thanatology researcher
Snapshot
Delve into the complexities of mortality and grief as a thanatology researcher. This role combines scientific inquiry with a deep understanding of the human experience surrounding death, contributing vital knowledge to fields like psychology and sociology.
Thanatology researchers investigate the multifaceted aspects of death and dying. Your days might involve designing and conducting research studies, analyzing data related to grief, bereavement, and end-of-life experiences, and collaborating with other professionals in healthcare, social work, and related fields. You'll contribute to a growing body of knowledge that informs practices and policies surrounding death, dying, and bereavement support.
- • Designing and implementing research studies on topics related to death, dying, and grief.
- • Collecting and analyzing quantitative and qualitative data using various research methods.
- • Writing research reports, publications, and presentations to disseminate findings.
Where this occupation is in demand
Reported labour shortages and surpluses, by year. Published for occupation groups, not for individual job titles.
Deeper colour: reported the same way in more consecutive years.
Figures cover Legal, social and cultural professionals — 186 jobs including this one.
In shortage: Denmark, Italy.
Longest-running shortage: Italy, 2 years.
Select a place on the map to see its figures.
About this source›
Source: ELA/EURES labour shortages and surpluses. Readings are published at occupation-group level, and cover Europe. Editions differ in annex layout and country coverage, so a change between years does not always mean the labour market changed. Countries in grey were not reported, which is not the same as being in balance.
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Find your career path and explore the science behind our recommendations.
Could thanatology researcher fit you?
Answer three quick questions. This is not a full assessment — it is a teaser to help you decide whether to compare your profile.
Do you enjoy tasks that require Analytical Thinking?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Persistence?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Initiative?
Future Outlook for thanatology researcher
The outlook for thanatology researcher reflects a balanced mix of automation exposure and durable, human-led work.
How are these scores calculated?
The Resilience Score (0–100) estimates how structurally protected this occupation is from automation and AI disruption, based on task-level analysis. Higher scores mean more human-judgment-intensive tasks. AI Exposure shows the estimated percentage of task hours that current AI capabilities could affect. These are model-derived structural indicators, not predictions about individual job security.
How could thanatology researcher change as AI adoption grows?
This role is likely to change gradually, with AI supporting selected tasks rather than replacing the whole occupation.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How could thanatology researcher change as AI adoption grows?
This role is likely to change gradually, with AI supporting selected tasks rather than replacing the whole occupation.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How AI may change this role
Deterministic, model-based interpretation of current role signals — not a guarantee of replacement.
What still depends on people
- interact professionally in research and professional environments
- evaluate research activities
- manage intellectual property rights
Where AI may become a co-pilot
- develop scientific theories
- manage open publications
- demonstrate disciplinary expertise
Tasks most exposed to automation
- gather data
- synthesise information
- apply for research funding
Vital Signs & AI Vectors
AI Exposure Vectors
0-100%Exposure to AI-assisted analysis, pattern recognition, and predictive modelling tasks
Exposure to content generation, creative augmentation, and large language model tools
Exposure to physical automation, robotics, and sensor-driven task displacement
Exposure to workflow automation, decision-support software, and process digitisation
Technical Details
NexFuture v3.0 estimates automation exposure natively from ESCO essential-skill groups, weighted by skill mass and calibrated against expert anchors. Scores are probabilistic estimates, not guarantees. See the NexFuture Methodology White Paper for full details.
Measures automation exposure. It does not measure pay, demand, or how many jobs exist near you.
What people in this role usually do
Healthcare & Human Services
A typical day as a thanatology researcher
09 09:00 · Morning apply for research funding
10 10:30 · Mid-morning develop scientific theories
12 12:00 · Midday identify customer's needs
14 14:00 · Afternoon identify research topics
15 15:30 · Late afternoon manage intellectual property rights
17 17:00 · Wrap-up operate open source software
Task order is illustrative. Individual days vary.
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anthropology
The study of development and behaviour of human beings.
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archaeology
The study of the recovery and examination of material culture left behind from human activity in the past.
- psychology
- scientific research methodology
- sociology
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identify research topics
Determine issues on social, economic or political level in order to explore them and to do research on them.
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manage findable accessible interoperable and reusable data
Produce, describe, store, preserve and (re) use scientific data based on FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) principles, making data as open as possible, and as closed as necessary.
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perform scientific research
Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.
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apply scientific methods
Apply scientific methods and techniques to investigate phenomena, by acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.
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apply research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activities
Apply fundamental ethical principles and legislation to scientific research, including issues of research integrity. Perform, review, or report research avoiding misconducts such as fabrication, falsification, and plagiarism.
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promote open innovation in research
Apply techniques, models, methods and strategies which contribute to the promotion of steps towards innovation through collaboration with people and organizations outside the organisation.
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draft scientific or academic papers and technical documentation
Draft and edit scientific, academic or technical texts on different subjects.
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disseminate results to the scientific community
Publicly disclose scientific results by any appropriate means, including conferences, workshops, colloquia and scientific publications.
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publish academic research
Conduct academic research, in universities and research institutions, or on a personal account, publish it in books or academic journals with the aim of contributing to a field of expertise and achieving personal academic accreditation.
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write scientific publications
Present the hypothesis, findings, and conclusions of your scientific research in your field of expertise in a professional publication.
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gather data
Extract exportable data from multiple sources.
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synthesise information
Critically read, interpret, and summarise new and complex information from diverse sources.
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manage research data
Produce and analyse scientific data originating from qualitative and quantitative research methods. Store and maintain the data in research databases. Support the re-use of scientific data and be familiar with open data management principles.
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interact professionally in research and professional environments
Show consideration to others as well as collegiality. Listen, give and receive feedback and respond perceptively to others, also involving staff supervision and leadership in a professional setting.
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operate open source software
Operate Open Source software, knowing the main Open Source models, licensing schemes, and the coding practices commonly adopted in the production of Open Source software.
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speak different languages
Master foreign languages to be able to communicate in one or more foreign languages.
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evaluate research activities
Review proposals, progress, impact and outcomes of peer researchers, including through open peer review.
Skill DNA
Work personality traits and values that define this role
See whether this role fits your Career DNA
Take the free Career DNA assessment to see how thanatology researcher aligns with your interests, work style, and future path. In less than 10 minutes, you will get a personalized fit signal and a roadmap for what to do next.
Scan to continue on mobileGrowth Pathways & Similar Roles
Explore typical career progression paths, adjacent skills, and similar roles to plan your next transition.
Where does thanatology researcher fit?
Similarity scores based on skill overlap from ESCO data.
Frequently asked questions
- What types of academic backgrounds are suitable for a career as a thanatology researcher?
- A strong foundation in psychology, sociology, anthropology, physiology, or a related field is typically required. Advanced degrees, such as a Master's or Doctoral degree, are usually necessary for conducting independent research and securing research positions.
- How does this role differ from working as a grief counselor or therapist?
- While both roles address grief, a thanatology researcher focuses on *studying* grief and the dying process through scientific inquiry. Grief counselors and therapists provide direct support and intervention to individuals experiencing loss. The researcher's work informs the practices of those providing direct care.
- Are there opportunities to work as a freelance thanatology researcher?
- While primarily an employee-based role, opportunities for freelancing or consulting exist, particularly for researchers with specialized expertise. This might involve conducting literature reviews, assisting with data analysis, or providing research support to organizations or institutions.
- Thanatology Researcher — is there a shortage in Europe?
- No. In the 2025 ELA/EURES edition, a surplus was reported in 10 of the 12 European countries that assessed this occupation group: Austria, Czechia, Germany, Greece and 6 more. 2 countries reported a shortage. These assessments are published per occupation group rather than per job title.
- Thanatology Researcher — what does it pay in the United States?
- $117,580 a year at the median, as of 2025-05. State medians run from $46,350 to $157,540. Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is a United States figure and not a projection for Europe.