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Research Scientist

A research scientist looks for answers to questions nobody has answered yet. Why do cells age? How can a battery hold more charge? What are distant stars made of? If reading the answer in a textbook is not enough and you want to check for yourself how things work, this career might suit you.

Research Scientist

Science is more than a lab coat. Researchers work with data, write code, go on field trips, argue at conferences and publish papers. What matters most is curiosity and patience: results often come only after dozens of failed attempts. But every discovery, even a small one, adds something new to what people know about the world.

What the job involves

  • Formulates a research question and plans how to test it
  • Runs experiments, observations or calculations
  • Analyses data and looks for patterns
  • Writes research papers and grant applications
  • Presents findings at seminars and discusses them with colleagues

Skills you need

  • Curiosity

    A real wish to understand why things work the way they do.

  • Critical thinking

    Testing ideas carefully and not trusting a result until it is confirmed.

  • Patience

    Being ready to repeat an experiment many times and keep going after failures.

  • Data skills

    Knowing statistics and basic programming to process results.

  • English

    Most research papers and conferences are in English.

Who it suits

Personality types

Strong intelligences

  • Logical-mathematical
  • Naturalistic
  • Intrapersonal

UNT subjects to take

Where to study

The path into science starts with a bachelor's degree in your chosen field, such as physics, chemistry, biology or mathematics. It usually takes 4 years. Such programmes are offered, for example, at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University and Nazarbayev University. In later years you can join a lab and take part in real research.

After the bachelor's, students go on to a master's degree (1-2 years) and then a PhD, which in Kazakhstan takes about 3 years. Many study abroad through the Bolashak programme or with grants from foreign universities. Taking part in olympiads and school research projects is a great start.

Outlook

In Kazakhstan, researchers work at universities, research institutes and national science centres, as well as in labs of industrial companies in oil and gas, mining, medicine and agriculture. Work is often organised around grants and projects. Scientists who can handle data and collaborate with international colleagues are especially in demand.

Frequently asked questions

Which UNT subjects do I need to become a scientist?

It depends on the field: math-physics suits physics, biology-chemistry suits biology and medicine, and chemistry-physics suits chemistry. Choose the area you are genuinely curious about.

Do I have to be a top student to do science?

No. Good grades help with admission, but in science curiosity, persistence and finishing what you start matter more. Many researchers only found their passion at university.

How many years does it take to become a scientist?

Usually a bachelor's degree (4 years), a master's (1-2 years) and a PhD (about 3 years). But you can take part in research while still doing your bachelor's.

Is this career right for you?

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