The Science industry is constantly growing and changing, resulting in intense competition for qualified candidates in fields such as life sciences, research, and development. If your organization is seeking to hire Science professionals, a well-crafted job description is essential to attract both active and passive job seekers.
To assist you in creating an appealing summary of job duties and requirements, we offer Science job description templates. These templates include a range of relevant qualifications, skills, and work experience needed for various Science job titles, including Biochemist, Environmental Scientist, Mathematician, Research Analyst, Statistician, and many others. Sample job descriptions are available for your convenience.
What Do Science Professionals Do?
Scientists are responsible for conducting experiments and research, analyzing data, developing research proposals, and publishing their findings. With a variety of fields within the natural sciences, biology, and chemistry, scientists have numerous career paths to pursue. The scientist job description will depend on the specific focus of the role, discipline, and organization. If you are looking to hire research scientists, potential employers may include universities, government agencies, commercial companies, hospitals, or charities.
Research scientists work in a range of environments, including government laboratories, universities, private labs, and in the field. Their work may involve various fields such as stem cell research, genomics, biotechnologies, neuroscience, raw materials, plant science, or pharmacology.
Science Positions and Titles
Writing a science job description starts with choosing the right job title. Examples of science positions include the following:
- Biologist
- BotanistMathematician
- Research Scientist
- Ecologist
- Environmental Scientist
- Research Associate
Science Responsibilities and Duties
The responsibilities of scientists vary depending on the entity they are employed by and the goals of their clients, customers, or community. A job description for field or laboratory-based scientists will typically include the following responsibilities:
- Conducting scientific experiments and research
- Using and maintaining laboratory equipment
- Proposing and developing research projects and proposals
- Collecting and analyzing data
- Developing, proving, and disproving theories
- Securing research funding
- Developing new research methods and techniques
- Conducting controlled laboratory-based investigations
- Contributing to the expansion of scientific knowledge
- Publishing research findings in scientific journals and papers
- Conducting medical research
- Developing new products
- Following laboratory procedures and processes
- Supervising laboratory-based teams
- Utilizing mathematical, scientific, or climate modeling and computer software
- Attending conferences
- Advising policymakers
- Teaching in schools or universities
- Communicating with the research team or scientific community
- Summarizing research methodology
- Conducting peer reviews of research papers and publications
Essential Science Skills
Research scientists rely on a range of soft skills and abilities to carry out their work effectively. These include:
- Strong data analysis skills
- Numeracy and mathematical proficiency
- Excellent verbal communication skills
- Ability to concentrate for extended periods
- Initiative and self-motivation
- Proficiency with computers and software programs
- Advanced thinking and reasoning skills
- Keen attention to detail
- Aptitude for scientific research
- A systematic approach to tasks
- Problem-solving abilities
- Capability to work independently
- Patience in carrying out research tasks
- Effective presentation skills
- Networking and collaboration skills
- Ability to work well with others in a team-based environment
Science Education and Qualifications
Research scientists and other science professionals typically pursue higher education by attending university and earning a degree in their specific area of interest. Relevant degrees for various science career paths may include:
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Biopharmaceuticals
- Biotechnology
- Chemistry
- Climate Science
- Computer Science
- Earth Sciences
- Environmental Science
- Geology
- Marine Science
- Meteorology
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Oceanography
- Physics
Depending on their career goals and research interests, individuals may pursue a Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, or PhD in these fields or related areas of study.
Science Training and Experience
For senior roles in scientific research, work experience or additional training may be required to demonstrate a scientist or researcher's expertise and knowledge. Graduate candidates may have gained experience through Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) or completed a seven-year Research Scientist Degree Apprenticeship. There are also numerous training opportunities offered by organizations such as the Scientist Training Programme (STP), the Royal Society of Biology, and the Biochemical Society.
Frequently Asked Questions about Science Job Descriptions
Here we answer your science job description frequently asked questions.