Top Qualities of a Research Scientist

Analytical Mindset
Organized
Detail Oriented
Resilient
Good Communication Skills
Open minded and free of bias

Positions in scientific research are available in a wide variety of fields—but in each specialization, the characteristics of a successful research scientist are similar. From medicine to history, these traits help most scientists use the scientific method to conduct more efficient, impactful investigations. Before entering the field as a researcher, it’s helpful to build up each skill to prepare for the demands of the job and to become a good scientist.

Scientists’ work can take decades to discover answers. They must repeat experiments multiple times. They may have numerous failures, and their work may be proven false by future research scientists. While not every good scientist will have all of these important characteristics, ones having many of these traits and continuing to develop them will succeed.

No matter what scientific specialization you choose, the traits we highlight below are an asset. While not everyone will have all these traits, by developing the top characteristics of a research scientist, it’s easier to build a successful, thriving career.

Analytical Mindset

An analytical mindset is one of the most crucial characteristics for scientists working in research. Every day they take in a variety of collected data from experiments and studies. To make sense of that data, the good scientist must analyze it using critical thinking. They look for patterns, try to spot causation, and prove or disprove their hypotheses to make new discoveries. A scientist must make a successful analysis that requires an in-depth understanding of the field and other research projects, as well as knowledge of the factors that might affect the results. In other words, a good scientist in research knows how to take a huge variety of information and pick out the factors that affect the project at hand. A good scientist must know how to think critically and solve problems by analyzing information and making critical decisions to solve experimental and real world problems.

Organized

A research project is complex by nature. The scientist running the study must have the qualities needed to track and record every relevant and measurable factor; even in the highly regulated environment of the lab working with other scientists, this requires a high level of organization. When an investigation to test scientific theories moves into the outside world—as it often does in fields like wildlife, the environment, and medicine—organization is even more important. Successful research scientists are able to use the scientific method and digital and physical tools to keep track of every pertinent piece of data, from the outdoor temperature to the exact amount of fluid in a vial. This enables them to design repeatable studies and report accurate results that promise to add knowledge.

Detail-Oriented

When a good scientist is conducting research, even the smallest change can affect the results and taint the outcome of the study. That’s why the best research scientists are detail-oriented. They are often sticklers for scientific method procedure, and they don’t take a lax approach to solve experimental problems. This presents an unusual duality—great scientists must be critical thinkers on both the big-picture and micro-level to ensure the integrity of their projects. Since the scientific community scrutinizes results and methods carefully, attention to detail is one way to maintain a strong reputation and ensure future funding.

A good scientist works to gain answers to problems using the scientific process to observe and collect data. This attention to detail helps in the development of scientific theories, and one experiment can lead to unexpected answers to other problems.

Resilient

Scientific research is full of disappointments. A years-long study might not produce any useful information. Trials and tests fail. New information can negate an entire body of work. Given this reality, one of the top research scientist characteristics is resilience. A great scientist is able to take rejection and disappointment—and rather than letting it stop the work, they learn from it and use the information to design better studies in the future. This is also helpful when your job depends on securing funding; according to Science Magazine, short-term contracts are common in the research world. Another important trait is patience and courage to answer questions when needing to verify results and answering questions about experiments. Scientists recognize their work may take decades, and that their approach may be wrong and their work could be proven false by future scientists.

Good Communication Skills

Although research scientists spend a great deal of time in the lab or the field, both written and oral communication is crucial. On the local level, they must be able to communicate the procedures and requirements of a study to their lab techs, assistants, and grad students. Communication also plays a role in securing funding for research—through presentations and written proposals, the scientist should be able to explain the importance of the study and convince the funding agency to give money. Once a project is complete, the scientist must communicate the findings to a larger audience, which might include students, other researchers, interviewers, administrators, and the general public. Effective communication is essential in science when working with other scientists as part of a team, or when sharing findings with others.

Open Minded and Free of Bias

Good scientists observe and collect important data while searching for answers and being open minded and free of bias. These research scientists are creative and must think outside the box in their own way, while envisioning possibilities not yet seen all while being open minded about possibly being wrong. Knowing failed experiments provide answers helps good scientists be open minded. Open minded scientists are open to what other scientists have to say about their work and their ideas.

What is the professional organization for research scientists?

There are many professional organizations for all subject matter, and each subject matter has their research arm. Whatever your area of study, investigate the organizations that serve that profession. Professional organizations exist to serve their members with professional guidance, continuing education, research journals, networking events, and more. The National Organization of Research Development Professionals works with all areas of research with the mission to advance the global capacity for and impact of research by strengthening the practice and profession of research development.

So if you are looking to make things happen as a successful research scientist, take a look at the characteristics and traits you already have, and what needs to be developed. Take the steps needed to get on the road to becoming a research scientist.

5 Characteristics of a Successful Research Scientist