Scientific Manager
What is a scientific manager, how much do they earn and what are the prerequisites?
Good scientific management is the key to research success. © FG Trade Latin / iStock.com
A young profession with a lot of responsibility: Scientific or science managers have organizational talent and provide researchers with the conditions they need to succeed.
Published: 2024-05-12
By: Gaby Köchel; translation DACHA Media
Contents
Definition: What is a scientific manager?
Scientific managers, also called science managers, work at universities and research organizations like the Fraunhofer Institute and the Max Planck Society – and less often at companies in the private sector.
The profession is still relatively new and reflects ongoing changes at universities and research centres, where more and more tasks are arising that cannot (and should not) be taken care of by traditional administrative and academic staff. Many of these tasks – which tend to be in the sphere of planning, coordination, control and structuring – are now carried out by scientific managers. They help establish a stable environment within which research work can be conducted.
Scientific managers in the private sector
The same is true at companies that have large research departments, where scientific managers coordinate processes related to product development. The specific job descriptions, however, tend to be more precise and highlight the focus of the role. “Scientific marketing managers”, for example, prepare research topics in a manner that is both understandable and appealing to an external target audience, while “scientific control managers” implement and monitor quality control processes. “Scientific relations managers” or “scientific liaison managers”, on the other hand, maintain professional networks, prepare information and gather feedback.
To provide a bit of structure to this comparatively young profession, two associations are active in the field: the Network of Scientific Management and the Centre for Scientific Management, which runs the (German only) portal Wissenschaftsmanagement Online. Both associations offer information on current developments in the field.
What are the tasks of a scientific manager?
The specific tasks a scientific manager is expected to fulfil can vary significantly depending on specialisation and place of work. The most common duties are:
- Coordination of research activities (research management is a subfield of scientific management)
- Development and implementation of concepts and strategies
- Development and expansion of national and international partnerships and networks
- Compilation of proposals and reports
- Internal communication coordination
- Public relations work, including presentations, workshops and representing the department in committee meetings
If the scientific manager works as head of an institute or department, he or she must also take care of tasks relating to management duties.
All additional tasks depend on the specific structure of the position. A scientific manager can, for example, be instrumental in the promotion of young talent, help design the website of their respective institute or project, or even take responsibility for gender and diversity issues.
What are the prerequisites for scientific managers?
As is true for most professions, scientific managers must fulfil two key requirements: professional and personal aptitude.
Professional prerequisites
As a rule, a university degree is expected of applicants to a scientific management position since it demonstrates familiarity with research and an academic environment. Frequently, employers also expect an above average academic performance at university or even a doctorate.
For jobs that primarily involve working in the background, a degree in business administration is generally a good qualification. In cases where the scientific manager has direct involvement with the research subject itself, employers may expect candidates to hold a degree in the specific subject area. This facilitates communication with the scientists conducting the research and is also helpful when the scientific manager must explain the focus of the research, its relevance and its prospects to potential funders.
There are also specialised courses of study of four to six semesters that are designed to optimally prepare students for a position in scientific management. Those interested can obtain a master’s in public administration with a focus on scientific management from the University of Administrative Sciences Speyer. The University of Münster and the Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences, meanwhile, offer a master of arts and a master of business administration, respectively, in the area of university and scientific management. These courses of study are designed as further education for university graduates who already have some professional experience.
Personal prerequisites
Given the core responsibilities that come with such positions, organisational talent and structured work habits are essential. Communication skills are also vital, and candidates should be comfortable speaking with both scientists and interested non-specialists in addition to potentially sceptical donors. Diplomatic skills and a confident demeanour are key.
Because many projects involve international cooperation, foreign language skills are advantageous as is a willingness to travel and the ability to adapt to different cultures.
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Salary: What do scientific managers earn?
For those working in the public sphere – at universities or state research institutions, for example – the collective bargaining agreement agreed upon with the state or federal government applies. A classification in the E13 or E14 pay group is standard, which roughly corresponds to an annual gross salary of between 60,000 and 75,000 euros, depending on experience.
Similar salaries can be expected in the private sector, though top salaries can be much higher, particularly at pharmaceutical and chemical companies.
