research scientist (maths)

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 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.

• Typical starting salaries range from £23,000 to £35,000, depending on background and specialist subjects (salary data collected May 09).
• Typical salaries with three to five years' experience range from £29,000 to £38,000 (salary data collected May 09).
• 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 09).
• Many academic institutions have now implemented a single pay spine for all grades of staff, however some variation does occur.
• Salaries are generally good compared to other scientists. On average, larger companies pay better than smaller, specialist employers, although these smaller employers may offer earlier responsibility and opportunities to remain in preferred technical areas.
• Working hours typically include regular extra hours, but weekend or shift work is rarely, if ever, needed. The exceptions to this are academics who may face weekend working and irregular hours with additional responsibilities for postgraduate students.
• Self-employment and freelance work is possible once a technical specialism has been developed.
• Jobs are fairly widely available, but posts related to specialist research will be restricted to few institutions in certain areas. Universities, government and other research centres are located across the country.
• The work often requires working to strict deadlines and can be very demanding. There are no guarantees of instant success.
• Travel within a working day is occasionally needed. Researchers often collaborate with other departments within their institution, or with other institutions or companies, and this may involve occasional local travel. In academic roles, some national and international travel is required for attendance at conferences and symposiums to present the results of research - often with a stay of a few days.