Research scientist
Level 7 · Degree (Master’s)Health and science 2.5 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
A Research Scientist at level 7 designs and conducts original scientific investigations, analyses data, and communicates findings to advance knowledge in fields such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, chemistry, or physics. Apprentices operate at the cutting edge of their discipline, typically within an industrial R&D or applied science environment. This master's-level apprenticeship leads to lead or principal scientist positions and potential routes to fellowship of relevant scientific bodies.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Advanced research design, experimental methodology, and hypothesis testing
Specialist laboratory techniques relevant to your scientific discipline
Statistical analysis and computational tools for scientific data
Scientific writing - patents, peer-reviewed papers, and technical reports
Intellectual property, research ethics, and regulatory compliance
Project management and leadership in a research environment
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Design, plan, and execute original scientific experiments
Analyse complex datasets and interpret results critically
Write up research findings in technical reports and papers
Present research to internal teams and at external conferences
Keep detailed laboratory notebooks and records of all experiments
Collaborate with scientists, engineers, and commercial colleagues
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 7 (Degree (Master’s)) - roughly Master’s-degree level. Usually needs a relevant degree or Level 6 qualification, or significant experience.
What’s next: Leads into senior and chartered professional roles.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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