Fresh Profile: Biology Jobs

Published on 2008-08-12

Biology is the study of life - as wide a career field as one could find. Yet just as living things are taxonomically divided into domains, kingdoms, phyla, and so forth, so too are biology jobs divided into a seemingly infinite array of specialties within the fields of botany, zoology, and microbiology. A biologist could study DNA under an electron microscope, tree ferns in a tropical rainforest, meerkat groups in the Kalahari Desert or the interactions of many different organisms at a particular ecological level virtually anywhere in the world.

The following are just some of the many science jobs that are available to the aspiring or experienced biologist.

Research and Development

Research and development is one of the principal occupations of biological scientists. Some biological research and development jobs are independent positions funded by federal grants, while others are found within government or at NGOs or private-sector firms; nearly 40% of all biological scientists are employed in government jobs at the federal, state or local level. The educational requirements are higher for R&D jobs than for most other biology-related occupations; a Ph.D. is a standard requirement.

Biologists may perform research jobs in the field and/or in a laboratory. Though biological research may often simply provide knowledge that broadens our understanding of ecology, evolution, or genetics, it can also have very practical applications. For example, studying plant biochemistry could yield new information that would eventually be used to create more effective pesticides for farmers and horticulturalists. Biologists who hold development jobs must generally take a less open-ended and more utilitarian approach to their work than do field researchers, because their primary task is to develop the products and technologies that make research financially viable.

Healthcare

The effective prevention and treatment of disease is one of the most important benefits of biological knowledge. A biology degree would qualify one for many different kinds of healthcare jobs. For example, a biology graduate could follow in the footsteps of Avicenna and work at clinical research jobs testing the safety and efficacy of new drugs or medical devices. Pharmaceutical companies are some of the largest employers of biology and chemistry graduates, and a biology degree and/or related experience would provide an excellent background for pharma industry occupations ranging from management to pharmaceutical sales jobs.

Education

Careers in the biological education sector include everything from high school or university teaching jobs to guiding tours or creating educational programs at natural history museums, zoos or aquariums. As topics like global warming and species extinction gain prominence, the need for qualified and passionate educators who can inspire students to take an interest in science related jobs will become greater than ever.

Biotechnology

Biotechnology has been around for a very long time, though it tends to be associated in the public mind with recent breakthroughs in genetics and pharmacology. Biotechnology jobs involve the use of biological systems and living organisms to create or improve products for use in industries ranging from agriculture to medicine. The emerging biofuels industry is a good example of the types of biotech jobs that are likely to be in demand over the coming decade (see Fresh Trends: Emerging Technologies for Renewable Energy Jobs).

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