Scientist Job Description

What is the job description of a Scientist? What are the duties and responsibilities of a Scientist? What does a Scientist do?

Job description of a Scientist

Scientists are responsible for designing, undertaking and analysing information from controlled laboratory-based investigations, experiments and trials. Scientists devise and conduct experiments in order to increase the body of scientific knowledge in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

This Scientist job description example includes the list of most important Scientist duties and responsibilities as shown below. It can be modified to fit the specific Scientist profile you're trying to fill as a recruiter or job seeker.

Scientist Duties and Responsibilities

Scientist job description should contain a variety of functions and roles including:

  • Conducting experiments
  • Recording and analysing data
  • Demonstrating procedures
  • Supervising junior staff including technicians
  • Organising product/materials testing
  • Presenting results to senior/other research staff
  • Writing research papers, reports, reviews and summaries
  • Ensuring that quality standards are met
  • Liaising with research and/or production staff
  • Developing original solutions to problems
  • Keeping up to date with relevant scientific and technical developments
  • Teaching.
  • Building research proposals
  • Preparing funding applications/bids

Scientist Requirements / Skills / Qualifications

Scientist job description should include these common skills and qualifications:

  • Bachelor of Science degree.
  • Being able to interpret data.
  • Having good written and verbal communication skills.
  •  Being able to work alone or with a team.
  •  Having good knowledge of laboratory testing methodologies.
  •  Being creative and naturally curious.
  •  Having high attention to details.
  •  Being proactive.
  •  Having IT skills.
  •  Being dedicated.
  •  Having multitasking skills.

As a hiring manager, recruiting an ideal Scientist starts with crafting a good job description. Use this Scientist job description template to save yourself time and help you attract the most qualified candidates. Feel free to revise it to meet your specific needs.

Job seekers interviewing for the role of a Scientist may also reference it in preparation for the interview.