Plan research, manage laboratories and budgets, and lead scientists and technical staff.
You may also see this posted as: Chemical Process Exploration Manager, Environmental Program Manager, Research and Development Director (R and D Director), Analytical Services Manager, Chemical Engineer Supervisor, Lab Manager (Laboratory Manager).
Research laboratories, manufacturing, government, and offices.
Usually full-time; deadlines may extend hours.
Investigative
solving problems, analyzing evidence, and figuring out how things work
Enterprising
leading, persuading, selling, or turning an idea into action
Conventional
organizing information, following systems, and getting details right
O*NET job zone 5 of 5
Extensive preparation—often graduate education and significant experience—is common.
Examples employers report—not a checklist you must already know.
May 2025 BLS wage & employment data · 2024–34 BLS employment projections.
Openings a year counts new jobs plus the ones that open when people retire or move on — a truer picture of your odds than growth alone.
“Median” means half earn more and half earn less. Your city, employer, and years on the job move it a lot — that is what the 10th-to-90th range shows.
Statewide medians are a better starting point than the national number. Your city and experience still matter.
Bachelor's degree
Training path: Science degree plus several years of laboratory or research experience.
Related work experience: 5 years or more.
On-the-job training: None.
No license required to start in most places.
Licensing rules and available programs change by state. These federal tools take you to the current official listings.
Leads scientists, laboratories, budgets, and research programs after time working in a scientific field.
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Standard Occupational Classification 11-9121. Pay and employment from the BLS May 2025 OEWS survey; outlook and openings from the 2024–34 employment projections; job context from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; tasks, interests, work styles, software examples, and job zone from O*NET 30.3. See something off? Tell us.