Research scientists study the natural world. Their work helps advance medicine, biology, and technology. Research scientists can work in a variety of industries and organizations, such as private companies, government agencies, and universities. Their responsibilities include performing experiments and analyzing results. Research scientists specialize in many different areas, which may have particular job duties. For example, if you work in academia, you may supervise graduate student research. If your field is in nuclear technology or nuclear medicine, then you are responsible for safely maintaining and using radioactive substances in research studies.