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. Science: ? Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
2. 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.
3. Monitoring: ? Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
4. Reading Comprehension: ? Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
5. Critical Thinking: ? Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

6. Writing: ? Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
7. Complex Problem Solving: ? Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
8. Speaking: ? Talking to others to convey information effectively.
9. Judgment and Decision Making: ? Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
10. Management of Personnel Resources: ? Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.

Core Tasks

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

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