The nature of your work will depend on your specialism, but may include:

• drawing up research proposals and applying for funding
• planning and carrying out experiments
• keeping accurate records of results
• analysing results and data
• presenting findings in scientific journals, books or at conferences
• carrying out fieldwork (collecting samples and monitoring environmental factors)
• developing new products or ways of applying new discoveries
• improving manufacturing production methods
• testing products or materials
• teaching or lecturing

You may need to wear protective clothing.

You could work in a laboratory or at a university.

Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time.

As a scientist with research councils and institutes or in industry, you could progress to a senior research or laboratory management position.

In an academic post, once you've gained experience and published original research, you could progress to senior research fellow or professor, leading your own team.

You could demonstrate your commitment to professional development and work towards professional recognition like Chartered Scientist status.