Natural Sciences Managers
Management
You oversee work in fields such as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, or statistics, often spanning research, development, and production. That means hiring and supervising engineers, technicians, and researchers, then laying out the stages of analysis, testing, and solution work. You set scientific or technical goals from broader direction, write proposals, and review project activity and reports. Time also goes to talking with scientists, engineers, regulators, and clients—explaining findings, agreeing specifications, and checking status. Best for someone who wants to turn scientific problems into planned work and then check that the research stays on course.
Typical education: Bachelor’s Degree (4-year)
Annual Median Wage in Field (2025)
$167'220
Median Wage Market Position
$167'220
What you might do
- Direct research, development, and production work
- Hire and supervise scientists and lab staff
- Break big science goals into detailed plans
- Review project results and write technical reports
- Meet with scientists and regulators about projects
- Prepare proposals and explain findings to clients
Skills that matter
- Phased analysis, proposals, and testing
- Directing research and production work
- Hiring and evaluating research staff
- Presenting findings and project status
- Scientific goals and detailed work plans
- Writing research and testing reports
AI & the future of this role
Literature review, experiment design aids, and project tracking could take over more planning support. Grant strategy, lab priorities, and scientific judgment still matter, yet growing automation leaves the role more exposed.
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Includes O*NET® 30.3 Database information by USDOL/ETA under CC BY 4.0; modified by LostInCareer. Wage/outlook from BLS. Attribution details