Being a director within science jobs often means that you oversee others' works in addition to doing your own. When you are conducting a science job search, it helps to keep in mind the particular keywords that apply to the position you want. For example, sciences managers coordinate, direct, and plan research, design, and production activities for a variety of disciplines within science. Depending on their backgrounds, they may oversee a number of activities performed by other scientists, technicians, engineers, and other qualified personnel. In many cases, they work within organizations to help bring technical and scientific goals provided by top executives to fruition.
Be Able to Oversee a Project in Its Entirety
In some cases, these managers may oversee various methods by which scientific research can be advanced, manufacturing processes can be improved, or new products can be developed. These managers utilize these science research jobs to accomplish these goals by making detailed plans. For example, if a new product is needed or in development, they may not only develop the overall concepts for the project, they may also be able to identify any technical problems that may arise before a project nears completion so as to save companies time and money, and give them the ability to bring a product to market faster.
Be a Good Administrator
Science managers have to be good administrators, too, as they must be able to budget time and money, hire and fire personnel, and supervise the people working on the particular project at hand. For example, they may assign engineers, scientists, and other personnel to carry out specific parts of projects being worked on and then check to see whether or not the work being done is technically accurate and that the methodology being used is sound.
Be a Good Communicator
Because managers are responsible for subordinates who work under them and must also communicate job progress, technical problems, etc., they must be excellent with communication skills and in relaying the exact ways in which they want a project to be completed. They also have to coordinate with their particular section of the project does with what other units or sections are doing. They may need to talk with higher levels of management, with marketing, financial services, production, and other managers, and they may need to deal with material suppliers, equipment suppliers, and contractors working on the project with them.
Get the Appropriate Background and Education
You'll need to have a strong technical background in the relevant areas. This is because you'll need to be able to explain what you're doing in everyday language to customers and to senior management who may not understand highly scientific or technical jargon. You'll also need substantial formal education in the sciences, and you'll have to have had previous work experience as a scientist, mathematician, or engineer.
Depending on whom you're supervising, you'll need a background that will qualify you to work with these people. For example, if you're an engineering manager, you'll probably start your career as an engineer after you've gotten a bachelor's degree in engineering. Then, you'll need business management skills; to get these, you'll need to complete either a master's degree in engineering management or in administration. In many cases, your employer will help you pay for this education if you're going to advance within the company. In fact, some of these courses may actually be offered on-site so that you don't have to ''go to school'' to gain this experience. In general, if you want to manage in technical areas, you pursue a master's degree in engineering management, and if you want to manage in more non-technical areas, you usually earn an MBA to become a manager.
As a science manager, for example, you'll usually begin your career as a scientist, geologist, biologist, etc. If you wish to manage research, you may need a bachelor's degree or master's degree stressing this.
Stay on Top of Your Field
Your education doesn't stop with getting a bachelor's degree or master's degree, though. Because technology and advances continue to change science on a daily basis, those who participate in it as a career must also keep their knowledge fresh and updated. Therefore, science managers of every ilk must continue to educate themselves and in some cases attend formal education classes to make sure that they have the latest knowledge available to them. You cannot be a good manager without this.
Specialize
Besides having technical knowledge and administrative skills, you'll need to be very specialized in your particular area. This will allow you to be able to handle the depth and scope of various projects with exquisite precision.
Be a Leader
As you begin your career, take advantage of any opportunities to assume leadership roles that you feel qualified for. As you do this, you will show employers and potential employers that you have the abilities to do what's necessary to be a science manager. This may ultimately lead to more and more complex managerial jobs on larger projects as you continue in your career.
