Research scientist (life sciences)
Researchers within life sciences are primarily involved in planning, conducting and analysing experiments, either with a definite end use (to develop new products, processes or commercial applications) or to broaden scientific understanding in general. Although research is often carried out on an individual basis, researchers usually work as part of a larger team and part of their job is to disseminate information to professional colleagues. This is sometimes done at international conferences or through the publication of research papers.
The term 'life sciences' covers a whole range of scientific disciplines. This includes neurosciences, plant sciences, physiology, pharmacology, cancer studies, microbiology, genomics, bioinformatics, biotechnology and stem cell research. They are close to the medical sciences but also cross over into other areas, such as biochemistry.
Research scientists work in commercial or government laboratories, hospitals and higher education institutions.
The exact nature of the work depends on the level of seniority of a research post, the specific area of life sciences studied and also whether the context is industrial or academic. However, most life science researchers are involved in the following:
Researchers in life sciences depend on peer reviews of their written publications and presentations in order to validate their theories and inform their research. They also need to keep abreast of the work of other scientists both within the life sciences arena and in the wider scientific community. Attendance at academic conferences across the world is considered part of the job, rather than an additional activity. Reading journals is another important aspect of their work.
Any science-based degree that relates to the areas of health, medicine, agriculture, horticulture or biology is appropriate for those entering research in the life sciences. However, the following specialisms may increase your chances:
Job titles vary between industry and academia but the levels are essentially the same. Technician-level jobs in industry and academia are open to those with undergraduate/foundation degrees and HND/C qualifications. Further study would be required by those with an HND/C to progress beyond this level. Research assistant/scientist jobs are open to those with undergraduate degrees and sometimes offer the possibility to study for a second degree (MPhil, MSc, PhD) whilst working. These positions may be better paid than studentships funded by industry or research councils, but they involve the pressure of studying alongside a full-time job, and fees may not be paid. A PhD is usually required for research associate/senior scientist roles and above.
Entry to work with research councils, such as the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) or their associated institutes, is possible at research scientist level for graduates, or as a senior research scientist for those with a higher degree and postdoctoral experience. Collaborative Awards in Science and Engineering (CASE Studentships) allow students to receive high-quality research training in collaboration with an industrial partner.
Practical experience gained through working and undertaking placements in the laboratory and field, together with knowledge of the range of techniques used, is useful when applying for research jobs. If practical experience has centred on an academic laboratory during degree study, gaining further work experience in industry during vacations helps illustrate how the two environments differ and inform future career choice.
Candidates need to show evidence of the following:
For those considering further study with a view to working in industry, choosing a PhD funded by industry is a useful way to gain relevant experience and contacts. Academic tutors, research directories (Prospects Postgraduate Directory) and websites such as Jobs.ac.uk and Find a PhD help identify appropriate opportunities.
For jobs with larger organisations in industry, formal online applications are typical. Check individual websites for details and application deadlines. For smaller ones, a speculative letter and CV may be acceptable. It is common for employers to use contract staff, or employ scientific recruitment agencies to fill their vacancies for them.
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
All researchers involved in laboratory work are required to participate in training on health and safety and Good Laboratory Practice (GLP). This training may include risk assessment workshops and control of substances hazardous to health regulations (COSHH) training.
In terms of developing skills and experience, further study is considered to be most beneficial. The scientific and research skills acquired whilst studying for a PhD are viewed as appropriate basic training for more senior research positions. However, increasingly PhD researchers are also expected to possess a whole range of additional non-technical skills.
Vitae runs courses for PhD research students designed to develop communication, networking, teamworking and career management skills. Advice on issues such as supervisor management, academic careers, writing up and CVs can also be found on their website.
Although supported by their employers, research scientists need to manage their own development to ensure they keep up to date with new techniques, skills and innovations. Research Councils UK and other relevant institutes offer support for continued professional development (CPD), running courses and events. It is also possible to acquire membership status of relevant institutes. For example, the Society of Biology offers members designatory letters (FIBiol, MIBiol) or awards chartered biologist status (CBiol).
Jobs in industry tend to be accompanied by structured training programmes that may include completing placements in different functions of the organisation, working with a mentor or buddy and drawing up personal development plans with line managers.
In academia, progression is reasonably well defined, with most researchers aiming towards the level of senior research fellow or a professorship, leading their own research teams. This progression is achieved by acquiring experience and publishing original research. It is accompanied by increased responsibility (i.e. securing funding) and additional teaching, supervisory and administrative duties. Progression through research councils and institutes also relates to obtaining senior scientist roles based on scientific merit, individual contributions and increased responsibility.
Researchers in industry may progress towards senior scientific or management roles. Alternatively, they may choose to move into another area within their organisation, such as business development, production or a regulatory role.
Personal development and breadth of experience may also be achieved by moving between academic and industrial research posts. Some researchers combine the two by setting up spin-out companies. These usually start off as a research project within an academic institution until the results become significant enough for it to develop into a commercially-viable company. These companies tend to be supported initially by the university from which they originated, but may obtain financial support from external investors.
Life science researchers are also able to move into a media or communications role. Public understanding of science is a topical growth area with many new opportunities, and jobs for journalists with a scientific background are becoming more prevalent. Many degree courses and some Open University (OU) courses now include 'communicating science' modules. The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) website has a section dedicated to engagement.
Another career path open to experienced researchers is consultancy - for example, becoming involved in the technical and commercial evaluation of new ideas, products and technologies and providing scientific expertise to projects.
The government has announced a science budget of £3.2billion for the period 2010-2011 and has declared this will be ring fenced in order to ensure its aims for science and innovation are met. It also continues to work towards its target of increasing R&D investment (as a proportion of national income) from 1.9% (2004) to 2.5% by 2014. This increased investment is creating new opportunities for scientists. Within the life sciences, there are many different employers across a variety of sectors, including:
The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) commissions and funds NHS and social care research, covering the full range of interventions (pharmaceuticals, biologicals, procedures, therapies and practices) across the full range of health and healthcare delivery - prevention, detection, diagnosis, prognosis, treatment and care.
A Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) is a three-way project between a graduate, an organisation and a 'knowledge base', such as a university or a research organisation. KTP is one of the largest graduate recruitment programmes across Europe. KTPs also enable certain PhD graduates to apply their research in a commercial environment. More information can be found at Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) .
Specialist recruitment agencies are also widely used within the scientific community. These include Scientific Recruitment Group (SRG) , Lab Support UK and Matchtech .
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