Research scientist (maths)
Research mathematicians work in a wide range of areas and carry out many different tasks. Common employers include private or government research laboratories, commercial manufacturing companies and universities.
The work often involves: 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.
Collaboration with other scientists and people in other commercial functions in industry is very common because the application of mathematics is so varied. 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.
Mathematicians in commercial organisations are involved in developing new products and providing insight into business performance. They are likely to be allocated specific projects. In smaller organisations, they may be involved in all stages of the product - from concept to customer.
In academic and research organisations, projects are undertaken to develop the understanding of particular areas of maths. 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.
Work in both settings usually involves some office-based activities and the use of specialist computer systems.
Tasks will vary depending on the specific work environment and organisation but may include the following:
Relevant degree subject areas include those with significant mathematical content. In particular, a degree in mathematics or physics will increase your chances.
A good honours degree is essential. Actual vacancies are likely to ask for specific techniques or areas of knowledge.
Entry is not possible without a degree or with HND only.
Most people entering this field of work will have completed a postgraduate qualification, usually a PhD. The high-level, technical communication skills developed through writing a thesis are very attractive to employers. In theory, it is possible to work as a research mathematician with only a relevant undergraduate degree, but with most employers (particularly in academia) career progression is likely to be extremely limited without a higher degree. There are sometimes opportunities to register for a higher degree while working. An excellent first degree, usually a 2:1 or above, is needed for postgraduate funding.
Pre-entry work experience is desirable, and sometimes researchers will use their undergraduate dissertation topic as a starting point for their PhD research. Postdoctoral research experience is useful, and usually essential, for academic posts.
Candidates need to show evidence of the following:
If planning postgraduate study or postdoctoral contracts, identify researchers in your field of interest using directories and scientific journals, and discuss your interests with your academic tutor or supervisor. Make early speculative applications for research degrees so academics have time to apply for funding on your behalf. Choose a department with a strong background in research.
Competition is moderate for research posts in industry for those with a good relevant higher degree and some postdoctoral work experience, despite there being comparatively few vacancies (as there are in such specialised areas). Research potential employers thoroughly and be prepared to make speculative applications. In academic settings, permanent research posts are very rare and highly sought after.
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
Most employers offer new researchers training and support to ensure they are kept aware of developments in their fields and that they have the required skills. A postgraduate research degree is regarded as training for research work. This is usually in the form of a PhD, which is undertaken full time over three or four years depending on the course.
Most PhD research is funded by universities, research councils or trusts. Throughout the PhD, support is given to the research student in the form of advice and guidance from their PhD supervisor. Transferable skills training is now recognised as part of a PhD, and research students are entitled to receive formal training provided either by the institution or by Vitae . Relevant workshops and other events are offered by professional bodies and research organisations, such as the Isaac Newton Institute for Mathematical Sciences and The International Centre for Mathematical Sciences (ICMS) . In addition, professional networks focused on specific areas of research provide peer support and the opportunity to share knowledge.
Postdoctoral training may be a possibility and funding can potentially be sourced through the range of fellowship schemes that exist.
A number of professional societies offer different grades of membership, which can reflect your status as a skilled researcher.
Scientists must keep up to date with research techniques and new developments. Most employers will support relevant activities such as attendance at conferences or meetings as well as the publication of research in order to develop their scientific staff. Formal training is now more common in academic settings. Those in industry and the public sector will attend technical courses to learn new techniques as required. Larger companies also may run internal courses.
Although not essential for career development, MBAs may be supported by employers, usually on a part-time basis, later in a career.
After gaining several years’ practical experience to increase their knowledge and skills, research mathematicians can take on greater responsibility for projects. They may manage the work of other mathematicians before eventually becoming project managers or technical directors. It is common to be in a managerial role 10 to 15 years after graduation.
Some mathematicians undertake senior research roles as specialists, while others move into other scientific and commercial functions including sales and marketing.
Companies provide opportunities for promotion and development, although these may involve taking on more commercial roles or the management of technical teams. Career development in international companies may depend on researchers being prepared to take on projects or secondments overseas.
In academic settings, a PhD is usually followed by fixed-term postdoctoral research contracts of up to three years in length. Most newly qualified postdoctoral fellows will take up advertised positions or will apply speculatively to an established scientist with whom they wish to work. Career development at this stage can be challenging, but this is starting to change due partly to an increase in postdoctoral fellowships and other schemes offered by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) . In addition, funding for postdoctoral fellowships is available from other bodies such as the European Union (EU) and Research Councils UK . All awards are extremely competitive.
Academic promotion depends on research achievements. These are measured by the quality and quantity of original papers published and success in attracting funding. The presentation of material at national and international conferences remains another key career development opportunity. Further career development is into lectureships and ultimately to professorial level with managerial responsibility. Again, this is only possible with success in securing funding for research interests and the development of a group of students and researchers. Permanent research posts without teaching or administrative responsibilities are rare and highly sought after.
There are a number of highly prestigious international mathematical awards which are presented to mathematicians. Some, such the Abel prize, are presented annually. Others, like the Fields medal, are only awarded occasionally. The Fields medal is awarded every four years to a researcher under the age of 40. Some awards will only be given if a researcher is able to prove a particular hypothesis. Most notably, there are seven specific mathematical problems, each of which carries a prize fund of US $1million, which mathematicians can work to prove. See the Clay Mathematics Institute for more details. Achieving any of these awards would be the pinnacle of a mathematician’s career.
Mathematicians conduct research in any environment where data is analysed and used to identify patterns. These environments include industrial areas and academic disciplines where mathematics is applied in order to understand such issues as commercial trends or social network development. Employers include research councils and institutions, government departments (notably Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) ) and universities.
Funding for research can come from various sources but, generally speaking, university-based research is supported by industry and government while applied research is mainly supported by companies.
The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) funds many multi-disciplinary research initiatives, helping to connect mathematics with engineering and other science disciplines.
Research and development is not restricted to major companies. Small to medium-sized companies can offer excellent opportunities to mathematicians in the early stages of their career.
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