What is a Research Scientist and How to Become One With Orion Group
12 Nov, 20259 mins
When you think of the life sciences, one of the first roles that comes to mind is the research scientist. Research scientists apply the scientific method to discover, understand and explain the mechanisms of life. Their findings underpin everything from new medicines and medical devices to biotechnology solutions that improve and prolong human health.
Because of this impact, research scientist jobs are some of the most sought-after positions in pharmaceuticals, biotech, clinical research and R&D. Life science recruitment agencies and employers alike are always on the lookout for skilled scientists who can plan and run experiments, analyse data, publish results and collaborate on complex challenges.
If this type of role appeals to you, you probably have questions such as:
- What does a research scientist actually do day-to-day?
- What fields can they work in?
- What qualifications do you need?
- What is the demand and career path like?
- How do you get started?
This guide answers those questions and shows you how to enter - or advance within - a career as a research scientist in the life sciences.
Popular Research Fields for Life Science Scientists
Research scientists in life science can specialise in many disciplines. Each field has its own focus, techniques and career paths, and demand can shift as new technologies emerge. Below are some of the most popular and fast-growing areas where you could work as a life science research scientist.
- Biology – Broad study of living systems with subfields such as anatomy, neuroscience and cell biology.
- Biochemistry – Examining the chemical processes within and related to living organisms.
- Molecular Biology – Investigating biological functions at the molecular level.
- Genetics – Studying genes and heredity; key to personalised medicine and biotech.
- Microbiology – Focusing on microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses.
- Biotechnology – Applying living systems and tech to solve problems in health, agriculture and industry.
- Ecology – Exploring interactions between organisms and their environment.
- Pharmacology – Understanding how drugs act on living systems.
- Immunology – Analysing immune system function and responses.
Emerging areas in 2025 and beyond include genetic engineering, AI-powered biotech research, biomaterials and tissue engineering, microbiome research and advances in RNA science. These trends show where life science employers - and life science recruitment agencies like Orion - are focusing their searches for skilled scientists.
What are the most popular research fields for life science scientists?
Research scientists in the life sciences can specialise in a wide range of disciplines. Common examples include biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, biotechnology, ecology, pharmacology and immunology.
Each field offers different techniques, career paths and employer types, from universities to biotech firms to contract research organisations.
Which life science research areas are growing fastest in 2025?
Trends for 2025 show rapid growth in genetic engineering, AI-powered biotech research, biomaterials and tissue engineering, microbiome research and advances in RNA science. These are areas where life science recruitment agencies such as Orion are seeing more openings for scientists at all levels.
How can I choose the right research field for my career?
Start by matching your academic background and lab skills to the field’s entry requirements. Look at employer demand in your region, the kind of work environment you want (academic, clinical, industrial) and long-term career progression.
Speaking with a life science recruitment agency can also give you an insider view of which fields are hiring and what qualifications matter most.
What are the Typical Responsibilities of a Scientist?
Across all disciplines, research scientists plan, design and conduct experiments to test hypotheses and gather data. In life science jobs this can mean running clinical trials, developing new biotech processes or testing medical devices.
They record, analyse and interpret results, then write up findings for publication or funding proposals. Collaboration is key, scientists often work in multidisciplinary teams and may supervise junior staff or lab technicians.
The top 6 most common responsibilities of a research scientist are:
- Planning, designing and conducting experiments to test hypotheses and gather data
- Recording, analysing and interpreting experiment results and scientific data
- Writing and presenting research papers, reports and proposals for funding
- Collaborating with other researchers and supervising junior staff or technicians
- Carrying out fieldwork, collecting samples and ensuring compliance with health and safety guidelines
- Keeping up to date with scientific literature, developments and new techniques in their field
These responsibilities apply whether you are a Clinical Research Scientist, Quality Assurance Scientist, Regulatory Affairs Specialist or Bioinformatics Scientist.
How do responsibilities differ between academia and industry?
Academic research roles are usually focused on basic science, teaching and publishing papers. Industrial life science jobs are geared towards product development, regulatory compliance and commercial outcomes. Knowing which environment fits your skills and goals can help you choose the right path - something a life science recruitment agency like Orion can advise on.
What are the Career Prospects of a Scientist
There is a great deal of interest in the role of a scientist as they play a pivotal role in advancing knowledge, developing new products, and solving complex challenges. As already mentioned, the role of a scientist encompasses a wide range of disciplines and roles, each with specific focuses, responsibilities, and career pathways, therefore the career prospects are also wide ranging.
Starting with assistant research roles, career progression can lead to senior positions as principal investigators, research team leaders, scientific directors, or enable movement into science policy, communication, regulatory affairs, and consulting roles.
Below is a linear list of roles of the most common positions:
Research Assistant / Laboratory Technician
Support research teams by preparing experiments, maintaining equipment, collecting and analysing data. This is the typical entry point into life science jobs, requiring a bachelor’s degree and strong lab skills. Good performance here can open the door to graduate programmes or junior scientist positions.
Graduate Researcher / PhD Candidate
Conduct original research projects in academic or industrial settings under supervision. This stage is focused on building specialist expertise, publishing work and gaining independence as a scientist.
Postdoctoral Researcher
After completing a PhD, many scientists undertake postdoctoral fellowships to deepen expertise, build a publication record and prepare for senior research posts. This is often the transition point to leading projects or moving into industry.
Research Scientist / Principal Investigator
Lead research projects, apply for funding, design experiments, manage teams and publish findings. In industry this might involve running a biotech R&D programme; in academia it means managing grants and supervising students.
Clinical Research Scientist
Test new drugs, medical devices or treatments through clinical trials. This role involves working closely with hospitals, regulatory agencies and sometimes contract research organisations (CROs). Demand for clinical research scientists is strong across Europe, Ireland, the UK, and the US.
Quality Control / Quality Assurance Scientist
Ensure products meet regulatory and safety standards by conducting tests and developing protocols. These roles are essential to the manufacturing and release of pharmaceuticals, biologics and medical devices.
Bioinformatics Scientist
Combine biology with computer science to analyse complex biological data such as genomic sequences. This is one of the fastest-growing areas in life sciences, reflecting the rise of big data and AI in research.
Regulatory Affairs Specialist
Navigate the complex regulatory landscape governing life sciences products to ensure compliance and facilitate approvals. This is a key role for scientists who understand both science and policy.
As seen above, typical career progression starts with entry level research roles, assisting in experiments and analysis. With sufficient experience, this can lead to postdoctoral and mid-level scientist roles, and then more senior scientist roles. After that, leadership roles can elevate your career by becoming Research Team Leader, Project Leader or Director. Whatever path is taken, it can lead to many significant career opportunities.
How to Start Your Career as a Life Science Research Scientist
Breaking into life science research jobs starts with the right qualifications and practical experience. Whether you’re finishing your degree or switching from another industry, following these steps can help you stand out to employers and to a life science recruitment agency like Orion.
1. Build the Right Qualifications
Most aspiring research scientists begin with a bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, biotechnology, pharmacology or a related field. Many roles, especially independent research positions, require a master’s or PhD.
2. Gain Laboratory Experience Early
Hands-on lab work is critical. Undergraduate research projects, internships or technical roles in research labs build practical skills and professional networks. Many universities offer summer programmes or placements alongside professors.
3. Add Specialised Training and Certifications
Depending on your focus area, further training may be useful. Skills in bioinformatics, cell culture or clinical trial regulations are highly valued. Certifications in Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) or Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) enhance eligibility for pharmaceutical development jobs.
4. Network and Develop Professionally
Joining professional organisations such as the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) or your local equivalent, gives you access to conferences, career resources and publication opportunities. Building relationships with mentors and peers can open doors to research positions.
5. Apply for Entry-Level Research Positions
Roles like Research Assistant, Lab Technician or Junior Scientist provide practical exposure and a pathway to higher-level scientific posts. Use your CV to highlight transferable skills, training and achievements that fit regulated industries.
Tip: Converting your knowledge and experience directly into your CV or resume will help hiring managers and life science recruitment agencies see your potential quickly.
Other Desirable Skills
While education, certification, networking etc. is good to have on your CV, there are also a number of other essential skills that you can transfer and equally be proud to talk about, critical in the science industry. These include critical thinking, communication, attention to detail, and proficiency in research methodologies.
Others include:
- Supervising and training junior staff, such as laboratory technicians and students.
- Carrying out fieldwork when required, such as collecting samples from natural environments.
- Keeping current with scientific literature and developments in the field.
- Conducting peer reviews of publications and validating research theories
The more you can provide on your resume, the more you will stand out to life science recruitment agencies, hiring teams, and clients.
What other roles can you transfer from to be a LS Scientist
Many professionals come from diverse backgrounds and transition into life sciences research by leveraging their transferable skills and gaining domain-specific knowledge. Some common industries and roles that provide relevant experience include:
- Pharmaceutical Manufacturing and Quality Control:
Experience in production, quality assurance, or process development can translate well into research positions focusing on drug development or formulation.
- Chemical Engineering and Process Technology:
Engineers with expertise in process optimization and analytical methods can pivot to biotechnology or pharmaceutical R&D.
- Environmental Science and Ecology:
Scientists working in conservation, environmental monitoring, or agricultural science can move into life sciences research, particularly in microbiology, plant biology, or toxicology.
- Healthcare and Clinical Roles:
Nurses, clinical trial coordinators, and healthcare technologists often have exposure to medical research environments and may transition into clinical research scientist roles.
- Data Science and Computational Fields:
Professionals skilled in software development, statistics, or data science can specialise in bioinformatics or systems biology.
Are You Looking for a New Role as a Research Scientist?
Whether starting fresh from an academic degree or transitioning from related industries, Orion Group can help find the role for you.
We recruit professionals for a variety of roles in the life science industry across the UK, the USA, Europe and Ireland. With key offices situated in the USA and around Europe, we have a global network which makes us well-equipped to offer the best recruitment solutions. We have an excellent team of specialist life science recruitment consultants who have significant experience in recruiting scientists on a permanent and contract basis.
We have many life science jobs available in a range of areas, including biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, clinical research, medical devices, and agriscience.
At Orion, we pride ourselves on helping professionals take their careers to the next level.
Contact Us, view our latest life sciences jobs or Register now for job alerts.
Questions About Research Scientist Careers:
What does a research scientist do in the life sciences?
They design and run experiments, analyse data, publish findings and collaborate on solutions to biological or medical problems. Their work drives new medicines, biotech innovations and medical devices.
What fields can research scientists work in?
Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Pharmacology, Immunology and more. Many work in multidisciplinary teams across academia, healthcare, environmental services and industry.
What qualifications do you need to become a research scientist?
Most roles require at least a bachelor’s degree in a life science such as biology, biochemistry or biotechnology. Advanced positions often need a master’s or PhD, plus hands-on laboratory experience.
Is there strong demand for research scientist jobs?
Yes. Pharmaceutical, biotech and medical device companies consistently recruit scientists for R&D, clinical trials, regulatory affairs and quality assurance roles, making it one of the most stable career paths in the life sciences.
What is the typical career path for a research scientist?
Start in entry-level lab or research assistant roles, move into graduate or postdoctoral research, then progress to research scientist or principal investigator positions. From there you can step into leadership, regulatory affairs or consulting.
Can you transfer from another role into life science research?
Yes. People move from pharmaceutical manufacturing, quality control, chemical engineering, clinical roles and data science into research by gaining relevant lab skills and life science knowledge.
How can Orion Group help you find a research scientist job?
Orion Group is a specialist life science recruitment agency with consultants across the UK, USA, Ireland and Europe. We place scientists in permanent and contract positions and can help you tailor your CV, prepare for interviews and access unadvertised life science jobs.
