What Does an Applied Scientist Do? 2024 Career Guide

Applied scientists benefit nearly every industry since they're responsible for finding ways to use technology to improve our lives. They often work in teams with professionals across various disciplines covering a range of fields. Applied scientist roles are great options for people who want to contribute to improving business processes and making a difference in other people’s lives. They can work on specialized or elite projects and create new technologies that improve the landscape of science.

If you’re interested in optics, electrical engineering, material science, or machine learning, consider becoming an applied scientist.

What is an applied scientist?

Applied scientists have in-depth knowledge of one or more scientific fields, use methods and research skills to solve real-world problems, and help businesses meet their objectives. They typically devote their time to developing new technologies, devices, and processes that help improve the landscape of their industry and the quality of life. Unlike other types of science, which involve posing theoretical questions, applied science finds practical solutions and functional applications for its results. 

Applied science is an overarching term for scientists who work with various scientific methodologies to create new inventions or processes that improve daily lives. Applied scientists tend to work in private sector industries, such as health care, banking, engineering, or technology, to devise innovative solutions that advance their field or focus of study.

Read more: Your Guide to the Bachelor of Applied Science Degree

What does an applied scientist do?

Applied scientists use scientific research and studies to innovate solutions to real-world scenarios and challenges. In this article, we’ve highlighted three different types of applied scientist roles to show the breadth and range of this field.

Applied scientist tasks and responsibilities

Applied scientist duties are as varied as the jobs themselves, and your tasks will differ depending on the type of applied scientist job you have. You may travel, in some instances, to further your research or create models and work with algorithms to improve existing solutions and processes. To illustrate the range of duties you may encounter, we’ve gathered examples of typical duties in aerospace, biomedical, and statistics:

1. Aerospace engineering

• Draft and test designs for spacecraft, aircraft, and missiles

• Perform tests and procedures to find any faults in designs

• Research and report on new technologies 

• Create reports, manuals, and process documents

2. Biomedical engineering

• Design equipment to help diagnose and treat medical conditions

• Design and build artificial limbs and organs

• Install, maintain, and repair various medical equipment

• Act as medical science liaison to other professionals

3. Statistician

• Create polls, questionnaires, and surveys

• Analyze data to help make decisions

• Use statistics to solve real-world problems

• Use mathematics to interpret data and draw conclusions

Applied scientist skills

To be successful, you’ll need a robust skill set that includes technical and workplace skills. Technical skills represent the practical aspects of your role, while workplace skills contribute to how productive you are in a work environment.

Although the specific skills required for an applied scientist position depend on the type of role, some general skills include:

Technical skills

• Ability to create and implement algorithms and models 

• Data analysis and visualization

• Experience with design software and different operating systems

• Computational software experience, such as MATLAB

• Familiarity with engineering processes

• Mathematics and analytical skills

• Experience working with sensitive information

Workplace skills

• Strong attention to detail

• Critical thinking and fast action to address issues as they arise

• Collaboration with teams and clients

• Communication skills

Applied science and AI

Applied science uses artificial intelligence, or AI, to support different machine learning processes to create real-world solutions and practical applications. It helps process data across multiple types of applied science and helps scientists innovate in cutting-edge and novel ways, such as mapping poverty levels or developing technologies never seen before. AI helps make sense of large data sets and creates accelerated research processes.

Applied scientist salary and job outlook

As an applied scientist, you can anticipate earning a robust salary. However, the average salary differs based on the industry that you work in. According to  Lightcast™, the average salary for applied scientists working in aerospace engineering, biomedical engineering, and statistics in the US are as follows:

• Aerospace engineers make an average annual salary of $128,192 [1]. The job growth for this role is about 6 percent, which is above average [2].

• Biomedical engineers make an average annual salary of $108,056 [3]. The job growth for this role is about 5 percent, which is faster than average [4].

• Statisticians make an average annual salary of $104,713 [5]. The job growth for this role is about 30 percent, which is significantly higher than the average across all professions [6].

Applied scientist career path

Due to the varied nature of applied science, you can find roles in nearly any field you're interested in, which also provides a career path with many options. You’ll generally want a strong mathematics, engineering, or computer background. Then, you’ll need to examine the specifics of the role you want to pursue.

Education and training

Some examples of the specific education and training you’ll need for different applied scientist careers include:

1. Aerospace engineer

To become an aerospace engineer, you’ll typically need a bachelor’s degree in physics, mechanical engineering, or astronomy. Some candidates get advanced degrees in aerospace engineering to make themselves more competitive. Experience with different aircraft and spacecraft is helpful, and you might need security clearance based on your company’s security protocols.

2. Biomedical engineer

To enter this field, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering or a similar engineering subject. Experience in medical or lab settings is also helpful. It’s essential to choose a biomedical specialization that appeals to your interests and talents. Take time to consider your motivations and what you’d like to work on, such as artificial limbs, to help people.

Read more: What Is Biomedical Engineering? Impact and More

3. Statistician

Becoming a statistician typically requires a bachelor’s degree in mathematics or statistics, at minimum. You’ll also want to have experience compiling sensitive data into reports. Many employers look for statisticians who also have advanced degrees. Statisticians often work within industries such as finance or business.

Getting started with Coursera

Sharpen your applied science skills and learn about the foundational knowledge required to become an applied scientist with courses and educational offerings on Coursera. Options like IBM’s Applied Data Science Specialization allow you to learn about essential information and processes needed for success within an applied scientist role. You may also consider pursuing more specific courses, such as John Hopkins University’s Foundations of Health Care Systems Engineering or Stanford University’s Introduction to Statistics.