Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.
SOC: 11-9121.00
Common Job Titles
Chemical Process Exploration Manager
Environmental Program Manager
Natural Sciences Manager
Research and Development Director (R and D Director)
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key competencies for this occupation at a glance
KnowledgeEvaluate research methodologies and experimental outcomes across life sciences, physical sciences, and mathematical disciplines to ensure scientific rigor and compliance with standards.
Advanced
KnowledgeDevelop strategic objectives and research priorities for multidisciplinary scientific teams, balancing organizational goals with resource constraints.
Advanced
KnowledgeSynthesize interdisciplinary scientific knowledge from biology, chemistry, mathematics, and computational fields to identify innovative research opportunities and technological applications.
Advanced
KnowledgeDesign organizational frameworks and workflow processes to optimize research operations, resource allocation, and laboratory information management systems.
Advanced
KnowledgeAnalyze complex scientific data and research findings using statistical software (SPSS, SAS, R, MATLAB) to inform decision-making and project direction.
Proficient
MindsetIntegrate personnel development strategies with organizational research objectives while mentoring scientific staff and fostering collaborative team environments.
Proficient
MindsetAdvocate scientific excellence and ethical research practices when communicating with external stakeholders, regulatory bodies, and interdisciplinary teams.
Proficient
KnowledgeAssess personnel performance and team dynamics to guide staffing decisions, coordinate work activities, and resolve conflicts in scientific environments.
Proficient
KnowledgeInterpret technical scientific information and research implications for diverse audiences including management, funding agencies, and non-specialist stakeholders.
Proficient
KnowledgeFormulate budget proposals and financial resource management plans for research projects and departmental operations, ensuring alignment with scientific priorities.
Proficient
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Natural Sciences Managers (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
100,870
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $79,830. 25th percentile: U.S. $114,110. 50th percentile: U.S. $161,180. 75th percentile: U.S. $214,820. 90th percentile: U.S. $239,200. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
Metric
U.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less
$79,830
10% of workers earn the following or more
$239,200+
Workers on average earn
$173,500
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
Biology4.0/5
English Language4.0/5
Administration and Management3.8/5
Computers and Electronics3.7/5
Administrative3.6/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
