聚光灯
研究与开发科学家(研发科学家)、研究与开发科学家(研发科学家)、研究与开发协调员(研发协调员)、创新分析师、技术分析师、产品研究分析师、科学研究员、市场研究分析师(侧重于研发相关主题)、创新战略家、技术开发分析师、研究开发总监
Virtually every product ever created first went through a research and development (R&D) phase – the process of creating or improving products through scientific research and experimentation.
At the forefront of this innovative process are Research and Development Analysts, who help turn ideas into reality! They study the underlying principles of how things work and explore possibilities for new products or ways to enhance existing ones. In addition, they run experiments and analyze data from the results to determine the feasibility of a product.
Collaborating with scientists, engineers, and product managers, R&D Analysts help to ensure developments are cutting-edge, practical, and market-ready! The job requires a perfect mix of creativity and technical expertise along with a knack for critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork.
- Playing a key role in bringing innovative products to market
- Solving challenging problems and pushing technological boundaries
- Opportunities to work with the latest technologies and methodologies
- Collaborating with diverse teams of experts
工作日程
- Research and Development Analysts typically work full-time with occasional overtime or weekend shifts.
典型职责
- Review product concepts and conduct market analysis prior to development
- Research similar products, if found. Look for areas of improvement for existing products
- Research ways to develop new product ideas further and ascertain cost feasibility and potential consumer interest
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure project alignment
- Design and execute experiments to test hypotheses. Analyze data and interpret results
- Implement quality control procedures to meet standards
- Ensure regulatory compliance for new products and processes
- Monitor project progress, ensuring milestones are met
- Develop models and prototypes. Evaluate functionality, safety, and feasibility
- Prepare detailed reports to stakeholders. Share findings, gather feedback, and take applicable action, as directed
- Manage R&D project budgets and keep track of expenditures
- Draft technical documentation to support product use and maintenance
额外责任
- Wear required personal protective equipment and follow safety protocols
- Stay up-to-date on technical manuals and new technologies
- Train and mentor junior staff
- Engage with suppliers and vendors for necessary resources
- Participate in conferences and workshops to gain insights and network
软技能
- 分析性思维
- 注重细节
- 沟通技巧
- 解决问题
- 团队合作
- 时间管理
- Observation
技术技能
- 计算机辅助设计软件
- Familiarity with industry-specific tools and technologies
- Knowledge of statistical methods and experimental design
- Proficiency in data analysis software (e.g., SPSS, R, Python)
- 项目管理技能
- Technical writing skills for documenting research findings
- 汽车行业
- Consumer goods manufacturers
- 政府机构
- 制药公司
- 研究机构
- 技术公司
Taking a concept and turning it into a marketable product is a daunting task, especially in a world where there is so much competition. But that’s what R&D Analysts get paid for! They help drive innovation and ensure new products get made and meet customer expectations.
The role demands a commitment to precision and accuracy, plus the ability to think creatively and solve problems that may arise. Tight schedules are par for the course – but there’s little room for mistakes, which means no taking shortcuts when time is getting short. Indeed, workers may have to put in overtime to meet target deadlines and stay within budget.
“In 2022, the United States performed an estimated $885.6 billion in research and development,” according to the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics. That’s higher than the gross domestic product of 36 countries!
R&D investments will continue to ramp up as the field transforms with the help of AI and machine learning. These technologies aid with streamlining data analysis and predictive modeling, leading to faster, more cost-effective innovations.
Another trend is the use of digital twins, virtual models of physical systems, that allow precise simulation and optimization before creating physical prototypes. 3D printing, meanwhile, is revolutionizing rapid prototyping and complex design production, reducing waste and lowering costs.
Sustainability is another hot topic as companies invest in eco-friendly innovations and green technologies to meet regulations and consumer demand. A final trend in R&D is increased interdisciplinary collaboration, which aims to enhance open innovation and leverage wider knowledge and resources.
R&D Analysts often had a passion for science and exploration from a young age. They likely enjoyed conducting experiments, solving puzzles, and asking questions about how things work.
- Research and Development Analysts need at least a bachelor’s degree related to the field they work in, such as chemistry, engineering, computer science, mathematics, or physics
- A graduate degree can be beneficial but isn’t usually needed to get started in an entry-level position
- General college courses that are beneficial for R&D work include:
- 计算机辅助设计
- 数据分析
- Experimental design
- Industry-specific technologies
- 项目管理
- 统计方法
- Technical writing
- Some employers provide on-the-job training or support for advanced certifications. Beneficial certifications may include:
- Look for well-funded programs with state-of-the-art labs and equipment where you can get practical hands-on training.
- Ideally, programs should have seasoned faculty members engaged in current research.
- Review opportunities for student internships and job placement rates for graduates.
- Compare tuition and fees costs, noting in-state vs. out-of-state costs.
- Check out scholarship and financial aid options, including federal aid Pell Grants
- STEM classes are important for anyone who wants to work in an R&D field
- Focus on areas that will apply to whatever you plan to major in and specialize in as an R&D Analyst
- For instance, if you want to work in the automotive industry, you’ll want to take automotive classes, study mechanical and electrical engineering, and learn how to use applicable design tools and software programs
- In addition to classes, it’s good to participate in science fairs and research projects
- Gain experience through part-time jobs or internships in the field you want to work in
- Join clubs or online communities related to STEM and R&D
- See what the top R&D companies and startups are doing these days!
- Build a portfolio of projects showcasing your attention to detail and problem-solving skills
- 开始制作简历,并在学习和积累工作经验的过程中对其进行补充
- 提前查看招聘信息,看看平均要求是什么。
- Request to do an informational interview with working Research and Development Analysts. Try to speak with analysts in different fields. Ask if you can shadow them at work for a day
- Try to get a part-time job to get your foot in the door
- 列出您的联系人名单(包括电子邮件地址或电话号码),这些人可能会成为您未来的工作推荐人
- Check out job portals such as Indeed, Simply Hired, and Glassdoor
- Ask a working Research and Development Analyst for job-seeking tips
- Get help with your resume and interview skills from your school’s career center
- Talk to your college program manager about job placement opportunities
- Screen Research and Development Analyst resume templates for phrasing and formatting ideas
- Look up potential job interview questions and practice your responses via mock interviews. Sample questions might include:
- “Can you describe your experience with data analysis and statistical software?”
- “How do you stay updated with the latest advancements in your field?”
- “Can you explain a complex project you have worked on and the role you played in its development?”
- “What experience do you have with CAD software?”
- Brush up on terminology and news about the field before heading into interviews. Be ready to discuss your insights about trends and advancements
- Know how to dress for a job interview!
- Be diligent, conduct thorough research, meet production deadlines, and contribute to innovations
- Talk to your supervisor about what you should do to grow professionally
- Study manufacturer and software guides. Be the go-to expert on the programs you use, like data analysis programs and CAD software. Review newer programs that could be beneficial for your work, as such AI-driven tools
- Knock out specialized certifications related to new methods and technologies. The Flexographic Technical Association offers certifications like a CAD certification, Certified Research Analyst, Project Management Professional, or Six Sigma
- Demonstrate that you can work independently and effectively supervise teams
- Train new workers patiently and thoroughly
- Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment in the lab or research environment to avoid mishaps and hazards
- Participate in professional organizations. Don’t just be a member, be an active leader!
- Branch out into different types of R&D to expand your horizons
- Consider relocating or switching employers if needed to advance your career! Areas with high concentrations of R&D jobs include major tech hubs and research institutions.
网站
- 美国科学促进会
- 美国化学学会
- 美国航空和航天学会
- 计算机械协会
- Association of Clinical Research Professionals
- Biotechnology Innovation Organization
- European Research Council
- 电气与电子工程师学会
- International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering
- 材料研究学会
- 美国国立卫生研究院
- 工业与应用数学学会
- Society of Automotive Engineers
- Society of Research Administrators International
书籍
- Managing Research, Development and Innovation: Managing the Unmanageable, by Ravi Jain, Harry Triandis, et al.
- Project Management for Research and Development (Best Practices in Portfolio, Program, and Project Management), by Lory Mitchell Wingate
- Qualitative Data Collection Tools: Design, Development, and Applications, by Felice D. Billups
Research and Development Analysts serve in pivotal roles that can potentially “make or break” a company. The pressure is on to produce results – and in today’s fast-paced world, analysts run the risk of burnout if they’re not careful. If you’re curious about some careers with similar skill requirements, browse through our list below for ideas!
- 生物化学家
- 临床实验室技术员
- 数据分析师
- 经济学家
- 流行病学家
- 实验室技术员
- Market Research Analyst
- 数学家
- Product Development Manager
- Quality Control Specialist
- 监管事务专家
- 软件开发人员
- 统计员
- 技术撰稿人