Career progression prospects within publicly funded research are similar to those for other disciplines: NERC, universities and other research councils all have defined career structures and routes to career progression. Rapid career advancement is most likely for those who can provide innovative, practical solutions to applied problems, who have the ability to engage in and contribute to multidisciplinary projects and who have the ability to secure new sources of funding.
Career progression within the private and charitable sectors are very variable and depend upon the nature of the organisation and role.