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Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a biologist. Feel free to use our biologist job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a biologist.

 

Who is a Biologist?

Biology encompasses different areas and each area has its specialties. Each area may have biologists who study how organisms came to be, how they evolved, and how they interact with other species. Biologists can also examine how living organisms interact with each other in different settings.

Biologists tend to focus on one aspect of biology, which can be broadly understood as the study and analysis of all living things. One option for a biologist is to choose to concentrate on microbiology (where they work on a cellular level using a microscope) or macrobiology (where organisms are studied in the more common classifications of plants (botany), or animals (zoology).

The specifics of a biologist’s work depend on their research focus, but most biologists spend their time doing scientific research. Biologists may focus their research on specific aspects of their study’s functionality, while others will look at how the findings can be applied in real life, such as medicine. Biologists tend to focus their research on one particular area of biology, despite the vastness of biology. A few examples of the categories are:

• Genetics

This branch is concerned with DNA and how it passes from one organism to another during reproduction. It also examines how heredity causes variation over time. Geneticists may also work in medicine to provide patient recommendations based upon hereditary conditions.

 

• Immunology

The biological study of the immune system has been vital in saving lives through medical innovations such as organ transplants and vaccines. A physician who is an immunologist can make recommendations about how to treat patients suffering from issues related to the immune system.

 

• Marine biology

This field focuses on how the living organisms of the sea–plants, animals, and microorganisms–interact with their oceanic environment. Marine biologists may be active in the field. They might even dive deep to collect samples of marine life for later study in a laboratory.

 

• Microbiology

This is the science of studying microbes like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and algae. The microscopic study of organisms has been a great way to combat disease and understand how living things evolve and function at cellular levels. Microbiologists typically work in a laboratory studying microbes under certain conditions.

 

• Wildlife biology

Wildlife biologists study how different life forms interact and co-exist in natural environments. Although this field of biology has a lot of laboratory research, wildlife biologists and their counterparts in Zoology who study animals may spend much of their time in the wild.

 

Some examples of career options for biologists are

1. Biomedical technician

A biomedical technician is someone who works with biomedical devices. They make sure that equipment functions safely and is properly maintained. This role requires a person to use their engineering and biology knowledge to evaluate the computer systems within these devices.

 

2. Environmental scientist

An environmental scientist studies air, water, and land. They do research and analyze data to prevent and regulate pollution. They protect human, animal, and environmental health. They are responsible for developing systems that reduce the environmental impact of consumption. They communicate their findings regularly to the government and private agencies.

 

3. Wildlife biologist

A wildlife biologist studies the behavior of animals in their natural environment. They study ecosystems and assess the effects that ecosystem changes can have on animal communities and behavior. They carry out research and make findings of the physical and behavioral characteristics and groups of animals. They can be found in laboratories, the field, or in other wild environments.

 

4. Physician Assistant

Physician assistant uses their medical knowledge to provide patient care under the guidance and supervision of a physician. They can listen to patients and diagnose illnesses. They are responsible for analyzing intake forms, speaking to patients, writing reports, and working with nurses and physicians.

 

Biologist Job Description

Below are the biologist job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a biologist job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.

The duties and responsibilities of a biologist include the following:

• Expanding knowledge of the functions and relationships between plants, animals, and the environment they live in
• Collecting samples, measuring, photographing, sketching, and other information can lead to discoveries about ecosystems or organisms.
• Observing organisms to know more about their behavior and diets
• Keeping accurate and completing records of research and observations.
• Tracking and tagging animals to track their movements and relocate them to wildlife preserves.
• Preparing reports, lecturing, and presenting findings to students.
• Writing papers on findings and funding proposals.
• Using computers to program and store, process, and analyze data.
• Analyzing and collecting biological data on the relationships between organisms, their environment, and other living things.
• Researching aquatic plants and animals, and the environmental conditions that affect them such as radioactivity and pollution.
• Sharing test results with federal and state representatives, as well as the general public.
• Identifying, classifying, and studying the structure, behavior, ecology, and physiology of animal and plant species.
• Preparing environmental impact statements for government, industry, and publication.
• Representing employer at technical conferences.
• Managing and planning biological research programs for government, research companies, medical industries, or manufacturing firms.
• Studying the environmental effects of current and potential land and water uses, and determining ways to improve environmental conditions and yields such as crop yields.
• Teaching, supervising, and conducting research at colleges and universities.
• Supervising biotechnologists and other scientists.
• Learning the basic principles of animal and plant life: origin, relationship, development, and anatomy.
• Managing wild animals populations.
• Preparing proposals for statements or requests for information.
• Cultivating, raising, and growing aquatic species, such as fish, lobsters, clams, or clams.
• Developing plans for managing renewable resources.
• Designing methods and apparatus to obtain the representative plant, animal, or soil samples.
• Examining the reactions of animals, plants, and marine species to parasites.
• Using scientific methods to develop pest management and control strategies and assess the risk of pest exclusion.

 

Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree in biology can lead to different jobs. You can be a sales representative, an inspector, or an advanced biology technician. A bachelor’s degree is required to teach biology in high schools in many states. Before you can be certified to teach in most states, you must meet the requirements of your state.

To become a biologist, however, you will usually need to have an advanced degree. A college degree in science should be followed by school training in life science. A master’s degree is required for certain jobs in teaching or applied research. A doctoral degree is usually required to hold a position as a researcher or teacher at a university. A bachelor’s degree takes approximately four years, while a master’s degree can take one to two years. To earn a doctoral degree, you will need to continue your studies for two to four more years. A doctor of medicine (M.D.), is required for some biologists working in fields like pathology or pharmacology. Biologists need to continue their education throughout their careers to keep up with the latest developments in life sciences.

 

 

Essential Skills

• Understanding biological and biochemical principles

Basic and advanced biochemical and biological principles are essential for biologists. Biology is a broad field that covers the inner structures, functions, and interactions of living organisms or biological material. This field requires a solid understanding of scientific principles.

 

• Analytical thinking

Analytical thinking refers to a person’s ability to identify problems and find solutions. Analytical thinkers can identify patterns and distinguish important information while reviewing data and facts. Different sub-fields of biologists require highly analytical thinking. They are responsible for identifying and solving social, ecological, and institutional problems.

 

• Excellent written communication

Written communication refers to a person’s ability to communicate their thoughts, opinions, and reasoning in writing. Writing papers and reports explaining scientific findings is a common task for biologists.

Many of these studies have been published or made online. These reports and findings are regularly sent to government agencies and private organizations to influence social change or inform policy interventions. This is why people working in this field must be able to communicate well in writing.

 

• Both mathematical and logical reasoning

A person’s ability and willingness to integrate elements of math, abduction, and induction into their beliefs, attitudes and thinking is called mathematical and logical reasoning. When faced with a problem, mathematical or logical thinkers can quickly reach scientific or logical conclusions. This type of thinking is not influenced by emotion and is based upon reviewing evidence and facts. To interpret data and apply the scientific method, biologists must be able to use logical reasoning and strong math skills.

 

• Creativity and innovation

Creativity and innovation refer to a person’s ability or ingenuity to create new ideas and designs. People in biology are required to find innovative solutions to problems related to ecological, social, and public health. These concerns can be solved by creativity and knowledge of mathematical and scientific principles.

 

How to Become a Biologist

Here are the steps you need to follow to become a biologist.

1. Choose a study area

First, you must decide which subfields or areas of biology you are interested in. This academic and professional journey will give you a broad understanding of biology, biochemistry, and other scientific subjects. It is important to determine which areas are most interesting for you before you decide which universities, programs, or career paths you want. This information can also be used to determine your undergraduate major or minor. It can take six to nine years to become a biologist. Therefore, your interests in biology may change as you progress.

 

2. Take an undergraduate degree program

A bachelor’s degree is required to work as a biologist at all levels. Biology, physics, and ecology are all possible options. The completion of your bachelor’s degree can take four years. It will likely include the mathematical and scientific courses necessary for you to pursue further certifications, research, academic, or career goals.

 

3. Participate in undergraduate research

Participating in a research internship should be part of your third or fourth year as a biology undergraduate student. Talk to your academic advisor to learn more about internships in hospitals, biochemical laboratories, or wildlife preserves. These experiences give people the technical and practical experience they need to become biologists in the future.

Your internship may also help you to expand your academic and professional network. This will help you make connections to the future for potential publications, research, and job opportunities.

 

4. Take the GRE

GRE (or the Graduate Record Examination) is a generalized test that universities and colleges use to assess applicants for admission to graduate-level programs. This standardized test measures a person’s abilities in three areas: verbal reasoning, analytical writing, and quantitative reasoning. The verbal and quantitative sections of the test are scored on a scale that ranges between 130 to 170 total points. The writing section is also graded using a system that ranges from 0 to 6 points. Each university or college has its admission requirements.

 

5. Get a master’s degree or doctoral degree

You will need to submit your GRE scores to universities or colleges that offer the biology programs you are interested in. You can choose from a variety of career options in biology, including those that require a master’s or doctorate.

A master’s degree in biology will require two years of full-time studies. It may take four to five years to earn a doctorate, depending on whether you are pursuing a master’s degree in biology or another related field. These degree programs offer advanced coursework, extensive research, and a final thesis project or dissertation.

 

6. Get professional certification

Biology careers are often very specialized, and they focus on one subset of the study field. It’s a good idea to obtain additional certifications or credentials to advance your career. If you are interested in the physiology or heredity of cells, you might choose to become a technologist or embryologist. Certification as a wildlife biologist may be more appealing if you are interested in animal studies. To earn this credential, most colleges and universities offer six to twelve credit hours.

 

Where to Work

There are many fields that biologists can work in, including research, pharmaceutical development, and teaching. A biologist can decide the education and experience required to work in a variety of settings such as research labs or biotechnology companies.

A majority of independent biologists require advanced degrees in biology. Doctoral degrees are typically required for researchers in certain areas, such as botany or microbiology. Research assistants who work in field or laboratory settings typically hold a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree. Students can work as assistants or interns while they are studying for their degrees. This allows them to gain valuable experience and prepare to become independent biologists.

 

Biologist Salary Scale

In the United States, the average annual salary for a biologist is $74,082.

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