Research Scientist
Run original research in a specialist scientific field.
This UK research scientist career guide covers what the role involves day to day, typical salary at each stage, the usual entry route, the skills employers expect, and related careers worth comparing.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £28,000 - £38,000
- Mid-career salary
- £40,000 - £60,000
- Senior salary
- £70,000 - £120,000+
- Work environment
- Lab, industry, or academia
- Time to entry
- 5 - 8 years (PhD route)
- Degree required
- Yes (PhD usually)
- Category
- Education, Science and Research
What a Research Scientist does
Run original research in a specialist scientific field.
How to become a Research Scientist
- Look up Research Scientist roles on LinkedIn or Indeed and read 5 real job ads
- Talk to someone already working as a Research Scientist - even a 15-minute call helps
- Find one beginner course or qualification used by people in this role
- Build one small piece of evidence you've explored this (project, shadowing, short course)
- Apply to one entry-level role or related opportunity within the next month
Key skills
- Subject expertise
- Experimental design
- Writing
- Persistence