Level 7 (at end of programme) equivalent to Master’s Degree (at end of programme)
30 – 36 months maximum duration
£18,000 funding band maximum available through the Apprenticeship Levy. Employers that do not pay the Levy will fund 5% of the funding band maximum
Level 7 Research Scientist
Planning, leading and conducting scientific experiments and analysing results.
NOTE: Apprenticeship due to be retired from January 2026; last intake expected September 2025.
Occupational Summary
A Research Scientist provides scientific and technical leadership, giving a clear sense of purpose and driving strategic intent. They can expect to lead on business critical projects – managing the design and implementation of such projects both internally and externally, disseminating findings to internal and external stake-holders and making strategic recommendations based upon the findings of the project. They take into account new scientific methods and breakthroughs, identifying longer-term opportunities and risks. They will be able to effectively collaborate with both industry and academia, working in multidisciplinary teams, to apply results of research and develop new techniques, products or practices. They are responsible for developing ethical, innovative research practices and programmes with the ability to deliver results. They are a role model, with responsibility for those in senior positions and significant organisational budgets. A Research Scientist provides scientific and technical leadership, giving a clear sense of purpose and driving strategic intent. They can expect to lead on business critical projects – managing the design and implementation of such projects both internally and externally, disseminating findings to internal and external stake-holders and making strategic recommendations based upon the findings of the project. They take into account new scientific methods and breakthroughs, identifying longer-term opportunities and risks. They will be able to effectively collaborate with both industry and academia, working in multidisciplinary teams, to apply results of research and develop new techniques, products or practices. They are responsible for developing ethical, innovative research practices and programmes with the ability to deliver results. They are a role model, with responsibility for those in senior positions and significant organisational budgets.
Knowledge:
The Research Scientist will apply deep subject-specific expertise to support strategic decision-making and cross-disciplinary collaboration. They will develop an understanding of how their role contributes to organisational objectives and demonstrate leadership through effective communication, project management, and team coordination. Their work will be guided by a strong awareness of ethics, professional conduct, and regulatory compliance, including health and safety, data protection, and risk management. They will be proficient in research methodologies, statistical and numerical analysis, and the evaluation and interpretation of complex data to inform evidence-based decisions. With an entrepreneurial mindset, they assess business impact, value for money, and intellectual property considerations. They will be committed to continuous professional development support the growth of others through coaching and mentoring, helping build capability across technical and non-technical teams. For a full list of the knowledge the Research Scientist will need to develop, please view the occupational standard held by Skills England.
Skills:
Scientific professionals apply advanced and emerging practical skills to conduct complex investigations and critically evaluate data, drawing logical conclusions aligned with organisational goals. They consider commercial factors such as intellectual property and business context, and communicate effectively through high-quality written reports, presentations, and constructive dialogue with stakeholders. Skilled in project management, they lead teams, coordinate resources, and adapt strategies to meet scientific, regulatory, and client requirements. With strong critical thinking and research abilities, they formulate insightful questions, apply appropriate methodologies, and contribute innovative findings within their field. They also support the development of others through effective coaching and mentoring. For a full list of the skills the Research Scientist will need to demonstrate, please view the occupational standard held by Skills England.
Behaviours:
he Research Scientist will demonstrate integrity, reliability, and accountability in their work, upholding confidentiality and ethical standards while fostering trust within and beyond their organisation. They will collaborate respectfully with others, adapt readily to change, and manage expectations of stakeholders at all levels. They will prioritise tasks to meet objectives efficiently and will proactively expand their scientific knowledge to support sound decision-making and encourage the growth of others. For a full list of the behaviours the Research Scientist will need to demonstrate, please view the occupational standard held by Skills England.
Entry requirements
- Apprentices will typically have a Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field, but applications from individuals without a Bachelor’s Degree but significant relevant work experience in Research will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Progression routes
- At the end of this apprenticeship programme, apprentices will have received a Master’s of Research (MRes)
Training providers:
Training provider analysis
Next steps
This programme starts in TBC
For more information, please contact us