Becoming a Scientist: A Comprehensive Guide to the Journey
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How does one embark on the journey to becoming a scientist? What qualifications are necessary, and what does the career path look like? If you have been wrestling with these questions, you're in the right place.
This guide focuses on the Indian context while providing universally applicable insights.
Have you ever found yourself asking, "What does it take to become a scientist?" I certainly did during my school days in Bihar, where the notion of pursuing science felt elusive. People around me often portrayed scientists as extraordinarily intelligent individuals engaged in strange, complex work. Fast forward to today, I am a scientist in a clean energy start-up, and I can attest that timely guidance and advice were crucial to my journey. In this article, I aim to provide you with a practical roadmap for a career in science.
Who is a Scientist?
In general, if you are engaged in scientific research for an organization, governmental body, or academic institution, you can be classified as a scientist. This title can encompass roles such as researcher, scientific officer, professor, and research fellow, among others. Here are some active scientists in India affiliated with universities and research institutions:
- Prof. A. K. Darpe, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi
- Dr. T. K. Ghanty, Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC), Mumbai
- Dr. S. Ladage, Homi Bhabha Center for Science Education (HBCSE), Mumbai
- Prof. U. V. Vaghmare, Jawahar Lal Nehru Center for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bengaluru
- Dr. L. Dey, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) Research, New Delhi
- Mrs. Suchismita Sanyal, Shell Technology Center Bengaluru (STCB), Bengaluru
This list represents individuals whose work I have had the opportunity to witness. I intentionally avoided including widely recognized scientists from textbooks or media, as their extraordinary achievements may not provide a practical pathway for aspiring scientists. As this guide unfolds, I will explore various scientific career options available in India.
Path to Become a Scientist
PhD, Postdoc, Professors — a frequently traveled route...
The conventional pathway to becoming a scientist typically involves obtaining an undergraduate degree, followed by a master's, a PhD, postdoctoral experience, and then securing a position as a scientist or professor. Scientific research often begins during or before your master's program, but many also start during their PhD. If you closely examine the scientists mentioned earlier, you'll notice a few key points: 1) they are all engaged in active scientific work; 2) the majority hold titles like "Dr." or "Prof."
The "Dr." title is generally awarded to those who have completed a PhD or are practicing medical doctors. The "Prof." designation is typically reserved for professors, who usually have a PhD. After completing a PhD, many researchers undertake postdoctoral work, which is not an academic degree but a phase where they strive to establish themselves as independent scientists. After gaining several years of research experience and making contributions to their field, they may apply for assistant professor roles in academia, progressing to associate and eventually full professor positions. This process demands time, dedication, and effort, which we won't delve into here.
Is a PhD Essential to Becoming a Scientist?
Short answer: No.
Take Mrs. Suchismita Sanyal, for example. Despite not pursuing a PhD, she stands out as one of India's top industrial scientists. She entered the realm of materials research directly after her master's, accumulating valuable industry experience, and now leads teams of PhD holders as the General Manager of Shell Bengaluru. Many scientists thrive without a PhD, and this Quora thread encapsulates several such examples.
Scientist Jobs in Government Labs
After your postdoc, you might opt to work in research institutions like the National Physics Laboratory (NPL) or the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). Here, you may not necessarily follow the academic trajectory toward becoming a professor; instead, various grading systems, such as those for scientific officer roles under the Department of Atomic Energy, are in place. The pay scales can vary, but let's keep our focus on the essentials for now. Ultimately, your dedication and contributions will determine your advancement.
Scientist Jobs in Industry and Private Organizations
You can also explore opportunities in the private sector with companies like Reliance, Shell, Biocon, or Tata Consulting Services (TCS). Research in both government laboratories and private companies often leans toward practical applications, though there are no strict guidelines. Many research institutes and private organizations hire scientists at the master's level, and some individuals pursue PhDs while working. For instance, Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC) recruits scientific officers at the master's level, with many choosing to pursue a PhD during their tenure.
Typically, to be a scientist, pursuing advanced academic degrees is essential. A PhD is not mandatory at the outset but can significantly broaden your professional opportunities.
Entrepreneurship: Scientists as CEOs and CTOs
A pertinent question arises: what happens to all the research being conducted? There exists a vital link that transforms fundamental discoveries into practical products that eventually become commonplace, like the light bulb. Initially, the electric light was a marvel, but through the relentless efforts of scientists, it evolved into a routine object. In 1802, Humphry Davy discovered that connecting a battery to carbon produced light, leading to the development of the electric arc. Over time, numerous scientists contributed to refining this concept until Thomas Edison introduced the light bulb in 1878. His company, Edison Electric Light Company, commercialized it in 1880.
This highlights a less conventional but rewarding path for scientists: creating or revolutionizing markets with groundbreaking research-driven products. Visionary scientists, like Edison and Dr. A. P. J. Kalam, exemplify this entrepreneurial spirit. While Dr. Kalam may not have launched a conventional product, his visionary leadership played a pivotal role in establishing India as a global power. Explore more examples of Indian scientist-entrepreneurs to understand this trend.
As a scientist, you possess the potential to radically alter daily life, especially when combined with a strong entrepreneurial drive. Entrepreneurial scientists envision transforming knowledge into solutions that shape our future on multiple scales: societal, national, and global.
What and Where to Study to Become a Scientist?
Assuming you choose the educational route of school ? undergraduate ? master's ? PhD, let's break it down.
School: This is where your scientific interests, strengths, and passions can begin to take shape. Here are some resources to ignite your scientific curiosity:
IRIS National Science Fair: This initiative encourages young Indian students to showcase their projects, offering a chance to represent India at the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in the U.S., the largest international science competition at the preschool level.
Vigyan Pratibha Project: Led by HBCSE, this program aims to nurture science and math talent in students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds in grades 8–10. Currently, it operates primarily in Kendriya Vidyalayas, Jawahar Novodaya Vidyalayas, and Atomic Energy Central Schools but aims to expand further.
JIGYASA: A collaborative effort between CSIR and KV Sangathan, this program connects students with scientists through various initiatives, including student residency programs and science exhibitions.
INSPIRE-SHE: Funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), this initiative offers scholarships to approximately 2000 students annually to pursue undergraduate and master's studies in basic sciences. My own experience as an INSPIRE fellow significantly aided my access to internships and mentorship opportunities.
For a curated list of scientific events for young students in India, visit: https://www.indiascienceandtechnology.gov.in/youth-corner/scientific-activities. Additionally, monitor the websites of ISRO, BARC, HBCSE, and DST for outreach programs targeting school students. Most importantly, don’t hesitate to seek guidance; there is ample support available for those willing to ask.
Stay vigilant for opportunities and don't shy away from reaching out!
Undergraduate and Master’s: Aim to study at institutions that foster scientific creativity. Ideally, consider IISc (4-year BS program), IISERs (usually 5-year integrated BS-MS), UM-DAE CBS (5-year master's program), NISER, or one of the IITs. This list isn't exhaustive, nor is it ranked.
Should I pursue engineering or pure sciences to become a scientist? This is a common debate. I opted for pure sciences, while some friends chose engineering at IITs. Ultimately, we both achieved our research goals. Maintaining your enthusiasm and focus on your aspirations is key.
Do I Need to Study at Elite Institutes to Become a Scientist?
NO!
The most crucial element is gaining exposure to research and technology in a global context. Many successful scientists did not attend elite institutes like IITs or IISERs. However, they often needed to put in extra effort to align their careers with scientific endeavors. For instance, a friend attended a tier-3 private engineering college but worked hard to secure a place for his MTech in Europe, gaining valuable research exposure and eventually becoming the CTO of a clean energy start-up in India.
Do I Have to Go Abroad to Become a Scientist?
The appeal of going abroad is primarily to immerse yourself in stimulating environments that foster innovative ideas, technology, and cultural exchanges. Exposure and experience are critical in today’s scientific landscape. Consider these real-life examples:
Prof. Ashok Pandey, a highly cited Indian scientist, completed all his degrees in Uttar Pradesh. However, his professional journey includes roles in labs across France, Germany, the UK, Brazil, Switzerland, and Thailand, alongside various labs in India.
Dr. Rajamalli P., an assistant professor at IISc Bangalore, completed her education in Tamil Nadu, including a year of industrial experience. Subsequently, she spent seven years in labs and universities in Taiwan, the UK, and Japan before joining IISc in 2019. This underscores the importance of exposure and experience in a scientific career.
The need for international exposure is not unique to India; many job listings for scientists prioritize candidates with such experiences. Exposure matters!
Starting at institutes that cultivate scientific research provides a strong foundation, but they aren't the only route to your scientific aspirations. Your motivation, clarity, mentorship, exposure, and experience will be pivotal in your journey.
How Much Money Can Scientists Make?
The straightforward answer is that earnings can vary widely. However, you may be interested in typical estimates. Here are two examples:
Central University: Approximately 21–22 lakhs per annum plus benefits.
If you were to join IISER Pune as an assistant professor with three years of post-PhD experience, you might start as an assistant professor (grade I) earning around 1.8 lakhs monthly (including HRA/TA/DA). In addition to your salary, you'd receive a professional development allowance for conferences and workshops, along with health and pension benefits typical for central government employees.
Private Organization: Expect salaries between 18–24 lakhs annually.
Working in the private sector, such as at TCS Research or Shell, could yield an annual salary ranging from 18 to 24 lakhs. Like their government counterparts, private labs offer a variety of benefits. If you're drawn to high-impact applications, consider the start-up ecosystem, where salaries and stock options can be quite attractive.
Sum Up: Your Journey to Becoming a Scientist
A career in science allows you to align your passions with your profession. It's a challenging path that demands a long academic commitment, akin to a lifelong learning endeavor. Early exposure to research is advantageous. Proficient scientists find rewarding roles in public and private sectors, as well as start-ups. If you're passionate about expanding human knowledge and shaping the future of technology, prepare to embark on this exciting journey with an open mind!
Please share your thoughts in the comments if you would like me to delve into specific topics, such as what a PhD entails, science start-ups in India, structuring summer internships for a research career, or finding research opportunities abroad.
About Me
I am a scientist with an integrated BS-MS in Physics from IISER Kolkata and a PhD from the Shell PhD75 program at the University of Amsterdam, where I researched clean hydrogen production using computational quantum chemistry. Following my postdoctoral research in catalysis and clean energy, I have authored over 25 research papers and a book chapter. Currently, I work at a cleantech start-up in Amsterdam.
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