5 Careers In Scientific Research, Development & Discovery

To be a scientist, it takes a certain caliber of person, whether that be a career in the field of biology, chemistry, or physics, and there are, as you might expect, a plethora of career opportunities in terms of progression. So, whether you are an aspiring scientific researcher still studying for a university degree or looking to move into another specialism, this article is for you. Here are five prominent, immersive, and competitively salaried careers in scientific research, development, and discovery.

1. A Microbiologist

One of the most fascinating career pathways in the biological field of scientific discovery is that of a microbiologist. Microbiologists study every possible type of microorganism you could imagine, from viruses and bacteria to fungi and algae, and in some cases, they often work with particular forms of parasites too. To work in the field of scientific research and discovery, it is typical for a microbiologist to hold a Ph.D.

2. A Gene Specialist

Gene editing (also alternatively referred to as genome editing) is an incredibly specialist and equally important aspect of working to change the basic DNA of an organism with a view to finding new and more effective, fast-acting cures for different diseases. Working with innovative gene editing with piggyBac Transposon systems means gene specialists and other scientific researchers are at the forefront of drug development and is both an admirable and exceedingly specialized pursuit.

3. A Nanotechnologist

At the point where technology and science come together are the nanotechnologists, who work with matter on the infinitely small nanoscale. Nanotechnologists work to develop and improve diagnostic tools, equipment, materials, and drugs through their research.

Nanotechnologists work in a wide variety of fields, including the following:

• Engineering
• Physics
• Chemistry
• Computer Science
• Medicine
• Biology
• Manufacturing

You simply select one that interests you the most or where your skillset lies.

4. Research Scientist

For those people who hold a master’s degree (or higher) in research science, more often than not move straight into a professional career as, you guessed it, a research scientist. Typical roles and responsibilities of a research scientist include conducting and designing scientific experiments in a wide variety of fields, communicating the results of their findings to the scientific community at large, and collating, processing, and analyzing data and results.

Research scientists are usually directed to one or more specialisms under the umbrella heading of ‘life sciences’, such as genomics, neurosciences, pharmacology, plant sciences, or stem cell research.

5. Biomedical Scientist

The fifth and final career in scientific research and discovery within this article, and one of the most intricately specialized of them all, is a career in biomedical science. Biomedical scientists help develop temporary vaccinations and permanent cures for serious and possibly fatal diseases and life-threatening viruses in humans. Such scientific professionals analyze a huge number of tissues, blood, feces, and urine and look for specific constituents of a chemical nature using manual and computer-aided techniques and procedures.

Additionally, biomedical scientists also liaise with other medical professionals and present their findings to medical boards.