Research scientist | Average UK Salary & Outlook

Research scientists plan and carry out experiments and investigations to broaden scientific knowledge.

  • Analyze problems to develop solutions involving computer hardware and software.  
  • Apply theoretical expertise and innovation to create or apply new technology, such as adapting principles for applying computers to new uses.  
  • Assign or schedule tasks to meet work priorities and goals.  
  • Meet with managers, vendors, and others to solicit
Read more about Research scientist

Research scientists typically work around 39 to 41 hours per week.

As a Research scientist you will typically work evenings / weekends / bank holidays.

This occupation tends to be:

  • Investigative — Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
  • Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and
Read more about Research scientist
* from ONETonline
Average salary
21,708 GBP *
per year
15,000 GBP
60,000 GBP
Starting
5+ Experience
* data taken from the Office of National Statistics (ons.gov.uk)
Average salary for Research scientist
Average salary for part-time Research scientist
Average salary for full-time Research scientist

Showing:
  • 7,011 GBP
  • 21,708 GBP
Salary over time for Research scientist

Pay for this role has increased slightly over time
  • 17,052 GBP
  • 20,273 GBP
  • 17,699 GBP
  • 21,708 GBP
  • 23,805 GBP
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Future outlook for Research scientists

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Balanced outlook
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Very good outlook
6% yearly wage growth (on average)
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Balanced outlook
50% chance of automation in the future

Research scientist - Your future job?


Which qualifications do I need?

Find out what you need to know in order to become a Research scientist and the highest average level of education for people in this role.

In terms of people already doing this job:

  • % of people in this role have a Bachelor's degree
  • % of people in this role have a Doctoral degree
  • % of people in this role have a Master's degree

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

Get the right qualification to begin your journey to becoming a Research scientist

Science

Things to highlight for your Research scientist interview

Analytical Thinking Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems. Cooperation Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude. Attention to Detail Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. Independence Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done. Achievement/Effort Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.

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