Research scientist (physical sciences)

As a research scientist working in physical sciences, you'll typically specialise in one discipline and will design and conduct experiments to further knowledge in the area and possibly to develop practical applications. The work is mostly laboratory based, with some time spent in the office planning and writing up experiments. Field work or work in other settings depends on the nature of the project.

There are many areas in which you can specialise depending on your own interests. Examples include:

• astronomy
• geosciences
• materials science
• meteorology
• nuclear chemistry
• ocean currents
• physics.

If you're employed within industry your research may lead to developments in new materials, products or technologies. Within academia you can contribute towards emerging theories and will share your findings with peers to broaden scientific understanding. This may involve publishing papers or presenting findings at conferences.

Academic research is increasingly collaborative across all scientific fields, and scientific research typically involves spending a significant amount of time on joint projects.

What does a research scientist in the physical sciences do?

The nature of the work depends on the area of physical sciences in which you're working, whether you're in an industrial or an academic setting, and your level of responsibility.

However, in general you'll need to:

• plan and conduct experiments to record, investigate and analyse scientific phenomena
• operate complex instrumentation
• extrapolate data to develop theories to explain phenomena
• arrange the testing of products or materials to ensure that they meet quality standards
• develop new products and apply new methodologies, or develop innovative methods to improve existing products
• maintain accurate records of results, and write up results in reports and/or scientific papers or books
• in industry, ensure that the manufacture of new products and materials can be carried out without problems regardless of scale
• write applications for funding (most usual in academia)
• collaborate with other scientists, and manage a research team or group of research students
• carry out fieldwork (collecting samples and monitoring environment)
• teach or lecture students (this may be a requirement of some but not all academic research posts).

You'll also need to disseminate your results to others as well as keep up to date with advancements in your field, which means you'll need to:

• read web-based research and specialist literature
• attend scientific presentations and discussions
• share findings from your work at departmental meetings
• give presentations at national and international conferences
• write papers for peer-review and scientific journals (this is less common in industry).

If you work in industrial research and development, you'll probably be allocated specific projects. In smaller organisations, you may be involved in all stages of production, from concept to delivery to the customer.

Research scientist (physical sciences) salaries

• If you're doing a PhD and have been awarded a studentship, it may provide a tax-free stipend to help cover living costs. This is currently at least £21,805 (for the 2026/27 academic year) if funded by UKRI. Some institutions may award higher amounts or you may receive more if you're industry funded or based in London.
• Once you're working as a research scientist after completing an MSc, MPhil or PhD you'll typically earn in the region of £30,000 to £48,000 depending on your specialist subject, experience and whether you work in academia or industry. Entry-level postdoctoral researchers typically earn between £33,000 and £41,000.
• University professors or senior researchers with high levels of responsibility can achieve salaries ranging from £68,000 to in excess of £100,000.

Most academic institutions in the UK follow a single pay spine for all grades of staff. Pay varies according to whether you're the leader of your own research group, part of a team of researchers or whether you've secured a lectureship while continuing your research.

Pay is generally higher in the private sector. Larger companies may pay more than smaller, specialist employers, although these smaller employers may offer earlier responsibility and a broader range of activities.

Income figures are intended as a guide only.

Typical working hours for a research scientist (physical sciences)

Your hours will vary depending on whether you're based within academia or industry. You'll typically have some flexibility with your start and finish times in academia but you may need to work additional hours if you have responsibility for postgraduate students.

Within industry, you may have to fit in with shift patterns and commercial deadlines but overtime pay may be offered.

Due to the nature of experimental work, hours can be irregular in either setting and may require some evening and weekend work. You may also be required to work longer hours when grant application deadlines are looming or an important experiment is underway.

How to become a research scientist (physical sciences)

To enter into research in the physical sciences you'll need a good honours degree, usually a 2:1 or above in a related science subject. Relevant subject areas include physical, mathematical and applied sciences. In particular, these can include:

• astrophysics
• chemistry
• computer science
• earth science/geology
• geography
• mathematics
• materials science
• metallurgy
• meteorology
• nuclear science
• physics
• software engineering.

Many employers also require you to have either a research-based MSc or a PhD, or to be working towards one, particularly for higher-level roles. Career progression without a PhD (particularly in academia) is likely to be limited. You may be able to study for the postgraduate qualification part time while also working in your research role. Search postgraduate courses.

If you have a foundation degree or HND only, you may be able to enter at a technician level but further study and qualifications would be required in order to progress beyond this point.

Funding is made available to research institutions via the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). This is passed on to students in the form of scholarships, bursaries and studentships. Contact individual universities, research institutions or industrial partners to find out more about funding options.

If you're planning to do postdoctoral study or to undertake postdoctoral research contracts, you should identify researchers in your field of interest using directories, scientific journals and your own network of contacts. You can also discuss your research interests with your academic supervisor. Make applications for research degrees early so that departments have time to apply for funding on your behalf.

Key skills for a research scientist (physical sciences)

You'll need to have:

• technical and scientific skills
• research and analytical skills and a logical approach to problem solving
• communication and presentation skills, for writing reports and papers for publication and to present your research at conferences
• the capacity to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively
• the ability to collaborate with others and work well in a team
• project management skills
• self-motivation and patience.

Physical science research work experience

Practical laboratory experience and knowledge of the range of techniques used will improve your chances when applying for research jobs. This experience can be achieved through a placement year in industry during your degree or vacation work.

Pre-entry work experience can also be useful in making sure research work is right for you. Try to gain experience in both academia and industry as it will help to illustrate how the two environments differ and will inform your future career choice.

Some scientific organisations offer research-based summer placements for undergraduate students and you may also be able to get work experience in a university research department. Be prepared to make speculative applications as well as applying for advertised positions. You can also get in touch with potential academic supervisors to ask for work shadowing opportunities.

Postdoctoral research experience is useful, and usually essential, for academic posts.

You should also try to keep up with developments in the area and read peer reviews. Organisations such as the EPSRC provide news and publications relevant to the field and can be a good way to stay up to date.

Find out more about the different kinds of work experience and internships that are available.

Who employs research scientists (physical sciences)

Physical sciences researchers are employed in universities, government laboratories and industry.

The physical sciences cover a range of disciplines, and there are employers across many sectors of industry including:

• aerospace
• chemicals
• defence
• electronics
• energy
• environment
• food and consumer products
• materials
• nuclear
• pharmaceuticals.

There are research and development opportunities available with national and multinational companies, as well as with small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Job opportunities are also available through Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs). This is a joint project between a graduate, an organisation and a 'knowledge base', such as a university or a research organisation, which allows graduates and postgraduates to apply research in a commercial environment.

Look for job vacancies at:

• Jobs.ac.uk
• Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP)
• Nature Careers
• Physics World Jobs
• Times Higher Education Jobs

Individual companies and academic institutions also advertise vacancies on their websites.

Specialist recruitment agencies can be a useful source of scientific vacancies. These include:

• ADLIB
• Cranleigh STEM
• CY Partners
• SRG

What are the career prospects and development opportunities for physical science researchers?

Physical science researcher career structures vary, but career paths tend to be well defined in all sectors and are dependent on achieving research goals.

Scientists in industry initially work in hands-on functions to increase their knowledge and practical skills. As you gain experience, you take on greater responsibility for projects and manage the work of other scientists. You may undertake a senior, specialist research role, or move into other scientific and commercial functions. Experienced researchers may also progress into consultancy work. Career development in international companies may depend on being prepared to take on projects or secondments overseas.

In industry, most employers will offer you training and support to make sure you keep up to date with developments and new technologies in the field. Some larger industrial employers offer graduate training programmes.

In academic research, a PhD is usually followed by short-term postdoctoral research contracts (up to three years). You may take up advertised positions or apply speculatively to an established scientist with whom you would like to work. These may be based in laboratories worldwide.

If you're studying for a PhD while working in a physical sciences research post, you will be supported by a supervisor. You're likely to receive additional training, which may be offered by the institution or by Vitae, an organisation that supports the professional development of researchers. During the early stages of a university career you'll typically have access to postdoctoral training. You'll be expected to attend conferences regularly to hear about scientific and research advances and to present your own work.

Academic promotion depends on research achievement, which is measured by the quality and quantity of original papers published, and success in securing research funding. Progress is often via lectureship and, ultimately, to a professor post with management responsibilities. Permanent research posts without teaching or administrative responsibilities are rare and highly sought after. You can enhance your career prospects by developing an international network of people working in the same field.

Continuing professional development (CPD) is important throughout your career and support in this area is provided by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). You should also consider becoming a member of a relevant professional body, such as the Institute of Physics (IOP) or Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC).

With experience, you might want to work towards gaining Chartered Scientist (CSci) status, which formally recognises your knowledge, experience and professionalism and can help with career progression.