Science Manager

Overview and Key Facts

What Do They Do?

A science manager could...

Overview Listen to this section

Some of the biggest questions in science—like how to cure cancers or how to control global warming—require large teams of scientists to answer. Science managers work to coordinate and direct the research of these teams to ensure collaboration among the scientists and effective use of equipment and resources.

Do You Have the Skills and Characteristics of a Science Manager?

1. Writing: ? Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
2. Speaking: ? Talking to others to convey information effectively.
3. Reading Comprehension: ? Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
4. Active Listening: ? Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
5. Critical Thinking: ? Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

6. Judgment and Decision Making: ? Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
7. Complex Problem Solving: ? Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
8. Science: ? Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
9. Management of Personnel Resources: ? Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
10. Monitoring: ? Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Core Tasks

Think about if you'd like the typical tasks a Science Manager might do:

• Confer with scientists, engineers, regulators, or others to plan or review projects or to provide technical assistance.
• Develop client relationships and communicate with clients to explain proposals, present research findings, establish specifications, or discuss project status.
• Plan or direct research, development, or production activities.
• Review project activities and prepare and review research, testing, or operational reports.
• Determine scientific or technical goals within broad outlines provided by top management and make detailed plans to accomplish these goals.
• Develop or implement policies, standards, or procedures for the architectural, scientific, or technical work performed to ensure regulatory compliance or operations enhancement.
• Design or coordinate successive phases of problem analysis, solution proposals, or testing.
• Hire, supervise, or evaluate engineers, technicians, researchers, or other staff.
• Recruit personnel or oversee the development or maintenance of staff competence.
• Prepare project proposals.
• Conduct own research in field of expertise.
• Prepare and administer budgets, approve and review expenditures, and prepare financial reports.
• Make presentations at professional meetings to further knowledge in the field.
• Develop innovative technology or train staff for its implementation.