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Between 2006 and 2009, 0.2% of doctoral graduates or 25 employed doctoral graduates, are known to have been working as research mathematicians six months after graduation.

Job description

Doctoral level mathematicians are typically found as HE researchers at the start of their careers, although some enter research roles outside the HE sector  in financial services, management consultancy and other sectors.

Much of this research work is very similar in nature to the research work the mathematician carried out as a doctoral student, with an increased level of responsibility. As a result, most entrants into these research roles should have a good idea of the basic nature of the job and many of the key responsibilities.

Research mathematicians work in many different areas and do many different types of work. This work includes proving deep and abstract theorems; developing mathematical descriptions (mathematical models) to explain or predict real phenomena such as the spread of cancer or the flow of liquids; and applying mathematical principles to identify trends in data sets. Applied research can also contribute to the development of a commercial product or develop intelligence about business trends.

The application of mathematics is so varied that collaboration with other scientists and people in other commercial functions in industry is very common. Research is undertaken into a diverse range of pure and applied maths including algebra, analysis, combinatorics, differential equations, dynamic systems, geometry and topology, fluid mechanics, mathematical biology and numerical analysis.

Typical work activities

Mathematicians in commercial organisations are involved with developing new products and providing insight into business performance. In academic and research organisations, projects develop understanding in particular areas of maths. Despite these differences, work in both settings is usually office-based and dependent on specialist computer systems.

Typical activities include:

  • Identifying solutions by learning and applying new methods (e.g. designing mathematical models that interpret data in a meaningful way)
  • Keeping up to date with new mathematical developments and producing original mathematics research
  • Using specialist mathematical software such as Mathematica, Matlab or Mathcad or using software languages such as C/C++ or Visual basic to develop programmes to perform mathematical functions
  • Presenting findings at group and departmental meetings as well as to senior management
  • Attending and sometimes presenting at national and international scientific conferences and meetings in a particular field of interest
  • Sharing the implications of new research by producing regular reports on the development of work as well as writing original papers for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals
  • Writing applications for funding
  • Managing a research team (or group of research students in academic settings)

There are very few pure research posts in universities, and most mathematicians working in research will also have teaching responsibilities. This may involve giving lectures to large groups of students, giving tutorials to small groups and setting and marking work including examinations.

In commercial settings, mathematicians are likely to be allocated specific projects. In smaller organisations, they may be involved in all stages of the product from concept to customer. Activities here may include:

  • Producing tailored solutions to business problems using innovative and existing methods as well as suggesting new ways to analyse data to provide more sophisticated insights into available data
  • Meeting with clients throughout projects to discuss ideas and results

Advising clients on how to benefit from mathematical analysis, making recommendations based on these analyses

Entry requirements

Most people entering this field of work will have completed a postgraduate qualification, usually a doctorate. The high-level, technical communication skills developed through writing a thesis are very attractive to employers. In theory, it is possible to work as a research mathematician with only a relevant undergraduate degree, but with most employers (particularly in academia) career progression is likely to be extremely limited without a higher degree.

Postdoctoral research experience is useful, and usually essential, for academic posts. Competition is moderate for those with a good relevant higher degree and some postdoctoral work experience, despite there being comparatively few vacancies (as there are in such specialised areas). Research potential employers thoroughly and be prepared to make speculative applications. In academic settings, permanent research posts are very rare and highly competitive.

Salary

  • Typical starting salaries range from £23,000 to £35,000, depending on background and specialist subjects (salary data collected May 2009).
  • Typical salaries with three to five years' experience range from £29,000 to £38,000 (salary data collected May 2009).
  • Typical salaries at senior levels range from £30,000 to £70,000, although this will vary greatly, depending on the sector. For example, in academic settings it depends on whether the researcher is working as a leader of their own research group, is part of another research team, or has secured a lectureship while continuing with research.
  • Professorial pay ranges from £50,000 to £65,000. In industry, the higher end of the scale (£65,000 - £70,000) will apply to team leader roles (salary data collected May 2009).

Sector and disciplinary information

Sector information
Doctoral graduates from 2006-9 working in this occupation were known to be employed in the following profiled sectors six months after graduation:

Disciplinary background
The most common disciplinary backgrounds for doctoral graduates (2006-2009) entering mathematics research were:

Career stories

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