Biologist

Introduction

Biologists study plants, animals and micro-organisms. They conduct laboratory research and field studies, and use their findings to solve biological problems, or to develop new products or processes in manufacturing. Biology is a broad field with many specialisms.

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Work Activities

Biologists study and research organisms. Specialisms include botany, microbiology, biotechnology, genetics, immunology, biochemistry and zoology.

Biologists work on research and development projects. Pure research is the pursuit of knowledge for its own sake. Most of this work takes place in universities. Applied research is into specific practical problems: to find a new drug to fight a disease, for example.

Biologists design and set up experiments, measure changes and record results using statistics and software. They analyse and present results using charts, graphs and models.

Research and development work may involve routine testing over a long period of time. For example it takes an average of 12 years to develop a new drug from applying for a patent to the drug becoming available in pharmacies.

Biological research affects many topical issues such as developing GM crops, using genetics to cure and prevent disease and controlling infections like MRSA.

Not all work is laboratory based. Biologists need to keep up to date with new ideas, techniques and developments by reading academic papers and going to conferences and seminars. Some work involves field studies and surveys. Scientists employed by the British Antarctic Survey may do fieldwork in harsh or uncomfortable conditions.

Senior scientists define and guide research projects. Junior scientists and technicians work in small teams, planning and carrying out their own experiments.

Biologists may specialise in a range of occupations, e.g. as microbiologists, botanists, marine biologists, zoological scientists, ecologists or medical research scientists.

Apart from research and development, biologists may work in research and lecturing in universities, teaching in schools and colleges and in the media in scientific journalism.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

You will need to be logical, analytical and good at solving problems. Research skills are important, as are good written and oral communication skills to write reports and present your findings. You must be patient, accurate, methodical and prepared to repeat experiments.

You need good number skills to process and analyse data.

You may need good colour vision for some aspects of the work. There can be a risk of infection or allergic reactions, but close attention to health and safety procedures will minimise this.

You must be willing to keep up to date with advances in your specialism by reading journals, going to conferences and becoming a member of a professional body such the Institute of Biology.

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Pay and Opportunities

Salaries for biologists vary.

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Biologists earn in the range of £20,000 - £25,000 a year, rising to £30,000 - £40,000. Higher earners can make around £50,000 a year.

Higher salaries are available depending on employer, role and responsibilities.

Biologists usually work 35-39 hours a week, Monday to Friday. However, early starts, late finishes, shifts and weekend work may be required, especially as deadlines approach or where call-outs are necessary.

Employers throughout the UK are companies in the pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries, and in industrial biotechnology.

Opportunities also exist in the National Health Service (NHS) and in local and national government departments and agencies such as the Scientific Civil Service, the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) and research councils).

Other biologists work in teaching and research posts in universities.

Biologists may specialise in a range of occupations, eg, as microbiologists, botanists, marine biologists, zoological scientists, ecologists or medical research scientists.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Some entrants have gained skills during industrial work placements or relevant scientific fieldwork.

If you don't have the qualifications needed to enter a degree course, you might be able to start one after completing an Access course, eg, Access to Science.

You don't usually need any qualifications to enter an Access course, although you should check this with the course provider.

The Open University offers a BSc degree in Life Sciences by distance learning.

Funding for postgraduate study and research is available through universities from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).

• 13% of people in occupations such as biologist work part-time.
• 23% have flexible hours.

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New Developments

Some people working in this occupation may be involved in the green jobs sector in areas such as renewable energy, waste management, conservation or countryside management.