The majority of Research and Development are prepared at the doctoral and post doctoral level, although an increasing number of masters degree are beginning to participate in research activity as part of their Consulting roles.
Researchers in various fields will acknowledge the many constraints in various sectors must be reckoned with before Research & Development can become cohesive across all disciplines. Therefore it is not unreasonable to expect the Consultant to have some awareness of the process and language of research, be sensitive to issues related to the environment, participate in the identification of significant researchable problems and be a discriminating consumer of the research findings.
Consultants in this sector must learn these investigative functions early in their careers to establish the connection between knowing what they know and doing what they do. Bridging the research gap, that is, bringing research into the clinical practice arena is a key strategy in uniting scholarly scientific and financial success in the future. There are 3 levels of educational knowledge that come with various levels of Consultants.
The Associated Degree- will offer awareness of the value of research in a company. Assist in identifying problem areas. Assist in collecting data within an established structured format.
Baccalaureate Consultant- will offer interpretations, understanding and evaluates research for applicability to that sector. Identify the problems that need to be investigated and participates in the implementation of scientific studies. Use the practice of gathering data to refine and extend practice. Establish findings and share the research findings with the Client.
Masters Degree Consultant- will analyses and reformulate methods and practices where scientific knowledge and scientific methods can be used to find solutions. Enhance the quality of service relevance by providing knowledge about the way these services are delivered. Facilitate investigations of problems in clinical settings through such activities as contributing to a climate of support, collaboration and investigations.
As an R & D Consultant, a 4-year in science or engineering degree from a well-known university is required. As specialization in the market becomes more competitive an MBA would serve the applicant better. Engineering with a combination of scientific studies with a strong portfolio would be wise. The salaries range and vary by qualifications educations and work history. For example according to the Department of US labor an Consultant in the Engineering Technology R&D Technician ''B'' will start at $38,084 while a Chemistry R&D Director ''D'' will start at $100,000 a year plus bonuses. However if in a differnt region of the country like the mountain state the average Technology R&D Technician “B” will command $89,000 a year while the Chemistry R&D Director ''D'' will start at $122,000 in San Diego.
