Even though many of our graduates will have progressed in their careers since completing a case study, they are still of interest to students who wish to gain an understanding of the world of work.

Conceive, design and execute scientific experiments.
Write scientific articles and book chapters based on the results of those experiments.
Advise, help and supervise B.Sc., M.Sc. and Ph.D. students to carry out research projects.
Disseminate scientific knowledge and practise to the general public.
Generate income for the research institute through applying for (and getting!) national and international research council funding for projects, grants and the like.

A typical day would either be spent doing some sort of experiment or preparing for one the next day and/or clearing up the mess made on the previous day. All days would be used trying to fit in some writing or thinking time although this is rarely achieved due to other factors.

Usually - but not always (and increasingly less so) - I am investigating something that I personally, find interesting and stimulating.

The main challenge these days is to persuade governments and the general public of the crucial importance of scientific research and - therefore - maintain or increase funding (usually public funding).

I have always been interested in animals and always interested in how things work. These two interests are combined in finding out how animals work.

Numeracy, writing, technical, interpersonal, problem solving, communication (written and oral) and leadership.

Little these days - I am more likely to be training others (this is not because I do not need further training, but due to a lack of funding for such).

Post-doctoral research assistant, University of Manchester.

Post-doctoral research assistant, University of Cambridge.

Course Tutor/Assistant Lecturer, Open University.

I am currently studying for a B.A. in history with the Open University.

As funding for scientific research falls, competition increases. This means that the time (and money) invested in a post-graduate qualification - namely a Ph.D. - will never be repaid in monitary terms. Therefore, people entering into such a career need to be prepared and be sure that it is really what they want to do. Even then, it will not be easy.