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Research Scientist

Plan and run experiments to generate new scientific knowledge.

payments Avg: R42,000

description Overview

Research Scientists work in universities, research councils, labs, and private industry to design studies, collect and analyse data, and publish findings. In South Africa, this often includes collaboration with universities, science councils, and industry partners.

**A Day in the Life:**
You may spend the morning running experiments or field sampling, afternoons analysing results and writing reports, and time coordinating funding deliverables and ethics requirements.

schedule A Day in the Life

08:30

Plan experiments and review prior results

10:00

Lab work or field sampling

13:00

Data analysis and documentation

15:30

Team check-in, reporting, or paper drafting

trending_up Career Path

Step 1

Research Assistant

0-2

Step 2

Research Scientist

2-6

Step 3

Senior Research Scientist

6-10

Step 4

Principal Investigator / Research Lead

10+

Vital Statistics

Salary Range

R 25,000 - R 75,000

Soft Skills

analytics Analytical Thinking biotech Critical Thinking lightbulb Problem-Solving fact_check Attention to Detail chat Communication description Documentation analytics Data-Driven Thinking groups Teamwork edit Professional Writing schedule Time Management event_note Planning & Organisation sync Adaptability badge Professionalism verified Ethics & Integrity laptop_mac Digital Literacy favorite Emotional Intelligence theater_comedy Creativity trending_up Leadership

Technical Skills

analytics Data Analysis description MS Office (Word/Excel/Outlook) article Report Writing functions Statistics Fundamentals