People working in the scientific or commercial research field offer valuable contributions to their employer’s or educational institute’s operations. Researchers are respected for their analytical minds and skills in investigating and producing reports that detail the results of their labours.
Such professionals employed at colleges and universities in the UK will display an in-depth understanding of physics or chemistry laboratory procedures and the use of equipment as well as be able to work as part of a team on different projects. Commercial researchers should demonstrate excellent communication, investigative and report writing skills
Incumbents working in education will usually possess an MSc in a pertinent field, with a PhD an added incentive for employers. Commercial enterprises prefer researchers with a lower level degree or an MRS accredited qualification.
Salaries in education establishments for successful applicants are between £26,000 and £38,000 per annum, with openings in most major cities. Candidates for commercial positions will find openings all over the country, with remuneration of between £17,500 and £25,000 a year.

• Having analytical abilities.
• Having skills to see trends and patterns.
• Being a leader to motivate other members.
• Being persistent and self confident
• Having teamwork abilities.
• Being resourceful and creative.
• Being flexible.
• Being able to work under pressure.
• Having good math and literacy abilities.
• Having competent use of computers.

Researchers need 2.1 as a minimum degree from a leading university. It is recommended to have degrees related to financial, business and management topics. Other recommendation is to have a specialist postgraduate qualification or an MBA.

For some jobs it is required to have two A levels/three H grades and five GCSE’s/S grades (A-C/1-3) as a minimum. In HND cases, applicants need A level/two H grades and four GCSE’s (A-C/1-3) as a minimum.