Natural science managers plan and implement scientific research, secure funding, manage staff, and set project goals and priorities. They also handle public outreach and communication, and obtain necessary approvals for experiments. They work in research institutions, government, and private companies.
A natural science manager is responsible for planning and implementing scientific research and activities. They handle the business end of science, including securing funding, writing proposals, managing staff, and setting project goals and priorities. Natural science managers first spend time as scientists in their chosen field before moving on to lead research groups and plan projects. Employed by research institutions, government and private companies, most large scientific endeavors need a science manager.
Most scientific research is not a case of a scientist. Funding, laboratory space, equipment, and personnel must all be coordinated and planned for initiating research. This is the job of a natural science manager. Goals and priorities are set before a project or experiment begins, and a natural science manager ensures that everything stays on course as planned. If something happens to disrupt the schedule, the manager steps in to find solutions that work for all members of the lab or research group.
When working at a university or non-profit research environment, one way to find funding for projects is by receiving grants. These grants are provided by a variety of sources, including government and private funds. Grants are awarded competitively and there may be multiple projects vying for the same funding source. Generally, natural science managers are the ones responsible for crafting proposals in an attempt to get awarded money.
Hiring, supervising, and training staff on a laboratory or research project is a large part of a natural science manager’s job. They are responsible for fellow scientists and other personnel such as administrative staff and service workers. Delegating tasks and roles among individuals within the research group is another responsibility of the natural sciences manager.
In a private company, a natural science manager plays much the same role as a research institution. One difference is that instead of focusing on finding funding, they work to communicate business goals and objectives to scientists. In turn, they also convey the needs of the science department to upper management, serving as an advocate for the research group.
Public outreach and communication between different departments and divisions is another responsibility of the natural sciences manager. They attend university board meetings and visit companies. Any necessary approval for an experiment is obtained by science managers and they keep themselves informed about possible government regulations that may affect their projects.
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