Research scientist apprenticeships - where to start
You can get into this job through
a university course
an apprenticeship
working towards this role
University
You'll need a good honours degree, usually first class or upper second, in a science subject related to your area of interest. Most research scientists then go on to study for a postgraduate qualification like a PhD.
Integrated postgraduate master's qualifications, like an MSci, MBiol, MPhys and MChem, can also be studied at university. These courses combine independent research and are designed to lead directly onto further study at PhD level.
You'll usually need 2 to 3 A-Levels, or equivalent, for a degree. You'll need a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study.
Apprenticeship
You could do a Level 7 research scientist degree apprenticeship.
This apprenticeship typically takes 30 months to complete.
It may give you some of the requirements you need to become a chartered scientist in your scientific field.
Employers will set their own entry requirements. You'll normally need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A-Levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship.
Work
It may be possible to start as a research assistant or graduate industrial scientist and study part-time for a PhD.
UK Research and Innovation and industrial companies sometimes work together to offer Collaborative Awards in Science and Engineering studentships. This would give you the opportunity to do a PhD while getting practical research experience in industry.
It may improve your chances of finding work if you've got work experience in a research department or your degree included a placement in a research environment.
As a graduate you could look for postgraduate training opportunities offered through Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP). In a KTP you would get the opportunity to run a research project together with an industrial organisation and a university or research body.
Research scientist apprenticeships - what it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- science skills
- thinking and reasoning skills
- excellent verbal communication skills
- the ability to use your initiative
- excellent written communication skills
- analytical thinking skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to read English
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
Research scientist apprenticeships - what you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
The nature of your work will depend on your specialism, but you could:
- draw up research proposals and apply for funding
- plan and carry out experiments
- keep accurate records of results
- analyse results and data
- present findings in scientific journals, books or at conferences
- carry out fieldwork (collecting samples and monitoring environmental factors)
- develop new products or ways of applying new discoveries
- improve manufacturing production methods
- test products or materials
- teach and supervise student research projects
Working environment
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.
Career path and progression - Research scientist apprenticeships
As a scientist with research councils and institutes or in industry, you could progress to 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, leading your own team.
You could demonstrate your commitment to professional development and work towards professional recognition like Chartered Scientist status.