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Scientist

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Scientist Career Details

Scientists are involved in a number of science disciplines and in different kinds of science work, for example:

Research and development: scientists working in this field are involved in developing new products and industrial processes, improving efficiency, or scaling up a science laboratory procedure to full scale manufacture.
Scientific analysis and investigation: this area of work can include: diagnosing, monitoring or treating disease or illness; measuring levels of pollution or environmental damage; looking at ways to increase environmental protection; analysing samples as part of criminal investigations; predicting the weather or environmental disasters; discovering and extracting valuable natural resources such as oil or gas.
Education and the media: some scientists teach their subject in school, college or university; others are involved in designing educational materials for use in broadcasting, schools and colleges or museums. Scientific journalists and publishers write in everyday language about complex scientific concepts.
Administration: scientists work in government departments and non-governmental agencies, using their scientific understanding to inform and assist in formulating policies.

Scientists may also be involved in the biosciences and physical sciences. Work may involve handling hazardous substances, or micro-organisms which cause infectious diseases. Some of the samples studied may be unpleasant, and the equipment used may be complex and expensive.

Some scientists will also supervise the work of support staff and technicians, leading a team of scientists and other staff. There may be administrative tasks to carry out.

Working Environment

Scientists usually work 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, although evening and weekend work is often required if involved with ongoing projects. Shifts, nights, or on-call work may be necessary if the job involves providing a round-the-clock service to the public, as in the NHS.

Practical scientists mainly work in laboratories but many are involved in fieldwork, such as collecting samples, conservation work, monitoring environmental factors, or studying plants and animals in their natural habitat.

Much of the work in laboratories requires sterile conditions, and long periods could be spent sitting or standing at a bench or piece of equipment. Some form of protective clothing may be worn to protect themselves and prevent contamination of samples or equipment. Fieldwork may be physically demanding.

Scientist Related Skills

To be a scientist, you should:

have an enquiring mind and be able to think clearly and logically
be good at problem solving, with a methodical approach to your work
be able to work accurately and pay great attention to detail
be able to work in, and lead, a team of professionals
have excellent verbal and written communication skills; be able to write reports and present your work
be able to keep up with advances in your field
understand statistics and relevant computer packages, and be willing to do fieldwork.

Scientist Career Opportunities

There are a large number of scientists working in the UK, although some jobs may be restricted to certain areas of the country or locations because of the nature of the work, for example environmental or conservation work.

Relocation may be necessary for career progression.

Scientists can work for a wide range of employers. Large companies outsource both specialist and routine scientific work, and there is an increase in the number of ‘spinout’ companies from universities. These trends have resulted in more scientists working for small or medium- sized companies and more opportunity to become self- employed or to start their own company.

Supervisory and management responsibilities may be available to more experienced scientists, and some scientists may become more involved in the commercial aspects of the work of a company.

Further Career Information

If you would like to know more about a career as an Scientist related facts, statistics, articles and websites.

Career Steps

Not quite sure about a career as a Scientist? Try our step-by-step career guide to reaching your chosen career.

Career Courses

Not quite qualified to be a Scientist? Take a look at Postgraduate Scientist courses, Postgraduate Scientist courses, Undergraduate Scientist courses, Undergraduate Scientist courses, Adult learning Scientist courses, our course browses or use our search form and find courses which will help you on your chosen career path.

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