Research Scientist
Research Scientists are often multi-disciplinary, with experience of using a range of scientific reearch techniques covering Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, and Genetics, depending on the environment. Often one of the most innovative sectors for Research Scientists is Synthetic Biology, which has a wide range of applications as well as the potential to impact on society significantly. Examples of the applications are bio production, use of waste feedstocks for the manufacture of high value products, manipulation of virus or mammalian cells to be used within Viral Vector manufacture, and Cell & Gene Therapies. Due to the relative youth of this sector this is an area where the most creative and forward thinking research scientists will be able to bring their ideas to the market, right at the cutting edge of new discoveries and innovations. New technologies such as CRISPR will transform the industry and are now becoming more commonplace, with so many applications yet to be explored and true impact to be measured.
Research Scientists tend to have quite standard job titles – Junior Research Scientist, Senior Research Scientist, Lead Scientist, Principal Scientist and so on.
Skills and Experience required to become a Research Scientist
PhD or equivalent in a relevant field
Post doctoral experience in a commercial environment
Automation, statistics, design of experiments and/or programming
Multidisciplinary industrial environment
Excellent communication skills
Ability to use your own initiative to work autonomously
Knowledge of GMLP / GLP or ISO Standards
Innovative, creative scientist who enjoys problem solving
Salary Levels
Research Scientists can receive a wide range of salaries depending on their seniority and areas of expertise. A graduate-level Research Scientist would expect to earn something around £23k - £25k initially and to then progress up through each next phase of their career as a Research Scientist, especially in specialist areas such as Viral Vector science, Fermentation and Genetic Manipulation.