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What Natural Sciences Managers Do

Natural sciences managers supervise the work of scientists, including chemists, physicists, and biologists. They plan and direct research and development projects and coordinate activities such as testing, quality control, and production.

Duties

Natural sciences managers typically do the following:

Natural sciences managers direct scientific research and development projects and coordinate activities such as testing, quality control, and production. Research projects can have many aims, including improving manufacturing processes, advancing scientific research, and developing new products. Most natural sciences managers are former scientists, and after becoming managers, many continue to conduct their own research in addition to overseeing the work of others.

During all stages of a project, natural sciences managers spend a lot of time coordinating the activities of their unit with those of other units or organizations. They confer with higher levels of management; with financial, production, marketing, and other managers; with contractors; and with equipment and materials suppliers.



Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition