A natural science manager is in charge of scientific research and activities planning and implementation. They are in charge of the business side of science, such as obtaining funding, writing proposals, managing employees, and determining project goals and priorities. Before moving up to lead research groups and plan projects, natural science managers work as scientists in their chosen field. Most large science endeavors require the services of a science manager, who can be found working for research institutions, government agencies, and private businesses.
The majority of scientific research is not carried out a single scientist. For research to begin, funding, laboratory space, equipment, and personnel must all be coordinated and planned. A natural science manager’s job is to do just that. Before a project or experiment begins, goals and priorities are established, and a natural science manager ensures that everything runs smoothly. If something unexpected occurs that causes the schedule to be disrupted, the manager steps in to find solutions that are acceptable to all members of the laboratory or research group.
Receiving grants is one way to find funding for projects when working at a university or in a non-profit research environment. Grants come from a variety of places, including the government and private foundations. Grants are awarded on a competitive basis, and multiple projects may compete for the same funding source. Natural science managers are typically in charge of writing grant proposals in the hopes of receiving funding.
A natural science manager’s responsibilities include hiring, supervising, and training employees in a research laboratory or project. They supervise both fellow scientists and other employees such as administrative clerks and service workers. The natural science manager is also responsible for delegating tasks and roles among members of the research group.
A natural science manager in a private company performs many of the same duties as a researcher at a university. One difference is that they work to communicate business objectives and goals to scientists rather than focusing on finding funding. They then communicate the science department’s needs to upper management, acting as an advocate for the research group.
Another responsibility of the natural science manager is public outreach and communication between different departments and divisions. They attend board meetings at universities and pay visits to businesses. Science managers obtain any necessary approval for an experiment, and they stay informed about any potential government regulations that may affect their projects.