Researcher (Onderzoeker)
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A researcher is a highly educated person who investigates unknown matters. In general, a researcher will have at least a bachelor's degree. Another name for researcher is also called scientist, but a researcher does not have to be a scientist. A researcher who has a university degree is usually responsible for conducting scientific research. The main difference between hbo researchers and university researchers is that hbo researchers focus more on practice. A university researcher is more theoretical. In all cases, the profession concerns highly educated persons, who are responsible for various research activities. Think, for example, of medicine, of technology, of behavioral sciences and of natural science. As a researcher, you can therefore work within various sectors, in which you are responsible for conducting research. A researcher can also obtain a PhD in his or her field if he or she has a university degree. In short, a researcher is responsible for the professional investigation of unknown cases for companies, institutions or governments. A researcher or scientist generally carries out his work within a research institution, in the field or within a laboratory. As a researcher, there is an important difference between fundamental research and applied research. As described earlier, it is a misconception to think that all researchers carry out scientific research. On the contrary, there are many professionals who carry out research, which usually relates to hbo level. Think, for example, of engineers or mechanical engineers, who are responsible for researching new applications within the industry.
The profession of researcher therefore relates to highly educated professionals and/or scientists, who may be responsible for carrying out various studies. The terms researcher and scientist are broad and can relate to different areas of research or disciplines. Think, for example, of drug research, economics, biology, cars and nutrition. Researchers and scientists are active in all sectors. A researcher or scientist does not have to work in a laboratory, because researchers can also be responsible for conducting field research. Think, for example, of a geologist and an archaeologist, who regularly work in the field. There are two different types of research, namely fundamental research and applied research, which are different in nature. Of course, fundamental research and applied research both have to do with research and science, but they take place at different locations and institutions. Fundamental research is carried out at universities and applied research at research institutions, such as TNO, companies or at technical universities.
WHAT IS FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH
In fundamental research, you can think of research that helps science in general, such as conducting research into pathogens. Fundamental research usually involves knowledge for the sake of knowledge, without the need for an application immediately. Fundamental research is sometimes called pure science. Results of fundamental research can often be found in professional journals. Fundamental research is mainly about acquiring new knowledge, which can help science in general.
WHAT IS APPLIED RESEARCH
Applied research refers to research or science that can be applied immediately. The goal is usually to make money or improve existing products. Think, for example, of research related to product development or research to make cars more economical. Applied research is generally carried out by companies in their own research institution, laboratory or at an external research institution on behalf of companies. In order for a company to actually make money, the results are generally protected by applying for patents. Researchers responsible for applied research are, for example, engineer, mechanical engineer or civil engineer.
WHAT DOES A RESEARCHER DO:
TRAINING TO BECOME A RESEARCHER
Anyone who wishes to work as a researcher or as a scientist will have to complete at least a university study. Which study this should be exactly is not easy to indicate, because this depends entirely on your own wishes. A postdoc (post-doctoral researcher) supplement after the master's degree is important as a researcher. In addition, there are also plenty of external training institutes ;where you can follow a course. Accounting is also important as an entrepreneur.
COMPANIES WHERE A RESEARCHER CAN WORK
Where exactly a researcher works is not easy to indicate. Think, for example, of factories, the food industry, research agencies, consultancies or universities. As described earlier, researchers in all industries can work at different levels. A researcher can also work as a civil servant for the government. Think, for example, of policy advisors, traffic engineers, urban planners or environmentalists. In some cases, a researcher can be considered a fact-checker.
COMPETENCES RESEARCHER
The competences of a researcher can differ per level of education, because conducting research cannot simply be compared to conducting scientific research. In general, innovation can be regarded as an important competence. Communication is also an important competence, because most researchers work together with different colleagues and external parties. Generally important words are creativity, thinking ability, technique, independence, cooperation, precision, control, planning, organizing, inspiration and stress resistance. Obviously, a researcher may have to deal with fixed professional competences, which can differ per researcher.
LABOUR MARKET PERSPECTIVE AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AS A RESEARCHER
The labour market perspective of a researcher is generally good, depending on the chosen field of study. Since a researcher is highly educated, obtaining work will usually not be a problem. There are also sufficient career opportunities for a researcher, depending on your own competencies and the level of education. Think, for example, of a researcher who works as a project leader, or of a university researcher who can obtain a PhD. In addition, a researcher can work as a lecturer or professor. A lecturer works in higher education and a professor works for a university. In that case, you must have exceptional competencies. A lecturer and professor are usually phd scientists.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT AND SALARY RESEARCHER
There are no examples of specific employment conditions because as a researcher you can work for various types of companies, governments, universities or research institutions. A researcher or scientist will earn a salary between 4000 and 6000 euros gross per month depending on age, experience and specific responsibilities. A higher salary is conceivable within this profession if you have a lot of knowledge and experience.
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