Soft skills for a scientist

Text by Julia Kolodiazhnaia and Ivan Osinnii

Editing by Olya Vvedenskaya

- Soft skills are very important for a successful Ph.D. candidate

- Soft skills can be developed

- No need to master every soft skill before starting your Ph.D. - you will develop them on the way

From the moment you start applying for a Ph.D. position to the day you graduate, soft skills will play a crucial role in your success. These skills which include critical thinking, teamwork, project management, and more, will also be invaluable outside academia, particularly if you decide to pursue a career in industry.

Of course, hard skills and a solid theoretical background remain essential prerequisites for a successful application, Ph.D. journey, and the life of a scientist in general, and they should not be underestimated. These requirements are typically outlined clearly in job postings — your qualifications, courses, previous experience, methods, and techniques — and candidates are usually aware of whether they meet these criteria. (And while we don’t suggest you must always be a 100% match with the required skills to apply for a position, that’s a discussion for another time.)

However, soft skills are often overlooked or underestimated, even though they significantly impact both your application and long-term success. These skills are not always explicitly mentioned in job postings (or perhaps only a couple are), but they are equally valuable to supervisors, peer scientists, and research teams. The truth is, you might already possess many of these skills without realizing it. By recognizing and showcasing them, you can position yourself as a far stronger candidate than you might initially believe.

Below, we highlight some soft skills that can make a real difference during your Ph.D. and in your future career:

Motivation and curiosity

Being interested in your (future) research topic is important not only for your success but also for your mental health, as you will inevitably encounter challenges and setbacks during your Ph.D. journey. Before the interview, take the time to familiarize yourself with the topics and methods your future supervisor works on. A great way to demonstrate your knowledge and interest is by asking meaningful questions. (If you want some inspiration, you can find our networking guide here.)

 Ability to structure and identify relevant information and communicate it clearly

This is an essential soft skill for any Ph.D. student, and you will have plenty of opportunities to develop it further. It’s also a skill that can be relatively easily assessed during the interview — whether through the way you talk about your previous experience or present your ideas for a future project. Sometimes professors may ask you to prepare a short presentation on your suggested approach to a project or on a given article.

While this skill goes hand-in-hand with your understanding of the subject and theoretical knowledge, it is still distinct. Don’t worry too much if your previous results are not groundbreaking — focus instead on presenting them clearly and demonstrating a solid understanding of the methods and techniques you used.

A common trap is to include every small detail or experience, regardless of relevance. To avoid this, try to mentally step into your professor’s shoes and consider what would be most important and relevant for them to know about you as a candidate. (For more tips, see our self-presentation guide here.)

 Attention to details

This soft skill is crucial for planning and conducting experiments, as well as for preparing your data for presentations and publications. During the application and interview process, you can demonstrate attention to detail in two main ways. First, tailor your application to the specific requirements of the Ph.D. position and follow submission instructions precisely. Second, ensure that all the materials you present—your CV, cover letter, and supporting documents—are meticulously proofread, free of typos, and professionally formatted.

Creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking

These three closely related soft skills are essential for navigating the complexities of research. A Ph.D. often involves tackling challenges that don’t have straightforward solutions, such as designing experiments, troubleshooting issues, or interpreting unexpected results.

You can demonstrate these skills during your interview by discussing previous experiences. Highlight creative solutions you’ve implemented, describe problems you encountered and how you solved them, and explain your rationale for choosing particular approaches. Discussing the strengths and limitations of your past work also shows your ability to think critically. If you participated in case competitions, these are excellent examples of creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking under time pressure. Similarly, tasks like proposing a research plan or analyzing an article during the application process are designed to assess these skills. Approach such tasks methodically: break down the problem, outline potential solutions, and provide a logical rationale for your decisions.

Project management skills

While this skill may not be required on day one, your entire Ph.D. will essentially be a comprehensive project management training. Ph.D. projects are rarely done in isolation, so you’re likely to gain experience managing stakeholders such as professors, colleagues, collaborators, and students. Research projects often span months or years, requiring you to break down large tasks into smaller, manageable ones, establish timelines, and adapt as the project evolves.

Collaboration and teamwork

Collaboration lies at the heart of most research projects. Effective teamwork requires clear communication, respect for diverse perspectives, effective task distribution, constructive feedback, and the ability to navigate interpersonal dynamics. You can demonstrate collaboration skills by sharing examples of how you’ve contributed to group efforts in the past. Reflect on situations where you resolved conflicts, coordinated tasks efficiently, or helped the team achieve its goals. During your Ph.D., this skill will continue to grow as you collaborate with colleagues, supervisors, and collaborators from diverse disciplines and institutions.

Time management skills

It’s common for Ph.D. students to juggle multiple responsibilities, such as teaching, coursework, and research. Balancing these tasks while meeting deadlines (e.g., group meetings, conferences, or article submissions) will push you to develop strong time management skills.

Leadership skills

Leadership may not be an immediate requirement, but it’s a soft skill you’ll likely develop over time during your scientific work. Supervising students, leading a research project, or coordinating group efforts require you to guide, motivate, and organize others. Leadership isn’t just about formal authority — it also involves taking initiative and supporting your team.

Ability to learn quickly

Ph.D. students often encounter new techniques and concepts outside their initial expertise. Whether it’s learning to perform experiments in unfamiliar fields or collaborating with colleagues on interdisciplinary topics, this constant exposure sharpens your ability to learn, process, and apply information efficiently. However, it is essential to remind yourself about the natural learning curve - don’t expect yourself and others to learn things from the first attempt perfectly.

Adaptability and cultural awareness

Starting a Ph.D. often means stepping into a completely new environment, and for many, it also involves relocating to another country. (If that’s your case, you can find our guide on relocation here). Adaptability is crucial for thriving in these new settings, while cultural awareness enables you to build strong relationships and collaborate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds — especially since most research groups are highly international. If you’ve studied, worked, or lived abroad, these experiences can serve as evidence of your adaptability and cultural awareness. After all, if you’ve successfully navigated such changes before, you can do it again. These skills are not only valuable for your Ph.D. but will also distinguish you in today’s increasingly globalized academic and professional landscape.

Presentation and communication skills (written and oral)

Communicating your research clearly is a core soft skill for any Ph.D. student. You’ll be expected to present your findings in group meetings, conferences, and seminars, as well as through articles and reports. This might seem intimidating at first, especially if English isn’t your first language, but your communication skills — including your academic writing — will improve significantly as you progress. However, it's important to have a good command of spoken and written English from the outset, as most Ph.D. programs have entry language requirements. (Read how Dr. Valentin Slepukhin prepared for his language exam). Demonstrating proficiency in English not only meets these prerequisites but also ensures that you can effectively engage with your supervisors, colleagues, and the broader community.

Networking

Networking is more than just meeting people — it’s about building meaningful professional relationships. It helps you find Ph.D. opportunities, access information, and connect with potential collaborators. Conferences, internships, and direct outreach to academics can open doors to opportunities that may not be advertised publicly. (Our guide on networking can be found here).

Discipline and consistency

Discipline and consistency are very helpful for success in both the Ph.D. application process and the Ph.D. journey itself. Applying for a Ph.D. can be a lengthy and challenging process, requiring you to systematically research programs, tailor your application materials, and follow up with potential supervisors. Maintaining a disciplined and consistent approach will help you stay organized and ensure that you don’t miss important opportunities or deadlines. During your Ph.D., these traits become even more essential. Research is a long-term endeavor, often requiring sustained effort, repeated trials, and the patience to see gradual progress. Whether it’s conducting experiments, analyzing data, or preparing manuscripts, discipline and consistency will help you make steady progress and stay focused on your goals.

As you prepare for your Ph.D. journey, remember that you don’t need to master every soft skill before starting. A Ph.D. is a journey designed to help you grow, refine these skills, and shape yourself into a well-rounded professional. By recognizing and building on your strengths — and embracing the opportunity to develop further — you’ll set yourself up for success, both during your Ph.D. and in the many opportunities that follow.

About Sci.STEPS

Embarking on a Ph.D. journey can be challenging, but with Sci.STEPS' mentorship program, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Sci.STEPS creates a supportive environment where you can build on your strengths, gain confidence, and grow into a well-rounded professional. Whether you're just starting or looking to enhance your skills, our mentorship program ensures you're equipped for success during your Ph.D. and beyond.