Scientist jobs with large responsibilities, like overseeing other scientists, usually require a Ph.D. or at a least master’s degree. However, most scientist jobs include at least some kind of research, and many of them specialize in it. For example, materials scientists and chemists work with chemicals and are continually deriving new products from those chemicals by combining them in different ways and finding new uses for them. Some examples of products that have been found with this type of research include electronics, drugs to treat diseases, cloth fibers, adhesives, cosmetics, plastics, and lubricants.
Many research scientists also do a very important job, because they continually work on ways to reduce pollution and to save energy. This is something that is of dire concern today. In addition, chemists and materials scientists also make strides that improve the lives of everyone by helping improve the efficiency of food production, coming up with new food products and medicines, and in general bettering people’s lives by making improving efficiency, reducing expenses, and increasing abundance of products.
Research and Development
Today’s modern scientist actually does a lot of work outside of the laboratory, working in research and development. Work is done in the laboratory, true, but much of what scientists do is done interactively with teams of people including engineers, economists, and those involved in marketing and business practices. Therefore, scientists need an understanding of these areas on an at least basic level so that they can communicate with others in different areas on the team. The idea is to get everyone to work together to produce the least expensive and most effective products possible.
With research and development jobs, scientists work on creating new products or making improvements to those that already exist. They use their knowledge of the laws that determine structural and substance behavior to study how substances react to each other, to figure out what they’re made of, and to figure out how they may be used together in new combinations.
The Role of Computer Technology
Computers are gaining an increasingly important role in scientific work. Therefore, every scientist, no matter his or her specialty, must also be well versed in computers. Computers help scientists analyze complex data much more quickly and inexpensively than was possible before this technology was available. This means that scientists can try new things, come up with myriad combinations, and figure out whether or not it is possible to reduce the cost of these substances. Because the process is so much less laborious working with computers can make several processes move much more quickly. Among the things they work on with this type of analysis is drug development for diseases that were previously not treated well or could not be treated at all.
Possible Areas to Focus on in Your Scientific Education
Even as some areas of scientific research and education founder somewhat, such as those involved with manufacturing new products, others are growing and will need new scientists to fill out their ranks as the fields expand and some scientists head for retirement. For example, the biotechnology and pharmaceutical areas will be expanding, which means that more scientists will be needed for these areas. Because the United States has an aging population, these areas are going to need scientists in greater numbers, even as the manufacturing industry is feeling the effects of the poor economy and resulting chemist and scientist jobs will be dropping off somewhat.
Therefore, if you have an interest in biotechnology or pharmaceutical research, these are two growing areas to get into. The medical field is increasingly looking for ways to treat previously untreatable diseases. The aforementioned computer technology has been a great help in letting them do this, since they can analyze and differentiate so many different formulations, combinations, and interactions much more quickly than they could previously.
Education and Background
Regardless of the area you get into with your particular choice of scientist jobs, you’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree in your chosen area of study such as chemistry or a related field. This will give you an opportunity to gain an entry-level job; as you advance in your career, you may be required to obtain a master’s degree or a Ph.D., especially if you move into managerial or educational positions.
The Basics
Before you choose your area of expertise, taking courses in sciences and mathematics is very important. You should also like working with other people, because you’ll be working with teams of experts including engineers, physicians, or managers from pharmaceutical companies. You’ll need at least a basic and rudimentary understanding of things like economics and business management, especially if the products you work on are for-profit.
In addition, you’ll need to communicate well. Perhaps most importantly, though, you’ll need to be able to break down scientific terminology into layman’s terms, so that others on your team who do not have your in-depth knowledge of science can understand what your research.
Compensation and Outlook
While jobs in the manufacturing industries will be foundering, those in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals will be expanding. Therefore, scientists with this type of expertise will be in demand. On average, scientists involved in research earned about $60,000 annually, as of 2006.
