Science is a field dedicated to research, discovery, innovation and application which seeks to make life easier, safer and healthier. As a professional in the science industry, you will analyze modern problems and seek solutions to them. According to Kennesaw State University research, the global life sciences analytics market will grow to $48.64 billion by 2027 with a 12.25% CAGR over the forecast period of 2020-2027.
Let’s start by reviewing the three most popular resume formats when applying to a position in this industry:
Sciences Job Titles
Current trends in the sciences industry
The science industry is expected to see a growth in positions of 8% throughout the 2020 decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, particularly in the fields of biomedical research, psychology and environmental protection.
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Salary and employment outlook for jobs in science
While the average pay for people working in the science industry is subjective to factors, such as company profile, job type and location, the science field still provides higher wages than the national average. For example, the median annual salary for life, physical and social science occupations was $69,760 in May 2020, higher than the median wage for all fields of $41,950.
There are several science jobs to pursue a career with, but entry and mid-level jobs generally fall into the following categories:
Academic science jobs
With unresolved global issues like global warming, pollution, water and soil crisis, this field has a spur for academic researchers and scientists. These jobs focus on researching and proposing solutions to avoid disasters.
Job Outlook 2020–2028
Geologist
Employment of geologists is projected to grow 5% from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations.
Economist
Employment of economists is projected to grow 14% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Source: Geoscientists: Occupational Outlook Handbook: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Source: Economists: Occupational Outlook Handbook: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov)
Medical science jobs
Medical science jobs are expected to grow as improving treatments and medicines is an ongoing process requiring professionals’ expertise.
Job Outlook 2020–2029
Epidemiologist
Employment of epidemiologists is projected to grow 5% from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations.
Science assistant jobs
Research analysts use sophisticated computer software, such as databases and statistical packages, to analyze and solve problems and simulate current and future events and evaluate alternative courses of action. These professionals and their assistants break down problems and investigate the effect of different changes and circumstances on each part.
Job Outlook 2020–2029
Research assistant
Employment of research assistants is projected to grow at 5.8% every year, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Research analyst
Employment of research analysts is projected to grow 25% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Source: Social Science Research Assistants (Occupational Outlook and Wage Statistics)
Source: Operations Research Analysts: Occupational Outlook Handbook: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Six of the top skills needed for sciences jobs
To be successful in science, you will need to develop and continue evolving a practical set of skills that will aid in completing your assigned responsibilities.
These are some of the necessary abilities you will need in this industry:
Statistics:
The field of Science requires good knowledge of statistics when presenting results and findings. Research must be delivered using charts and indicators, making them more accessible and practical to understand. For example, scientists need to determine the standard deviation of variations and create diagrams illustrating their findings.Technical skills:
When you engage in the science field, you must collect, analyze and present data through computer software. Dealing with large amounts of collected data while identifying and understanding relationships between the findings requires knowledge in programs such as Excel, Microsoft Visio, JavaScript, Matlab, Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop.Fieldwork:t
A scientist must be ready to go out into the field to gather information. Roles like research assistant or research analyst will demand awareness of the various fieldwork methods, including observations and questionnaires.Time management:
Science requires you to juggle multiple projects and collect data simultaneously. This might be alleviated with digital tools such as Asana and MyHour to promptly plan and manage project goals and help keep track of others' work to meet deadlines.Critical thinking:
Critical thinking is an increasingly valuable skill in a growing number of professions. Lawyers, analysts, doctors, engineers and scientists of all kinds apply critical thinking to solve problems and find easily accessible solutions. Multiple online magazines such as Forbes and Harvard Business Review have great tips for developing critical thinking in stressful or time-sensitive situations.Data Analysis:
Analytical skills are an individual's ability to identify problems, investigate, find factual information and produce logical solutions.
Educational requirements for sciences jobs
Bachelor's degree
If you are interested in a career in Science, you can pursue a bachelor’s degree in epidemiology, biology, chemistry or geology. It is good to look for a program with excellent opportunities, a good pay scale and an increasing employment ratio. You can find this data by visiting the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
On the other hand, a master’s degree or Ph.D. will add more value to your resume and help you gain better traction with employers when applying. Two options you can consider are NYU’s Master of Science in Epidemiology and Boston University’s Masters of Arts in Astronomy. If looking for further education, The University of Texas at Dallas offers a Ph.D. in Chemistry.
Certifications are also an excellent way to grow your resume by improving your credibility and standing in a particular field. For example, earning a certification from ACRP demonstrates that you have the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform clinical research. This will help you gain a respected endorsement for your understanding of international clinical research standards.
MIT Professional Education offers short program courses in Biotechnology and Life Sciences to further your understanding of the principles of manufacturing and formulating drugs through the latest technologies. Likewise, the American Geosciences Institute offers a certification course for Geologists-In-Training. On another note, a good accreditation for epidemiologists would be a certification from SAS, which shows your proficiency in programs such as visual analytics, administration and programming.
As a bonus, you can explore online courses like CRISPR: Gene-editing Applications Online Short Course from Havard, which helps you develop a specialized skill set in Gene chronology.
Sciences resume examples by experience level
Research Assistant
Epidemiologist
Geologist
Sciences Resume Examples
3 tips to stand out and get the job you want
Know what they want.
Adapt your resume to the position by adding the characteristics they mention in the posting. Taking short-term courses can help you acquire the skills required by the position, increasing the chances of landing an interview with prospective employers. Once at the interview, it is essential to speak of your experiences; for example, if they want someone communicative, you can talk about misunderstandings you have helped clarify in the past.Customize your resume.
Study the job description to see if you would fit in well. Add your skills, experience and measurable achievements relevant to the job. HR managers look at many resumes, and you should display the roles’ keywords for them to quickly identify your resume among the rest.Illustrate your skills with relevant examples.
Identify personal experiences and achievements that highlight the skills required for a particular job. Add them to your cover letter and use them to network for opportunities and job interviews. People tend to remember compelling stories and illustrations rather than lists of facts, so make sure to use the star method (situations, tasks, actions and results) to tell your story.
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FAQ
What are some top science jobs for employment opportunities in the USA?
Every branch of science is significant and different, creating various employment opportunities. Listed below are a wide range of jobs in the science industry that you should be aware of: laboratory technician, forensic specialist, archaeologist, chemist, geologist, environmental scientist, biologist, research scientist, epidemiologist and senior scientist.
Which are the highest-paid science jobs?
The field of science typically attracts pretty good compensation, but we always want to know which branch gets compensated best. Here are the top-paid science jobs in the industry: physicist, astronomer, geoscientist, atmospheric scientist, biochemist and biophysicist, hydrologist, chemist, nuclear technician, forest and conservation technician and biological technician and social scientist.