Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Natural Sciences Manager
What natural sciences managers actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a natural sciences manager?
Review lab results. From there, the day usually includes set research priorities, manage lab staff, and manage budgets. Full time, often more than 40 hours.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a natural sciences manager working full time.
- Review lab results.
- Meet project scientists.
- Review a grant budget.
- Safety walk-through.
- Interview a chemist.
- Present to executives.
- Review an audit finding.
Where natural sciences managers work
Managers work in labs and offices for companies, universities and government.
Hours and schedule
Full time, often more than 40 hours.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Set research priorities
- Manage lab staff
- Manage budgets
- Oversee testing
- Ensure lab safety
- Ensure compliance
- Report results
Tools you’ll use every day
- LIMS
- ELN
- Budget software
- Statistical software
- Project management tools
- Lab equipment
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Very high pay
- Faster-than-average growth
- Shape research
- Leadership
What’s hard
- Less bench science
- Budget and grant pressure
- Compliance demands
- Long hours
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I’m a scientist who likes leading
- I like strategy
- I can manage budgets
- I care about lab safety
- I want very high pay
- I can mentor scientists
Not sure? Take the free Natural Sciences Manager fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Maintain a chemical hygiene plan
- Enforce PPE
- Investigate incidents
- Follow biosafety rules