Careers in scientific research and development (R&D) and related fields account for 59 percent of all jobs, according the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Career Guide to Industries 2008-09 edition. Research scientists are required to continuously explore new technologies and enhance skills to maintain updated professional level knowledge in this industry. Workers must continually update their knowledge to retain marketable skills in this industry, which is on the cutting edge of scientific knowledge and technology. Biotechnology and nanotechnology will continue to attract research funding and generate employment growth, but increases in productivity and international competition may dampen growth. Opportunities for scientists and engineers should be best for those who have doctoral degrees; competition for basic and applied research funding is expected to be keen.
Nature of Research
Careers in project research are required in almost all industries and can be classified by three types, according to their nature: basic research, applied research and research development. All three types of research are needed to create products for consumers and are highly important in the life science, physical science and engineering industries.
Basic Research
Basic Research deals with theoretical analysis to gain more understanding of a specific phenomena. It is commonly funded by governments, school organizations and non-profit corporations due to its risky nature and the need for substantial funding to achieve successful conclusive results. Careers of research scientists start with basic research in fields such as biology, chemistry, physics, taxonomy, astronomy and social sciences.
Applied Research
Applied research deals with successful conclusive reports from a basic research to provide models or solutions for common problems and to achieve a certain goal. Careers in applied research are usually focused in fields of technology-related sciences and engineering industries. Applied research is often a collaboration between business and scientific organizations to support and fund the needed materials for research.
Development
Development is the further enhancement of solutions provided by applied research and is usually funded by private companies for manufacturing technological and commercial products. Careers in research development are available to research scientist with advanced degrees and usually involve fields in automotive, aerospace, biotechnology, nanotechnology and bioinformatics technology.
References
Biospace.com: Biotech and Pharmaceutical News & Jobs
Bureau of Labor Statistics Career Guide to Industries, 2008-09 Edition
Life Works, Science Education and National Institutes of Health
National Center for Research Resources
Research on Future Skill Demands: A Workshop Summary; Margaret Hilton; 2008
