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Other Natural and Social Science Professionals

As a professional in the diverse realm of natural and social sciences, you play a pivotal role in understanding and solving some of the world's most pressing issues. Your expertise not only contributes to scientific advancements but also informs policies and practices that enhance societal well-being across the UK and beyond.

Other Natural and Social Science Professionals

40

Physical Sciences

AI IMPACT
AI EXPOSURE TODAY40
20-YEAR SCENARIO
NOT A FORECAST
78%
THE DOOR · ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAYC
STARTING PAY£25,000 - £30,000
MOAT NOT YET CLASSIFIEDA real score, but the moat is not yet classified. No claim either way.

THE DOOR: ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAY, graded A (easy) to E (extremely hard). A Careermash rule-of-thumb index built from our AI exposure index and the job's moat class. It is not a forecast and not a count of job openings.

AI EXPOSURE TODAY is a Careermash index from 0 to 100 of how exposed this job's everyday tasks are to AI today. We estimate it by matching published research on how people use AI to this job, usually by keyword or subject area, and we lower it where the work is protected (for example by physical, personal or legal requirements). It is not a direct measurement of how much people in this job use AI.

AI exposure is high for this work
AI exposure today for this job is high on our index (40), an estimate rather than a measurement. We have not yet classified what, if anything, structurally protects it, so we make no claim either way about a moat. Learn the tools, and build the judgement that stays human.

Career progression path

1FIRST STEPJunior Research ScientistAs a Junior Research Scientist, you will assist in data collection and analysis, contributing to larger research projects while gaining valuable experience in the field.£25,000 - £30,000
2GAINING EXPERIENCEMid-Level Social ScientistIn this role, you will lead specific research projects, manage teams, and liaise with stakeholders to ensure research objectives are met.£35,000 - £45,000
3PEAK CAREERSenior Policy AdvisorAs a Senior Policy Advisor, you will influence policy decisions, oversee large-scale research initiatives, and represent your organisation in high-level discussions.£55,000+

Apprenticeship listings for this career → (June 2026 snapshot; check closing dates on the official service)

The degree route

Courses in this career's subject area, from the live library of 35,000; every one is AI impact assessed through its actual graduate destinations.

🎓Physics with AstrophysicsUniversity of Exeter · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£35,000 median
🎓Acoustical Engineering with Industrial Placement YearUniversity of Southampton · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£32,000 median
🎓PhysicsQueen's University of Belfast · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£30,000 median
🎓Chemistry with Cosmetic ScienceThe University of Reading · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£29,000 median
🎓Chemistry with Medicinal ChemistryThe University of Manchester · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£29,000 median
🎓PhysicsUniversity of Aberdeen · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£28,500 median

All Physical Sciences courses as cards →

There is more than one way in

You do not have to go the university route to get here. There is also a vocational route that skips a degree entirely.

Degree subjects that lead this way

Courses in this career's subject area, from the same register that priced the degree above. Subject-matched, not a guaranteed qualifying route: check each course's own entry requirements and any professional accreditation before you rely on it.