INTRODUCTION

 

 

 

Biological scientists usually conduct research in laboratories using a wide variety of equipment. They should be able to work independently or as part of a team and be able to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Biological scientists in the private industry, particularly in management or administrative positions need to have good business and communication skills and be familiar with regulatory issues and marketing and management techniques. In contrast, biological scientists involved in field research in remote areas must have physical stamina, patience and self-discipline to conduct long and detailed research projects.

 

 

 

JOB DESCRIPTION

 

 

The work of biological scientists involves the study of living organisms and their relationship to the environment. Performing research enables them to understand fundamental life processes better and apply that understanding to developing new products or processes. Today, many biological scientists are involved in biotechnology.

 

Many biological scientists work in research and development. Those who work in applied research or product development develop new drugs, treatments, and medical diagnostic tests; increase crop yields; and develop new biofuels. Often, they have less freedom than basic researchers in choosing the emphasis of their research.

 

Experienced biological scientists may advance to become lead researchers directing a team of scientists and technicians, with some working as consultants to businesses or to government agencies. Most biological scientists specialize in the study of a certain type of organism or in a specific activity.

 

 

Specialization	Area of study
Aquatic biologist	micro-organisms, plants, and animals living in water
Marine biologist	salt water organisms
Limnologist	fresh water organisms
Biochemist	chemical composition of living things
Botanist	plants and their environments
Microbiologist	growth and characteristics of microscopic organisms such as bacteria, algae, or fungi
Physiologist	life functions of plants and animals, both in the whole organism and at the cellular or molecular level, under normal and abnormal conditions
Biophysicist	how physics, such as electrical and mechanical energy and related phenomena, relates to living cells and organisms
Zoologist and wildlife biologist	animals and wildlife—their origin, behavior, diseases, and life processes
Ecologist	the relationships among organisms and between organisms and their environments, examining the effects of population size, pollutants, rainfall, temperature, and altitude

 

 

Employment and places of work

 

Biological scientists may work in government, university, or private industry laboratories, often exploring new areas of research.

 

Working in teams, biological scientists interact with engineers, scientists of other disciplines, business managers, and technicians. Some biological scientists also work with customers or suppliers and manage budgets.

 

Many biological scientists, such as botanists, ecologists, marine biologists and zoologists, do field studies that involve strenuous physical activity and primitive living conditions. They may work in warm or cold climates, and are exposed to all kinds of weather.

While most biological scientists typically work regular hours, researchers may be required to work odd hours in laboratories or other locations (especially while in the field), depending on the nature of their research.

 

Areas Covered by Programmes Usually, a PhD degree is necessary for independent research, industrial research, and college teaching whereas a master’s degree is sufficient for some jobs in applied research, product development, management, or inspection.

 

Students aspiring to become biological scientists can expect to study chemistry and biology, and allied disciplines such as mathematics, physics, engineering, and computer science. Some programmes offer computer courses that are beneficial for modeling and simulating biological processes, operating some laboratory equipment, and performing research in the emerging field of bioinformatics.Most colleges and universities offer bachelor’s degrees in biological science, while some may offer programmes that emphasize a subfield such as microbiology or botany. Biological scientists with a PhD often take on research positions that provide specialized research experience. This may offer the opportunity to publish research findings which is essential in obtaining a permanent position involving basic research, especially for those seeking a permanent college or university faculty position.