Experimental scientist
An experimental scientist is a researcher who utilizes the scientific method to investigate a range of substances or phenomena, forming hypotheses and conducting experiments to gather and analyze data. This role is prevalent across various fields, particularly in chemistry, where it encompasses both pure research—focused on expanding knowledge—and applied research—aimed at practical applications that drive innovation. Educationally, a bachelor's degree is the minimum requirement, with advanced degrees often necessary for higher-level positions, typically involving extensive research and a thesis defense.
Experimental scientists are employed in diverse settings, including academia and industry, where they not only carry out experiments but also teach, supervise, and contribute to scientific literature. The job market for these professionals is expected to grow, particularly in biochemistry and medical fields, as they play a crucial role in developing new technologies, medicines, and environmentally friendly solutions to global challenges. Networking through professional organizations and continuing education are essential for career advancement, as these scientists must stay updated with the latest developments in their fields. Overall, experimental scientists are integral to scientific progress and the development of innovative solutions across multiple domains.
Experimental scientist
Earnings (Yearly Median): $87,180 for materials scientists (US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023)
Employment and Outlook: Average growth 6% (Faster than average) (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023)
O*NET-SOC Code: 19-2032.00
Related Career Clusters: Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources; Health Science; Manufacturing
Scope of Work
Experimental science is based on the principle of the scientific method, a system of investigating a substance or phenomenon in which a scientist defines a distinct question or problem, develops a hypothesis, performs experiments and collects data, and analyzes the data to determine whether the hypothesis is correct. This method is applicable to a wide variety of hard sciences as well as to various social sciences. Thus, in its broadest sense, the title of an experimental scientist can apply to researchers in a number of different fields. However, it is used in reference to the field of chemistry, which itself encompasses many specialized branches.
The work carried out by experimental scientists can generally be divided into two classes: pure research and applied research. The former can be thought of as developing and testing hypotheses for the sake of increasing knowledge about a particular field of study. The latter can be thought of as performing research in order to develop practical applications of the resulting knowledge. Although there is some overlap between these two areas, pure research tends to be carried out in academic settings, while applied research is typically carried out in industries seeking to develop new products and services.
Education and Coursework
A bachelor’s degree is the minimum educational requirement for a career in experimental science. Undergraduate programs often require completion of an individual research project, in which a student demonstrates that he or she has acquired the ability to design and carry out experiments in a particular discipline. This educational and practical experience is typically sufficient for those seeking an entry-level position in the field, from which a more advanced career can be developed in time.
Higher-level research positions generally require an advanced degree, and a doctorate is preferred or required in many areas. A doctorate in any scientific field typically demands between one and seven years of specialized study and experimentation under the mentorship of a senior educator, often a tenured staff member. Individual degree programs vary based on the nature of the discipline, the research project being undertaken, and the specialty of the mentor. Most degree programs culminate in the defense of a thesis that describes a research project in detail and provides a valid interpretation of the results obtained in accordance with the theoretical principles of the discipline.
There are many opportunities to learn more about a particular field of study and the careers that are possible within it before deciding on an educational path. Internships may be available in both educational and industrial environments, and some college and university research groups allow students to work as unpaid assistants for a limited period of time in exchange for practical experience in a functioning laboratory. There are also various professional organizations that exist to support the work of experimental scientists in nearly every field, many of which offer associate memberships for students.
Career Enhancement and Training
No certifications are required for a career as an experimental scientist. However, certification in a particular area or completion of additional training such as occupational safety courses may be required by some employers. In addition to advanced degree programs, there are numerous opportunities for experimental scientists to obtain new skills and refresh their knowledge of their chosen discipline. Professional organizations such as the American Chemical Society promote continuing education as well as communication and collaboration among members working in the same field and make available a collection of resources for the benefit of their members. Most professional organizations and associations publish peer-reviewed reports of work that has been carried out, allowing members to remain knowledgeable about advances in the field. Membership in any professional organization carries a fee that supports the activities of the organization, such as the publication of journals and reports and the hosting of conferences. Admission to specialist conferences is perhaps the most important benefit to members of professional organizations, as such events are the primary means of networking personally with other members. Building a network of professionals within one’s field of specialization enables an individual to identify new opportunities for both career development and educational advancement.
Daily Tasks and Technology
Experimental scientists are responsible for conducting experiments and maintaining the laboratory environment in accordance with established procedures and standards. In an academic environment, experimental scientists may keep basic records, review experimental work being carried out, teach the techniques required of the particular field of study, administer examinations, read and grade laboratory reports, and ensure that the proper equipment and materials are available. When tasked with carrying out original research, experimental scientists design the experiments to be performed, collate and interpret the results, and write reports for peer-reviewed journals. Other tasks may include teaching academic courses, adjudicating at the defense of an academic thesis, or assuming an administrative position within a particular department. In an industrial environment, experimental scientists design and carry out experimental procedures and report the results to the managerial body of the organization. As industrial research is typically carried out with the expectation that the resulting knowledge or discoveries will be economically useful to the organization, it is generally necessary for scientists to justify experimental procedures before they can be carried out.
Regardless of employer or industry of employment, it is necessary for experimental scientists to keep abreast of the appropriate literature of the field, including research papers, patent literature, and reports published by relevant scientific, government, or industry organizations. Conducting experiments requires expertise in numerous analytical and preparative techniques as well as the use of the corresponding equipment, and scientists must at times design and construct equipment to meet a planned experiment’s specifications. Personal computers and related technology have revolutionized and simplified many of these tasks and devices, and new applications that will further this process are continually being developed. Thus, experimental scientists must also remain up to date in regard to technological advancements relevant to their work.
Earnings and Employment Outlook
Employment of experimental scientists such as materials scientists or chemists is expected to experience average growth between 2022 and 2032 according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Still, positions at the leading edge of pure research in any area of experimental science are limited and are almost without exception reserved for those who both hold a doctorate in that particular field and have a documented track record of successful research. These positions are typically found in academic environments and are normally funded by grants. The majority of experimental science positions, though perhaps not as prestigious, are economically important jobs that drive industry, technology, medicine, and many other fields. These positions, typically held by salaried employees in corporate environments, tend to be focused on finding solutions and applications for specific problems rather than advancing knowledge for the sake of knowledge. Such positions are far more numerous than positions in pure research and are expected to remain a constant component of the corporate sector as new products, technologies, and methodologies are constantly being developed to improve or replace existing ones. Overall, employment of qualified experimental scientists is expected to increase much more rapidly than average in the biochemical and medical fields, while employment of experimental scientists in the fields of chemistry and materials science is expected to increase at a rate that is much faster than the average for all occupations (6 percent from 2022 to 2032).
Future Applications
Experimental scientists play an essential role in a number of fields, expanding knowledge, developing new uses for materials, creating new medicines and medical devices, and working toward advancements in many other areas. As the scientific community and industry become increasingly interested in environmentally friendly technology and methods, the work of experimental scientists will be crucial to developing “green” solutions for problems that affect society. In the growing biofuel industry, for instance, experimental scientists play a vital role in developing efficient processes for converting raw organic materials such as algae and vegetable oils into usable combustion fuels. Other scientists work to reverse or negate the environmental presence of discarded plastics that have accumulated around the world as well as develop new and better plastics and polymers. This trend toward sustainable energy and environmentally friendly production is expected to continue, providing ample opportunities for experimental scientists to use their skills.
Related Occupations
• Biochemists: Biochemists conduct research regarding the physical and chemical properties of plants, animals, and other organisms.
• Natural Sciences Managers: Natural sciences managers supervise the application of experimental science in a field, managing projects and the research carried out by various scientists and technicians.
• Soil and Plant Scientists: Soil and plant scientists study plants and soils to determine the effects of soil composition, pollution, and other factors on plant growth.
• Medical Scientists:Medical scientists perform research to develop treatments for medical conditions and produce new pharmaceutical compounds and biomaterials.
• Agricultural and Food Scientists: Agricultural and food scientists perform experiments and collect data regarding food in order to improve the safety and productivity of food production.
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