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Research scientist (maths): Job description and activities

Job description

Research mathematicians work in many different areas and do many different types of work. This work includes proving deep and abstract theorems; developing mathematical descriptions (mathematical models) to explain or predict real phenomena such as the spread of cancer or the flow of liquids; and applying mathematical principles to identify trends in data sets. Applied research can also contribute to the development of a commercial product or develop intelligence about business trends.

The application of mathematics is so varied that collaboration with other scientists and people in other commercial functions in industry is very common. Research is undertaken into a diverse range of pure and applied maths including algebra, analysis, combinatorics, differential equations, dynamic systems, geometry and topology, fluid mechanics, mathematical biology and numerical analysis.

Typical work activities

Mathematicians in commercial organisations are involved with developing new products and providing insight into business performance. In academic and research organisations, projects develop understanding in particular areas of maths. Despite these differences, work in both settings is usually office-based and dependent on specialist computer systems.

Typical activities include:

• identifying solutions by learning and applying new methods (e.g. designing mathematical models that interpret data in a meaningful way);
• keeping up to date with new mathematical developments and producing original mathematics research;
• using specialist mathematical software such as Mathematica, Matlab or Mathcad or using software languages such as C/C++ or Visual basic to develop programmes to perform mathematical functions;
• presenting findings at group and departmental meetings as well as to senior management;
• attending and sometimes presenting at national and international scientific conferences and meetings in a particular field of interest;
• sharing the implications of new research by producing regular reports on the development of work as well as writing original papers for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals;
• writing applications for funding;
• managing a research team (or group of research students in academic settings).

There are very few pure research posts in universities, and most mathematicians working in research will also have teaching responsibilities. This may involve giving lectures to large groups of students, giving tutorials to small groups and setting and marking work including examinations.

In commercial settings, mathematicians are likely to be allocated specific projects. In smaller organisations, they may be involved in all stages of the product - from concept to customer. Activities may include:

• producing tailored solutions to business problems using innovative and existing methods as well as suggesting new ways to analyse data to provide more sophisticated insights into available data;
• meeting with clients throughout projects to discuss ideas and results;
• advising clients on how to benefit from mathematical analysis, making recommendations based on these analyses.

AGCAS

Written by Annette Millar, University of Plymouth

Last updated:

May 2009

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