Research Scientist Career & Jobs: Training, Salary & Certification Requirements

The past few years have seen huge advances in the technology that we have to prevent disease and the medicines that we have to cure diseases. However, we have also seen new viruses become global threats in a matter of weeks, and experts are working hard every day to make sure that they have the tools necessary to prevent and treat these outbreaks when they happen. The people responsible for studying the effectiveness of new drugs, examining the impact of humans on the environment and the availability of natural resources, and the different ways that humans can protect themselves from injuries and illness are called research scientist. It is the job of the research scientist to analyze, examine and manipulate substances and chemicals in new ways so that they can learn more about human health and how to preserve it. Research scientists are often a member of a team of individuals that have a high level of academic knowledge and mathematic talent.

Salary Outlook

Average Annual Salary
$67,400
Salary Range
$37,700 - $125,000

Work Environment

Because they need to utilize highly sophisticated testing equipment in order to perform their job, most research scientists are required to work in laboratory settings. These labs are most often located at research universities or hospitals, pharmaceutical companies or government organizations.

High School Preparation

Those individuals that think they might enjoy the responsibilities of a research scientist are encouraged to spend their high school career advancing their knowledge of biology, chemistry and physics. Supporting courses for this line of work include geometry, trigonometry, calculus, computer skills, and medical administration.

Requirements

It is necessary for any individual interested in pursuing a career as a research scientist to continue their education all the way up to the post-graduate level. Many of the most influential research scientists hold a doctorate in their field of expertise. Interested students are encouraged to choose a major science, such as biology or chemistry as their undergraduate major. During post-graduate study it is possible to specialize your field of research.

Career Outlook

The demand for newer and better medicines, vaccines and preventative technologies ensures that well trained research scientists will be in high demand over the next few years. Experts are predicting that the number of available jobs for qualified research scientists will grow by at least thirty percent. The best jobs will be reserved for those research scientists that have achieved the doctoral degree. Those research scientists holding master’s degrees will find well paying positions in the marketing and sales of scientifically related companies.

Professional Organizations

National Academy of Sciences National Research Council
2101 Constitution Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20418
Phone: (202) 334-2000
www.nationalacademies.org/nrc