Define the research before defining the profile.
A research scientist may develop new methods and test hypotheses. A research engineer may build the experiments, tooling and systems that make that work possible. An applied scientist may adapt research to a product problem. These responsibilities overlap, so we agree the actual work, expected outputs and balance of research and implementation before starting a search.
A useful starting brief
- Which questions will this person investigate, and how will progress be evaluated?
- What data, compute, tooling and technical support are available?
- How much of the role involves experiments, implementation or production delivery?
- What are the expectations around publication, collaboration and commercial outcomes?
Thoughtful introductions
We discuss the candidate’s own contribution to research and engineering work: how they chose an approach, designed experiments, interpreted results and handled unsuccessful attempts. Publications and qualifications provide context. We also explore collaboration, practical constraints and the kind of research environment in which they want to work.
Every search is led by a senior specialist, from brief to start date. Scope, fees and expectations are agreed before the search begins.
Experience behind the search
Before founding Corellia Talent, our founder placed a researcher with an exceptional academic and competition record into a pre-seed startup.
These examples reflect our founder’s personal recruitment career, before founding Corellia Talent. Read about our founder’s background or explore the placement accounts.
Questions about the search
Do you recruit research scientists as well as engineers?
Yes. We support searches for research scientists, research engineers and applied scientists within technology businesses. We clarify the research domain and responsibilities with you before defining the profile.
Does every research hire need a PhD?
We agree requirements against the work. A qualification can provide relevant evidence, but it should not replace a discussion of research contributions, technical ability and the experience the role actually needs.
Do you cover laboratory or pharmaceutical scientists?
Our focus is research within technology startups and scaleups, including AI and machine learning. This is not a general laboratory or pharmaceutical recruitment service.