Our 2022 scientific salary guide curates the most noteworthy developments across the sector, as well as providing salary data and insights from our industry experts, to help you keep up to date with the latest trends to watch out for in 2022.
Here are five trends in the scientific sector this year:
1. Covid-19 related roles remain a priority
Over the past year, Covid-19 related roles have grown in popularity amongst candidates. We have seen many scientists follow the demands in the sector by opting to shift their careers to Covid testing or biomedical roles which are required by Public Health England for analysis and submission of Covid-19 test results.
Professionals who choose to seek a Covid-19-related role are rewarded with better pay and also have the opportunity to learn and gain experience in a new and evolving area. This trend will continue as research and new findings persists.
2. Medicine, food, and chemical research thrives
As for the growth of scientific practices outside of the coronavirus, many research and development roles have been created in both medical research and the manufacturing of food and chemicals. Treatments and therapies for cancer and other degenerative illnesses and diseases continue to need dedicated and highly qualified professionals to bring them to market.
The demand in the medicine, food and chemicals fields is reflected in salaries, as a biomedical scientist can expect a maximum salary of £50,330 in London and the South East, and £35,960 in Scotland and East Anglia.
3. Scientific professionals seek better benefits
Although the role of many scientific professionals was unaffected during the lockdowns, scientists have changed what they expect from their employers. Traditional benefits such as pensions and healthcare are still important to candidates, but as the world becomes more health-conscious, benefits such as subsidised gym memberships and cycle to work schemes have become more sought after.
For both lab and non-lab-based workers, flexible working and a good work-life balance have also become increasingly important. In a recent snap survey, Reed asked over 500 professionals what their most desired benefits were, with two-thirds of respondents expressing that annual leave/paid time off is what they find the most attractive. A further 45% said they wanted a more flexible working model.
4. Climate change and COP26 impacts the sector
Many scientists, particularly those in the pharmaceutical sector, are enthused about reducing our carbon footprint in light of COP26 in Glasgow last year. Many large players in the field have joined the public agenda to prioritise ESG (environmental, social, governance), incorporating it into their company goals and strategies.
5. Candidates hold the power
As with many industries over the past year, scientific jobseekers are controlling the current recruitment market. With many firms struggling to recruit qualified and skilled candidates post-pandemic, those professionals who are on the market are able to demand more from their employer.
If employers want to ensure they secure the best professionals, they must be offering competitive benefits and salaries, making sure to review their current packages to realign with what professionals are expecting.
For more information on salaries, benefits, and the trends in the sector, download our free 2024 scientific salary guide now.
