Research Scientists: How to Become One
If you were to ask a group of research scientists about how they arrived at their current job, there's a good chance you would get several different answers about the paths and steps that each person took.
That said, there are still ways that you can develop a baseline understanding of the preparation that is necessary to become one.
The Best Adult Colleges and Careers Guide has gathered data to provide you with insight into the type of education that's commonly required for research scientists to land a job. This page contains information, sourced from real job postings, that describes the experience levels and specific skills that employers of research scientists expect candidates to have. In the end, this information will help you create an education or professional development plan that aligns with your career aspirations.
Keep reading to learn more about career steps for research scientists.
What Education & Experience is Needed for Research Scientists?
Do research scientists need a degree? What kind of experience do research scientists typically need? Thanks to data sourced from Lightcast™ from real job postings, we can get some clarity on those questions, as well as the level of education that is commonly required for research scientists to secure jobs.
Education Level Required in Job Postings for Research Scientists
Jobs Postings for Research Scientists By Education
- Bachelor's degree: 3,437 (34%)
- Ph.D. or professional degree: 2,852 (28%)
- Master's degree: 2,378 (24%)
- No Education Listed: 1,117 (11%)
- High School or GED: 272 (3%)
A bachelor's degree is the level of education sought the most by employers of research scientists. According to job data, a bachelor's degree was required for 34% of positions. In 28% of job listings a ph.d. or professional degree was required and in 24% of postings a master's degree was required.
Experience Level Required in Job Postings for Research Scientists
Jobs Postings for Research Scientists By Experience
- 0-1 Years: 955 (26%)
- 2-3 Years: 913 (25%)
- 4-6 Years: 914 (25%)
- 7-9 Years: 334 (9%)
- 10+ Years: 539 (15%)
While the amount of required experience will vary based on the responsibility and seniority of the position, an aggregate view of job posting data can help paint a picture of the experience level sought for most job openings for research scientists. In 26% of job postings for Research Scientists, employers were looking for candidates with 0-1 years of experience. In 25% of listings employers were looking for candidates with 4-6 years of experience, while 2-3 years of experience was sought in 25% of job postings for research scientists.
What Kind of Degree Do Research Scientists Need?
So far this page has provided detail into the level of education and the amount of experience required in job openings for research scientists, but what type of education or degree will help prepare you for a career in the field?
According to occupational data obtained through Lightcast,™ there are 24 key academic programs that can help prepare prospective research scientists, and in 2023 a total of 241,705 of those programs were completed at institutions in the United States.
Check out the information below to learn more about the specific programs that should be considered by prospective research scientists.
Top Degree Programs for Research Scientists
Top 5 Degree Programs for Research Scientists (2023)
| Program | Completions |
|---|---|
| Computer Science. | 72,432 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | 62,365 |
| Information Technology. | 35,591 |
| Information Science/Studies. | 20,146 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | 12,850 |
| Program | Completions |
|---|---|
| Computer Science. | 72,432 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | 62,365 |
| Information Technology. | 35,591 |
| Information Science/Studies. | 20,146 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | 12,850 |
| Computer Programming/Programmer, General. | 9,615 |
| Data Science, General. | 4,387 |
| Computer/Information Technology Services Administration and Management, Other. | 3,190 |
| Computer Systems Analysis/Analyst. | 2,835 |
| Informatics. | 2,793 |
| Medical Informatics. | 2,611 |
| Computer Programming, Specific Applications. | 2,399 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, Other. | 2,301 |
| Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other. | 2,000 |
| Computer Software and Media Applications, Other. | 1,762 |
| Artificial Intelligence. | 1,271 |
| Bioinformatics. | 1,245 |
| Modeling, Virtual Environments and Simulation. | 915 |
| Cloud Computing. | 730 |
| Computer Programming, Other. | 161 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications, Other. | 72 |
| Data Science, Other. | 29 |
| Medical Illustration and Informatics, Other. | 4 |
| Cheminformatics/Chemistry Informatics. | 1 |
Top Online College For Working Adults
Franklin University is a top choice for adults who need to balance school with busy lives. Founded in 1902 in Columbus, Ohio, Franklin's main focus has been serving adult students and tailoring education to fit their needs. Nonprofit and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org/800.621.7440), Franklin offers more than 50 affordable bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs — all available 100% online.
Degree Options for Research Scientists
Learn to translate business requirements into robust yet functional software applications and database designs to help businesses not only run but thrive, and jump start your career as a user support specialist, computer system analyst, or software developer.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Equip yourself for a role as an IT, network or help desk specialist with fundamental technology skills, including medium-scale network administration, small website and application development, and database design and querying.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Go beyond basic programming and develop the technical skills necessary to apply, design, and implement software systems.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Bridge the gap between business and technology and develop the interpersonal skills to become an IT liaison in your organization.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Harness the power of data by creating data-driven strategies and communicating data insights with a B.S. Information Systems-Analytics Focus.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Develop your ability to lead, communicate and make strategic decisions that impact projects and processes with a B.S. Information Systems-Business Analysis & Project Management Focus
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Build technical savvy and business acumen that bridges the gap between business and technology with a B.S. Information Systems with a Business Information Systems focus.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Get the knowledge to manage healthcare data, navigate regulations and inform ethical decision-making with a B.S. Information Systems-Healthcare Information Systems Focus
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Play a vital role in any business environment by designing and implementing mission-critical infrastructure, security, and servers.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Develop the advanced technical skills needed to turn complex programming specifications into well-designed computer programs.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Deliver high-quality software that helps companies and organizations maintain data security and integrity with Franklin’s 20-month online M.S. in Computer Science with a focus in Cybersecurity.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Months To Complete: 20
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Learn to create scalable software systems that Improve organizational effectiveness and efficiency by earning Franklin’s 20-month online M.S. in Computer Science with a focus in Software Systems. The hands-on, theory-to-practice program will prepare you to be an asset in a variety of industries
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Earn your M.S. in Information Technology degree 100% online in as few as 16 months.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Months To Complete: 16
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Earn your M.S. in Information Technology degree with a focus in Cybersecurity 100% online in as few as 16 months.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Months To Complete: 16
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Earn your M.S. in Information Technology degree with a focus in Data Analytics 100% online in as few as 16 months.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Months To Complete: 16
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Earn your M.S. in Information Technology degree with a focus in Healthcare 100% online in as few as 16 months.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Months To Complete: 16
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Earn your M.S. in Information Technology degree with a focus in IT Leadership 100% online in as few as 16 months.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Months To Complete: 16
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Earn your M.S. in Information Technology degree with a focus in IT Management 100% online in as few as 16 months.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Months To Complete: 16
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Earn your M.S. in Information Technology degree with a focus in Learning Technology 100% online in as few as 16 months.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Months To Complete: 16
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Certificates & Microcredentials for Research Scientists
Start your cloud computing journey with AWS certificate courses for beginners and keep up with the fast pace of innovation.
- Class Type: 100% Online
- Time To Complete: 1-2 months
- Cost: $35/month
This DeepLearning AI certificate course lets you dive into the cutting-edge world of AI specialization, machine learning and data-driven solutions.
- Class Type: 100% Online
- Time To Complete: 4-5 months
- Cost: $35/month
In-demand programmers know Git. You can, too, with GitHub certificate courses that put you among the ranks of other Git certification-ready development pros.
- Class Type: 100% Online
- Time To Complete: 3-4 months
- Cost: $35/month
Fast track your IT career with the Google IT support training and certificate that helps you learn about network protocols, operating systems, and solving problems using code.
- Class Type: 100% Online
- Time To Complete: 4-5 months
- Cost: $35/month
Put your creativity to work with these Google UX design courses that equip you to build and test user-centered solutions and to use Google Analytics to improve usability.
- Class Type: 100% Online
- Time To Complete: 4-5 months
- Cost: $35/month
Develop practical skills in Python and IBM applied AI thanks to deep learning courses that show you how to design, build and deploy AI-powered apps.
- Class Type: 100% Online
- Time To Complete: 4-5 months
- Cost: $35/month
Build your cloud developer portfolio with this hands-on IBM full stack cloud developer certificate course that uses the latest tools and technologies to manage full stack cloud native apps.
- Class Type: 100% Online
- Time To Complete: 5-6 months
- Cost: $35/month
- Class Type: 100% Online
- Time To Complete: 1-2 months
- Cost: $35/month
What Skills Do Research Scientists Need?
Education and experience have been covered, so what are the specific skills and traits needed by research scientists to secure a job?
A good way to understand this is to examine actual job postings for skills commonly sought by employers. Continue reading for a breakdown of specialized skills found in job postings for research scientists, as well as common skills that can help you thrive in the workplace.
In-Demand Skills for Today's Research Scientists
Based on 6,582 job postings
Top 5 Specialized Skills for Research Scientists
| Skills | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | 3,587 | 54% |
| Python (Programming Language) | 2,503 | 38% |
| Machine Learning | 2,415 | 37% |
| Artificial Intelligence | 1,982 | 30% |
| Statistics | 1,513 | 23% |
Top 5 Common Skills for Research Scientists
| Skills | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Research | 3,939 | 60% |
| Communication | 2,279 | 35% |
| Mathematics | 1,935 | 29% |
| Management | 1,397 | 21% |
| Writing | 1,380 | 21% |
Based on 6,582 job postings related to research scientists, computer science was the top specialized skill sought by employers, with 54% of all postings looking for that skillset. Skills for python (programming language), machine learning, artificial intelligence, statistics and algorithms were also highly sought.
As for common skills, research was the most desired skill found in job postings for research scientists, followed by communication, mathematics, management, writing and innovation.
| Skill | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | 3,587 | 54% |
| Python (Programming Language) | 2,503 | 38% |
| Machine Learning | 2,415 | 37% |
| Artificial Intelligence | 1,982 | 30% |
| Statistics | 1,513 | 23% |
| Algorithms | 1,441 | 22% |
| Software Engineering | 1,325 | 20% |
| C++ (Programming Language) | 1,231 | 19% |
| Computer Engineering | 1,136 | 17% |
| Data Science | 1,097 | 17% |
| Software Development | 1,054 | 16% |
| R (Programming Language) | 1,026 | 16% |
| Data Analysis | 976 | 15% |
| Natural Language Processing (NLP) | 945 | 14% |
| Java (Programming Language) | 906 | 14% |
| Physics | 878 | 13% |
| Systems Design | 838 | 13% |
| Programming Languages | 825 | 13% |
| Deep Learning | 815 | 12% |
| Project Management | 813 | 12% |
| Skill | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Research | 3,939 | 60% |
| Communication | 2,279 | 35% |
| Mathematics | 1,935 | 29% |
| Management | 1,397 | 21% |
| Writing | 1,380 | 21% |
| Innovation | 1,273 | 19% |
| Operations | 1,167 | 18% |
| Problem Solving | 910 | 14% |
| Presentations | 893 | 14% |
| Leadership | 824 | 13% |
| Verbal Communication Skills | 697 | 11% |
| Teaching | 677 | 10% |
| Mentorship | 615 | 9% |
| Interpersonal Communications | 555 | 8% |
| Troubleshooting (Problem Solving) | 522 | 8% |
| Information Technology | 516 | 8% |
| Planning | 505 | 8% |
| Self-Motivation | 490 | 7% |
| Coordinating | 440 | 7% |
| English Language | 357 | 5% |
Additional Links
Ready to dig deeper into career information about research scientists? Visit our other pages focused on salary and education for research scientists.
What do research scientists do?
How much do research scientists make?
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