Research consultant / Scientific officer
Research consultant – tasks, salary, prerequisites
Jobs for research consultants are mainly available in the public sector © LumiNola / iStock
Research consultants provide advice and support for researchers or politics. What do they need to bring with them and what is their salary?
Published: 2023-12-11
By: Denise Haberger, Maike Schade
Contents
Where do research consultants work?
Research consultants (also called scientific officers) are able to gain a foothold in many different areas: they work at universities, non-university research institutions and science funding bodies, such as the German Research Foundation (DFG), but also in the political sphere, in ministries and offices of members of parliament for instance.
"A position as a research consultant is not a sign of a failed career, but rather an important and attractive alternative to a career in academia," says Mathias Pätzold, Secretary General of the Scientific Commission of Lower Saxony (Wissenschaftliche Kommission Niedersachsen – WKN). "It allows you to remain in touch with this world while at the same time working in a professional field that is constantly growing" Pätzold continues.
Tasks of research consultants (at the WKN)
The WKN is an independent panel of experts that advises Lower Saxony and other northern German state governments on science and research policy matters. Each research consultant working there has a single specialist focus. They prepare expert reports, organise working groups that perform potential analyses for example, and develop guidelines.
If specific research units or projects are up for review, for instance, the research consultants at the WKN will prepare and organise the content for the evaluation procedure. According to Pätzold, aspiring consultants should bear one thing in mind in particular: "Research consultants accompany the academics, and support and encourage them but are barely involved in the academic work themselves."
"Research consultants accompany the academics, and support and encourage them but are barely involved in the academic work themselves."
Mathias Pätzold, Secretary General of the Scientific Commission of Lower Saxony (Wissenschaftliche Kommission Niedersachsen – WKN)
Prerequisites: What do research consultants need to bring with them?
Given that the situation can change from day to day, particularly the ability to adapt quickly and to familiarise oneself rapidly with new topics are important requirements. Those wishing to deal with international matters should also have good proficiency in English and cultural skills. Resistance to stress is also essential as well as organisational and coordination skills.
Experience in project management can also be advantageous. For Mathias Pätzold, a specialist background is also decisive. At the WKN headquarters, each research consultant is responsible for an expert group in the field corresponding to his or her own background. This often enables a preliminary assessment of research projects and fields by the consultants, and simplifies the search for experts, for example. However, he warns of specialising too much: "Those open to more general issues improve their chances," Pätzold declares.
Salary and career opportunities: What do research consultants earn?
Most research consultants work in civil service and are paid according to the collective agreement for public servants. Depending on the establishment and position, the pay is between pay grades E13 and E15. This means that depending on the federal state and level, the gross annual salary lies between 60.000 Euros and 90.000 Euros.
According to the WKN Secretary General, the opportunities for career entry and advancement are highly dependent on the size of the organisation. At universities or research institutions, the positions as a rule are only for a fixed period. In the political sphere, employment is often linked to the legislative period and the success in the next elections – at least it is for those working for members of the Bundestag. Those working in parliamentary groups or ministries are often employed on a permanent basis.
Most research consultants are . Depending on the establishment and position, the pay lies between pay grades 13 and 15. Depending on the federal state and level (i.e. professional experience), the gross annual salary for research consultants lies between 40.000 Euros and around 68.000 Euros.
Checklist - facts on the role of research consultant
- Definition:
The role of research consultant provides an alternative to a career in academia. Research consultants support academics, but are barely involved in the academic work themselves. - Career entry:
Jobs for research consultants are mainly available in the public sector. They work at universities, non-university research institutions and science funding bodies. Research consultants are also needed in the political sphere - in the offices of members of parliament, committees and ministries for example. - Tasks
The range of roles is extremely diverse and highly dependent on the position and employer. Research consultants often assume administrative, consulting and support roles. They conduct research, write reports and expert analyses, and provide recommendations for action. - Requirements
A doctorate can be advantageous, though in many cases, this is not essential. Specialist knowledge is far more important, however specialising in too narrow a field can prove a hindrance for some positions. The political views of those wishing to work for a member of parliament or a parliamentary group should not be too far from those of their employer. - Soft skills
Research consultants should be able to adapt quickly to new situations. Organisational and coordination skills are also highly recommended. Those wishing to handle international affairs should also have good proficiency in English and cultural skills. - Salary
Most research consultants work in public services. Depending on the establishment and position, the pay is between pay grades E13 and 1E5. This means that depending on the federal state and level, the gross annual salary lies between 60.000 Euros and 90.000 Euros. - Career prospects
Positions at universities are often only for a fixed period of time; in the political sphere, further employment mostly depends on the outcome of the next election. Organisations with a flat hierarchy tend to offer only limited opportunities for advancement. The larger the establishment, the most options there are - career advancement can take accordingly longer though.
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