What Do Scientists Do?

Scientists conduct experiments and research, analyse results, create research proposals, and publish their findings. Every interest has a career path, from natural sciences to biology and chemistry. A scientist job description will reflect the primary focus of the role, discipline, and organisation. If you are hiring research scientists, you may be one of the UK’s universities, government agencies, commercial companies, hospitals, or charities.

Research scientists work in many environments, including government laboratories, universities, private labs, and in the field. Their work may be involved with stem cell research, genomics, bio-technologies, neuroscience, raw materials, plant science, or pharmacology.

Science Role

Creating a scientist job description begins with choosing the right job title. Examples of science job roles include the following:

• Biologist
• Botanist
• Ecologist
• Environmental Scientist
• Mathematician
• Research Scientist
• Research Associate

Science Responsibilities And Duties

The responsibilities of scientists depends on the entity they are employed by and the goals of clients or the needs of customers or the community. A field or laboratory-based scientist job description will include typical responsibilities such as:

• Conducting experiments and scientific research
• Using and maintaining laboratory equipment
• Proposing research projects/research proposals
• Data collection and data analysis
• Developing, proving, and disproving theories
• Securing research funding
• Developing new research methods and new techniques
• Conducting controlled laboratory-based investigations
• Continued building of scientific knowledge
• Publishing findings in research papers and scientific journals
• Conducting medical research
• New products development
• Following lab procedures and processes
• Supervising laboratory-based teams
• Using mathematical, scientific, or climate modelling and computer software
• Attending conferences
• Advising policymakers
• Teaching in schools or universities
• Communicating with the research team or scientific community
• Summarising research methodology
• Conducting peer reviews of research papers and publications

Science Skills

Research scientists’ work requires many soft skills and abilities, such as:

• Data analysis skills
• Numeracy
• Excellent verbal communication skills
• Concentration
• Initiative
• Computer proficiency
• Thinking and reasoning skills
• Attention to detail/detail-oriented
• Scientific research skills
• A systematic approach
• Problem-solving
• Ability to work independently
• Patience
• Presentation skills
• Networking
• Ability to work well with others

Science Qualifications And Education

Most research scientists and other science professionals attend university and earn a university degree (Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, or PhD) in their specific area. There are many different areas and career paths, but relevant university degrees might include:

• Biochemistry
• Biology
• Biopharmaceuticals
• Biotechnology
• Chemistry
• Climate Science
• Computer Science
• Earth Sciences
• Environmental Science
• Geology
• Marine Science
• Meteorology
• Microbiology
• Molecular Biology
• Oceanography
• Physics

Required Science Experience And Science Training

A scientist or researcher may require work experience for senior roles or further training that validates their skills and knowledge. Graduate candidates may have trained through Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) or completed a seven-year Research Scientist Degree Apprenticeship. Many other organisations offer training, including the NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP), the Royal Society of Biology, and the Biochemical Society.

Science Job Description FAQs

Here we answer your questions on writing a scientist job description.

WHAT ARE CAREERS IN SCIENCE?

Careers in science are plentiful, including chemists, biologists, forensic scientists, and research scientists. Your scientist job description should include a relevant title that reflects the field of work.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD SCIENCE JOB DESCRIPTION?

A good scientist job description should be concise and include the location, average salary range, responsibilities, skills, and qualifications. It should also relay what makes your company, organisation, and role a desirable opportunity.