Natural sciences manager essential career information:
- 2012 median pay: $115,730
- 2012, number of jobs: 48,560
- Employment growth forecast, 2010-2020: 8 percent
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
Natural sciences managers; what they do:
Ever wonder who manages large scientific expeditions into the Alaskan wild to research global warming trends? Or who coordinates research and development of leading edge cancer research? A natural sciences manager is the leader of these extremely rewarding and demanding projects; they plan and supervise research, production and testing activities for teams of physicists, chemists and scientists.
Natural sciences manager careers involve working with teams of high-level executives to develop specific scientific goals in carrying out major research and development projects.
A natural sciences management career includes organizing budgets and deciding all equipment, training and employee requirements, reviewing the goals of the project and making sure all staff members are using sound testing methods and providing accurate information.
A natural science management career involves preparing reports, hiring and evaluating scientific staff, establishing scientific protocols and procedures and reporting research findings to top level executives.
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Natural sciences manager job titles:
- Research and Development Director
- Natural Science Manager
- Water Team Leader
- Health Sciences Manager
- Laboratory Manager
- Mineral and Aggregate Resources Planner
- Environmental Manager
- Natural Resources Planner
- Coastal Management Planner
Natural Sciences Managers Education, Certification and License Requirements
After several years of experience and training on research teams, scientists can advance in their career to natural sciences manager positions. Natural sciences managers typically have a bachelor’s or higher-level degree such as a masters or doctorate in a scientific discipline or a related field. A Masters of Business Administration (MBA) is also helpful when looking to advance into a general scientific management career.
A solid background in scientific and technical training is paramount for professionals seeking a natural sciences manager career. Natural sciences managers need to understand all of the work their staff provides in order to provide training and assistance when necessary.
Natural sciences manager programs cover subjects such as:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Computer systems
- Computer graphics and imaging
- Information science and technology
- Bioelectrical engineering
- Electronic technology
- Laboratory electronics
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Natural Sciences Managers Job Outlook
Forecast: 8 percent employment growth for natural sciences managers from 2010 to 2020, slower than the average for all occupations.
Employment issues such as outsourcing jobs affect scientific managers more than scientists; research services firms increasingly operate research and development projects.
Factors such as retirement and managers transferring to other positions add to natural sciences manager job openings. The field has strong competition due to high salaries and greater research and project development opportunities.
Natural Sciences Managers Salary
- 2012 median annual wage: $115,730
- 2012 workers at the 75th percentile annual wage: $156,720
- 2012, workers at the 25th percentile annual wage: $88,750
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Major Employers

- Research and development in the physical, engineering and life sciences
- Federal and state government
- Pharmaceutical and medical manufacturing
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