Research Scientist Salary in United Kingdom during 2024

Salary details

The average Research Scientist salary lies between USD 54,771 and USD 287,500 in the United Kingdom. It represents the overall compensation/gross salary amount for the working year (before deductions like social security, taxes and other contributions), not including equity/stock options or similar benefits.

Region represents the primary country of residence of an employee during the year (or residence for tax purposes). All data shown are full-time equivalent (FTE) salaries. Part-time salary information has been extrapolated to its FTE value.

Last updated: Jan. 12, 2025

Top 20 Job Tags for Research Scientist roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with Research Scientist job listings are Research, Machine Learning and Python. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Research | 2077 jobs Machine Learning | 1688 jobs Python | 1559 jobs PhD | 1343 jobs Computer Science | 1312 jobs Engineering | 1196 jobs Deep Learning | 967 jobs PyTorch | 879 jobs NLP | 829 jobs Computer Vision | 762 jobs Physics | 727 jobs NeurIPS | 698 jobs LLMs | 682 jobs Statistics | 612 jobs ICLR | 589 jobs ICML | 580 jobs TensorFlow | 569 jobs Mathematics | 564 jobs VR | 532 jobs Architecture | 525 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Research Scientist roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with Research Scientist job listings are Career development, Equity / stock options and Health care. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Career development | 1672 jobs Equity / stock options | 1100 jobs Health care | 1078 jobs Conferences | 1029 jobs Salary bonus | 678 jobs Flex vacation | 411 jobs Medical leave | 395 jobs Insurance | 375 jobs Parental leave | 367 jobs Flex hours | 357 jobs 401(k) matching | 323 jobs Competitive pay | 313 jobs Startup environment | 298 jobs Team events | 254 jobs Flexible spending account | 191 jobs Wellness | 160 jobs Transparency | 89 jobs Relocation support | 87 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 50 jobs Fitness / gym | 44 jobs

Salary Composition

In the United Kingdom, the salary composition for a Research Scientist in AI/ML/Data Science typically includes a combination of a fixed base salary, performance-based bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or equity, especially in tech companies or startups. The base salary often constitutes the majority of the total compensation package, ranging from 60% to 80%. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company's performance and individual achievements, usually accounting for 10% to 20% of the total salary. Additional remuneration, such as stock options, can be a significant part of the package in larger tech firms or startups, potentially making up 10% to 20% of the total compensation. The exact composition can vary based on the region, with London typically offering higher salaries due to the cost of living, and the industry, with tech and finance sectors often providing more lucrative packages. Company size also plays a role, with larger companies generally offering more comprehensive compensation packages.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary further from this position, consider the following strategies:

• Specialization: Develop expertise in a niche area of AI/ML that is in high demand but has a limited supply of experts, such as reinforcement learning or AI ethics.
• Leadership Roles: Transition into leadership or managerial roles, such as leading a research team or becoming a head of a department, which often come with higher pay.
• Publications and Patents: Increase your visibility and credibility in the field by publishing research papers in reputable journals or obtaining patents for innovative solutions.
• Networking: Build a strong professional network by attending conferences, joining professional organizations, and collaborating with other researchers, which can lead to higher-paying opportunities.
• Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest advancements in AI/ML and acquire new skills or certifications that are in demand.

Educational Requirements

The most common educational requirement for a Research Scientist in AI/ML/Data Science is a Ph.D. in a related field such as Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Statistics, or Electrical Engineering. A strong academic background with a focus on machine learning, artificial intelligence, or data analysis is essential. Some positions may accept candidates with a Master's degree, provided they have significant research experience or a strong portfolio of relevant work.

Helpful Certificates

While not always mandatory, certain certifications can enhance your profile and demonstrate your expertise in specific areas. Some valuable certifications include:

• Certified Machine Learning Professional (CMLP)
• TensorFlow Developer Certificate
• AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty
• Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate
• Data Science Council of America (DASCA) Senior Data Scientist (SDS) Certification

These certifications can help validate your skills and knowledge, making you a more competitive candidate.

Required Experience

Typically, a Research Scientist role requires several years of experience in AI/ML or data science. This experience can be gained through academic research, industry projects, or a combination of both. Candidates are often expected to have a proven track record of working on complex projects, developing innovative solutions, and contributing to the advancement of the field. Experience in publishing research papers and presenting at conferences is also highly valued.

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