Research scientist (physical sciences)
The Institute of Physics is a leading scientific society promoting physics and bringing physicists together for the benefit of all. It has a worldwide membership of around 40,000 comprising physicists from all sectors, as well as those with an interest in physics. Find out more about the Institute of Physics.
Physical scientists study non-living systems to increase the understanding of how the physical world works. Disciplines include astronomy, chemistry, geosciences, mathematics, materials science, meteorology and physics.
Scientific research involves designing and conducting experiments to collect observable physical evidence of natural phenomena. This information is analysed to develop practical applications in the creation of new materials and devices. Theoretical researchers use thought experiments to increase knowledge of their subject.
Academic research is increasingly collaborative across all scientific fields and the interdisciplinary nature of scientific research means that much of the work involves spending a significant amount of time on joint projects.
The exact nature of the work depends on whether you are employed in industry or in an academic research setting, but in either case, the work is usually laboratory based. Typical tasks include:
All physical scientists must be aware of relevant developments made by other researchers. This may involve keeping up to date through web-based research, reading specialist literature and attending scientific presentations and discussions. You will also need to disseminate any new findings at departmental meetings as well as national and international conferences and by writing papers for peer-reviewed scientific journals.
If you work in industrial research and development, you will probably be allocated specific projects. In smaller organisations, you may be involved in all stages of production, from concept to delivery to the customer.
The Institute of Physics is a leading scientific society promoting physics and bringing physicists together for the benefit of all. It has a worldwide membership of around 40,000 comprising physicists from all sectors, as well as those with an interest in physics. Find out more about the Institute of Physics.
Salary figures are intended as a guide only.
The Institute of Physics is a leading scientific society promoting physics and bringing physicists together for the benefit of all. It has a worldwide membership of around 40,000 comprising physicists from all sectors, as well as those with an interest in physics. Find out more about the Institute of Physics.
To enter into research in the physical sciences you will need a good honours degree (usually a 2:1 or above) in a related subject. Relevant subject areas include physical/mathematical/applied sciences, urban and land studies, and engineering. In particular, the following subjects may increase your chances:
Entry is not possible without a degree or with an HND only. Research technician posts are available, but progression to scientist requires high academic qualifications.
Pre-entry work experience can be useful to assess your suitability for research work. Some scientific organisations offer summer placements for undergraduate students. Be prepared to make speculative applications as well as applying for advertised positions.
A postgraduate qualification will significantly increase your chances. Most people entering scientific research will have completed a PhD in a relevant area. It is possible to work as a scientific researcher with only an undergraduate degree, but your career progression may be limited.
The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) invests around £800million a year and funds Masters degrees and PhDs through training grants - see their website for more details. To enquire about studentships and sources of funding, contact universities directly.
If you are planning to do postdoctoral study or to undertake postdoctoral research contracts, you should identify researchers in fields of interest using directories, scientific journals and your own network of contacts. You can also discuss your research interests with your academic supervisor. When making speculative applications for research degrees, you should make them early so that departments have time to apply for funding on your behalf.
It is sometimes possible to register for a higher degree while in employment. Industrial CASE awards enable students to work towards a PhD within an industrial or commercial organisation. Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) are a collaboration between a graduate, an employing organisation and a research organisation/university, and enable you to gain a professional qualification with an employer.
Requirements vary according to the particular job role and sector, but in general, candidates need to show evidence of the following:
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
The Institute of Physics is a leading scientific society promoting physics and bringing physicists together for the benefit of all. It has a worldwide membership of around 40,000 comprising physicists from all sectors, as well as those with an interest in physics. Find out more about the Institute of Physics.
A PhD is usually required for entry to academic posts. Research students are supported by their supervisor throughout their PhD. They are entitled to additional training, which may be offered by the institution or by Vitae , which covers skills to succeed in your PhD and other transferable skills.
Research staff who work at universities often have access to postdoctoral training during the early stages of their career. Vitae provides resources and advice for researchers, including information about career development.
In industry, most employers offer new researchers training and support to make sure that they are kept up to date with research techniques and new technologies in the field. Some larger industrial employers offer graduate training programmes. The Defence Engineering and Science Group (DESG) runs a graduate development scheme for the Ministry of Defence (MoD) . Training is offered by other industry employers and for experienced researchers in the form of external training on technical developments or internal courses.
As well as attending organised training, scientists are expected to keep abreast of developments in their field through independent research. Attending conferences is often expected within the job role.
Research Councils UK offer support for continuing professional development (CPD). Professional bodies, such as the Institute of Physics (IOP) and the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) , have membership at different levels depending on experience and expertise. This can demonstrate commitment to your own professional development as well as indicating a level of competency in your field.
The Institute of Physics is a leading scientific society promoting physics and bringing physicists together for the benefit of all. It has a worldwide membership of around 40,000 comprising physicists from all sectors, as well as those with an interest in physics. Find out more about the Institute of Physics.
Career structures vary with each employer, but career paths tend to be well defined in all sectors and are dependent on achieving research goals.
Initially, scientists in industry and the Civil Service work in hands-on functions to increase their knowledge and practical skills. As experience grows, you take on greater responsibility for projects and begin to manage the work of other scientists before eventually becoming a project manager or technical director (job titles vary from employer to employer).
Managerial roles are usually reached 10 to 15 years after graduation. Some scientists undertake senior research roles as specialists, while others move into other scientific and commercial functions, including sales, production and marketing. An experienced researcher may progress into consultancy.
Scientific companies are keen to retain qualified and experienced staff and will provide them with opportunities for promotion and development. However, these may involve more commercial roles or management of technical teams rather than hands-on technology. Career development in international companies may depend on being prepared to take on projects or secondments overseas.
In academic research, a PhD is usually followed by short-term postdoctoral research contracts of up to three years in length. Most newly qualified postdoctoral fellows take up advertised positions or apply speculatively to an established scientist with whom they wish to work. These may be based in laboratories worldwide, so geographical mobility can be helpful for progression.
Academic promotion depends on research achievement, which is measured by the quality and quantity of original papers published. Success in attracting funding will be dependent on the time-consuming process of making funding applications. Progress is then to a lectureship and ultimately to a professor post with management responsibilities. However, this is only possible if you are successful in securing funding for your own research project and group.
Permanent research posts without teaching or administrative responsibilities are rare and highly sought after. Progression can be enhanced by developing an international network of people working in the same field.
A number of professional bodies have been licensed by the Science Council to award Chartered Scientist (CSci) status to scientists who meet the required standard. See The Science Council website for details and a list of licensed organisations.
The Institute of Physics is a leading scientific society promoting physics and bringing physicists together for the benefit of all. It has a worldwide membership of around 40,000 comprising physicists from all sectors, as well as those with an interest in physics. Find out more about the Institute of Physics.
Physical sciences researchers are employed in universities, government laboratories and industry.
The physical sciences cover a wide range of disciplines, and there are employers across many sectors of industry. Industries in which physical scientists conduct research include: aerospace; chemicals; defence; electronics; energy; environment; materials; pharmaceuticals; and food and consumer products. Some of these sectors only recruit graduates from relevant degrees.
Research and development is not restricted to major companies; small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can also offer excellent careers to scientists. Many large companies are streamlining their research portfolios and are working with smaller organisations which specialise in particular technical areas.
Professional bodies can provide you with additional guidance and often have available listings of companies with interests in given subject areas.
Recruitment agencies can be a useful source of scientific vacancies. The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) has a database which you can search to find recruitment agencies specialising in your area. In addition, individual universities and university careers services tend to advertise positions on their own websites.
Get tips on job hunting, CVs and cover letters and interviews.
The Institute of Physics is a leading scientific society promoting physics and bringing physicists together for the benefit of all. It has a worldwide membership of around 40,000 comprising physicists from all sectors, as well as those with an interest in physics. Find out more about the Institute of Physics.
