A Research and development specialist is someone who uses their expertise in science and engineering to develop new products or improve existing ones. They work with teams of engineers and scientists to create prototypes, test products, and find ways to make improvements. Some specialists may also be responsible for marketing and sales activities related to new products.
What are the industries?
Research and development are so much more than making the latest toys or household items. The aerospace industry, agriculture, defense, energy production, medical equipment manufacturing - these are all industries that regularly employ research and development specialists to help accomplish their goals. Some research and development workers may also work in product design companies or for universities conducting private research.
What will one do as a research and development specialist?
The exact job duties will vary depending on the industry and type of organization an individual works for, but in general, a research and development specialist should expect to do the following:
- Conduct experiments and record findings. This may include using computers or lab equipment, collecting data, and creating reports.
- Use engineering principles to create plans and models that can be used for manufacturing new products, designing existing products, or improving them in some way.
- Read professional journals or attend seminars to keep up with the latest developments in science and technology.
- Work with other team members to come up with new ideas and solutions.
- Assist in preparing proposals to seek funding for research projects.
- Represent the company or organization in meetings with clients, suppliers, or other professionals.
- Supervise and coordinate the work of support staff.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Skills required
A research and development specialist should have a strong background in science and math, as well as experience in product design and engineering. They must have:
- The ability to think critically and come up with innovative solutions.
- The ability to work well in a team environment.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- The ability to follow instructions and meet deadlines.
- The ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- A willingness to learn new things and keep up with current trends.
How much educational experience is required?
Most research and development positions require a bachelor's degree in a science or engineering field. However, some employers may accept candidates with a related associate's degree or even a high school diploma if they have sufficient experience in the field.
Those who wish to become a research and development specialist should be prepared to spend many years in school and then devote themselves to ongoing learning throughout their career to keep up with the latest developments in their field.
What is the difference between research and development specialist and scientist?
While both research and development specialists and scientists conduct research, scientists typically have a Ph.D. in a scientific field and work more on theory, while research and development specialists are more likely to have a bachelor's degree and work more on putting theory into practice.
Scientists may also be employed by universities or private labs, while research and development specialists are more likely to be employed by companies that develop products.
Graduate programs for research and development specialists
Here are some graduate degree programs designed for students who want to become research and development specialists:
- Master of Science in Engineering - Research Track
- Ph.D. in Biomedical, Chemical, or Mechanical Engineering
- Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD)
You can try any of these programs that suit your need and interest. Remember, the key to being successful as a research and development specialist is continuous learning. But what is you already graduated? Is there any other way?
Are there any courses or classes for this position?
There are many courses and classes that can help you become a research and development specialist. For example, the following programs may be of interest:
- Bachelor of Science in Biology
- Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
- Master of Science in Bioengineering
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
These programs will give you a strong foundation in the sciences, which is necessary for this field. However, remember that it is important to stay up to date on the latest developments in your field, so be sure to take continuing education courses and workshops throughout your career. You can find these courses through professional organizations or online.
What type of personality is best suited for this career?
The best personality type for a research and development specialist is somebody who is creative, inquisitive, and loves to learn. They must be able to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions. They must also be able to work well in a team environment and communicate effectively with others. These specialists typically have an interest in science and math, and they are always keeping up with the latest trends in their field.
How much does a research and development specialist make?
Research and development specialists typically earn between $50,000 and $90,000 per year. The highest earners work for government agencies or large corporations with profits from their products being used to pay high salaries.
Workers employed by universities may have the benefit of tuition assistance as well as a reduced teaching schedule that allows them time to conduct their own research. Consultants may also be paid to vary highly depending on the number of hours worked and the types of services rendered.
The application process for a research and development specialist
Research and development specialists are typically required to have a bachelor's degree in a related field. However, some employers reduce this requirement to an associate's degree or even a high school diploma if the candidate has sufficient experience working in their chosen field.
Those who want to stand out from other applicants should include any internships they have completed, publications they've written, awards they've won, or patents they've registered on their resume along with the standard items like education and work history. Most positions require that candidates pass drug tests as well as physicals for hazardous work environments.
In addition to having strong presentation skills, it is important that research and development specialists can think quickly on their feet. This means being able to come up with creative solutions under pressure which will impress potential employers during an interview or when asked a difficult question by a team member in a brainstorming session.
What possible difficulties wait for you during the interview?
The interviewer will likely ask for an oral presentation of your resume. They may even ask you to write a small paper on one of the research projects that you have completed. Make sure that you are fully prepared for this type of interview because it will show how well you can communicate and think under pressure.
Next, the interviewer may want to know if the candidate is able to work in a team environment or if they prefer to work independently. This question also gives them insight into how well the worker works with others as well as what kind of personality they have.
The interviewer may also test your knowledge about current events in your industry by asking basic questions about recent discoveries or new technological advancements which could indicate whether or not you stay up-to-date on current trends. Finally, the interviewer may ask about your willingness to take on new challenges and how you handle stress.
This question can be difficult to answer if you do not have any prior experience with job-related stress, but you can usually talk about a time when you had to deal with a difficult situation.
If you are offered the position
Once you have been offered the position, be sure to read over the employee handbook carefully so that you are aware of the company's policies and procedures. You should also familiarize yourself with the team members that you will be working with and their roles in the company. It is also important to schedule an appointment with your boss to discuss your goals for the upcoming year and what projects you would like to work on.
Once you have a clear idea of your job responsibilities, set a schedule for yourself and then create a database that includes all the information you need to complete each task. Finally, before starting work it is wise to talk about your new position with family members, friends, or other professionals who might be able to provide helpful advice for this next phase in your life.
Internship for research and development specialists
Many employers prefer to hire candidates with internship experience. This is because an internship provides the opportunity to see if the candidate is a good fit for the company and also allows the candidate to learn about the company's culture. If you do not have any internship experience, be sure to highlight any other relevant experience you have on your resume. For example, if you have worked as a research assistant in a laboratory, this would be a good experience to list on your resume.
If you only try to get internship experience on your own after you have graduated from college, you might still be able to do so. It is a good idea to look up the internship requirements of the companies where you would like to work and then follow their guidelines for applying. Finally, be sure that everyone involved in your life knows about your internship search because most companies want candidates who are flexible enough to relocate if they are offered a permanent position.
Employers
Research and development are so much more than making the latest toys or household items. The aerospace industry, agriculture, defense, energy production, medical equipment manufacturing - these are all industries that regularly research and development specialists to help accomplish their goals.
In fact, just about every industry today has some sort of research and development division, so the possibilities for employment are endless. Research and development are conducted in a variety of industries, including:
- Pharmaceuticals and biotechnology
- Agricultural and food products
- Mining equipment manufacturing
- Electronics manufacturing
- Environmental technology
- Medical equipment manufacturing
American companies such as Boeing, General Electric, and IBM are always in need of research and development specialists. International companies such as Bayer, Samsung, and Siemens also have a need for these workers.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and the United States Department of Energy all have a large number of research and development positions. Many universities also have research and development divisions where specialists can work on new discoveries.
The sky is the limit when it comes to finding a job as a research and development specialist. If you have the drive to learn and keep up with the latest trends, then this is definitely the career for you.
What's the job outlook? How much competition will you face for jobs?
The job outlook for research and development specialists is expected to be strong. You should have little trouble finding a job in the field of your choice, particularly if you are willing to work outside of major metropolitan areas. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there were approximately 3 million people employed as scientists or engineers in the last year.
However, not all held research and development specialist positions - many worked as medical scientists, chemists, computer software developers, financial analysts, meteorologists, mathematicians, market researchers, physicians assistants, etc., many of whom also perform some duties associated with research and development work.
Research and development are not for everyone. However, if you are willing to put in the necessary time to learn new things and be open to change then this can be a very rewarding career.
How competitive is this position?
The competition for jobs as research and development specialists is expected to be moderate. Many people with science or engineering backgrounds will compete for these positions, but the majority of the jobs are in industries that are not highly concentrated. You should be able to find a job in the field of your choice if you are willing to relocate.
The competitive ratio for research and development specialist positions is moderate to high. A large number of people with science or engineering backgrounds compete for these positions, but the majority of the jobs are in industries that are not highly concentrated. You should be able to find a job in the field of your choice if you are willing to relocate.
Career paths for research and development specialist
They can also be found within many industries. For example, an MBA might work as the research and development manager for a high-tech company, while another person with a degree in a related field like biology might become the research and development director of a pharmaceutical company.
After this job experience, you can try yourself in other fields as the armament industry, biotechnology, information technology, and so on. Other jobs are referred to as scientists, which is a very general term. With a little creativity and some digging, you should be able to find a job in your desired field.