Scientific research and development: characteristics of the workforce

Between 2000 and 2007, employment in the science industries in the UK grew by around 15%. 86% of employment was full time in 2008, and 53% of the workforce were men; the proportion of women is gradually increasing.

The sector has high skills levels. In 2008, 63% of the sector workforce had a doctoral qualification. 39% of the workforce were employed in technical professional roles and a further 22% were in technician positions. Another 22% were in management. The top professions in the sector were; bioscientists and biochemists (14%); research and development managers (9%); laboratory technicians (5%); researchers (unspecified discipline) (4%); IT managers (4%); chemists (4%); general office assistants or clerks (3%); scientific researchers (3%); marketing and sales managers (3%); personal assistants and other secretaries (2%) [Science Industries (Bioscience) Sector Skills Assessment].

The high qualification levels of much of the workforce leads to a slightly older age profile, with 51% of the workforce aged between 25 and 44, and older workers slightly overrepresented compared to the UK workforce as a whole.

In order to support operation and recruitment, science R&D companies also require all the usual business support professionals in management, finance, marketing and human resources.