Job profile: Biologist

Biologists can specialise in a lot of areas in biological sciences, ranging from animal biology, biochemistry, microbiology, plant biology or genetics.

What are the typical progression routes?

Job description - Biologist

Biologists design and conduct experiments, make observations, and then write up the work in reports and scientific papers. Biologists tend to specialise in one or two areas of their choice. There is a wide range of different careers that biologists can work in. They may work with doctors to diagnose and monitor patients, they may be employed to advise on agricultural, environmental or conservation issues, alternatively they may be found studying plants and animals in their natural habitats among other areas.
 
Activities
  • Researching information
  • Analysing data, using computers
  • Designing and conducting experiments
  • Good observation techniques
  • Good supervision skills
 
Competencies
  • Sound understanding of statistics
  • Attention to detail
  • Creative and logical mind
  • Communication skills
  • Work well in a team
 
What are the routes in?
To become a biologist a postgraduate qualification and relevant work experience is necessary.For a degree courses, you will need five GCSEs (A-C)/S-grades (1-3) in science subjects, English and maths, with two A-levels/three or four H-grades or equivalent qualifications.It is possible to work as a technician, where entrants usually need at least four GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3), including science, English and maths, or equivalent qualifications.A one-year foundation or bridging course is available for students who have not studied the appropriate science subjects.
 
Opportunities for biologists arise, either in the public or private sector, in a wide range of fields such as education and the media, research and development. Areas such as management or involvement in the commercial aspects of the work open promotional aspects for candidates.Some biologists also become self-employed or to start their own companies. They tend to favour small or medium-sized companies due to the increase of job opportunities within these companies.They may travel nationally and internationally to conduct experimental research and attend conferences and collaborate with scientists.
 
What is the work like?
Biologists often work indoors in laboratories, which can involve sitting or standing for extended periods of time. However, most biologists will also have to do fieldwork. Fieldwork conditions depend on the work and the location, biologists can be found working anywhere there is wildlife. May travel to remote areas and live in primitive conditions while conducting studies, and also to attend conferences.Typically biologists will work 37 hour weeks, with additional shift work on weekends and evenings.