Natural Science Managers : Career Profile

The task of science managers is to set scientific goals and conduct research and development work in fields like life sciences, physical sciences, statistics etc. Along with performing advanced scientific research, these science managers are involved in various design and production activities. The job of natural science managers may include working in close contact with and supervising other engineers and technicians involved or associated with the research and development project. For the successful completion of a specific project, natural science managers have the responsibility of developing the detailed plan and concept for production of the new product. They are also required to identify technically problems that might hinder the completion of a project. To perform their task efficiently, the science managers keep good coordination of their own unit with other units associated with the scientific project.

Besides doing research and development work, natural science manager's job may also include some administrative and managerial task. Cost control, hiring scientists and engineers and supervising their activities are also a part of natural science managers' work profile. While they supervise scientists and engineers, they also support these personnel in the completion of the part of project they have been assigned. Natural science managers' responsibilities include checking the technical accuracy of scientists and engineers' work, examining their output and setting up administrative policies and guidelines to be followed for the effective completion of project and performance. The work profile of these science managers also requires them to conferring with senior managers in departments like finance, marketing and production.

Career as natural science managers proves to be both highly profitable and extremely demanding. Mostly, natural science manager's responsibility is to supervise and oversee the work of physical scientists, agricultural scientists, chemists, biologists, medical scientists and geologists among others. As part of their research and development job, these science managers perform tasks including testing, quality check and production. During their career, natural science managers may also be involved in some of their own research and development projects.

Education & Training
Most of the natural science managers kick start their career as engineers with a bachelor's degree in engineering. Besides having a bachelor's degree, natural science managers also obtain some management degrees like master's degree in engineering management (MEM) or master's degree in business administration (MBA). MEM degree suits those candidates who want to pursue technical areas while MBA can be good for candidates who have less interest in technical management. Science managers may need to start their career working as chemists, biologists, geologists etc. Scientists that remain involved in research work possess a Ph.D. degree. Master's degree in natural science and Ph.D. degree in natural science are offered for candidates who have a keen interest in technical management.

Excellent communication skills and administrative abilities are a prerequisite to establishing career as natural science managers. They need to effectively coordinate with other units and manage and lead groups while taking care of a scientific project.

Work Environment
Usually, natural science managers perform their work in offices or laboratories. However, these science managers may also need to work at industrial plants, facing similar conditions as research scientists do. 40 hours a week is the minimum working hours for science managers. Science manager's work may also put them under considerable pressure, depending upon the set deadlines and demands of the project.

Career Outlook & Salary
The employment growth rate for natural science managers is similar to those of engineers and scientists in the same industries. Candidates with effective communication skills, managerial skills and administrative skills will be able to avail best opportunities. The median annual salary of natural science managers is $100,080. Around 45,000 natural science managers jobs are expected by the year 2016.

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