What Do Scientists Do?
Wondering what the job is really like for scientists?
You've come to the right place.
Keep reading to find detailed information about what scientists do, including the type of work they are tasked with on a daily basis, industries in which they work, and the specific skills needed for a successful career.
Scientists Overview & Description
Let's get started with the basics about scientists by taking a look at a simple description and popular job titles.
Scientists formulate and apply mathematical modeling and other optimizing methods to develop and interpret information that assists management with decisionmaking, policy formulation, or other managerial functions. May collect and analyze data and develop decision support software, services, or products. May develop and supply optimal time, cost, or logistics networks for program evaluation, review, or implementation.
Popular Job Titles For Scientists
Sample of Reported Job Titles
- Directors of Business Development
- Research Associates
- Operations Analysts
- Research Assistants
- Scientists
- Research Scientists
- Business Operations Analysts
- Research Analysts
- Operations Support Specialists
- Research Specialists
- Researchers
- Research Technicians
Read on for insight into the industries where the highest concentration of jobs for scientists can be found.
Best Industries for Scientists
Scientists Jobs By Industry
- Computer Systems Design and Related Services: 9.3%
- Management of Companies and Enterprises: 9.1%
- Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services: 8.4%
- Depository Credit Intermediation: 8%
- Federal Government, Civilian: 6.8%
- Insurance Carriers: 5.6%
- Other: 52.8%
When it comes to jobs in the United States, the largest single category of scientists can be found working in the Computer Systems Design and Related Services sector. In 2022, about 9.3% of all jobs for scientists were found there.
Other top industries by percentage include Management of Companies and Enterprises (9.1%), Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services (8.4%), Depository Credit Intermediation (8%), Federal Government, Civilian (6.8%) and Insurance Carriers (5.6%).
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Degree Options for Scientists
With an associate of science in business administration degree, you’ll dig into the functional areas of business and learn how to connect each function with the others to advance business goals and further outcomes while you prepare for a variety of roles in operations, sales, management and coordination.
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Build a strong foundation of real-world business knowledge suitable for a variety of career options in your industry of choice.
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- Accreditation: IACBE
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
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Months To Complete: 12
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
- Class Type: 100% online
- Months To Complete: 19
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Get theory-to-practice knowledge in data management, data visualization and data-informed decision making to improve efficiency and effectiveness in all areas of business with Franklin’s online accredited MBA with a Specialization in Business Analytics.
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
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- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Develop into a well-rounded, adaptive and strategic business leader with a comprehensive mindset.
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
What Do Scientists Do on a Daily Basis?
So you have a high-level understanding of what scientists do and the types of industries in which they work - but what do they really do each day?
A great way to understand the type of work scientists do is to examine actual job postings and focus on the specific skills that employers are seeking. That will help paint a clearer picture of the tasks that scientists tackle each day.
Continue reading for a breakdown of specialized skills found in job postings for scientists, as well as common skills - interpersonal qualities and attributes - that can help you thrive in the workplace.
In-Demand Skills for Today's Scientists
Based on 226,769 job postings
Top 5 Specialized Skills for Scientists
| Skills | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Data Analysis | 40,136 | 18% |
| Project Management | 30,589 | 13% |
| Biology | 25,466 | 11% |
| Business Development | 23,131 | 10% |
| Finance | 22,956 | 10% |
Top 5 Common Skills for Scientists
| Skills | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Research | 137,703 | 61% |
| Communications | 95,085 | 42% |
| Management | 68,218 | 30% |
| Operations | 68,140 | 30% |
| Writing | 52,431 | 23% |
Based on 226,769 job postings related to scientists, data analysis was the top specialized skill sought by employers, with 18% of all postings looking for that skillset. Skills for project management, biology, business development, finance and marketing were also highly sought.
As for common skills, research was the most desired skill found in job postings for scientists, followed by communications, management, operations, writing and leadership.
| Skill | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Data Analysis | 40,136 | 18% |
| Project Management | 30,589 | 13% |
| Biology | 25,466 | 11% |
| Business Development | 23,131 | 10% |
| Finance | 22,956 | 10% |
| Marketing | 22,807 | 10% |
| Data Collection | 18,170 | 8% |
| Python (Programming Language) | 18,132 | 8% |
| Process Improvement | 15,332 | 7% |
| Biochemical Assays | 14,942 | 7% |
| Computer Science | 14,935 | 7% |
| Molecular Biology | 14,790 | 7% |
| Workflow Management | 14,604 | 6% |
| Accounting | 13,888 | 6% |
| Auditing | 13,642 | 6% |
| SQL (Programming Language) | 13,596 | 6% |
| Biochemistry | 13,481 | 6% |
| New Product Development | 12,961 | 6% |
| R (Programming Language) | 12,934 | 6% |
| Cell Cultures | 10,935 | 5% |
| Skill | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Research | 137,703 | 61% |
| Communications | 95,085 | 42% |
| Management | 68,218 | 30% |
| Operations | 68,140 | 30% |
| Writing | 52,431 | 23% |
| Leadership | 48,062 | 21% |
| Detail Oriented | 45,585 | 20% |
| Presentations | 41,899 | 18% |
| Problem Solving | 40,052 | 18% |
| Microsoft Excel | 38,260 | 17% |
| Planning | 32,765 | 14% |
| Microsoft Office | 28,413 | 13% |
| Sales | 27,664 | 12% |
| Verbal Communication Skills | 27,187 | 12% |
| Customer Service | 27,130 | 12% |
| Innovation | 26,913 | 12% |
| Interpersonal Communications | 26,563 | 12% |
| Self-Motivation | 25,808 | 11% |
| Microsoft PowerPoint | 24,597 | 11% |
| Organizational Skills | 24,080 | 11% |
Most In-Demand Jobs for Scientists
Top 5 Posted Job Titles
| Job Title | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Directors of Business Development | 30,259 | 12.9% |
| Research Associates | 30,574 | 13% |
| Operations Analysts | 17,747 | 7.6% |
| Research Assistants | 32,633 | 13.9% |
| Scientists | 13,116 | 5.6% |
According to job postings that were published between September 2021 and August 2022, the top job sought by employers was directors of business development, with 12,571 unique job postings. Research associates were second, with 6,871 postings, followed by operations analysts, research assistants and scientists.
Expand the section below to see unique job postings for all occupations related to scientists.
| Job Title | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Directors of Business Development | 30,259 | 12.9% |
| Research Associates | 30,574 | 13% |
| Operations Analysts | 17,747 | 7.6% |
| Research Assistants | 32,633 | 13.9% |
| Scientists | 13,116 | 5.6% |
| Research Scientists | 13,600 | 5.8% |
| Business Operations Analysts | 7,690 | 3.3% |
| Research Analysts | 9,012 | 3.8% |
| Operations Support Specialists | 7,888 | 3.4% |
| Research Specialists | 13,454 | 5.7% |
| Researchers | 8,479 | 3.6% |
| Research Technicians | 8,548 | 3.6% |
| Principal Scientists | 4,530 | 1.9% |
| Research Fellows | 5,214 | 2.2% |
| Operations Research Analysts | 3,922 | 1.7% |
| Business Operations Specialists | 4,380 | 1.9% |
| Associate Scientists | 3,595 | 1.5% |
| Research Coordinators | 6,045 | 2.6% |
| Applied Scientists | 3,835 | 1.6% |
| Life Science Research Professionals | 10,427 | 4.4% |
Additional Links
Ready to dig deeper into career information for scientists? Visit our other pages focused on salary and education for scientists.
How much do scientists make?
Scientists: How do you become one?
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