Health Career: Biological Scientist
Who are biological scientists, and what do they do?
Biological scientists study the living world and how it works. Through careful medical research, analysis and studies, they examine plants, animals and humans and their relationship to the environment. They usually concentrate on one species – such as birds or marine mammals – and develop new medicines, treatments or methods to promote the health of this species.
As a biological scientist you will probably divide your time between work in a research laboratory and the outside study of a specific plant or animal in its native environment. A large part of your profession is the collection of specimens from an animal or plant's habitat. You will study these specimens and perform scientific tests on them. For example, as a botanist, you may work in a Costa Rican rain forest collecting and studying plants from that environment. Or, as a marine biologist, you may regularly scuba dive to the ocean floor to examine sea life. Generally, the more education and training you have, the more independent scientific research you can do and the less time you will spend in the field collecting samples.
How do biological scientists typically spend their workday?
In addition to field study and scientific evaluation, biological scientist may also find work in the management, administration, sales or service departments of a company that specializes in biological sciences, such as a biotechnology firm. These companies try to change the genetic makeup of plants or animals to make them more productive or resistant to disease. For example, a biotech firm may manipulate various strains of tomatoes to make them immune to common plant diseases. In this capacity you may write press releases about new products, call companies to try to sell the products and order equipment and supplies for advanced scientists who are working to develop the products.
What does it take to be a good biological scientist?
Biological scientists are fascinated by the plant and animal life that surrounds us, and they want to research and learn about the health and habits of these creatures. As a biological scientist, you should be patient, dedicated and curious. You should also be organized and innovative and enjoy trying to solve problems.
What are some health-related jobs that are similar to that of a biological scientist?
Epidemiologist, medical laboratory technician, pharmacologist, veterinarian.
Helpful links and more information:
- American Institute of Biological Sciences – Careers in Biology
- U.S. Department of Labor – Biological Scientists (PDF)
- Bio.com – Biotechnology News and Career Information
- CollegeBoard.com – Biological Scientists
- CollegeBoard.com – Medical Scientists
- Biology Resources and Links
