Biologists

Biologists, also known a biological scientists, study the origin, development, composition and function of plant and animal life. They typically specialize in one area and are named by that specialty. The majority of biologists perform research as part of their jobs. Many biological scientists, especially those employed in academic environments, depend on grant money to support their research.

They perform research to acquire knowledge of the fundamental life processes and apply their knowledge to developing new products and processes. Their research is often used to develop solutions for human health problems and to improve the natural environment.

Those that work in applied research or product development apply their knowledge from research and develop medical diagnostic tests, new drugs and biofuels. They also develop techniques for increasing crop yields. Most biological scientists utilize a microscope in order to see and study organisms that are not visible to the naked eye. Some of these scientists work with animals in laboratories.

The advances in knowledge regarding organic molecules and genetics has increased growth in the field of biotechnology which has changed the industries in which biologists work. They now have the ability to manipulate the genetic material of plants and animals. They attempt to make organisms resistant to disease or more productive.

Some of the specialties are:

Botanists study plants and how they interact with their environment.

Microbiologists study small organisms such as bacteria, fungi and algae. They study how these organisms contribute and affect the food and agriculture industry. Microbiologists also investigate how these organisms can cause diseases.

Physiologists focus on the life functions of animals and plants. They often specialize in one specific area such as photosynthesis, reproduction, movement or respiration.

Aquatic biologists focus on the ways plants, animals and microorganisms live and evolve in water environments. Marine biologists focus on salt water organisms and limnologists focus on fresh water organisms.

Biochemists combine biology and chemistry and study the chemistry of living things.

Biophysicists focus on the atomic structure and the mechanical and electrical energy of organisms and cells.

Zoologists study the animal kingdom. They often specialize in an area such as mammalogy (mammals), ornithology (birds), ichthyology (fish) or herpetology (reptiles and amphibians).

Ecologists study the relationships among organisms and between organisms and their environments. They evaluate the effects of pollutants, population size, temperature, altitude and rainfall.

Responsibilities

  • Plan and administer biological research programs
  • Study plants and animals and the environmental conditions that affect them
  • Use computers to store and analyze data
  • Provide test results to federal and state representatives and the general public
  • Research environmental effects of present and potential uses of water and land areas
  • Develop environmental impact reports for government, industry or for publication
  • Represent employer at conferences
  • Determine methods for improving environmental conditions

Job Characteristics

Most biological scientists spend most of their time in laboratories performing research and in offices writing about research results and staying current with the newest research discoveries. Some biologists perform field studies that may involve strenuous physical activity and primitive living conditions for long periods of time.

Biologists usually work 40 hours a week, however some of these scientists work more hours. Some researchers may work odd hours in laboratories or other settings due to the type of research they are involved in.

Biologists should be able to communicate clearly and concisely in writing and orally. They also need to have patients to perform long and detailed research projects.

Employment Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics has forecasted a 21 percent employment growth from 2008 to 2018 for biological scientists which is much faster than the average for all occupations. Biological research and development continues to increase the demand for biologists. Job growth will also occur due to the efforts to discover new and improved strategies and techniques to clean up and preserve the environment.

In 2008 the median annual earnings for biological scientists was $65,080. The earnings of biological scientists vary by the specialty.

In 2008 approximately 40 percent of biologists were employed by federal, state and local government agencies. Federal biologists worked mostly for the U.S. Department of the Interior, the National Institutes of Health and Defense.

Education, Certification, and Licensing

A Ph.D. in biology or one of its subfields is typically needed for work in independent research or development positions. A Ph.D is also usually required for administrative jobs. Some jobs in product development, applied research, inspection or management as well as research technician jobs require a master's degree or a bachelor's degree in the field. Some individuals that have a degree in biology are employed as high school science teachers.

Advanced degree programs usually focus on a subfield such as botany or microbiology. Advanced degree programs usually include classroom learning, laboratory research, fieldwork and a thesis or a dissertation.

Resources

Major Employers

The major employers are chemical companies, drug companies, food processing companies, government agencies, colleges and universities, research and testing laboratories and publishing firms.

Biological Scientists Skills

Below are the skills needed to be biological scientists according to their importance on the scale of 1 to 5 (1 being lowest and 5 being highest) and competency level on a scale of 1 to 7 (1 being lowest and 7 being highest).

   
Skill NameImportanceCompetence
Critical Thinking4.124.38
Reading Comprehension4.124.88
Active Listening44.38
Complex Problem Solving44.25
Speaking44.25

Biological Scientists Abilities

Below are the abilities needed to be biological scientists according to their importance on the scale of 1 to 5 (1 being lowest and 5 being highest) and competency level on a scale of 1 to 7 (1 being lowest and 7 being highest).

   
Ability NameImportanceCompetence
Written Comprehension4.254.88
Written Expression4.254.88
Oral Comprehension4.124.75
Deductive Reasoning44.75
Inductive Reasoning44.62

Biological Scientists Knowledge

Below are the knowledge areas needed to be biological scientists according to their importance on the scale of 1 to 5 (1 being lowest and 5 being highest) and competency level on a scale of 1 to 7 (1 being lowest and 7 being highest).

   
Knowledge AreaImportanceCompetence
Biology4.836.21
Computers and Electronics4.615.61
Mathematics4.335.5
English Language4.224.53
Chemistry3.564.42

Biological Scientists Work activities

Below are the work activities involved in being biological scientists according to their importance on the scale of 1 to 5 (1 being lowest and 5 being highest) and competency level on a scale of 1 to 7 (1 being lowest and 5 being highest).

   
Work ActivityImportanceCompetence
Interacting With Computers4.935.43
Analyzing Data or Information4.775.66
Thinking Creatively4.76.38
Making Decisions and Solving Problems4.565.52
Processing Information4.536.1

Biological Scientists Work styles

Below are the work styles involved in being biological scientists according to their importance on the scale of 1 to 5 (1 being lowest and 5 being highest).

   
Work StyleImportance
Analytical Thinking4.85
Attention to Detail4.54
Persistence4.51
Integrity4.49
Dependability4.48

Metro Areas Sorted by Total Employment for
Biological Scientists

Listed below are the 10 largest metro areas based on the total number of people employed in Biological Scientists jobs , as of 2019

   
Metro AreaTotal EmploymentAnnual Mean Salary
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward2,770$108,200
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim2,600$98,210
San Diego-Carlsbad2,290$89,210
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue830$95,410
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara830$110,040
Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade680$78,910
Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell630$75,850
Baltimore-Columbia-Towson580$100,720
Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach520$75,980
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land500$93,060

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Total employment and salary for professions similar to biological scientists

Source : 2019 Occupational Employment Statistics and 2018-28 Employment Projections, Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS.gov; O*NET® 24.3 Database, O*NET OnLine, National Center for O*NET Development, Employment & Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, onetonline.org