I want to work in Science Administration

Find out how you can start a career in science administration. Here we list potential job roles and some of the leading companies in that sector.

Job roles

Introduction

This area of work relies heavily on networking to get into. Projects may be more ad-hoc and given to people already working in the organisation who have expressed an interest.
The work may involve some of the following types of skills:

  • Knowledge of contracts and grants preparation and management.
  • Ability to manage research projects.
  • Skill in formulating policy, and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures.
  • Skill in budget preparation and fiscal management.
  • Ability to develop scientific reports.
  • Ability to supervise and train employees, to include organising, prioritising, and scheduling work assignments.
  • Knowledge and understanding of scientific research methodology, principles, and procedures.
  • Skill in organising resources and establishing priorities.
  • Knowledge of current and developing trends in research technology.
  • Ability to develop, plan, and implement goals.
  • Knowledge of laws, regulations, methods, and techniques.
  • Ability to organise and co-ordinate research projects.
  • Ability to provide technical advice, guidance, and support to professional staff.

Professional societies and research councils

Universities

  • The Open University - positions such as course administrator.
  • Working as an administrator in a science department in most universities. Several of the administration managers of University of Kent science departments moved into this role after completing science PhDs here.

The European Space Agency

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Kent, Julia Goodfellow, went from scientific research to Head of the Biology and Biotechnology Research Council before coming to Kent.

Find out more

University of Kent science graduates and postgraduates have gone on to work in administrative roles as:


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