Research Scientist (Physical Sciences)

Physical research scientists tend to specialize in one area of physical sciences, such as physics, astrophysics, chemistry, nuclear chemistry, astronomy, geology, materials science, earth science and meteorology. Research scientists work in academia, non-profits, government agencies, and private research & development companies.

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Education

This is a graduate-level job. A bachelor’s degree in a science subject, like physics, natural sciences and geology is necessary. Also, a relevant postgraduate degree (PhD/research-based MSc) is required for permanent positions like research assistants. Post-doctoral research and/or practical research/laboratory work experience is beneficial and frequently required for academic posts as well as in the private sector.

Knowledge and Tasks

Work in this field may require study of earth, rocks, soil, natural resources like fossil fuels and sustainable energy, among others depending on the chosen subject of specialisation.
Research scientists record, analyze and interpret data, for the advancement of technology, the creation of new commercial applications, processes or products or to increase scientific understanding.
Create research proposals to arrange for funding.
Work in multidisciplinary teams with researchers from other fields of academia.

Personality

Research scientists are naturally inquisitive. Their work requires analytical skills and attention to detail in order to design repeatable procedures and record results accurately. Research scientists report their findings in publications and oral presentations, requiring excellent communication and writing skills.

Salary

The average pay for a Research Scientist is Rs 6,00,000 per year. Experienced scientists can earn over Rs. 80,00,000 per annum.

Pros

Potential to get a high salary.
Can work in many different fields such as medical, biological, environmental, computer and information.
Can work in the academic or private sector.
May advance the public understanding of scientific processes.

Cons

Salary varies widely depending on the field.
High-paying positions generally require industry experience.
The job requires professional skills in many areas.

Top Institutes

India

Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore.
Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER).
Indian Institute of Technology,(IIT).
Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Mumbai.
Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), Thiruvananthapuram.

Abroad

Massachusetts Institute Of Technology
University Of California At Los Angeles
Johns Hopkins University
Texas A & M University
California Institute Of Technology – Caltech
Yale University

Famous People

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam- Indian scientist and politician who played a leading role in the development of India’s missile and nuclear weapons programs. He was President of India from 2002 to 2007.

C.V. Raman

A physicist whose work was influential in the growth of science in India. He was the recipient of the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1930 for the discovery that when light traverses a transparent material, some of the light that is deflected changes in wavelength. This phenomenon is now called Raman scattering and is the result of the Raman Effect.