Creating Career Path...

Finding Further Careers...

Science & Research

Academic Researcher

View this career for different education levels:

Primary Secondary Post-16

Academic researchers work in universities or research institutes, investigating topics in their chosen field, such as science, social science, humanities, or engineering. Their work involves designing experiments or studies, collecting and analysing data, and publishing their findings in academic journals. Academic researchers often apply for grants to fund their projects, present their work at conferences, and may also supervise students or teach classes. The career can be highly rewarding for those passionate about discovery and advancing knowledge, but it can also be competitive, especially when seeking permanent positions.

Academic Researcher

📊 Statistics

Average Salary

Academic researchers in the UK typically earn between £30,000 and £50,000 per year, depending on experience and discipline.

Job Openings

There were over 100,000 academic and research staff employed in UK higher education institutions as of 2023.

Contract Type

Nearly 40 percent of UK academic researchers are on fixed-term contracts, especially early in their careers.

🚀 Careers in this path

Medical Research Scientist

Conducts experiments and studies in laboratories or hospitals to improve understanding of diseases and develop new treatments.

Social Science Researcher

Investigates human behaviour, society, and culture using surveys, interviews, and data analysis to inform policy and practice.

Environmental Research Scientist

Studies the environment, including climate change, biodiversity, and pollution, to help protect natural resources and inform environmental policy.

Build a Strong Academic Foundation

Achieve Good GCSE and A-Level Results

Focus on achieving strong grades in relevant subjects, especially those related to your preferred research area.

Identify subjects that align with your interests. For example, if you want to be a science researcher, take science and maths A-levels. For social sciences, consider psychology, sociology, or history. Universities look for solid academic performance, so work hard and seek help from teachers if needed.

Complete an Undergraduate Degree

Pursue a bachelor's degree in your chosen field to gain essential knowledge and research skills.

Research universities that offer strong courses in your chosen subject. Participate in seminars, workshops and laboratory sessions. Take opportunities for independent study or research projects to develop your analytical and critical thinking skills.

Gain Research Experience

Undertake a Master’s Degree or Research Placement

Advance your knowledge and research skills by enrolling in a postgraduate course or securing a research internship.

A master's degree often includes a dissertation or research project, giving you practical experience. Alternatively, some universities offer summer research placements or internships. These experiences help you decide if research is right for you and strengthen your CV for PhD applications.

Develop Technical and Analytical Skills

Learn to use specialist tools and methods relevant to your field, such as lab techniques, data analysis software, or qualitative research methods.

Many academic researchers use programmes such as SPSS, R, or NVivo. You might also need to conduct interviews, surveys, or laboratory experiments. Attend training courses, workshops, or online tutorials to develop these skills.

Pursue a Doctorate and Academic Career

Apply for a PhD Programme

Apply for a doctoral programme to conduct in-depth original research in your chosen area.

A PhD usually takes 3 to 4 years full-time. You will need to submit a research proposal and may need to secure funding. Look for advertised projects or contact potential supervisors directly. During your PhD, you will produce a thesis and may present your findings at conferences.

Publish and Present Your Research

Share your research findings through academic journals, conferences, and seminars.

Publishing your work is key to establishing your reputation. Submit articles to peer-reviewed journals and present at conferences. Get involved in academic networks and build professional connections to increase your opportunities for collaboration and employment.

Apply for Research and Teaching Positions

Seek postdoctoral roles or lectureships at universities and research institutions.

After your PhD, you can apply for postdoctoral research positions or entry-level academic jobs such as research associate or lecturer. Tailor your CV and cover letter to each role, highlighting your research achievements and teaching experience. Building a diverse portfolio of research and teaching will support your long-term academic career.

Available Apprenticeships

Please note that this may not be a comprehensive list of available apprenticeships. To view a more complete collection, visit the Find an apprenticeship service.

Click on any card to be redirected to their vacancy page.

L3 Childcare Apprenticeship

BRIGHT LITTLE STARS LTD

( Added 08 Apr 2024 - 1 position available )

Gain experience working with children, whilst you earn money and gain your Level 3 qualification. You will be supporting with a range of activities to ensure each child learns whilst having fun!

Closing date: in 5 days

Possible start date: 27 Oct 2025

Early years Educator Apprenticeship

Bowes Primary School

( Added 08 Apr 2024 - 1 position available )

This is an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join our nursery as a Level 3 Early Years Apprentice. Only a 10-minute walk from Arnos Grove station, our nursery believes in the best chance of success for each child. You must have a genuine interest in early years education. Apply now!

Closing date: in 5 days

Possible start date: 27 Oct 2025

Level 3 Nursery Assistant Apprenticeship

ST. PANTELEIMON EDUCATIONAL SERVICES LTD

( Added 08 Apr 2024 - 1 position available )

Gain experience working with children, whilst you earn money and gain your Level 3 qualification. You will be supporting with a range of activities to ensure each child learns, whilst having fun in a safe and nurturing environment.

Closing date: in 5 days

Possible start date: 27 Oct 2025

Childcare Apprentice

APPLE DAY CARE LTD

( Added 11 Apr 2024 - 1 position available )

A Level 2 Childcare Apprentice is required. The apprentice will be expected to work alongside a team of qualified and unqualified staff to support the daily running’s of the nursery routine and provide a safe nurturing environment for the children. The manager on site will support the apprentice’s development and make sure college work is also being completed. Duties include: changing nappies, cleaning the food room and making sure the cleanliness of the setting is being kept on top off.

Closing date: in 6 days

Possible start date: 03 Nov 2025

Childcare Apprentice

APPLE DAY CARE LTD

( Added 11 Apr 2024 - 1 position available )

The apprentice will be expected to work alongside a team of qualified and unqualified staff to support the daily running’s of the nursery routine and provide a safe nurturing environment for the children. The manager on site will support the apprentice’s development and make sure college work is also being completed.

Closing date: in 6 days

Possible start date: 03 Nov 2025

Early Years Apprenticeship in Barnet

BRIGHT LITTLE STARS LTD

( Added 16 Apr 2024 - 1 position available )

Do you have a passion for children? Do you have a warm smile that makes every child feel special? Do you want to Learn and Earn at the same time? Your amazing career in childcare starts here!

Closing date: in 19 days

Possible start date: 10 Nov 2025

Level 3 Early Years Apprentice

HAMPSTEAD GARDEN SUBURB PRE SCHOOL LIMITED

( Added 22 Apr 2024 - 1 position available )

Are you seeking a dynamic role in the childcare field? Do you possess authentic passion and enthusiasm, ready to elevate our nursery's standards? Join our exceptional team, where your commitment is not only valued but rewarded with both earning opportunities and invaluable hands-on experience!

Closing date: in 19 days

Possible start date: 10 Nov 2025

Career Progressions

No career progressions found for

Sample Qualifications

An Academic Researcher typically engages in conducting systematic investigations to establish facts or principles within a specific field, which closely aligns with the role of a Research scientist. Both involve advanced study, experimental design, data analysis, and contributing to academic or scientific knowledge.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role

University

You usually need a first or 2:1 (upper second class) degree in a science subject to become a research scientist. Most research scientists continue to study for a postgraduate qualification like a PhD.

You could study on an integrated postgraduate master's course. These courses include independent research and are designed to lead directly on to a PhD.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including a science, for a degree
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do a degree apprenticeship if you want to work in a particular field of scientific research.

Apprenticeships include:

  • Scientist Level 6
  • Biomedical Scientist Level 6
  • Nuclear Scientist Level 6
  • Materials Science Technologist Level 6
  • Clinical Scientist Level 7

You could also do a Research Scientist Level 7 Apprenticeship, which is equivalent to postgraduate study.

These apprenticeships can take between 3 and 5 years to complete.

Entry requirements

To get onto an apprenticeship, you'll find it useful to have:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

More Information

Work

It may be possible to start as a research assistant or graduate industrial scientist. You would usually need to study part time for a PhD while you work.

UK Research and Innovation and industrial companies sometimes offer studentships. This would give you the opportunity to do a PhD while getting practical research experience.

More Information

Career tips

It may improve your chances of finding work if you've got work experience in a research department, or your degree included a placement in a research environment.

As a graduate, you could look for postgraduate training opportunities offered through Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP). In a KTP you would get the opportunity to run a research project together with an organisation and a university or research body.

Further information

You can get advice about research careers from the Science Council and professional bodies for particular scientific fields, such as:

Interested in More Career Paths?

Explore other careers or use our AI to discover personalised paths based on your interests.

Browse All Careers Generate New Career Path

Flag Media

Please select a reason for flagging this content.

Stay connected

Join our newsletter to stay up to date on features and releases

Address
Developing Experts Limited
Exchange Street Buildings
35-37 Exchange Street
Norwich
NR2 1DP
UK

Phone
01603 273515

Email
[email protected]

Developing Experts

LessonsAboutResearchReportingPlans & Pricing

Legal

GDPRPrivacy PolicyTerms and ConditionsCookie Policy

Contact Us

Get in touchRequest SubscriptionChildren's CodeAbout UsCareers

Copyright 2025 Developing Experts, All rights reserved.