Scientist

Introduction

Scientists work on research and development projects. They find new information to solve problems or improve aspects of life. Scientists need to be logical and systematic to design, check and analyse experiments. They must explain their findings clearly and concisely to others.

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Work Activities

Scientists find out how things work, often with the aim of solving problems. Experiments and a systematic, logical approach are very important to their investigations. Scientists analyse, measure and observe living things, chemicals, and the physical workings of the Earth and universe.

The three main areas of science are biology, physics and chemistry, but these are inter-linked at many different levels. For example, biochemistry is the chemistry of organisms or living cells.

Scientists work on research and development projects. Pure research is the pursuit of knowledge for its own sake and is done mostly in universities.

Applied research is aimed at solving a specific problem. For example: scientists develop new drugs to treat disease; find energy sources that create less pollution; develop healthier convenience foods; and find ways to improve the health of farmed fish.

Scientists design, plan and manage trials. They may work with other scientists in different specialisms. They collect and analyse data and present results using models, graphs and charts and specialist software. Research and development can be a long-term process. For example, developing a new drug may take over 10 years from discovery and testing to becoming available in the pharmacy.

Scientists are usually responsible for a team of technicians who look after the day-to-day running of the laboratory.

Scientists help provide us with energy and materials for everyday life. They find natural resources like metals, minerals, oil, gas and coal, and develop materials like plastics, glass and textiles. They work with engineers to extract or produce these materials.

Increasingly, scientists are concerned with the impact of human activities on the environment. They may work to protect the environment from pollution, intensive farming, road building schemes or the sprawl of cities into the countryside. Scientists research and develop alternative sources of energy, for example, the sun, tides, wind, or heat stored below the Earth's surface.

As well as working in laboratories many scientists travel to collect samples and data. For example, forensic scientists visit crime scenes, and provide evidence in court. And geologists map physical features in remote areas.

Scientific knowledge of products and processes is used in marketing and sales departments and scientists may visit customers to listen to their needs or explain the latest developments.

Scientists must keep up to date with advances in their specialist field by reading scientific journals, using the Internet and going to conferences.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

As a scientist, you must enjoy solving problems. To plan experiments, you need practical skills, but you must also be imaginative and creative. Research and development work can involve routine testing over a long period of time. You will need to be methodical, well organised and patient and not mind having to repeat an experiment several times.

You need good IT skills to control experiments and analyse results.

Some scientists spend a lot of time on their own, especially during fieldwork. For example, geological scientists map remote areas and must be prepared to work in difficult environments.

Scientists often work in teams, so good communication skills are important. You must be able to express your findings clearly, both verbally and in writing.

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Pay and Opportunities

Salaries for scientists vary with the industry, employer and level of responsibility.

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Scientists earn in the range of £20,000 - £28,500 a year, rising to £30,000 - £50,000. Higher earners can make around £60,000 a year.

Scientists usually work 35-39 hours a week, Monday to Friday. However, early starts, late finishes, shifts and weekend work may be required, especially as deadlines approach or where call-outs are necessary.

Scientists from all branches of science work in a wide range of jobs across all industries, including: manufacturing, construction, engineering, pharmaceuticals, information technology, colour technology, textiles, plastics, cosmetics, food and drink, oil and gas.

There are also opportunities in forensic science, journalism, the National Health Service (NHS), and in local and national government departments.

Scientists teach in schools, colleges and universities.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

If you don't have the qualifications needed to enter your chosen degree course, a college or university Access course (eg, Access to Science) could be the way in. No formal qualifications are usually required, but you should check individual course details.

Sponsorship for higher education study of science subjects is available from research councils, industrial organisations, some government departments, private companies and professional bodies. Some employers also offer a 'studentship' with financial support for postgraduate study.

The Open University offers BSc degrees in Natural Sciences, Life Sciences and Physical Science by distance learning.

• 11% of scientists work part-time.

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New Developments

Some people working in this occupation may be involved in the green jobs sector in areas such as renewable energy, waste management, conservation or countryside management.