Most people lead simple, predictable lives defined by routines, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. The world needs all types of people to function and run, but some people look further and higher and have a burning flame of ambition, and one path they choose to channel that motivation is becoming a scientist, searching for truth in numerous ways. It makes sense then, that becoming a scientist, and especially a principal or lead scientist who is in charge of others, is an illustrious but difficult path that requires concentration, focus, and determination to see the journey through. Knowing what steps you need to take to pursue this career as a lead scientist can be very helpful, and that is the reason for the writing of this article, to give you a basic overview of some of the factors that play a role here and what they look like. So with the introduction out of the way, let’s jump right in.
Basics
First off, let’s take a look at what exactly a lead scientist is and what they do. Also called principal scientists, they are research professionals who think up, plan, and execute various kinds of research while documenting and interpreting each step in numerous industries. They generally work as part of a team and apply their theoretical knowledge to real situations and scenarios to bring about innovation and help guide their subordinates. One way to get this position is to just get a science leadership certificate online, which cuts out some of the middle steps, especially if you are a bit of a nomad and do not have many real-life options to further your own progress. Moving on to what kind of tasks they are usually faced with, it starts with supervision. They supervise and manage all the activities that are performed by the scientists and research teams assigned to them, which include students, lab technicians, and so on. Lead scientists may also be asked to use their expertise to estimate what resources may be needed for each project and their amount, in addition to training new team members and analyzing the results of the projects, making sure they are clearly documented.
Bachelor’s Degree
The first major step to becoming a lead scientist is earning your bachelor’s degree, before moving on to earning a Master of Science or Ph.D. It is theoretically possible to work as a principal scientist with only a bachelor’s degree, but only if you bring at least 12 years of relevant experience to the table. For the bachelor’s, you should select your specialization based on the kind of industry you want to later work in. So, for instance, if you aspire to work as a lead scientist for a food company, you should probably pursue a degree in food science, which is the most appropriate choice. In the same vein, a degree in biological or pharmaceutical sciences is the best option for those who want a career in the pharmaceutical industry, a major source of employment for lead scientists.
Lower-Level Lab Position
Becoming a lead scientist means you need to have actual experience in lower-level positions, irrespective of your education level. So once you have earned that bachelor’s degree, the most accessible method of entering the field is by finding employment as a research associate, assistant, or lab technician, junior roles that let you build the practical experience that is needed for higher research roles, preparing you for the career you aspire to in the field. These required years of experience needed to work as a lead scientist differ according to your educational level, so a Master of Science typically needs to have worked for at least six years, while Ph.D. graduates work for at least two years.
Finish Your Education
Not only will earning a Master of Science and a Ph.D. reduce the experience needed to work as a lead scientist, but they will also reveal new and perhaps even better employment opportunities to you. Again, theoretically, it is possible to work as a lead scientist with only a bachelor’s degree; most employers are simply going to look on you more favorably if you have higher degrees, and once you have those, you can further expand and advance your training and education by working as an intern, learning all the tech, finishing courses, and so on. Of course, getting all the degrees will take years and unwavering focus and determination, which is why you need to be absolutely certain that you want this and that you have what it takes before you go down this path because, in the end, it will depend on you and your willpower.
Communication Skills
You may think that as a scientist, all you need to be good at is “science”, where you will be brooding over microscopes, computer screens, and the like, and maybe not even speaking for days, but this is not true, doubly so if you are a lead scientist. Good communication skills and empathy are vital qualities of any lead scientist, as not only will you be interacting with your employers who hired you to supervise and manage the research teams, but you will also be working closely with your team, going over all the steps in the project, the results, expected projections, their opinions, problems, and potential solutions. In short, it won’t be a one-man show, but a team effort with you as one of the people responsible for the rest. An exalted and illustrious position that naturally comes with a lot of responsibility, which is one of the reasons why you should get the necessary degrees and practical experience from actually working in the field, because how would you even hope to supervise others’ work and solve problems if you have never even been in their position?
Being a scientist is already a special occupation, but becoming a lead scientist requires a whole other level of responsibility and commitment. It is certainly not easy, but if you manage to see it through, it is sure to be worth the effort, time, and sweat.
