You're ready to advance in R&D. How can you shift from lab technician to research scientist?

For a lab technician to advance in an R&D organization to a role such as a research scientist, he/she must obtain the requisite educational background, which may be an advanced scientific degree, or a secondary degree in business management such as an MBA. Once the educational criteria are met, he/she should take an extra interest in and offer assistance to the group managers as they plan experiments, analyze data and decide on the next steps in the development of the product or technology. These skills are crucial for making the move to a leadership position within a scientific organization and building this knowledge and experience will advance efforts to move ahead.

In my understanding, to grow from laboratory technician to Research Scientist in R&D, one needs to undertake higher education and development of skills. This is by undertaking higher education, such as a master's or Ph.D., in your area of specialization; it will offer you more profound scientific knowledge and new research possibilities. Do continuous training by attending workshops, certification, and specialty training. Find mentors and take on research projects to get hands-on experience. This will provide you both with technical skills and the theoretical understanding that will get you over the jump from technician to scientist.

In my experience, it is essential to gain skills in addition to formal education, the practical skills necessary to make a lab technician a research scientist are obtained. Draw from the experience in handling laboratory equipment and processes; expand the skill set by learning advanced techniques, data analysis, and scientific software. Consider joint projects, attend seminars within your industry, and request mentors in order to remain updated with new emerging technologies and methodologies. With the combination of practical know-how and continuous learning, you will be well set on the path of success as a research scientist.

In this transition the key skills which need to be acquired are - research methodology and resilience. Because not always one can get expected results. Sometimes they fail and sometimes they just give you 'eureka' moments. And most importantly research is not equal to publishing dozens of the papers to get in the top 2% list.

In my personal experience, networking is very essential in R&D, for the fact that collaboration and interchange of ideas are key to growing. In this respect, make it a point to attend conferences, seminars, and workshops to get to know your colleagues as well as industry leaders. Professional association memberships and participating in discussion forums would definitely give wider exposure to your professional network. Having a mentor to guide you through valuable advice and contacts will help you open up more opportunities for yourself. A good network in the workplace brings together many collaborations by improving your research, knowledge, and visibility in the field, hence boosting your career.

Showing that you are willing to step in and help with projects that are important to your organization (even if outside your area of expertise) puts you in a position to be offered opportunities that will build new skills. Letting your manager know that you are open to helping out in new ways (especially if you can identify specific ideas) is one way to ensure that you are first in line for growth opportunities. It is important to be thoughtful in taking on these extra assignments. Pick assignments that will enable you to build expertise in areas that support your career growth. If you are performing well in your role and take on special projects to grow new skills, you are well on your way to that next position.

Based on my experience, showing initiative is one of the key ways to get over into the position of a research scientist. Take the lead in finding out what you don't know and seek the resources you need to fill those gaps. Propose new experiments or improvements in processes within your current role by evidencing critical thinking and innovation. Taking ownership of growth and contributing fresh ideas means you'll stand out as one to drive R&D efforts forward and emerge as a strong candidate for advancement in your field.

In my experience, personal branding is the most important parameter for the development of an emerging scientist. Make others aware of what you know and are interested in through professional social media, blogs, or publications. Conferences or contributing to scientific papers establish your reputation in the field. A strong personal brand will make you more recognizable and appealing to potential employers and collaborators. This is how, by focusing your message on the value you contribute through your skills, you place yourself as a thought leader and thus open more doors both in career development and networking.