Research scientist

Research scientists plan and lead experiments and investigations on a range of scientific topics.

Potential salary: £27,000 starter to £48,000 experienced per year
Typical hours: 39 to 41 a week. Working pattern: evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts.
Career area: Science and laboratory work
Where they might work: You could work in a laboratory or at a university. Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time. You may need to wear protective clothing.
A typical task: write research proposals and apply for funding
Subjects that may help: 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including a science, for a degree
Typical route: You usually need a first or 2:1 (upper second class) degree in a science subject to become a research scientist. Most research scientists continue to study for a postgraduate qualification like a PhD.
Interest area used here: Asking questions and research, Health and laboratory science

Career actions

What you might do

More tasks (3)

carry out research which supports the environment like turning waste products into fuel
work with reusable or recyclable equipment
use materials from local suppliers to reduce emissions from shipping

Consider which of these skills and ways of working appeal to you.

More skills

You usually need a first or 2:1 (upper second class) degree in a science subject to become a research scientist. Most research scientists continue to study for a postgraduate qualification like a PhD.
You could study on an integrated postgraduate master's course. These courses include independent research and are designed to lead directly on to a PhD.
You'll usually need:
2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including a science, for a degree
a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
equivalent entry requirements
student finance for fees and living costs
university courses and entry requirements

These are course families, not published offers. A link does not mean the degree is sufficient on its own.

Artificial Intelligence
Alternative route. Research roles usually expect postgraduate study.
Biological sciences
Common route. A first degree is the start. Independent research posts often need a postgraduate degree.
Biomedical science
Common route. Research posts often expect a strong degree and sometimes a postgraduate qualification.
Biotechnology
Common route. Industry and research roles often want a science degree plus experience. A PhD is common for independent research.
Food Science
Alternative route. Research and development posts often expect further experience.
Genetics
Common route. A common academic route, often followed by postgraduate study.
Materials Science
Common route. Research posts often expect a master's or doctorate.
Microbiology
Common route. A first degree plus, often, postgraduate research.
Neuroscience
Common route. Research posts often expect further study after the degree.
Nutrition
Alternative route. Research posts usually expect further study.
Pharmacology
Common route. Drug research often expects further study or industry training after the degree.
Public Health
Alternative route. Health research usually expects further methods training.

You could apply to do a degree apprenticeship if you want to work in a particular field of scientific research.
Apprenticeships include:
Scientist Level 6
Biomedical Scientist Level 6
Nuclear Scientist Level 6
Materials Science Technologist Level 6
Clinical Scientist Level 7
You could also do a Research Scientist Level 7 Apprenticeship, which is equivalent to postgraduate study.
These apprenticeships can take between 3 and 5 years to complete.
To get onto an apprenticeship, you'll find it useful to have:
4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship
equivalent entry requirements
guide to apprenticeships

Career progression

As a scientist with a research council or organisation, you could move into a senior research or laboratory management position.
In an academic post, once you've gained experience and published original research, you could progress to senior research fellow or professor and lead your own research team.
You could open up further opportunities for career development by gaining Chartered Scientist status .

2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including a science, for a degree
a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship