Science and technology
It’s professionals’ critical expertise and research skills in the science and technology industry that provide much of the foundation for advancements in society.
Careers in science and technology include roles in research and development for manufacturing industries, research institutions and government branches, as well as monitoring and testing manufacturing processes and products to ensure quality, safety and cost-effectiveness. Science and technology professionals work for private companies and research institutes to develop new methods of operation, as well as in laboratories testing and processing materials as researchers and technicians for various fields including forensics, artwork and museum artefacts, healthcare lab processing, environmental research and epidemiology. Science and technology careers also include work in the technology field to research and advance new systems and methods for transmitting technology. Individuals with science and technology backgrounds are also sought after in the teaching field.
The science and technology industry is wide and diverse, with professionals working in a range of different fields. Professionals in science and technology provide critical expertise and research skills to advance knowledge, practices, services and products for companies and institutions. Science and technology professionals develop the concepts for developments in healthcare, engineering, information and communication technology and countless other disciplines. They provide much of the foundation for advancements in society, making them extremely valuable in the workforce. Careers in science and technology offer many interesting and exciting options and the demand is high.
Careers in science and technology typically require at least a bachelor degree in relevant science fields and students interested in getting into the field benefit greatly from internships over the summers or researching experience while in school. Typical work hours for these careers are Monday to Friday during standard working hours, however they may work longer hours when researching projects and working to meet deadlines.
Biologists study the anatomy, physiology and biochemistry of living organisms such as humans, animals and plants and their relationship with the environment.
Chemists and Food and Wine Scientists
Chemists and Food and Wine Scientists study the composition and properties of substances and the interactions between them, monitor chemical methods and production, develop new food and wine products and improve existing production.
Environmental Scientists use their technical background and knowledge to study the environment and develop policies and plans for protecting flora, fauna, water, air, and other aspects of the environment. They may work in hands-on conservation or in more abstract environmental policy circles.
Food and Wine Scientists
Wine scientists examine grapes, both physically and chemically, for quality and readiness for the purpose of winemaking. Food scientists physically and chemically examine food products for productivity and safety. They also work to develop and improve new and existing food and beverage products.
Geologists and Geophysicists
Geologists and Geophysicists study the nature and composition of the physical attributes of the earth. They research the composition and structure of various layers of the earth and provide advice on the mining and extraction of minerals, water, and other substances from the earth. They often also work in weather, seismic, and oceanographic forecasting.
Life Scientists study the substance, function and interactions of living organisms and their environments. They conduct experiments and studies based on research objectives. They should have scientific knowledge and strong attention to detail as well as strong analytical abilities to interpret data.
Mathematicians study mathematical principles and develop their own mathematical theories and ideas. They may work in the theoretical realm or they may apply their findings to financial, business, governmental, engineering, and social science issues in the larger world.
Metallurgical and Materials Technicians
Metallurgical and Materials Technicians are part of a larger group known as building and engineering technicians. Metallurgical and materials technicians provide technical support for engineers or other metallurgical professionals.
Metallurgists are a subset of a larger category of physical science professionals. Metallurgists primarily study the processing and composition of various metals. They also do work on studying extraction processes.
Meteorologists are a subset of a larger category of natural and physical science professionals. Meteorologists work with and study the weather to predict future weather patterns. They also offer advice in natural disaster scenarios and research current and past weather events.
Research and Development Managers
Research and Development Managers coordinate the research and development departments of businesses and other organisations. Their work is mostly administrative and interpersonal in nature rather than hands-on research and development.
Science Technicians deal with researching and teaching sciences including chemistry, earth science, life science and physical science. They also provide technical support in these areas. Science Technicians are in charge of everything from preparing materials for experiments to maintaining relevant equipment. Their role also includes fieldwork and presenting results.
Soil Scientists study the soil and what is living within. Like environmental scientists, soil scientists work to understand the environment and soil conditions. They often focus on maintaining the overall health of the soil. Their work is often used in finding ways to protect the environment, reduce pollution and keep the soil healthy. Most of a soil scientists work involves studying the upper layer of the earths crust and working to understand the organisms that live in these upper layers.
Science Technicians are part of the backbone of research. Used as assistants to record data, set up experiments, and even design basic research experiments, a science technician can and may do it all. Staying on your feet and being highly organized are musts for this mentally demanding job.
Wine Makers, also known as Wine Scientists, study the chemical and physical properties of wine and grapes. They are responsible for each step of the wine-making process and often they are tasked with developing new brands or strains of wine. They may also be responsible for coordinating the production and distribution of wine.
Zoologists, sometimes termed life scientists, study the characteristics of living organisms. They examine the makeup and chemistry of humans, animals, and plants to glean information about how organisms interact with each other. They also may study the environment of living things and perform experiments as needed.
Professional associations and industry bodies
Skills and personality
- Ability to learn and comprehend large amounts of information and adapt quickly to developments in the field
- Excellent research skills and ability to apply results of research and experiments to a particular field
- High attention to detail including accuracy and precision of work
- Highly analytical to evaluate current methods and technology and implement improvements
- Investigative abilities and curiosity to test ideas and hypotheses
- Knowledge and proficiency in experimentation methods and procedures
- Specialised knowledge in Science & Technology
- Strong communication skills working with clients and employers to understand objectives
- Strong critical thinking skills and innovation, testing and developing new ideas and concepts for processes
- Strong problem solving skills to test and modify labs and experiments based on results