.
• Policy Researchers: These researchers study policy issues, such as healthcare, education, or environmental regulations, and work to develop evidence-based policy recommendations. They may work in government agencies, think tanks, or non-profit organizations.

What is the workplace of a Researcher like?

The workplace of a researcher can vary greatly depending on the field and area of study. Researchers can work in a variety of settings, including academic institutions, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private companies.

In academic settings, researchers often work in universities or research institutions, conducting experiments and analyzing data to develop new theories and insights into various fields of study. They may also teach courses and mentor students in their area of expertise.

In government agencies, researchers may work on projects related to public policy, health, and safety. They may be responsible for conducting research to support the development of new regulations or programs, analyzing data to assess the effectiveness of existing policies, or providing expertise on specific issues.

Non-profit organizations often employ researchers to study social and environmental issues, such as poverty, climate change, and human rights. These researchers may conduct surveys and collect data to understand the impact of various programs and initiatives, and use this information to advocate for policy changes or other interventions.

Private companies also employ researchers, particularly in industries such as technology and healthcare. These researchers may be responsible for developing new products, improving existing technologies, or conducting market research to understand consumer preferences and behaviors.

Regardless of the setting, researchers typically spend a significant amount of time conducting research, analyzing data, and communicating their findings through presentations, reports, and publications. They may also collaborate with other researchers or professionals in their field, attend conferences and workshops, and stay up-to-date with the latest research and developments in their area of expertise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Academic writer vs researcher.

An academic writer is someone who produces written material for academic purposes, such as research papers, essays, and other scholarly works. Academic writers may work as freelance writers, editors, or as staff writers for academic institutions or publishers.

On the other hand, a researcher is someone who conducts original research to generate new knowledge or validate existing knowledge. Researchers may work in academic settings, government agencies, private companies, or non-profit organizations. They typically design and execute experiments, surveys, or other data collection methods, analyze the data, and draw conclusions based on their findings.

While there may be some overlap between the skills required for academic writing and research, they are distinct activities with different goals. Academic writers often rely on the research of others to support their arguments, while researchers generate new knowledge through their own experiments and data analysis. However, academic writers may also be researchers who write about their own research findings.

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Science, health, and public trust.

September 8, 2021

Explaining How Research Works

We’ve heard “follow the science” a lot during the pandemic. But it seems science has taken us on a long and winding road filled with twists and turns, even changing directions at times. That’s led some people to feel they can’t trust science. But when what we know changes, it often means science is working.

Explaining the scientific process may be one way that science communicators can help maintain public trust in science. Placing research in the bigger context of its field and where it fits into the scientific process can help people better understand and interpret new findings as they emerge. A single study usually uncovers only a piece of a larger puzzle.

Questions about how the world works are often investigated on many different levels. For example, scientists can look at the different atoms in a molecule, cells in a tissue, or how different tissues or systems affect each other. Researchers often must choose one or a finite number of ways to investigate a question. It can take many different studies using different approaches to start piecing the whole picture together.

Sometimes it might seem like research results contradict each other. But often, studies are just looking at different aspects of the same problem. Researchers can also investigate a question using different techniques or timeframes. That may lead them to arrive at different conclusions from the same data.

Using the data available at the time of their study, scientists develop different explanations, or models. New information may mean that a novel model needs to be developed to account for it. The models that prevail are those that can withstand the test of time and incorporate new information. Science is a constantly evolving and self-correcting process.

Scientists gain more confidence about a model through the scientific process. They replicate each other’s work. They present at conferences. And papers undergo peer review, in which experts in the field review the work before it can be published in scientific journals. This helps ensure that the study is up to current scientific standards and maintains a level of integrity. Peer reviewers may find problems with the experiments or think different experiments are needed to justify the conclusions. They might even offer new ways to interpret the data.

It’s important for science communicators to consider which stage a study is at in the scientific process when deciding whether to cover it. Some studies are posted on preprint servers for other scientists to start weighing in on and haven’t yet been fully vetted. Results that haven't yet been subjected to scientific scrutiny should be reported on with care and context to avoid confusion or frustration from readers.

We’ve developed a one-page guide, "How Research Works: Understanding the Process of Science" to help communicators put the process of science into perspective. We hope it can serve as a useful resource to help explain why science changes—and why it’s important to expect that change. Please take a look and share your thoughts with us by sending an email to  [email protected].

Below are some additional resources:

• Discoveries in Basic Science: A Perfectly Imperfect Process
• When Clinical Research Is in the News
• What is Basic Science and Why is it Important?
• ​ What is a Research Organism?
• What Are Clinical Trials and Studies?
• Basic Research – Digital Media Kit
• Decoding Science: How Does Science Know What It Knows? (NAS)
• Can Science Help People Make Decisions ? (NAS)

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Where do scientists work? They’re not all in labs!

Last week I had a chat with Lou Woodley and Paige Brown Jarreau about the MySciCareer website which Lou and I launched a few years ago. Our Skype conversation reminded me of the reasons we started the site , and why people visit the site. We created it with science (graduate) students in mind:  On MySciCareer they can find out how different people are using their science degrees in their current jobs. But it’s also a great resource to learn more about the variety of science jobs in general – even if you’re not looking for one yourself.

Where do scientists work?

The classical image of a scientist as a person in a white lab coat standing behind a bench of chemicals is only true for some scientists, and usually only describes part of their job. Many scientists never wear a lab coat at all. Some work in fields that don’t require lab work and do their work behind a computer. Some use their science degrees to teach or write about science. Some work as consultants for companies, or as editors for scientific journals. Some scientists retrain as a patent lawyers or as ethicists, using their science knowledge in combination with another area of expertise.

Image: Astronaut and scientist Kate Rubins works with the Multi-user Droplet Combustion Apparatus on the space station.(NASA, via Wikimedia Commons )

What is a scientist?

This broad variety in jobs for science graduates also makes it hard to define what a scientist is. If a scientist is someone who works at a lab bench in a white coat, a lot of PhD students would be more of a scientist than the professors they work for, because early career researchers spend much more time in the lab than their senior colleagues. If a scientist is someone who does research at a university, that would exclude scientists who work in industry. Some people consider anyone in a science-related job to be a scientist, while others only use it to talk about people who do research and publish scientific articles. And while everyone would agree that an academic chemist or biologist is a scientist, not everyone uses the word “scientist” to include social scientists working at the same university.

What is a science degree?

Often, when people ask “where do scientists work”, they mean “what can you do with a science degree”. That’s a bit easier to answer, because we don’t have to worry about whether certain jobs are considered “scientist jobs” by everyone. We still need to say what “science degree” means, though.  I usually use the word “science” to mean any of the natural sciences, earth sciences and life sciences, as well as mathematics, computer science, and applied degrees like chemical engineering or medical degrees that include a component of scientific research.  A characteristic of a science degree is that you learn how to carry out experimental research with the goal of discovering new knowledge.

At MySciCareer , we’ve taken a broad approach to what a science degree is, and you can find stories by people with a wide variety of backgrounds who all consider themselves to either have a science degree or work in a science-related field.

What can you do with a science degree?

So, what CAN you do with a science degree? There are almost as many examples of jobs as there are people, but here is a short list of a few examples. Some of these will require some additional training, but others you can do straight after a science degree.

• As an academic research (PhD student, postdoc, and beyond – up to professor and principal investigator), or…
• As a technician
• Food industry
• Pharmaceutical industry
• Chemical industry
• Materials industry
• Scientific consulting
• Scientific writing or medical writing
• Science journalism
• Scientific publishing
• Scientific societies
• Teaching at a university or college
• Teaching high school or middle school science classes
• Developing educational materials
• Science communication
• Starting a company
• Scientific design/illustration
• as a researcher
• as a consultant

There are lots of other places where scientists work, so the list goes on!

Interesting places

Some of these jobs take scientists to interesting locations for work.  I once met someone who worked as a scientist for customs at the airport. Part of his job was, for example, to find out if a confiscated item was made of materials that weren’t allowed to be imported (like ivory). I also met scientists who worked for beer breweries, or who travelled to schools in remote locations in Africa with a mobile teaching laboratory. There are scientists in offices, libraries, and schools. Some even work in Antarctica, in the rain forest, and on the International Space Station (as pictured above).

So, where do scientists work? Everywhere!

Eva Amsen is a writer, science communicator and blogger. She has been writing about science and scientists in art/culture/life since 2005, both on this blog and for other sites and publications. Portfolio | Twitter | Contact

DNA paper cutting: an abandoned project

Back to school (or lab or work) science supplies, related articles, originality and identity in science communication, finding science communication jobs (with transferable skills worksheet), camp nanowrimo – a virtual writing retreat, freelance science communication work, finding science communication opportunities as a researcher, writing tips for researchers interested in science communication, busy, but organised, back to school, serious squishy cow chat, linkedout – why i deleted my linkedin profile.

Thank you so much, I’ll be sharing this to let people know where scientists can work!

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Station science 101 | research in microgravity: higher, faster, longer.

Melissa L. Gaskill

Microgravity, a unique orbit, crewed laboratory, twenty years and counting, adding subjects adds time.

The International Space Station provides unique features that enable innovative research, including microgravity, exposure to space, a unique orbit, and hands-on operation by crew members.

The space station provides consistent, long-term access to microgravity. Eliminating the effects of Earth’s gravity on experiments is a game-changer across many disciplines, including research on living things and physical and chemical processes. For example, without gravity hot air does not rise, so flames become spherical and behave differently. Removing the forces of surface tension and capillary movement allows scientists to examine fluid behavior more closely.

The speed, pattern, and altitude of the space station’s orbit provide unique advantages. Traveling at 17,500 miles per hour, it circles the planet every 90 minutes, passing over a majority of Earth’s landmass and population centers in daylight and darkness. Its 250-mile-high altitude is low enough for detailed observation of features, atmospheric phenomena, and natural disasters from different angles and with varying lighting conditions. At the same time, the station is high enough to study how space radiation affects material durability and how organisms adapt and examine phenomena such as neutron stars and blackholes. The spacecraft also places observing instruments outside Earth’s atmosphere and magnetic field, which can interfere with observations from the ground.

Other satellites in orbit contain scientific experiments and conduct Earth observations, but the space station also has crew members aboard to manage and maintain scientific activities. Human operators can respond to and assess events in real time, swap out experiment samples, troubleshoot, and observe results first-hand. Crew members also pack experiment samples and send them back to the ground for detailed analysis.

Thanks to the space station’s longevity, experiments can continue for months or even years. Scientists can design follow-up studies based on previous results, and every expedition offers the chance to expand the number of subjects for human research.

One area of long-term human research is on changes in vision, first observed when astronauts began spending months at a time in space. Scientists wondered whether fluids shifting from the lower to the upper body in microgravity caused increased pressure inside the head that changed eye shape. The Fluid Shifts investigation began in 2015 and continued to measure the extent of fluid shifts in multiple astronauts through 2020. 1

Whether the original study is long or short, it can take years for research to go from the lab into practical applications. Many steps are involved, some of them lengthy. First, researchers must come up with a question and a possible answer, or hypothesis. For example, Fluid Shifts questioned what was causing vision changes and a possible answer was increased fluid pressure in the head. Scientists must then design an experiment to test the hypothesis, determining what data to collect and how to do so.

Getting research onto the space station in the first place takes time, too. NASA reviews proposals for scientific merit and relevance to the agency’s goals. Selected investigations are assigned to a mission, typically months in the future. NASA works with investigators to meet their science requirements, obtain approvals, schedule crew training, develop flight procedures, launch hardware and supplies, and collect any preflight data needed. Once the study launches, in-flight data collection begins. When scientists complete their data collection, they need time to analyze the data and determine what it means. This may take a year or more.

Scientists then write a paper about the results – which can take many months – and submit it to a scientific journal. Journals send the paper to other experts in the same field, a process known as peer review. According to one analysis, this review takes an average of 100 days. 2 The editors may request additional analysis and revisions based on this review before publishing.

Aspects of research on the space station can add more time to the process. Generally, the more test subjects, the better – from 100 to 1,000 subjects for statistically significant results for clinical research. But the space station typically only houses about six people at a time.

Lighting Effects shows how the need for more subjects adds time to a study. This investigation examined whether adjusting the intensity and color of lighting inside the station could help improve crew circadian rhythms, sleep, and cognitive performance. To collect data from enough crew members, the study ran from 2016 until 2020.

Other lengthy studies about how humans adapt to life in space include research on loss of heart muscle and a suite of long-term studies on nutrition, including producing fresh food in space.

For physical science studies, investigators can send batches of samples to the space station and collect data more quickly, but results can create a need for additional research. Burning and Suppression of Solids ( BASS ) examined the characteristics of a wide variety of fuel samples from 2011 to 2013, and BASS-II continued that work through 2017. The Saffire series of fire safety demonstrations began in 2016 and wrapped up in 2024. Researchers have answered many burning (pun intended) questions, but still have much to learn about preventing, detecting, and extinguishing fires in space.

The timeline for scientific results can run long, especially in microgravity. But those results can be well worth the wait.

Melissa Gaskill International Space Station Research Communications Team Johnson Space Center

Search this database of scientific experiments to learn more about those mentioned above.

1 Macias BR, Liu JHK, Grande-Gutierrez N, Hargens AR. Intraocular and intracranial pressures during head-down tilt with lower body negative pressure. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2015; 86(1):3–7.  https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/asma/amhp/2015/00000086/00000001/art00004;jsessionid=31bonpcj2e8tj.x-ic-live-01

2 Powell K. Does it take too long to publish research? Nature 530, pages148–151 (2016). https://www.nature.com/articles/530148a

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How NASA Tracked the Most Intense Solar Storm in Decades

May 2024 has already proven to be a particularly stormy month for our Sun. During the first full week of May, a barrage of large solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) launched clouds of charged particles and magnetic fields toward Earth, creating the strongest solar storm to reach Earth in two decades — and possibly one of the strongest displays of auroras on record in the past 500 years.

We’ll be studying this event for years. It will help us test the limits of our models and understanding of solar storms.

Teresa Nieves-Chinchilla

Acting Director of NASA’s Moon to Mars (M2M) Space Weather Analysis Office

“We’ll be studying this event for years,” said Teresa Nieves-Chinchilla, acting director of NASA’s Moon to Mars (M2M) Space Weather Analysis Office. “It will help us test the limits of our models and understanding of solar storms.”

The first signs of the solar storm started late on May 7 with two strong solar flares. From May 7 – 11, multiple strong solar flares and at least seven CMEs stormed toward Earth. Eight of the flares in this period were the most powerful type, known as X-class, with the strongest peaking with a rating of X5.8. (Since then, the same solar region has released many more large flares, including an X8.7 flare — the most powerful flare seen this solar cycle — on May 14.)

Traveling at speeds up to 3 million mph, the CMEs bunched up in waves that reached Earth starting May 10, creating a long-lasting geomagnetic storm that reached a rating of G5 — the highest level on the geomagnetic storm scale, and one that hasn’t been seen since 2003.

“The CMEs all arrived largely at once, and the conditions were just right to create a really historic storm,” said Elizabeth MacDonald, NASA heliophysics citizen science lead and a space scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.

When the storm reached Earth, it created brilliant auroras seen around the globe. Auroras were even visible at unusually low latitudes, including the southern U.S. and northern India. The strongest auroras were seen the night of May 10, and they continued to illuminate night skies throughout the weekend. Thousands of reports submitted to the NASA-funded Aurorasaurus citizen science site are helping scientists study the event to learn more about auroras.

“Cameras — even standard cell phone cameras — are much more sensitive to the colors of the aurora than they were in the past,” MacDonald said. “By collecting photos from around the world, we have a huge opportunity to learn more about auroras through citizen science.”

By one measure of geomagnetic storm strength, called the disturbance storm time index which dates back to 1957, this storm was similar to historic storms in 1958 and 2003. And with reports of auroras visible to as low as 26 degrees magnetic latitude, this recent storm may compete with some of the lowest-latitude aurora sightings on record over the past five centuries, though scientists are still assessing this ranking.

“It’s a little hard to gauge storms over time because our technology is always changing,” said Delores Knipp, a research professor in the Smead Aerospace Engineering Science Department and a senior research associate at the NCAR High Altitude Observatory, in Boulder, Colorado. “Aurora visibility is not the perfect measure, but it allows us to compare over centuries.”

MacDonald encourages people to continue submitting aurora reports to Aurorasaurus.org , noting that even non-sightings are valuable for helping scientists understand the extent of the event.

Leading up to the storm, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center, which is responsible for forecasting solar storm impacts, sent notifications to operators of power grids and commercial satellites to help them mitigate potential impacts.

Warnings helped many NASA missions brace for the storm, with some spacecraft preemptively powering down certain instruments or systems to avoid issues. NASA's ICESat-2 — which studies polar ice sheets — entered safe mode, likely because of increased drag due to the storm.  

Looking Forward

Better data on how solar events influence Earth's upper atmosphere is crucial to understanding space weather's impact on satellites, crewed missions, and Earth- and space-based infrastructure. To date, only a few limited direct measurements exist in this region. But more are coming. Future missions, such as NASA’s Geospace Dynamics Constellation (GDC) and Dynamical Neutral Atmosphere-Ionosphere Coupling (DYNAMIC), will be able to see and measure exactly how Earth’s atmosphere responds to the energy influxes that occur during solar storms like this one. Such measurements will also be valuable as NASA sends astronauts to the Moon with the Artemis missions and, later, to Mars.

The solar region responsible for the recent stormy weather is now turning around the backside of the Sun, where its impacts can’t reach Earth. However, that doesn’t mean the storm is over. NASA’s Solar TErrestrial RElations Observatory (STEREO), currently located at about 12 degrees ahead of Earth in its orbit, will continue watching the active region an additional day after it is no longer visible from Earth.

“The active region is just starting to come into view of Mars,” said Jamie Favors, director for the NASA Space Weather Program at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “We’re already starting to capture some data at Mars, so this story only continues.”

By Mara Johnson-Groh NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.

Media Contact: Sarah Frazier NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.

Related Terms

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• Goddard Space Flight Center
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• Heliophysics Division
• ICESat-2 (Ice, Cloud and land Elevation Satellite-2)
• Science & Research
• Science Mission Directorate
• Skywatching
• Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO)
• Solar Flares
• Space Weather
• STEREO (Solar TErrestrial RElations Observatory)
• The Solar System
• The Sun & Solar Physics
• Thermosphere

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Kan Yang: Translating Science Ideas into Engineering Concepts

As team lead of the Instrument Design Laboratory, Kan Yang turns science concepts into engineering reality. Name: Kan YangTitle: Team Lead of the Instrument Design LaboratoryFormal Job Classification: Technical ManagerOrganization: Instrument Systems and Technology Division, Engineering and Technology Directorate (Code 550) What do you do and what is most interesting about your role here at […]

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Facility for Rare Isotope Beams

At michigan state university, international research team uses wavefunction matching to solve quantum many-body problems, new approach makes calculations with realistic interactions possible.

FRIB researchers are part of an international research team solving challenging computational problems in quantum physics using a new method called wavefunction matching. The new approach has applications to fields such as nuclear physics, where it is enabling theoretical calculations of atomic nuclei that were previously not possible. The details are published in Nature (“Wavefunction matching for solving quantum many-body problems”) .

Ab initio methods and their computational challenges

An ab initio method describes a complex system by starting from a description of its elementary components and their interactions. For the case of nuclear physics, the elementary components are protons and neutrons. Some key questions that ab initio calculations can help address are the binding energies and properties of atomic nuclei not yet observed and linking nuclear structure to the underlying interactions among protons and neutrons.

Yet, some ab initio methods struggle to produce reliable calculations for systems with complex interactions. One such method is quantum Monte Carlo simulations. In quantum Monte Carlo simulations, quantities are computed using random or stochastic processes. While quantum Monte Carlo simulations can be efficient and powerful, they have a significant weakness: the sign problem. The sign problem develops when positive and negative weight contributions cancel each other out. This cancellation results in inaccurate final predictions. It is often the case that quantum Monte Carlo simulations can be performed for an approximate or simplified interaction, but the corresponding simulations for realistic interactions produce severe sign problems and are therefore not possible.

Using ‘plastic surgery’ to make calculations possible

The new wavefunction-matching approach is designed to solve such computational problems. The research team—from Gaziantep Islam Science and Technology University in Turkey; University of Bonn, Ruhr University Bochum, and Forschungszentrum Jülich in Germany; Institute for Basic Science in South Korea; South China Normal University, Sun Yat-Sen University, and Graduate School of China Academy of Engineering Physics in China; Tbilisi State University in Georgia; CEA Paris-Saclay and Université Paris-Saclay in France; and Mississippi State University and the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) at Michigan State University (MSU)—includes  Dean Lee , professor of physics at FRIB and in MSU’s Department of Physics and Astronomy and head of the Theoretical Nuclear Science department at FRIB, and  Yuan-Zhuo Ma , postdoctoral research associate at FRIB.

“We are often faced with the situation that we can perform calculations using a simple approximate interaction, but realistic high-fidelity interactions cause severe computational problems,” said Lee. “Wavefunction matching solves this problem by doing plastic surgery. It removes the short-distance part of the high-fidelity interaction, and replaces it with the short-distance part of an easily computable interaction.”

This transformation is done in a way that preserves all of the important properties of the original realistic interaction. Since the new wavefunctions look similar to that of the easily computable interaction, researchers can now perform calculations using the easily computable interaction and apply a standard procedure for handling small corrections called perturbation theory.  A team effort

The research team applied this new method to lattice quantum Monte Carlo simulations for light nuclei, medium-mass nuclei, neutron matter, and nuclear matter. Using precise ab initio calculations, the results closely matched real-world data on nuclear properties such as size, structure, and binding energies. Calculations that were once impossible due to the sign problem can now be performed using wavefunction matching.

“It is a fantastic project and an excellent opportunity to work with the brightest nuclear scientist s in FRIB and around the globe,” said Ma. “As a theorist , I'm also very excited about programming and conducting research on the world's most powerful exascale supercomputers, such as Frontier , which allows us to implement wavefunction matching to explore the mysteries of nuclear physics.”

While the research team focused solely on quantum Monte Carlo simulations, wavefunction matching should be useful for many different ab initio approaches, including both classical and  quantum computing calculations. The researchers at FRIB worked with collaborators at institutions in China, France, Germany, South Korea, Turkey, and United States.

“The work is the culmination of effort over many years to handle the computational problems associated with realistic high-fidelity nuclear interactions,” said Lee. “It is very satisfying to see that the computational problems are cleanly resolved with this new approach. We are grateful to all of the collaboration members who contributed to this project, in particular, the lead author, Serdar Elhatisari.”

This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. National Science Foundation, the German Research Foundation, the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the Chinese Academy of Sciences President’s International Fellowship Initiative, Volkswagen Stiftung, the European Research Council, the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey, the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the National Security Academic Fund, the Rare Isotope Science Project of the Institute for Basic Science, the National Research Foundation of Korea, the Institute for Basic Science, and the Espace de Structure et de réactions Nucléaires Théorique.

Michigan State University operates the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) as a user facility for the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science (DOE-SC), supporting the mission of the DOE-SC Office of Nuclear Physics. Hosting what is designed to be the most powerful heavy-ion accelerator, FRIB enables scientists to make discoveries about the properties of rare isotopes in order to better understand the physics of nuclei, nuclear astrophysics, fundamental interactions, and applications for society, including in medicine, homeland security, and industry.

The U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States and is working to address some of today’s most pressing challenges. For more information, visit energy.gov/science.

What is a research scientist and how to become one

A research scientist conducts scientific experiments and research to discover new knowledge or improve existing theories. They work in various fields such as biology, chemistry, physics, and engineering. Research scientists conduct experiments, analyze data, and interpret findings to develop hypotheses and theories. They collaborate with other scientists to share knowledge and expertise, publish papers and articles, and present their research. Research scientists also contribute to the development of new technologies and applications that can benefit society.

How long does it takes to become a research scientist?

It typically takes 11-15 years to become a research scientist:

• Years 1-4: Obtaining a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as biology, chemistry, or physics.
• Years 5-9: Pursuing a Doctorate degree in a relevant field, such as biochemistry or molecular biology.
• Years 10-12: Accumulating the necessary work experience, typically 2-4 years, in research and development, data analysis, or lab work.
• Years 13-15: Receiving on-site or on-the-job training, typically 1-2 years, in specific research methods or technologies.
• Salary $89,998
• Growth Rate 17%
• Jobs Number 93,013
• Job Satisfaction 3/5
• Complexity Level Advanced
• Most Common Skill Python
• Most Common Degree Bachelor's degree
• Best State California

What are the pros and cons of being a Research Scientist?

Opportunity to make significant contributions to scientific knowledge

Potential for high salary and job security

Possibility of travel to conferences and other research institutions

Personal and professional growth and development

Satisfaction of seeing your research translate into real-world applications

Long and irregular work hours, including nights and weekends

High competition for funding and positions

Pressure to publish and maintain productivity

Limited opportunities for upward mobility or promotion within academia

High levels of stress and pressure to meet deadlines and expectations

Research Scientist career paths

A research scientist can progress in their career by becoming a consultant, supervisor, or quality assurance manager. They can also transition into roles like a case manager, nursing director, or director of clinical operations. Additionally, a research scientist can become a scientist or senior scientist, and eventually a research and development manager or director. They can also become a laboratory manager, quality control manager, or quality control director.

Key steps to become a research scientist

Explore research scientist education requirements.

The educational requirements for a research scientist typically involve a high level of education. According to the data, 60.61% of research scientists hold a doctorate degree, while 31.44% have a master's degree. A bachelor's degree is less common, with only 7.95% of research scientists holding this level of education.

Dr. Kimberlee Mix , Provost Distinguished Professor of Biological Sciences at Loyola University New Orleans, advises that "Keep looking for opportunities to grow and learn. Pursuing an advanced degree may help with earning potential, but also consider online courses in bioinformatics and other certificate programs that will give you a competitive edge." This suggests that while a doctorate or master's degree is often necessary, ongoing education and professional development can also be beneficial for research scientists.

Most common research scientist degrees

Bachelor's

Master's

Start to develop specific research scientist skills

Research scientists will benefit from developing research skills in general, specifically learning quantitative and programming skills. They'll also be helped by developing their critical thinking skills. They'll need to be able to analyze data, and they'll need to be able to think about ethical analysis. According to Autumn Mathias Ph.D., LCSW , Associate Professor at Elms College, "The future of decision-making requires a greater need for tools and data availability, whether they enter the public, non-profit, or private sectors. Students would be well served to develop their quantitative and programming skills if they opt to go into a research-oriented role." Badri Roysam D.Sc., Hugh Roy and Lillie Cranz Cullen University Professor and Chair of the Electrical & Computer Engineering Department at the University of Houston, also states that "The fundamentals of the discipline, and critical thinking skills will continue to be important."

Complete relevant research scientist training and internships

Research research scientist duties and responsibilities.

They perform various tasks, including conducting experiments, analyzing data, and collaborating with colleagues. They also develop new methods and technologies, such as machine learning and image processing approaches, and work on projects related to medical devices, software, and drug discovery. Additionally, they manage laboratory equipment, design and implement adaptive controllers, and create analytical methods for carbohydrate and organic chemical analysis. They also conduct statistical analyses and create reports, proposals, and quality assurance procedures. They work on large-scale national and international studies, conduct research on nutritionally-significant biomarkers, and develop applications for nutritional lipids in foods and beverages. They also participate in collaborations with universities and other organizations.

• Manage the development of innovative visualization and concept mapping of contest environment analysis challenges and analyst skill sets.
• Manage sample inventory via in-house laboratory information management system (LIMS) and implement additional systems for sample and chemical organization.
• Used real-time PCR and DNA sequencing to troubleshoot and validate SNP base and gene expression assays.
• Prepare clear technical presentations to NIH department heads in annual seminars.

Prepare your research scientist resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your research scientist resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a research scientist resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose From 10+ Customizable Research Scientist Resume templates

Apply for research scientist jobs

Now it's time to start searching for a research scientist job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

• Browse job boards for relevant postings
• Consult your professional network
• Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
• Watch out for job scams

Are you a Research Scientist?

Share your story for a free salary report.

Average research scientist salary

The average Research Scientist salary in the United States is $89,998 per year or $43 per hour. Research scientist salaries range between $58,000 and $137,000 per year.

What Am I Worth?

How do research scientists rate their job?

Based On 1 Ratings

Research Scientist reviews

Exploring more about reseaching field by building knowledge in a certain subject of research and growing the wisdom and knowledge.

The struggle of not breaking a certain research topic.

It's all about getting data, follow up on project, ensuring that jobs are done properly, write reports after a project is done. You travel if the job or project you're handling is out station.

Nothing really, it's just that sometimes getting data can be very difficult

What I like is that,you get to interact with different people from various communities.Relationships are formed in the process

Research Scientist FAQs

Do you need a ph.d. to be a research scientist, how long does it take to become a research scientist, what degree do you need to become a researcher, what does a research scientist do daily, search for research scientist jobs, research scientist jobs by state.

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Updated April 25, 2024

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Research Scientist Related Careers

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Premium Content

Does meditation actually work? Here’s what the science says.

Research is finally catching up to the idea that meditation—which has been practiced for millennia—also provides many health benefits, including managing stress and anxiety.

Growing up in India, I would spend summer breaks visiting my grandparents in Kolkata. Each afternoon, my grandmother settled down on a floor mat, facing the family’s worship room, where stone idols of Hindu deities sat on little wooden thrones. For half an hour, she would sit still, her eyes closed, fingers rolling her prayer beads, chanting Krishna’s name in a whisper.

It’s impossible to know, objectively, whether those meditation sessions helped my grandmother achieve some sort of communion with a higher power, but a growing body of scientific evidence suggests she benefited from it in multiple ways. The practice was likely an effective approach for her to manage her stress . It may have also helped slow down aging-related cognitive decline . It also probably enhanced her ability to cope with pain .

Defined most broadly as the exercise of focusing one’s attention on the current moment, meditation in some form has been practiced for millennia by religious traditions around the world—most rooted in a quest for spiritual enlightenment.

Today, the popularity of meditation has grown in parallel with awareness about the importance of mental health and stress relief. Many U.S. schools now have programs that teach meditation to students , while dozens of meditation apps such as Headspace and Calm offer people the option of using their smartphones—otherwise a source of distraction—to immerse themselves in sessions guided by instructors, with calming music playing in the background, at their own convenience.

( Quieting your mind to meditate can be hard. Here’s how sound can help. )

“Twenty years ago, when I used to tell people I meditated, they would think I was in a cult or something,” notes Kathryn Devaney, a neuroscientist who researches meditation at the University of California, Berkeley. “Then something changed around six years or so. Now when I talk to people about meditation, the response I get often is ‘Oh, I know I should be doing that.’”

For Hungry Minds

What these modern meditation enthusiasts are learning is that there really are health benefits from doing breathing exercises for a few minutes a day—and research has begun to confirm it.

Meditation relieves stress and anxiety

Sara Lazar, a psychologist at Harvard University, and her colleagues have conducted studies that illuminate how meditation reduces anxiety, which has very similar symptoms to stress.

In one study , researchers compared stress-reduction programs: one mindfulness-based, in which 42 volunteers learned awareness meditation and yoga practices for eight weeks, the other exercise-based, during which 25 volunteers performed light aerobic exercises.

The researchers put both groups through a fear-conditioning task in which an anxiety-inducing stimulus is repeatedly presented to the patient until it no longer triggers anxiety. The volunteers were shown an image of a lamp that glowed blue, red, or yellow, receiving a mild electric shock with two of the colors. Later, the same image was presented to them without the shock.

Lazar and her colleagues found those who received the mindfulness-based stress-reduction training were better able to shed their fearful response to the shock-associated lamp colors. From brain scans of the volunteers, the researchers concluded that the mindfulness training had changed how their brains processed their initial fearful memories and increased their ability to recall that the stimulus was no longer threatening.

( You’ve heard of forest bathing. Now try forest therapy. )

Learn more about stress and how to manage it

Meditation reduces pain.

The benefits of meditation may extend beyond stress and anxiety reduction. Fadel Zeidan, a neuroscientist at the University of California, San Diego, has been studying how mindfulness can help reduce pain.

In a recent study, Zeidan and his colleagues assigned volunteers to a group that went through mindfulness training and a control group that did not. First, the volunteers rated their pain after a hot probe was pressed to the back of their leg for 10 to 14 seconds (they could move their leg away at any time). Then they went through the same process again, but this time the mindfulness group was asked to meditate, while those in the control group listened to an audio recording of The Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne, a classic of 18th-century nature writing. The researchers also took functional MRI scans of the volunteers’ brains.

Volunteers who meditated reported feeling less pain . “We see a 33 percent drop in pain intensity and unpleasantness during meditation, while the pain levels in the control group actually go up,” Zeidan says.

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Why does meditation provide relief? Zeidan says the researchers were able to find an answer from analyzing the functional MRI scans of the meditators, which show reduced activation in neural networks that are responsible for self-awareness. The greatest decrease in activation is seen in the medial prefrontal cortex—a part of the “self network” that plays a prominent role in self-reflection and valuing oneself.

“During the meditation, the self-value is deactivating,” Zeidan says. “And the more it goes down, the greater the analgesia, the greater the pain relief.” Pain signals are still being received by the brain, but “they are not going into the brain networks that are saying, This is my pain,” he explains. In essence, mindfulness appears to help detach the self from the suffering.

( Why meditation can be great for kids, too. )

Meditation can help you stay calm

Last November I traveled to a prison—a place presumably rife with stress—to watch meditation teachers from the International Association for Human Values lead a session of Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY), a meditation technique using rhythmic breathing to focus the mind. Like other forms of meditation, SKY promises to give practitioners the ability to stay calm in stressful situations.

Some of the people at the session I attended had already received training in the technique and were striving to apply it to their daily lives. (The authorities at the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in Wilmington, Delaware, allowed me to interview them on condition that I not use last names.)

I spoke to Jorge, a short man in his late 20s with a wispy beard and bright eyes, who was sent to the prison on a first-degree-assault charge in 2016. He told me he was born in Puerto Rico and moved to mainland America when he was five. Because he wasn’t fluent in English, his peers laughed at him in school. “I didn’t know how to respond,” he told me. So he got into fights.

Jorge had heard about meditation years earlier when he was in a wrestling club. Somebody he knew there would meditate before matches and didn’t seem to get agitated, even when losing. “I used to wonder, how come I’m so mad and he’s always calm?” Jorge said.

The question had been partly answered, he said, by what he had been learning in the prison meditation program. And he’d begun applying that to his life. “When I feel like I’m getting flustered or angry,” he says, “I just breathe.”

( How to relieve stress at the world’s beautiful Zen gardens. )

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What is ‘marine snow’? And how do microplastics slow the rate at which carbon is pulled from the sea surface to the depths?

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It turns out plastics in the ocean do more than suffocate turtles, fish and other marine life.

A new study co-authored by Northeastern researcher Aron Stubbins shows that microplastics may reduce the ability of the ocean to help offset the climate crisis by slowing down the rate at which carbon is taken from the sea surface to the depths.

For millennia, the ocean has been part of a carbon sink process in which dead phytoplankton clump together and fall into the deep ocean in showers of what look like “marine snow,” says Stubbins, a professor of marine and environmental science.

The resulting carbon sequestration is a marine version of how trees and plants on terrestrial Earth take carbon from the atmosphere and store it in soil, he says.

But research by Northeastern shows that microplastics in the ocean are slowing the process down by making the “marine snow” more buoyant, Stubbins says.

“Plastics want to float. If phytoplanktons grow on microplastics in biofilms, instead of as free living organisms, that changes the buoyancy of the phytoplankton when they die,” Stubbins says.

“Basically, the plastics are slowing down the sinking rate of the marine snow, which is potentially reducing the efficiency with which the ocean can remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere,” he says.

For the study reported in Marine Chemistry, researchers grew the tiny one-celled plankton in tanks with and without exposure to microplastics.

Then they held their own version of a race to the bottom.

The researchers put the regular clumps of phytoplankton in one measuring cylinder filled with seawater and put the phytoplankton entwined with microplastics in another cylinder.

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“You timed how quickly they sank,” Stubbins says. “The ones with the plastics were slower, by about 20%.” 

He says the study, done in collaboration with the University of New Hampshire, shows the slowing of the descent rate of marine snow mixed with microplastics comes at a time when carbon sequestration is more important than ever.

“As that carbon is sinking it is being transported deeper into the ocean,” Stubbins says. “It is so important for how much the ocean offsets warming due to human emissions of carbon dioxide.”

A second part of the study involving Ariana Patterson, who graduated from Northeastern in 2023, found that microplastics dissolving in sunlight on the ocean surface reduce nutrient availability for phytoplankton.

When exposed to sunlight, the microplastics dissolve like sugar cubes and produce organic carbon that bacteria can use as food, Stubbins says. But growing bacteria also need nitrogen and phosphorus and they can get it by stealing the nutrients from phytoplankton and slowing their growth. 

“Phytoplankton are plants of the sea — they are the ones capturing carbon from the atmosphere. So, by adding plastic carbon, you further reduce the efficiency of the biological carbon pump,” he says.

“Today, we find microplastics everywhere. Concentrations in the ocean continue to increase,” Stubbins says.

“We’re finding that it could be a threat to global scale processes, such as the carbon cycle that is so important for all life,” he says. 

Scientists still don’t have enough information to say definitively that the presence of microplastics will weaken the ocean’s ability to sequester carbon or what a critical level of microplastics might be, Stubbins says.

But he says the study shows that the impact of microplastics on the carbon cycle “is  significant enough to create some alarm and suggest we should think about it carefully.”

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