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Research Scientist: What Is It, How to Become One, Where You Can Work, and More

Explore a career as a research scientist, making scientific discoveries and helping increase society’s understanding of the world. Explore what research scientists do, how to become one, where you can work, and more.

As a research scientist, you have the opportunity to change the world. You might find out how a new drug affects the human body, analyze data to predict the weather, determine what causes a certain disease, or determine how to make a new, healthier version of a certain food. Research scientists can work in numerous areas, ranging from energy to agriculture to health care, but no matter where you work, your results can have a huge impact on the day-to-day lives of people worldwide. 

Knowing more about becoming a research scientist can help you decide if this is the career for you. Explore the education, skills, and experience you'll need for the job and what you might do on a daily basis, as well as the salary, job outlook, and a possible career path. 

What is a research scientist?

A research scientist finds solutions to problems and contributes to scientific knowledge by conducting research and experiments. They work in public and private settings and share their findings with employers and colleagues by releasing reports, research papers, and articles.  

What do research scientists do?

Research scientists engage in two kinds of research: pure research and applied research. Pure, sometimes called basic, research involves using scientific methods to make discoveries and add to the world's body of knowledge. Applied research involves using knowledge gained to develop new applications, processes, or products or to improve existing ones. 

Read more: What Does an Applied Scientist Do? Career Guide

Tasks and responsibilities

To gain insight into a research scientist career, it helps to know about daily tasks and responsibilities. In this position, your duties might include:

Planning, designing, and overseeing experiments and/or conducting other types of research

Collecting samples and data

Documenting research results and sharing them with employers and research publications 

Writing proposals for future research projects

Ordering, caring for, and maintaining lab supplies and equipment

Following established safety methods and procedures

Supervising laboratory assistants and/or assistant researchers

Demonstrating experimental methods

Keeping current on the latest technology and scientific developments

Beneficial skills for research scientists

To carry out your daily tasks and responsibilities, you can benefit from various skills as a research scientist. These include workplace skills (those needed to work alongside others) and technical skills (those needed to use job-specific tools or perform job-specific tasks).

Workplace skills

Research scientists might teach classes, work alongside others in a lab setting, and provide presentations to colleagues or employers. Beneficial skills that can help in these types of situations include:

Ability to work alone or with a team

Attention to detail

Flexibility

Problem-solving skills

Verbal and written communication skills

Read more: What Are Job Skills and Why Do They Matter?

Technical skills

Working in research demands several key technical skills. Some of these might include: 

Ability to plan, design, and oversee research projects

Deep understanding of scientific approaches, principles, and methods

Background in programming languages like Python and C++,

Knowledge of data analysis 

Knowledge of the latest industry developments and scientific trends

Research scientist salary and job outlook

A ccording to Glassdoor, a research scientist in the US earns an average base salary of $107,590 per year[ 1 ]. However, salaries for research scientists can vary according to industry. For instance, a research scientist working in agriculture earns an average base salary of $112,760 per year, while a research scientist working in information technology (IT) earns an average base salary of $160,112 per year [ 1 ]. Earning bonuses can add to the annual salary amount for a research scientist.  

Over the last five years, salaries for research scientists have risen by 14 percent, according to Zippia [ 2 ]. Projections for job growth in research science are 10 percent for medical science researchers and 23 percent for computer and information research scientists for the period between 2022 to 2032, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics [ 3 , 4 ]. 

Research scientist career paths

Knowing how to advance your career from a research scientist position can help you decide if you want to become one. Examples of a research scientist's career path might look like this:

Research scientist→Sr. research scientist→Principal research scientist→Research director

Research scientist→Research fellow→Doctoral fellow

Research scientist→Chemist→Microbiologist

Research scientist→Research biochemist→Toxicologist

Research scientist→Laboratory manager→Research and development manager

Research scientist→Consultant→ Project manager

Research scientist→Assistant professor→Study director

How to become a research scientist

Becoming a research scientist involves a number of key steps. They include earning at least one degree, getting relevant certifications, gaining work experience, and networking. 

1. Earn a degree.

Most employers require at least a bachelor's degree for a research scientist position, and some may even require a master's degree or doctorate. Common majors for someone looking to become a research scientist include:

Computer science

Molecular biology

Biochemistry 

Pharmacology

Read more: 16 Science Majors (and Related Careers) to Consider

2. Get certifications.

Certifications from professional associations might improve your chances of getting a research scientist job by distinguishing you from other candidates. The Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) offers relevant certifications like:

ACRP Certified Professional (CP)

ACRP Certified Clinical Research Associate (CCRA)

ACRP Certified Clinical Research Coordinator (CCRC)

ACRP Certified Principal Investigator (CPI)

3. Gain work experience.

Working in an entry-level position like a lab technician or assistant researcher can help you gain valuable work experience for a research scientist career. To get one of these positions, you may want to volunteer in a lab or seek an internship. To find an internship, check with the career center at your college or university, look for internship posts on local job websites, check professional social media sites, or visit your local job service.

Your professional network can be a great source of information when you're looking for a job. To help land a research scientist position, consider attending industry events or joining a science society that relates to your field.  

Read more: What Is Networking? How to Grow Your Network

Where do research scientists work?

As mentioned, you can work in the private or public sector as a research scientist, so your type of workplace might be a hospital, manufacturing firm, or government agency to name a few. The specific places you work in a particular field or industry can include an office, laboratory, or classroom.

Available fields and industries for research scientists

You have many options when deciding what type of research you wish to conduct. Some common fields and industries for research scientists might include:

Health care

Marine biology 

Pharmaceutical 

Food and beverage 

Engineering 

Getting started with Coursera

Research scientists make a big impact on the day-to-day lives of people around the world, whether they work in health care, technology, or some other industry. Not only is the job rewarding, but it has a positive outlook, meaning the need for people in this field is on the rise.  

To start down your path toward a research scientist career, consider taking Understanding Medical Research: Your Facebook Friend Is Wrong , offered by Yale University on Coursera. This beginner-level course contains seven modules that you can complete in about three weeks, studying for just five hours per week. The program covers topics like medical statistics, medical studies, how wrong conclusions are reached, and more. Upon completion, gain a shareable Professional Certificate to include in your resume, CV, or LinkedIn profile.

Article sources

Glassdoor. " Research Scientist Salaries , https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/research-scientist-salary-SRCH_KO0,18.htm." Accessed October 15, 2024.

Zippia. " Research Scientist Projected Job Growth in the United States , https://www.zippia.com/research-scientist-jobs/trends/." Accessed October 15, 2024.

US Bureau of Labor Statistics. " Medical Scientists , https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/medical-scientists.htm." Accessed October 15, 2024.

US Bureau of Labor Statistics. " Computer and Information Research Scientists , https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-and-information-research-scientists.htm." Accessed October 15, 2024.

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Coursera staff.

Editorial Team

Coursera’s editorial team is comprised of highly experienced professional editors, writers, and fact...

This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

Table of Contents

What is a research scientist, what does a research scientist do, research scientist responsibilities, research scientist job description, research scientist skills, salary of a research scientist, companies hiring for research scientist, related career paths, what does a research scientist do.

For anyone passionate about researching, making a career as a research scientist might be the best option. With excellent opportunities and strong earning potential, a research scientist gets to do detailed research about various fields. Becoming a research scientist promises a dynamic career path to interested individuals. Learning about the research scientist job description might help determine if this is a suitable career option. This article will elaborate on the qualifications, skills, duties and career growth opportunities of a research scientist.

A research scientist is a professional who performs research in a particular field and creates new concepts, theories and models. They work on cutting-edge research and collaborate with other researchers to develop new solutions and ideas. Moreover, they are responsible for investigating deficits within scientific knowledge. They formulate and execute investigation protocols and spread their insights to publishing documents and authoritative publications.

Research scientists work in several industries to advance scientific research. They plan and conduct experiments to expand the limits of scientific knowledge. Being a research scientist is fascinating as it offers limitless opportunities to discover across several industries and sectors. The major purpose of a research scientist is to conduct lab-based experiments and trials. Research scientists are required in multiple fields, including chemistry, biology, environmental science, computer science, medicine, and political science.

Some of the major research scientist responsibilities include the following:

• Crafting research proposal
• Planning and performing experiments
• Sample collection
• Monitoring the experiments
• Data collection
• Collaboration with other researchers to create new products and techniques
• Guiding junior staff
• Performing fieldwork on monitoring the environmental factors
• Writing published papers
• Staying updated with the latest scientific techniques

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As a research scientist, you must plan and perform experiments and investigations in several scientific areas of the organization. A sample of research scientist job description is as follows:

We seek a committed Research Scientist to join our team and continue our heritage of innovation and excellence in our organization. Conducting advanced research, analyzing data, and designing experiments will all be crucial tasks performed by the research scientist. Furthermore, the Research Scientist will work closely with our research team to spearhead projects for ongoing improvement and contribute to developing cutting-edge technologies/products. Duties and Responsibilities Plan and conduct experiments Record and analyze Collect samples Present the results to other research staff and seniors Write reports, research papers, summaries, and reviews Demonstrate procedures Prepare research proposal and find the applications Guide  junior staff and technicians Organize product testing Ensure to meet the quality standards Find original solutions to problems Stay updated with technical and scientific developments  Skills Determination Patience Flexibility Scientific and numerical skills Independent and logical mind Meticulous attention to accuracy and details Excellent analytical skills Interpersonal skills Teamwork skills Oral and written communication skills Education and Experience You must hold a bachelor's degree in a science-related field, followed by a doctoral or master’s degree for detailed research and expertise. Individuals with specialized knowledge through fellowships, postgraduate certificates or industry. Specific training programs will be preferred. Hands-on experience is essential in research settings, including fieldwork or laboratories.

As a research scientist, you must learn the following key skills discussed below:

Technical Specialization and Proficiency

Technical proficiency is crucial for research scientists as it carries forward the practical aspects of high-quality research. This consists of expertise in familiarity with specialized equipment and laboratory techniques and a clear understanding of field-related methods. Hence, specialization is essential to maintain accuracy in results.

Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is the primary scale requirement of a research scientist. It includes evaluating evidence, questions, and assumptions and synthesizing information from multiple resources to address complicated scientific questions.

Problem-solving

Problem-solving needs innovation and creativity to troubleshoot issues, design experiments, and refine hypotheses.

Also Read: Top Professional Skills for 2024

The average salary of a research scientist is $88,409 per year. However, this might vary depending on experience, skills, location, position, company and education.

Top companies hiring for research scientists are:

• Reliance Industries
• Tata Consultancy Services

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Some of the amazing research scientist-related career paths are as follows:

Research Assistant

They are responsible for working on a research team and collecting and organizing information and data from multiple resources. They also help conduct experiments, coordinate resources, prepare presentations or reports, proofread papers, and maintain equipment. They can work in several fields, including business, science, medicine and law.

Resource Technician

A research technician operates tools and equipment during tests, experiments, or data collection and analyzes data and test outputs. They also manage the inventory of samples and supplies, maintain equipment and work with supervisors and other researchers.

Forensic Science Technician

A forensic science technician documents evidence from the crime scenes, analyzes proof in a lab and reconstructs the entire crime scene to acknowledge what happened.

Apart from the career growth opportunities for a research scientist mentioned above, other opportunities to explore include market researcher, research analyst, clinical research coordinator, archaeologist, historian, food, technologist, or mathematician.

As a research scientist, you get a variety of job and industry options to choose from. You can select any exciting field, such as medicine, agriculture, IT, law, food, or archaeology, based on your interests and knowledge. Regardless of your chosen field, be sure to learn about all the clear research scientist descriptions mentioned, including duties, responsibilities, working conditions, pay scale, and other essential factors before entering a specific field.

Moreover, learn all the necessary skills and knowledge by enrolling in Simplilearn’s Data Science Course to become a valuable asset to your organization, beat your competitors, and get the best job position in the market.

1. How does a research scientist contribute to a project?

They design and conduct experiments, analyze data and create new theories based on their findings.

2. What technologies do research scientists use?

Research scientists use tools like microscopes, pendulums, telescopes, particle accelerators, mirrors, and sensors and later implement the most updated technology, like AI, in their research.

3. How does a research scientist conduct experiments?

The basic research process includes making observations, forming hypotheses, creating predictions, performing an experiment and analyzing the results.

4. How do research scientists stay updated in their field?

To stay updated, research scientists subscribe to scientific journals, attend conferences, seminars and workshops, join networking groups and professional organizations, and engage with experts from the same field.

5. What are the benefits of being a research scientist?

Some benefits of being a research scientist include:

• Multiple job opportunities
• Job satisfaction
• Employment flexibility

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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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