BIOLOGISTS

Spotlight on BIOLOGISTS
Taken and adapted from Vault.com

Biologists study the world around us--how living things work, change and affect each other and their environment. Biochemists, microbiologists, medical microbiologists, marine biologists, botanists, physiologists, zoologists, agricultural scientists, and biomedical scientists are all different kinds of biologists.

The essence of biology is research--both in the laboratory and out in the field. Not only do biologists often work toward different ends, but they also have a variety of work environments to choose from. Some work at colleges and universities or for the federal government. Still others work for private companies, where the pay is high, but research opportunities relatively restricted (controlled by the employer). Often, private sector biologists work as consultants to businesses or in testing development for biomedical companies.

One out of every three biological scientists is employed by federal, state or local government. Federal biologists work mainly for the Food and Drug Administration, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Departments of the Interior and even for the Department of Defense

The majority of PhD-holding biologists work in colleges and universities, sharing their research with their colleagues and students. In general, career biologists work long hours, particularly those working in the public sector or doing independent research, because they are driven by a love for their subject.

Advantages:
• Flexible hours
• Relaxed dress code

Disadvantages:
• Low starting pay

Personality Match:
• Inquisitive
• Open-minded
• Flexible
• Nonconformist

CAREER PATH

With a bachelor of science degree, aspiring biologists can start out in testing and inspection work or find positions as technical sales or service representatives for biomedical and pharmaceutical companies. However, those without advanced degrees have difficulty finding work in a lab or doing original research; most career biologists have a master's or PhD degree.

Master's holders work as research assistants for post-doctorate biologists or as managers and inspectors. Doctoral candidates engage in classroom and fieldwork, and lab research and must also write their thesis or dissertation. After earning their PhDs, new biologists often take temporary post-doctoral research positions, which provide specialized research experience. A PhD is a prerequisite for college teaching, independent research and advancement to administrative positions. For those interested in applied research, secondary school teaching, working for the government as inspectors, or in the business side of biology, a master's degree is sufficient.

Medical scientists who administer drug or gene therapy to humans, or who have any medical contact with patients, must have a medical degree in addition to the PhD.

Hours: About 40 per week

Salary:
Median: $60,490
Median entry-level w/Bachelor’s degree: $34,953
Average Federal Government biological scientist: $72,146

Skills to acquire: Bachelor of Science, Master’s, or PhD degree