Academic researcher

Academic researchers carry out original research that generates knowledge and advances understanding in their field

As an academic researcher, you'll use the expertise and analytical skills developed through advanced study to produce high-quality work that contributes to your discipline. This may include publishing papers in peer-reviewed journals, presenting at conferences and writing books, book chapters or reports.

You're also likely to be involved in teaching and supervising university students, collaborating with other researchers on projects, developing funding proposals and contributing to the strategic direction of your department.

A career as an academic researcher usually follows many years of study and reflects a strong commitment to your chosen subject.

Types of academic researcher

Academic researchers may hold roles such as:

• PhD student or researcher
• postdoctoral research associate or assistant
• research associate or fellow
• higher education lecturer, senior lecturer, reader or professor.

Many academic researchers work in universities, combining teaching with research, although there are a small number of posts that are research-only. Opportunities also exist in private companies, government departments, research institutes and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

Responsibilities

As an academic researcher, you'll need to:

• carry out original, high-level individual and collaborative research
• comply with ethical, legal, and health and safety requirements when undertaking research
• analyse and interpret data and other information
• review existing research and literature to inform your own work
• write and publish papers for peer-reviewed journals
• apply for research funding and manage project budgets
• present your findings at national and international conferences
• teach and supervise undergraduate and postgraduate students
• develop your knowledge of the latest research techniques
• build positive working relationships with colleagues and external partners.

Salary

• For PhD students, Doctoral funding may be provided through a UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) studentship. The 2025/26 minimum stipend is £20,780 per year (or £22,780 in London) to cover living costs. You may also be eligible for additional support towards tuition fees. Funding may also be available from industrial partners, particularly in STEM subjects.
• Postdoctoral researchers typically earn between £35,000 and £50,000, depending on their experience, discipline and funding organisation.
• Senior lecturers and researchers usually earn between £40,000 and £60,000, depending on the subject, institution and experience, while salaries for readers and professors can be higher. In some cases, salaries can rise to more than £100,000, depending on your grade, responsibilities, allowances (e.g. London weighting) and discipline.

Salaries vary by institution, subject area, seniority and funding arrangements.

Most UK universities use a nationally agreed single pay spine. See the University and College Union (UCU) or individual university pay webpages for up-to-date salary scales.

In addition to your salary, you'll usually receive a pension and may also benefit from staff discounts, wellbeing support, a cycle-to-work scheme or discounted gym membership.

Income figures are intended as a guide only.

Working hours

Not all academic research roles have fixed working hours. Some contracts are based on outputs and deliverables rather than a set schedule. Where standard hours apply, they're typically around 35 hours per week. However, you're likely to work longer hours, including evenings and weekends, to meet project or publication deadlines.

Travel and time away from home may be required, depending on your research area, to carry out fieldwork, for example. Highly experienced researchers may also take on freelance or consultancy work.

Part-time and flexible working arrangements are sometimes available. It's also possible to take a career break, although you'll need to maintain an active research profile to remain competitive. Some employers offer sabbaticals, often up to one academic year, to allow researchers to focus in greater depth on a particular project.

What to expect

• You'll be under pressure to publish and contribute to your department's research reputation, as this is key to securing further funding.
• Your working environment varies depending on your research area. It may include fieldwork in challenging conditions as well as time spent analysing data and writing papers at a computer.
• Teaching and supervision responsibilities can require significant preparation.
• Although the work can be demanding, academic researchers usually have flexibility in managing their own time. Being unable to obtain meaningful results can be frustrating, so resilience and a positive outlook are crucial.
• Many researchers hold several postdoctoral posts at different institutions, both in the UK and sometimes internationally, before securing a permanent academic position. You may need to be flexible and move location to secure roles aligned to your specialism, particularly early in your career.

Qualifications

To become an academic researcher, you'll usually need a good degree in a subject relevant to your area of interest followed by a Masters degree and then a PhD or equivalent doctoral-level qualification in your specialist field. If you've completed a four-year integrated Masters degree, such as an MSci or MMath, you may be able to move directly onto a PhD.

As part of your PhD, you'll write a thesis of around 60,000 to 100,000 words, excluding appendices, references and other supporting material. The exact length will vary depending on your subject, research methods, complexity of the research and your university's specific requirements, so it's important to check their guidelines.

For vocational or practice-based fields, you'll usually need several years of relevant professional experience, as well as a degree or professional qualification. In these cases, significant industry expertise can be as valuable as a PhD.

Competition for academic posts is strong, so evidence of research experience, subject expertise and publication potential is essential.

Skills

You'll need to have:

• expert knowledge of, and enthusiasm for, your subject area
• strong analytical and critical thinking skills to design, conduct and evaluate research
• technical aptitude to use specialised equipment and emerging technologies
• excellent written communication skills for putting together funding proposals and writing up research and reports ready for publication
• the ability to present and explain complex ideas clearly in lectures, seminars and conferences
• effective organisational and time management skills to plan your workload and manage large data sets
• the ability to work collaboratively within research teams as well as independently
• strong interpersonal and networking skills to build relationships with colleagues, industry partners and research groups in the UK and overseas
• financial awareness and budgeting skills to manage research funding
• adaptability, flexibility and resilience to cope with change and setbacks in the higher education environment.

Work experience

As the usual route into academic research is through a PhD, it's important to gain relevant research experience. Funded summer research internships for undergraduates are available at many UK universities and let you work alongside PhD students and experienced researchers.

These internships often accept students from any university and are typically offered to those with strong academic results. Opportunities may be based in research institutes, universities or a combination of the two, and are an excellent way to demonstrate your research potential and build a professional network.

You can also gain experience through industry-based research and development placements, which provide insight into applied research settings. Some academic researchers move into academia after gaining significant industry research experience, so it's worth exploring all relevant options.

Your PhD thesis will usually form the foundation of your research profile. Aim to publish your findings in peer-reviewed journals or as a monograph and present them at conferences, symposia and workshops to raise your profile.

Another option is to work as a research assistant on projects led by other academics, allowing you to gain paid, hands-on experience while contributing to active research.

Find out more about the different kinds of work experience and internships that are available.

Employers

Universities in the UK and abroad are the main employers of academic researchers, although you can also find opportunities in research institutes. These positions are often linked to one or more universities, charities or other research organisations, and may be based on a university campus or elsewhere. University researchers often work closely with or within these institutes as part of their research.

Academic researchers can also work in charities, NGOs, think tanks, consultancies, government departments and private companies.

Some highly experienced researchers take on freelance or contract-based work, while others share their expertise through taking part in media interviews, documentaries or news articles.

Look for job vacancies at:

• Jobs.ac.uk
• tes Jobs 
• THE Unijobs
• university and research institute websites.
• specialist journals and professional networking platforms such as LinkedIn.

Attending academic conferences and events is a good way to network, hear about upcoming projects and explore funding or collaboration opportunities.

Professional development

As an academic researcher, you'll have access to a range of training and development opportunities to help you build your skills and confidence. These may include sessions on data analysis, report writing, media engagement, leadership and management, ethical research methods, writing funding applications and the use of emerging technologies (including AI). You may also benefit from mentoring schemes, shadowing opportunities and in-house workshops delivered through coordinated programmes for PhD students and early career researchers.

If you haven't already completed a higher education teaching qualification, you'll usually be expected to do so once in post. Common options include the Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (PGCHE) or Postgraduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education, typically studied part time or through blended learning and often funded by your institution.

Many early-career academics also work towards Advance HE Fellowship (FHEA), with opportunities to progress to Senior (SFHEA) or Principal Fellowship (PFHEA) as you gain experience.

As your career develops, you may take part in academic leadership programmes or work towards a Masters in Higher Education. Continuing professional development through internal training, external events and active membership of professional bodies will help you stay up to date and strengthen your academic profile.

Career prospects

Delivering strong results early in your career gives you the best chance of long-term success. This means performing well as you:

• actively contribute to your department's research profile by getting your research published in high quality, peer-reviewed journals
• present your research and papers at conferences
• prepare bids and apply for research grants and funding
• take advantage of international research collaboration or exchange opportunities.

You may also expand your academic portfolio by working as an examiner, peer reviewer or academic author, or by getting involved in curriculum development.

Being proactive, taking on additional responsibilities and supporting colleagues will also help you stand out. As you progress, you'll take on more leadership and strategic responsibilities, so make the most of opportunities to demonstrate and develop these skills. Promotion prospects vary between institutions, and the availability of jobs depends on institutional priorities, funding and the broader economic climate.

As your expertise and reputation grow, you may find opportunities beyond academia, such as in consultancy or freelance research. Experienced academic researchers sometimes contribute to documentaries or assist in planning and designing TV programmes and series.