If you were to ask a group of school-age children what they want to do when they grow up, at least a few of them are likely to say ‘scientist’. To be sure, this is an attractive profession. Many scientists are able to work in very important fields, and they can earn impressive salaries in some cases as well.
With that said, saying that someone is a ‘scientist’ really doesn’t narrow down what they do. Being that we are a supplier of used laboratory equipment, we recognize that there are many different kinds of scientists in the world today – and their roles vary wildly! To help make sense of this general career path, we have created a list below of ten different types of scientists we serve and what their duties entail!
#1 – Developer
Someone who works as a developer scientist is interested in making science functional for the ‘real world’. Rather than just existing in a lab, this person will work to figure out ways for scientific developments to translate into improvements for consumers in a variety of fields.
#2 – Communicator
Science can be complicated – even for those with formal training. When trying to convey new discoveries and important information to the general public, some of the science is often lost in translation. A communicator scientist is someone who can use plain language to explain even complicated scientific information.
#3 – Business
Many people think of scientists as people who conduct experiments in lab coats, but that simply isn’t reality. Some scientists are business people, working to use their scientific knowledge to grow companies and increase profits.
#4 – Entrepreneur
Speaking of growing a company, that is exactly what an entrepreneur scientist is interested in doing. Using science to grow a new company is a daunting task, but it can be incredibly rewarding.
#5 – Investigator
One of the most powerful ways science can be used is to unlock mysteries. Someone working as an investigator scientist will use hard data along with their own knowledge to solve problems.
#6 – Explorer
In many ways, you can think of this person as the opposite of the ‘developer’. Rather than trying to translate things to the real world, an explorer is simply looking for the next great discovery.
#7 – Regulator
Science, like anything else, needs to be monitored. There can be huge amounts of money at stake in science, meaning steps must be taken to protect the public. A regulator scientist uses his or her knowledge to monitor a certain part of the scientific community. This is often seen in the areas of food and medicine, for example.
#8 – Policy
Scientists can be found in the world of politics as well. Many various groups will employ scientists in an effort to further the arguments for their cause.
#9 – Technician
An incredible amount of work is done in laboratories each day, whether it is testing blood samples of healthcare patients, monitoring food supply, or anything else. Most of that work is done by a technician scientist, who is very important despite usually working behind the scenes.
#10 – Teacher
Who is teaching the next generation of scientists? Current scientists, of course. These individuals work in places such as universities, high schools, and community colleges.