This ebook is showing the promising work outlook for Scientific and Clinical Research Professionals.

1. SPOTLIGHT ON SCIENCE:
PROMISING FUTURES
FOR SCIENTIFIC AND
CLINICAL RESEARCH
PROFESSIONALS
HARVEY YAU

2. /02
There has never been a better time than the
present to be a scientist—except for the future.
Currently, job posting trends reveal that the demand for science professionals
is 40 percent higher than for all other professions. Moreover, science occupations
are predicted to grow by 13 percent over the next decade, adding more than
135,000 new jobs in that time. These numbers correspond to a strong predicted
growth in the global pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical diagnostics
industries, representing more than $1.5 trillion dollars in combined revenue.
As our world’s population grows, it becomes increasingly dependent on scientists
to find solutions to challenges such as chronic diseases, life threatening viruses, and
rapidly depleting natural resources. The thirst for innovation and development is
unprecedented, fuelled by higher living standards, global healthcare reform, and an
increasingly demanding regulatory landscape.
INTRODUCTION
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
In this eBook, you
will learn about:
• Trends shaping
the industry
• Top occupations
• Earning potential
• Hot spots for
science jobs

3. /03
In this innovative and exciting environment, professionals who understand the changing
trends of the science field are poised to take advantage of the many opportunities
arising for those willing and able to adapt their skill sets to evolving needs. Established
scientists can capitalize on embedded skills and experience by further developing their
knowledge of regulation, safety, quality, development, law, global resource management,
and data analytics. Meanwhile, mid-career scientists can reposition themselves to meet
the increased demand for science professionals, particularly those in the life sciences and
natural resources sectors. In fact, the prospects for mid-career scientists willing to invest
in their professional development are strong. Employers today want more than technical
ability; they want scientists with both technical and soft skills who are adaptable in a fast-
changing work environment.
Of course, some savvy science professionals are already positioning themselves to be at
the forefront of their chosen industries. The question is, will you be among this next wave
of innovative scientists? And if so, what do you bring to the table that differentiates you
from other job candidates?
The information in this ebook will help you prepare for the future of the science
industry so you’ll be there when innovation happens.
INTRODUCTION

4. /04
SCIENTISTS AT
A MID-CAREER
CROSSROADS

5. /05
It’s interesting to note that mid-career scientists were the biggest single
demographic group working in the science industry in the U.S. in 2014, with just
over half between the ages of 35 and 54. At the same time, less than a quarter of
all science professionals were between the ages of 25 and 34.
In contrast, almost 20 percent of science professionals were 55 or older, with another
26% set to enter that age group within the next decade. These numbers suggest there
won’t be enough scientists rising through the ranks to replace those about to retire.
If you’re an experienced science professional and are assessing your career options,
you’re not alone. The predicted exodus of mature scientists from the workforce, as well
as the changing demands on science professionals to meet evolving industry trends,
open up unprecedented opportunities—if you’re prepared to expand your knowledge
and adapt to the new work place.
But before we examine upcoming opportunities, let’s first look at a snapshot review of
today’s science field.
SCIENTISTS AT A MID-CAREER CROSSROADS SCIENCE
PROFESSIONALS
BY AGE
Source: Talent Market Analyst,
(Kelly/CareerBuilder/EMSI)
14-18 years 0.3%
19-21 years 2.1%
22-24 years 4.1%
25-34 years 24.2%
35-44 years 23.8%
45-54 years 26.3%
55-64 years 16.4%
65+ years 2.8%

6. /06
SNAPSHOT
OF SCIENCE
TODAY

7. Source: Talent Market Analyst,
(Kelly/CareerBuilder/EMSI)
/07
We know that there were nearly 1.1 million science professionals working in the
U.S. in 2014, with slightly more men than women being active in the field.
Of these scientists, 15 percent were working as medical and clinical technologists,
9 percent were employed as clinical research/medical scientists, and 8 percent were
working as environmental scientists and specialists.
The scientific research and development services industry was the largest employer
of science professionals in the U.S. in 2014, employing close to 15% of all scientists,
followed by the federal government, private hospitals, and state education and
hospital services.
SNAPSHOT OF SCIENCE TODAY OCCUPATION
BREAKDOWN
medical and clinical
laboratory technologists 15%
clinical research/medical scientists 9.2%
environmental scientists and
specialists, including health 8.2%
chemists 8.1%
biological technicians 6.9%
chemical technicians 5.9%
life, physical and social science
technicians, all other 5.4%
natural sciences managers 4.6%
geoscientists, except hydrologists
and geographers 3.6%

8. /08
WHAT
SCIENTISTS
EARN

9. AVERAGE WAGES
FOR THE TOP-PAYING
SCIENCE PROFESSIONS
IN 2014
/09WHAT SCIENTISTS EARN
Science professionals have varying earning potentials depending on their
specific industries.
As can be expected, in recent years, those working in the oil and natural gas industry—
such as natural sciences managers and geoscientists—have commanded the highest
earnings and will likely continue to do so for the foreseeable future.
In 2013, the average starting salary for Math and Science graduates rose just over one
percent to $42,956, placing them higher in terms of earnings than both Education,
Humanities, and Social Sciences graduates.
SCIENCE
PROFESSIONS
AVERAGE
WAGES
PER YEAR
AVERAGE
WAGES
PER HOUR
natural sciences managers $122,033 $58.67
geoscientists $97,468 $46.86
chemists $73,278 $35.23
clinical research/
medical scientists
$79,414 $38.18
environmental scientist
and specialists
$65,707 $31.59
medical and clinical
laboratory technologists
$58,905 $28.32
chemical technicians $44,179 $21.24
biological technicians $40,580 $19.51
(in terms of both annual salary and hourly wage)
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/home.htm

10. /10
WHERE THE
JOBS ARE

11. /11
The largest life sciences hot spots
in the U.S. are in the Boston,
San Francisco and San Diego
metropolitan areas, while the
Houston and Dallas metropolitan
areas have a large science presence
due to the natural resources industry.
Based on the projected growth in the
science field, these ten locations are
predicted to add the highest number
of jobs over the upcoming decade.
WHERE THE JOBS ARE:
TOP TEN LEADING METROPOLITAN
AREAS FOR SCIENCE TALENT IN
TERMS OF VOLUME OF JOBS ADDED
BETWEEN 2014 AND 2024
LOS ANGELES, CA +4,723
SAN FRANCISCO, CA +5,858
SAN DIEGO, CA +5,208
DENVER, CO +2,931
PHOENIX, AZ +2,615 DALLAS, TX +3,644
WASHINGTON D.C. +3,596
PHILADELPHIA, PA +2,195
BOSTON, MA +6,833
HOUSTON, TX +5,275

12. It’s interesting to note that while Boston and San Francisco
remain two major hubs of science activity, we can’t forget
areas like Phoenix, Los Alamos, and Orlando, where
science job increases ranging from 24 to 29 percent will
make those areas highly attractive to professionals over
the next 10 years.
U.S. CITIES THAT ARE
PREDICTED TO SEE
THE FASTEST RATE
OF GROWTH
/12WHERE THE JOBS ARE
• Phoenix, AZ: +29%
• Los Alamos, NM: +28%
• Orlando, FL:+24%
• Salt Lake City, UT:+23%
• Charlotte, NC: +23%
• San Diego, CA: +22%
• San Antonio, TX: +22%
• Dallas, TX: +21%
• Denver, CO: +21%
• Detroit, MI: +21%
The ten major U.S. cities that are predicted to see the
fastest rate of growth – with more than a 20 percent
increase in science jobs by 2024 – include:
more than
20%
Source: Talent Market Analyst, (Kelly/CareerBuilder/EMSI)

13. /13
GROWTH
AND
DEMAND

14. /14GROWTH AND DEMAND
Regardless of where you choose to live, it’s good to know that the most common
scientific occupations in the U.S. are set to experience strong growth, ranging
from 9 to 20 percent, over the next ten years. This is promising news for both
those already employed in the science industry and those wanting to make a
career change.
The most common group of science occupations, medical and clinical laboratory
technologists, will create 21,283 new jobs, driven by increased global healthcare needs
and greater requirements for biotechnology research.
Clinical research/medical scientists will be more in demand due to our aging population
and corresponding need for pharmaceutical products and more research into chronic
conditions and other health threats, adding 15,500 new jobs.
Because of a heightened interest in the environment and the desire to regulate the strains
placed on it by population growth, environmental scientists will add 14,623 new jobs.
TOP TEN
SCIENCE
OCCUPATIONS
in terms of jobs added between 2014 and 2024
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/home.htm
SCIENCE
PROFESSIONS
JOBS ADDED
1. medical/clinical
laboratory technologists
+21,283
2. clinical research/
medical scientists
+15,500
3. environmental scientists/
specialists (including health)
+14,623
4. biological technicians +9,611
5. chemists +7,893
6. geoscientists (excluding
hydrologists/geographers)
+7,699
7. chemical technicians +7,605
8. life/physical/social science
technicians; all others
+7,136
9. environmental science/protection
technicians (including health)
+6,492
10. biochemists and biophysicists +5,330

15. /15GROWTH AND DEMAND
With geoscientists predicted to have the biggest percentage surge by 2024, the change
will result in an actual 7,699 new jobs added, driven by the increasing demand for energy
and a strong performing oil and natural gas sector.
Now we’ve seen where the jobs will be, let’s turn our attention to the catalysts driving
these job surges.
GROWTH IN SCIENCE
OCCUPATIONS
– TOP TEN
in terms of relative job growth between 2014 and 2024
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/home.htm
SCIENCE
PROFESSIONS
GROWTH %
1. geoscientists (excluding
hydrologists/geographers)
+20%
2. environmental scientists/
specialists (including health)
+20%
3. biochemists and biophysicists +19%
4. nuclear technicians +19%
5. geological and
petroleum technicians
+18%
6. environmental scientists and
specialists, including health
+17%
7. clinical research/
medical scientists
+16%
8. food scientists
and technologists
+15%
9. atmospheric and
space scientists
+14%
10. life scientists +14%

16. /16
DRIVERS OF
GROWTH IN
THE DEMAND
FOR SCIENTISTS

17. There are two main forces driving the growing need for scientists: the call for better,
more connected healthcare, and the continual growth and optimization of the oil
and natural gas industry. Let’s take a closer look at each.
Healthcare
A number of ongoing developments in regards to healthcare are having an impact on
the demand for scientists. First of all, countries such as the United States, China, Brazil,
the United Kingdom, Germany, and France have passed healthcare reform legislation
that’s changing healthcare from a volume to a value-based marketplace.1
The evolving
legislative environment with changing, and sometimes stricter, regulations will most
likely create a bigger need for life sciences professionals who understand regulatory
requirements and can help companies thrive in fluid regulatory landscapes.
Second, higher rates of chronic diseases and a fast-growing global population are
creating a thirst for new solutions in terms of better treatments and technological
advances. Clinical research professionals are needed not only to satisfy this thirst for
innovation, but also to help realize these innovations in commercial settings where cost-
effectiveness and ROI are high on the list of priorities.
/17DRIVERS OF GROWTH IN THE DEMAND FOR SCIENTISTS
1
http://www2.deloitte.com/global/en/pages/life-sciences-and-healthcare/articles/2014-global-life-sciences-outlook.html

18. Third, in emerging economies such as India, Brazil, and China, standards of living are
improving, bringing better access to healthcare to the general population. There’s a
corresponding increase in spending on pharmaceutical products, on healthcare and
within the biotechnology sector, creating a higher demand for science professionals in
life sciences.
And fourth, with increased healthcare access and new discoveries being patented, a
huge amount of data and intellectual property needs to be securely stored, creating an
increased need for science professionals who are knowledgeable about IT security and
intellectual property protection.
/18DRIVERS OF GROWTH IN THE DEMAND FOR SCIENTISTS
TREND: INCREASING
DEMAND FOR
CLINICAL RESEARCH
PROFESSIONALS.
HIGHER RATES OF
CHRONIC DISEASES
AND A FAST-GROWING
GLOBAL POPULATION
ARE CREATING A THIRST
FOR NEW SOLUTIONS
IN TERMS OF BETTER
TREATMENTS AND
TECHNOLOGICAL
ADVANCES.

19. Growth and optimization of the Oil & Natural Gas industry
The growth and optimization of the oil and natural gas industry is the other significant
driver behind the increased demand for scientists, specifically for geoscientists and
natural sciences managers. To illustrate, the energy production sector and supporting
industries created more than 293,000 new positions between 2005 and 20122
, and the
industry is expected to expand even further in the coming years.
However, a significant percentage of talent in the industry is at or past retirement age,
and there aren’t enough younger workers to fill in the vacancies, resulting in a talent gap.
Moreover, too few new graduates are entering the field, since many institutions of higher
learning emphasize life sciences degrees over geoscience and natural sciences.
As the world’s population increases, so too will the need for energy both from
conventional and alternative sources. Consequently, oil prices are projected to return
to a higher level after the early 2015 plummet, and new technologies are likely to be
introduced in a bid to find new oil fields and make more efficient use of existing oil
reserves. In addition, the call for alternative energy is predicted to increase.
/19DRIVERS OF GROWTH IN THE DEMAND FOR SCIENTISTS
2
http://www.usnews.com/opinion/economic-intelligence/2014/11/24/us-natural-gas-renaissance-is-a-boon-for-the-economy-jobs

20. /20
Geoscientists will be expected to master innovative, rapidly changing methods of work,
as well as possess the ability to efficiently update their skills and adapt to evolving work
environments. They’ll also be needed in the planning of new wind farms, geothermal
power plants, and solar power plants. As a result, job prospects for geoscientists are
excellent—especially for those holding master’s degrees, according to the U.S. Bureau
of Labor Statistics. For mid-career science professionals holding undergraduate degrees,
better job and salary prospects could be an incentive to amp up their candidacy by
earning their master’s degrees.
Regulatory compliance is a critical issue across the natural resources sector, both in
established and emerging markets. Compliance issues include increased government
regulation, environmental protection laws, changing policies, drug safety, and
information security.3
Science talent will be required to work within regulatory
requirements, meaning that professionals with embedded science skills who are willing
to refocus on compliance issues are likely to be in high demand.
AS THE WORLD’S
POPULATION INCREASES,
SO TOO WILL THE
NEED FOR SCIENTISTS
WORKING IN THE
OIL AND NATURAL
GAS INDUSTRY.
DRIVERS OF GROWTH IN THE DEMAND FOR SCIENTISTS
3
http://www2.deloitte.com/global/en/pages/life-sciences-and-healthcare/articles/2014-global-life-sciences-outlook.html

21. /21
BIG TRENDS
IN SCIENCE

22. TOP FIELDS
While scientists with traditional skills are always in demand, new technologies,
new health concerns, increased energy needs, and a changing regulatory landscape
are driving the search for specialized skill sets in the life sciences and natural
resources industries.
If you’re a mid-career scientist reassessing your career, now is the time to consider
continuing your education in the fields that are going to be increasingly more sought
after in the global, innovative market.
It’s important to note that unlike recent graduates, scientists who are seasoned
professionals are frequently in the position to offer much more than only technological
expertise. They often possess unique skills combinations that come from years
of experience in specific areas. These scientists can increase their value to their
organizations and grow with their employers if they’re able to:
• re-engineer their companies’ innovation processes and practices
• upgrade, mitigate risk, and manage through the legislative reforms—
across borders if necessary
• comply and manage regulatory and agency changes and evolution
• manage safety and international IP challenges and infringement
/22BIG TRENDS IN SCIENCE
QUALITY
LAW
DATA ANALYTICS
DEVELOPMENT
GLOBAL
RESOURCE
MANAGEMENT
REGULATION
SAFETY

23. /23
CHANGING
INDUSTRY
DEMANDS

24. As we’ve seen, the face of the science industry is changing. But just as there will
be an expansion of the positions for which scientists will be needed, there will
also be a simultaneous shift in how organizations acquire the science services and
products they need.
Over the next decade, instead of funding fully-fledged in-house research departments,
organizations will increasingly outsource work to scientific research services companies
and consulting firms. This development will strengthen these companies as major
employers of science professionals in the U.S. Meanwhile, experts predict a three percent
drop in opportunities at federal agencies because the U.S. government will outsource
more scientific work due to budget constraints. Interestingly, this outsourcing of federal
research will further strengthen dedicated research firms and consultancies, resulting in
more jobs in the private sector.
/24CHANGING INDUSTRY DEMANDS

25. JOB GROWTH
20%
increase
It follows that management, scientific, and consulting services will be a rich source of
employment for science professionals, with the number of jobs in these types of firms set
to rise by almost forty percent to 77,500 positions—adding more than 21,000 new jobs
by 2024. Likewise, the scientific research and development services industry—already
the single biggest sector for science employment—is expected to grow by almost twenty
percent over the next ten years, adding a further 27,450 new science jobs.
To take advantage of this new wave of jobs stemming from more outsourcing, science
professionals will need to be adaptable and willing to upskill in order to navigate through
increasingly complex organizational environments and continuously thrive in this rapidly
changing industry.
/25CHANGING INDUSTRY DEMANDS
40%
increase
MANAGEMENT,
SCIENTIFIC, AND
CONSULTING
SERVICES JOBS
SCIENTIFIC
RESEARCH AND
DEVELOPMENT
SERVICES JOBS

26. /26
QUALIFICATIONS
AND SOFT SKILLS

27. It should come as no surprise that earning a science degree in any field provides
graduates with a highly sought after skill set. In fact, science ranks fourth among
the top in-demand degrees.
While as a scientist you must certainly have excellent technical expertise, it’s clear that
technical proficiency alone is not enough to make you a sought-after employee, no
matter whether you’re a recent graduate or a seasoned scientific professional. Employers
today are looking for science professionals who, in addition to possessing scientific
proficiency, also demonstrate expertise in secondary soft skills. In fact, employers often
rank attributes such as communication skills, collaboration skills, leadership, and the
ability to work in a team equal to the technical skills required by a position.
Among these soft skills, the single most sought-after attribute is adaptability, since both
the organizational forms and work environments in which science professionals function
will continue to evolve to meet the needs of the industry.
/27QUALIFICATIONS AND SOFT SKILLS
TOP
BACHELOR’S
DEGREES
in demand by broad category
Science
degrees in
the highest
demand are
Mathematics,
Chemistry,
and Physics
Source: Bureau
of Labor Statistics
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/
life-physical-and-social-
science/home.htm
BACHELOR’S
DEGREES
1. business
2. engineering
3. computer and information sciences
4. sciences
5. communications
6. liberal arts
7. agriculture and natural resources

28. Collaboration skills are also indispensable. More than ever before, scientific and
research organizations are collaborating with both traditional and innovative partners in
outsourced or insourced modes. This development creates a pressing need for scientific
professionals to demonstrate they can flourish in and navigate their way through
increasingly complex organizational or matrixed environments to perform successfully in
value-accumulation projects.
Scientists rarely work in isolation. Teamwork, or the ability to work well with colleagues in
the workplace, is vital to professional success. Demonstrating an understanding of how
individual performance contributes to team success will make you a science professional
others will want to work with, project after project.
Moreover, communication skills are also essential. In a recent survey conducted by
the National Association of Colleges and Employers, members were asked to rate the
attributes they sought most when assessing a candidate’s résumé. Overwhelmingly, the
number one response was “written communication skills.” Today’s science professionals
should be able to express themselves lucidly and demonstrate they’re capable of
communicating appropriately with both internal and external partners.
/28QUALIFICATIONS AND SOFT SKILLS

29. Leadership is another important attribute. Depending on their occupations, science
professionals may have to manage multi-disciplinary teams and coordinate with
organizations’ internal and external stakeholders.
Also vital to employers will be analytical and quantitative skills. Scientists, by trade, tend
to be highly proficient at generating and analyzing data. As Hal Varian, Google’s chief
economist, stated, the ability to handle data and use numerate evidence statistically is
increasingly sought-after in an age of information over-overload.
Clearly, adaptability and other secondary or soft skills are correlated to professional
success in science organizations and companies. So when you’re applying for roles as a
science professional, remember to not only highlight your technical expertise, but also
any secondary skills you possess, since these can be the attributes that set you apart
from other candidates.
/29QUALIFICATIONS AND SOFT SKILLS
“I keep saying the sexy
job in the next ten years
will be statisticians… The
ability to take data – to be
able to understand it, to
process it, to extract value
from it, to visualize it, to
communicate it – is going
to be a hugely important
skill in the next decades…
Because now we really do
have essentially free and
ubiquitous data.”
HAL VARIAN,
GOOGLE’S CHIEF
ECONOMIST

30. Whether it’s seeing the potential for energy in the wind or a cure for diseases
ailing the human race, what drew you to science is the perseverance of an idea
that helps others. And where those ideas are best put to use is on the cutting
edge of research and development associated with science. That’s why, for science
professional at all levels of their careers, it’s of the utmost importance to be
involved with current, productive, and effective organizations.
Mid-career scientists will enjoy double-digit job growth well into the next decade,
especially in the fields of diagnostics, personalized medicine, biotechnology, alternative
energy, traditional energy, and generic pharmaceutical segments. And this growth
coincides with the evolution of the latest technologies across all scientific segments.
If you’re a mid-career scientist reassessing your career path, it’s essential to
embrace the need for continued education to improve upon your knowledge of
technology, data management, and compliance regulations. And to distinguish
yourself from other candidates, always be prepared to demonstrate the core skills
of adaptability, collaboration, and communication that allow you to thrive in the
modern science workplace.
/30CONCLUSION

31. SOURCES:
Talent Market Analyst (Kelly/CareerBuilder/EMSI)
National Association of Colleges and Employers | Job Outlook 2014
http://www.socialsciencespace.com/2013/05/stand-out-and-be-counted-quantitative-skills-and-social-scientists
http://www.usnews.com/opinion/economic-intelligence/2014/11/24/us-natural-gas-renaissance-is-a-boon-for-the-economy-jobs
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/home.htm
http://www2.deloitte.com/global/en/pages/life-sciences-and-healthcare/articles/2014-global-life-sciences-outlook.html
/31

32. /32/32
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33. EXIT
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All trademarks are property of their respective owners. An Equal Opportunity Employer. © 2014 Kelly Services, Inc.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HARVEY YAU is Director of Americas Science Center of Excellence at Kelly Services®
. In his
current role, he is responsible for the strategic development and growth of scientific staffing,
search, project services and other workforce outsourced solutions in the U.S. and Canada,
with special interest in life science, chemical, oil & gas, environmental and consumer
manufacturing sectors.
Mr. Yau joined Kelly Services in 2002 as a district manager in the Southern California market and subsequently
served as Western Regional Manager. Prior to joining Kelly, he held management and scientific roles at Day &
Zimmermann and Brown & Caldwell Laboratories.
He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of Southern California and Master of
Business Administration from Pepperdine University. In addition, he is an active member of several scientific and
professional organizations, including the American Chemical Society, the Southern California Biomedical Council,
the American Association of Advancement of Science and holds advisory roles at the Claremont Keck Institute,
Citrus College and Biocom.
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