Zoological Scientist

Also known as:

Animal Scientist
Scientist, Zoological
Zoologist

Introduction

Zoological scientists specialise in the study of animal life. They may use their research to protect endangered species or control pollution. In agriculture, they may try to prevent pests or parasites from damaging crops. They may work for companies that make pesticides or drugs to treat disease in humans and animals.

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Work Activities

Zoology is the scientific study of animals, including their physiology, genetics, behaviour, diseases and ecology. Zoology is a diverse field and includes fish, insects, reptiles, amphibians, protozoa, viruses and bacteria. Zoological scientists usually specialise in one field.

Research, often in specialist subjects, is an important area of work for zoological scientists. In applied zoology, scientists try to solve specific problems. They design new experiments, and may use technical equipment like electron microscopes.

Some animals are parasitic, and can harm people, crops and livestock. Zoological scientists may control or eradicate parasites and pests. They may research and develop anti-parasitic drugs for pharmaceutical companies. Research may help develop pesticides for use in agriculture.

Zoological scientists may become managers of wildlife parks or nature reserves. This involves fieldwork, for example, they monitor pollution and its movement through food chains, study its effects and find ways to control it. Opportunities to work in the conservation of endangered animals are very limited however.

Zoological scientists try to understand animal behaviour. They may develop simple systems to communicate with animals, or observe their day-to-day habits. Their findings may help us to understand human behaviour. For example, zoologists have studied the way that lionesses 'count' their cubs, and have compared this to the way that children learn numerical skills.

Some zoological scientists also give advice and information to the public. Others work in museums, teaching and lecturing, information science and journalism. Concerns about the environment have led to an increase in environmental consultancies, in which zoological scientists may also work.

Zoological scientists may be expected to work outdoors in all types of weather.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

Zoological scientists need a good knowledge of animal biology, chemistry and an interest in the environment and conservation.

You need to be logical, and have good analytical and mathematical skills. Insight and creativity are needed to solve problems.

Zoological scientists use technical equipment in laboratory work, including computers. IT skills are important for analysing data, writing reports and making presentations. You need accuracy and attention to detail to set up, monitor and record the results of experiments.

You will need good communication skills, especially when providing information or advice to non-specialists, or for writing reports, research papers and proposals. You must be flexible and able to work well with others. You need to be able to work on your own doing fieldwork.

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Pay and Opportunities

Salaries for zoological scientists vary with the industry, employer and level of responsibility.

The pay rates given below are approximate.

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

Zoological scientists typically work a 39-hour week, Monday to Friday. However, many zoological scientists work long, unsocial hours including early starts, late finishes and work at weekends.

Many zoological scientists work for research institutions, or in agriculture, industry or universities. There are opportunities for conservation, environmental and information work with government departments, wildlife trusts, nature reserves, zoological collections and safari parks.

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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.

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.

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

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