SPOTLIGHT ON SCIENCE:

PROMISING FUTURES FOR SCIENTIFIC AND CLINICAL RESEARCH PROFESSIONALSHARVEY YAU

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There has never been a better time than the present to be a scientist—except for the future.

Currently, job posting trends reveal that the demand for science professionals

is 40 percent higher than for all other professions. Moreover, science occupations

are predicted to grow by 13 percent over the next decade, adding more than

135,000 new jobs in that time. These numbers correspond to a strong predicted

growth in the global pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical diagnostics

industries, representing more than $1.5 trillion dollars in combined revenue.

As our world’s population grows, it becomes increasingly dependent on scientists

to find solutions to challenges such as chronic diseases, life threatening viruses, and

rapidly depleting natural resources. The thirst for innovation and development is

unprecedented, fuelled by higher living standards, global healthcare reform, and an

increasingly demanding regulatory landscape.

INTRODUCTION

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

In this eBook, you

will learn about:

• Trends shaping

the industry

• Top occupations

• Earning potential

• Hot spots for

science jobs

/03

In this innovative and exciting environment, professionals who understand the changing

trends of the science field are poised to take advantage of the many opportunities

arising for those willing and able to adapt their skill sets to evolving needs. Established

scientists can capitalize on embedded skills and experience by further developing their

knowledge of regulation, safety, quality, development, law, global resource management,

and data analytics. Meanwhile, mid-career scientists can reposition themselves to meet

the increased demand for science professionals, particularly those in the life sciences and

natural resources sectors. In fact, the prospects for mid-career scientists willing to invest

in their professional development are strong. Employers today want more than technical

ability; they want scientists with both technical and soft skills who are adaptable in a fast-

changing work environment.

Of course, some savvy science professionals are already positioning themselves to be at

the forefront of their chosen industries. The question is, will you be among this next wave

of innovative scientists? And if so, what do you bring to the table that differentiates you

from other job candidates?

The information in this ebook will help you prepare for the future of the science

industry so you’ll be there when innovation happens.

INTRODUCTION

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SCIENTISTS AT A MID-CAREER CROSSROADS

/05

It’s interesting to note that mid-career scientists were the biggest single

demographic group working in the science industry in the U.S. in 2014, with just

over half between the ages of 35 and 54. At the same time, less than a quarter of

all science professionals were between the ages of 25 and 34.

In contrast, almost 20 percent of science professionals were 55 or older, with another

26% set to enter that age group within the next decade. These numbers suggest there

won’t be enough scientists rising through the ranks to replace those about to retire.

If you’re an experienced science professional and are assessing your career options,

you’re not alone. The predicted exodus of mature scientists from the workforce, as well

as the changing demands on science professionals to meet evolving industry trends,

open up unprecedented opportunities—if you’re prepared to expand your knowledge

and adapt to the new work place.

But before we examine upcoming opportunities, let’s first look at a snapshot review of

today’s science field.

SCIENTISTS AT A MID-CAREER CROSSROADS SCIENCE PROFESSIONALS BY AGE

Source: Talent Market Analyst, (Kelly/CareerBuilder/EMSI)

14-18 years 0.3%

19-21 years 2.1%

22-24 years 4.1%

25-34 years 24.2%

35-44 years 23.8%

45-54 years 26.3%

55-64 years 16.4%

65+ years 2.8%

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SNAPSHOT OF SCIENCE TODAY

Source: Talent Market Analyst, (Kelly/CareerBuilder/EMSI)

/07

We know that there were nearly 1.1 million science professionals working in the

U.S. in 2014, with slightly more men than women being active in the field.

Of these scientists, 15 percent were working as medical and clinical technologists,

9 percent were employed as clinical research/medical scientists, and 8 percent were

working as environmental scientists and specialists.

The scientific research and development services industry was the largest employer

of science professionals in the U.S. in 2014, employing close to 15% of all scientists,

followed by the federal government, private hospitals, and state education and

hospital services.

SNAPSHOT OF SCIENCE TODAY OCCUPATION BREAKDOWN

medical and clinical laboratory technologists 15%

clinical research/medical scientists 9.2%

environmental scientists and specialists, including health 8.2%

chemists 8.1%

biological technicians 6.9%

chemical technicians 5.9%

life, physical and social science technicians, all other 5.4%

natural sciences managers 4.6%

geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers 3.6%

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WHAT SCIENTISTS EARN

AVERAGE WAGES FOR THE TOP-PAYING SCIENCE PROFESSIONS IN 2014

/09WHAT SCIENTISTS EARN

Science professionals have varying earning potentials depending on their

specific industries.

As can be expected, in recent years, those working in the oil and natural gas industry—

such as natural sciences managers and geoscientists—have commanded the highest

earnings and will likely continue to do so for the foreseeable future.

In 2013, the average starting salary for Math and Science graduates rose just over one

percent to $42,956, placing them higher in terms of earnings than both Education,

Humanities, and Social Sciences graduates.

SCIENCE PROFESSIONS

AVERAGE WAGES PER YEAR

AVERAGE WAGES PER HOUR

natural sciences managers $122,033 $58.67

geoscientists $97,468 $46.86

chemists $73,278 $35.23

clinical research/ medical scientists

$79,414 $38.18

environmental scientist and specialists

$65,707 $31.59

medical and clinical laboratory technologists

$58,905 $28.32

chemical technicians $44,179 $21.24

biological technicians $40,580 $19.51

(in terms of both annual salary and hourly wage)

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics http://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/home.htm

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WHERE THE JOBS ARE

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The largest life sciences hot spots

in the U.S. are in the Boston,

San Francisco and San Diego

metropolitan areas, while the

Houston and Dallas metropolitan

areas have a large science presence

due to the natural resources industry.

Based on the projected growth in the

science field, these ten locations are

predicted to add the highest number

of jobs over the upcoming decade.

WHERE THE JOBS ARE:TOP TEN LEADING METROPOLITAN AREAS FOR SCIENCE TALENT IN TERMS OF VOLUME OF JOBS ADDED BETWEEN 2014 AND 2024

LOS ANGELES, CA +4,723

SAN FRANCISCO, CA +5,858

SAN DIEGO, CA +5,208

DENVER, CO +2,931

PHOENIX, AZ +2,615 DALLAS, TX +3,644

WASHINGTON D.C. +3,596

PHILADELPHIA, PA +2,195

BOSTON, MA +6,833

HOUSTON, TX +5,275

It’s interesting to note that while Boston and San Francisco

remain two major hubs of science activity, we can’t forget

areas like Phoenix, Los Alamos, and Orlando, where

science job increases ranging from 24 to 29 percent will

make those areas highly attractive to professionals over

the next 10 years.

U.S. CITIES THAT ARE PREDICTED TO SEE THE FASTEST RATE OF GROWTH

/12WHERE THE JOBS ARE

• Phoenix, AZ: +29%

• Los Alamos, NM: +28%

• Orlando, FL:+24%

• Salt Lake City, UT:+23%

• Charlotte, NC: +23%

• San Diego, CA: +22%

• San Antonio, TX: +22%

• Dallas, TX: +21%

• Denver, CO: +21%

• Detroit, MI: +21%

The ten major U.S. cities that are predicted to see the fastest rate of growth – with more than a 20 percent increase in science jobs by 2024 – include:

more than 20%

Source: Talent Market Analyst, (Kelly/CareerBuilder/EMSI)

/13

GROWTH AND DEMAND

/14GROWTH AND DEMAND

Regardless of where you choose to live, it’s good to know that the most common

scientific occupations in the U.S. are set to experience strong growth, ranging

from 9 to 20 percent, over the next ten years. This is promising news for both

those already employed in the science industry and those wanting to make a

career change.

The most common group of science occupations, medical and clinical laboratory

technologists, will create 21,283 new jobs, driven by increased global healthcare needs

and greater requirements for biotechnology research.

Clinical research/medical scientists will be more in demand due to our aging population

and corresponding need for pharmaceutical products and more research into chronic

conditions and other health threats, adding 15,500 new jobs.

Because of a heightened interest in the environment and the desire to regulate the strains

placed on it by population growth, environmental scientists will add 14,623 new jobs.

TOP TEN SCIENCE OCCUPATIONS

in terms of jobs added between 2014 and 2024

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics http://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/home.htm

SCIENCE PROFESSIONS

JOBS ADDED

1. medical/clinical laboratory technologists

+21,283

2. clinical research/ medical scientists

+15,500

3. environmental scientists/ specialists (including health)

+14,623

4. biological technicians +9,611

5. chemists +7,893

6. geoscientists (excluding hydrologists/geographers)

+7,699

7. chemical technicians +7,605

8. life/physical/social science technicians; all others

+7,136

9. environmental science/protection technicians (including health)

+6,492

10. biochemists and biophysicists +5,330

/15GROWTH AND DEMAND

With geoscientists predicted to have the biggest percentage surge by 2024, the change

will result in an actual 7,699 new jobs added, driven by the increasing demand for energy

and a strong performing oil and natural gas sector.

Now we’ve seen where the jobs will be, let’s turn our attention to the catalysts driving

these job surges.

GROWTH IN SCIENCE OCCUPATIONS – TOP TEN

in terms of relative job growth between 2014 and 2024

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics http://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/home.htm

SCIENCE PROFESSIONS

GROWTH %

1. geoscientists (excluding hydrologists/geographers)

+20%

2. environmental scientists/ specialists (including health)

+20%

3. biochemists and biophysicists +19%

4. nuclear technicians +19%

5. geological and petroleum technicians

+18%

6. environmental scientists and specialists, including health

+17%

7. clinical research/ medical scientists

+16%

8. food scientists and technologists

+15%

9. atmospheric and space scientists

+14%

10. life scientists +14%

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DRIVERS OF GROWTH IN THE DEMAND FOR SCIENTISTS

There are two main forces driving the growing need for scientists: the call for better,

more connected healthcare, and the continual growth and optimization of the oil

and natural gas industry. Let’s take a closer look at each.

Healthcare

A number of ongoing developments in regards to healthcare are having an impact on

the demand for scientists. First of all, countries such as the United States, China, Brazil,

the United Kingdom, Germany, and France have passed healthcare reform legislation

that’s changing healthcare from a volume to a value-based marketplace.1 The evolving

legislative environment with changing, and sometimes stricter, regulations will most

likely create a bigger need for life sciences professionals who understand regulatory

requirements and can help companies thrive in fluid regulatory landscapes.

Second, higher rates of chronic diseases and a fast-growing global population are

creating a thirst for new solutions in terms of better treatments and technological

advances. Clinical research professionals are needed not only to satisfy this thirst for

innovation, but also to help realize these innovations in commercial settings where cost-

effectiveness and ROI are high on the list of priorities.

/17DRIVERS OF GROWTH IN THE DEMAND FOR SCIENTISTS

1 http://www2.deloitte.com/global/en/pages/life-sciences-and-healthcare/articles/2014-global-life-sciences-outlook.html

Third, in emerging economies such as India, Brazil, and China, standards of living are

improving, bringing better access to healthcare to the general population. There’s a

corresponding increase in spending on pharmaceutical products, on healthcare and

within the biotechnology sector, creating a higher demand for science professionals in

life sciences.

And fourth, with increased healthcare access and new discoveries being patented, a

huge amount of data and intellectual property needs to be securely stored, creating an

increased need for science professionals who are knowledgeable about IT security and

intellectual property protection.

/18DRIVERS OF GROWTH IN THE DEMAND FOR SCIENTISTS

TREND: INCREASING

DEMAND FOR

CLINICAL RESEARCH

PROFESSIONALS.

HIGHER RATES OF

CHRONIC DISEASES

AND A FAST-GROWING

GLOBAL POPULATION

ARE CREATING A THIRST

FOR NEW SOLUTIONS

IN TERMS OF BETTER

TREATMENTS AND

TECHNOLOGICAL

ADVANCES.

Growth and optimization of the Oil & Natural Gas industry

The growth and optimization of the oil and natural gas industry is the other significant

driver behind the increased demand for scientists, specifically for geoscientists and

natural sciences managers. To illustrate, the energy production sector and supporting

industries created more than 293,000 new positions between 2005 and 20122, and the

industry is expected to expand even further in the coming years.

However, a significant percentage of talent in the industry is at or past retirement age,

and there aren’t enough younger workers to fill in the vacancies, resulting in a talent gap.

Moreover, too few new graduates are entering the field, since many institutions of higher

learning emphasize life sciences degrees over geoscience and natural sciences.

As the world’s population increases, so too will the need for energy both from

conventional and alternative sources. Consequently, oil prices are projected to return

to a higher level after the early 2015 plummet, and new technologies are likely to be

introduced in a bid to find new oil fields and make more efficient use of existing oil

reserves. In addition, the call for alternative energy is predicted to increase.

/19DRIVERS OF GROWTH IN THE DEMAND FOR SCIENTISTS

2 http://www.usnews.com/opinion/economic-intelligence/2014/11/24/us-natural-gas-renaissance-is-a-boon-for-the-economy-jobs

/20

Geoscientists will be expected to master innovative, rapidly changing methods of work,

as well as possess the ability to efficiently update their skills and adapt to evolving work

environments. They’ll also be needed in the planning of new wind farms, geothermal

power plants, and solar power plants. As a result, job prospects for geoscientists are

excellent—especially for those holding master’s degrees, according to the U.S. Bureau

of Labor Statistics. For mid-career science professionals holding undergraduate degrees,

better job and salary prospects could be an incentive to amp up their candidacy by

earning their master’s degrees.

Regulatory compliance is a critical issue across the natural resources sector, both in

established and emerging markets. Compliance issues include increased government

regulation, environmental protection laws, changing policies, drug safety, and

information security.3 Science talent will be required to work within regulatory

requirements, meaning that professionals with embedded science skills who are willing

to refocus on compliance issues are likely to be in high demand.

AS THE WORLD’S

POPULATION INCREASES,

SO TOO WILL THE

NEED FOR SCIENTISTS

WORKING IN THE

OIL AND NATURAL

GAS INDUSTRY.

DRIVERS OF GROWTH IN THE DEMAND FOR SCIENTISTS

3 http://www2.deloitte.com/global/en/pages/life-sciences-and-healthcare/articles/2014-global-life-sciences-outlook.html

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BIG TRENDS IN SCIENCE

TOP FIELDS

While scientists with traditional skills are always in demand, new technologies,

new health concerns, increased energy needs, and a changing regulatory landscape

are driving the search for specialized skill sets in the life sciences and natural

resources industries.

If you’re a mid-career scientist reassessing your career, now is the time to consider

continuing your education in the fields that are going to be increasingly more sought

after in the global, innovative market.

It’s important to note that unlike recent graduates, scientists who are seasoned

professionals are frequently in the position to offer much more than only technological

expertise. They often possess unique skills combinations that come from years

of experience in specific areas. These scientists can increase their value to their

organizations and grow with their employers if they’re able to:

• re-engineer their companies’ innovation processes and practices

• upgrade, mitigate risk, and manage through the legislative reforms—

across borders if necessary

• comply and manage regulatory and agency changes and evolution

• manage safety and international IP challenges and infringement

/22BIG TRENDS IN SCIENCE

QUALITY

LAW

DATA ANALYTICS

DEVELOPMENT

GLOBAL RESOURCE

MANAGEMENT

REGULATION

SAFETY

/23

CHANGING INDUSTRY DEMANDS

As we’ve seen, the face of the science industry is changing. But just as there will

be an expansion of the positions for which scientists will be needed, there will

also be a simultaneous shift in how organizations acquire the science services and

products they need.

Over the next decade, instead of funding fully-fledged in-house research departments,

organizations will increasingly outsource work to scientific research services companies

and consulting firms. This development will strengthen these companies as major

employers of science professionals in the U.S. Meanwhile, experts predict a three percent

drop in opportunities at federal agencies because the U.S. government will outsource

more scientific work due to budget constraints. Interestingly, this outsourcing of federal

research will further strengthen dedicated research firms and consultancies, resulting in

more jobs in the private sector.

/24CHANGING INDUSTRY DEMANDS

JOB GROWTH

20%increase

It follows that management, scientific, and consulting services will be a rich source of

employment for science professionals, with the number of jobs in these types of firms set

to rise by almost forty percent to 77,500 positions—adding more than 21,000 new jobs

by 2024. Likewise, the scientific research and development services industry—already

the single biggest sector for science employment—is expected to grow by almost twenty

percent over the next ten years, adding a further 27,450 new science jobs.

To take advantage of this new wave of jobs stemming from more outsourcing, science

professionals will need to be adaptable and willing to upskill in order to navigate through

increasingly complex organizational environments and continuously thrive in this rapidly

changing industry.

/25CHANGING INDUSTRY DEMANDS

40%increase

MANAGEMENT, SCIENTIFIC, AND CONSULTING SERVICES JOBS

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES JOBS

/26

QUALIFICATIONS AND SOFT SKILLS

It should come as no surprise that earning a science degree in any field provides

graduates with a highly sought after skill set. In fact, science ranks fourth among

the top in-demand degrees.

While as a scientist you must certainly have excellent technical expertise, it’s clear that

technical proficiency alone is not enough to make you a sought-after employee, no

matter whether you’re a recent graduate or a seasoned scientific professional. Employers

today are looking for science professionals who, in addition to possessing scientific

proficiency, also demonstrate expertise in secondary soft skills. In fact, employers often

rank attributes such as communication skills, collaboration skills, leadership, and the

ability to work in a team equal to the technical skills required by a position.

Among these soft skills, the single most sought-after attribute is adaptability, since both

the organizational forms and work environments in which science professionals function

will continue to evolve to meet the needs of the industry.

/27QUALIFICATIONS AND SOFT SKILLS

TOP BACHELOR’S DEGREES in demand by broad category

Science degrees in the highest demand are Mathematics, Chemistry, and Physics

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics http://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/home.htm

BACHELOR’S DEGREES

1. business

2. engineering

3. computer and information sciences

4. sciences

5. communications

6. liberal arts

7. agriculture and natural resources

Collaboration skills are also indispensable. More than ever before, scientific and

research organizations are collaborating with both traditional and innovative partners in

outsourced or insourced modes. This development creates a pressing need for scientific

professionals to demonstrate they can flourish in and navigate their way through

increasingly complex organizational or matrixed environments to perform successfully in

value-accumulation projects.

Scientists rarely work in isolation. Teamwork, or the ability to work well with colleagues in

the workplace, is vital to professional success. Demonstrating an understanding of how

individual performance contributes to team success will make you a science professional

others will want to work with, project after project.

Moreover, communication skills are also essential. In a recent survey conducted by

the National Association of Colleges and Employers, members were asked to rate the

attributes they sought most when assessing a candidate’s résumé. Overwhelmingly, the

number one response was “written communication skills.” Today’s science professionals

should be able to express themselves lucidly and demonstrate they’re capable of

communicating appropriately with both internal and external partners.

/28QUALIFICATIONS AND SOFT SKILLS

Leadership is another important attribute. Depending on their occupations, science

professionals may have to manage multi-disciplinary teams and coordinate with

organizations’ internal and external stakeholders.

Also vital to employers will be analytical and quantitative skills. Scientists, by trade, tend

to be highly proficient at generating and analyzing data. As Hal Varian, Google’s chief

economist, stated, the ability to handle data and use numerate evidence statistically is

increasingly sought-after in an age of information over-overload.

Clearly, adaptability and other secondary or soft skills are correlated to professional

success in science organizations and companies. So when you’re applying for roles as a

science professional, remember to not only highlight your technical expertise, but also

any secondary skills you possess, since these can be the attributes that set you apart

from other candidates.

/29QUALIFICATIONS AND SOFT SKILLS

“I keep saying the sexy

job in the next ten years

will be statisticians… The

ability to take data – to be

able to understand it, to

process it, to extract value

from it, to visualize it, to

communicate it – is going

to be a hugely important

skill in the next decades…

Because now we really do

have essentially free and

ubiquitous data.”

HAL VARIAN, GOOGLE’S CHIEF ECONOMIST

Whether it’s seeing the potential for energy in the wind or a cure for diseases

ailing the human race, what drew you to science is the perseverance of an idea

that helps others. And where those ideas are best put to use is on the cutting

edge of research and development associated with science. That’s why, for science

professional at all levels of their careers, it’s of the utmost importance to be

involved with current, productive, and effective organizations.

Mid-career scientists will enjoy double-digit job growth well into the next decade,

especially in the fields of diagnostics, personalized medicine, biotechnology, alternative

energy, traditional energy, and generic pharmaceutical segments. And this growth

coincides with the evolution of the latest technologies across all scientific segments.

If you’re a mid-career scientist reassessing your career path, it’s essential to

embrace the need for continued education to improve upon your knowledge of

technology, data management, and compliance regulations. And to distinguish

yourself from other candidates, always be prepared to demonstrate the core skills

of adaptability, collaboration, and communication that allow you to thrive in the

modern science workplace.

/30CONCLUSION

SOURCES:

Talent Market Analyst (Kelly/CareerBuilder/EMSI)

National Association of Colleges and Employers | Job Outlook 2014

http://www.socialsciencespace.com/2013/05/stand-out-and-be-counted-quantitative-skills-and-social-scientists

http://www.usnews.com/opinion/economic-intelligence/2014/11/24/us-natural-gas-renaissance-is-a-boon-for-the-economy-jobs

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/home.htm

http://www2.deloitte.com/global/en/pages/life-sciences-and-healthcare/articles/2014-global-life-sciences-outlook.html

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/32/32

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

HARVEY YAU is Director of Americas Science Center of Excellence at Kelly Services®. In his

current role, he is responsible for the strategic development and growth of scientific staffing,

search, project services and other workforce outsourced solutions in the U.S. and Canada,

with special interest in life science, chemical, oil & gas, environmental and consumer

manufacturing sectors.

Mr. Yau joined Kelly Services in 2002 as a district manager in the Southern California market and subsequently

served as Western Regional Manager. Prior to joining Kelly, he held management and scientific roles at Day &

Zimmermann and Brown & Caldwell Laboratories.

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of Southern California and Master of

Business Administration from Pepperdine University. In addition, he is an active member of several scientific and

professional organizations, including the American Chemical Society, the Southern California Biomedical Council,

the American Association of Advancement of Science and holds advisory roles at the Claremont Keck Institute,

Citrus College and Biocom.

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