Biological Scientists

In the career as biological scientist there are two types of research that are carried out-basic and applied. The basic research is carried out without any defined aim and the goal is just to expand the knowledge. On the other hand, the applied research is carried out for solving a particular problem. Biological scientists who work in applied research or development, use the knowledge gained from the basic research to develop new drugs, treatments, and improve the quality and quantity of crops.

Tasks:-
The tasks in the career as biological scientist differ according to the area of specialization in sciences.

• Aquatic biologists :-They study micro- organisms, plants, and animals living in water.
• Marine Biologists:-They study salt-water organisms, while limnologists study fresh water organisms.
• Microbiologists:-In the career of Microbiologists, they have to investigate the growth and characteristics of microscopic organisms such as bacteria, algae, or fungi. Most of them specialize in environmental, food, agriculture, or industrial microbiology.
• Biochemists:-They study chemical composition of living things and analyze the chemical combinations and reactions on living things.
• Physiologists:-They study life functions of plants and animals in all conditions. Physiologists specialize in functions such as growth, reproduction, photosynthesis, respiration, or movement, or system of the organism.
• Botanists:-They study plants and their environment.
• Ecologists:-The ecological scientist jobs include investigating the relationships among organisms and between organisms and environments. They also check the effects of population growth, pollutants, rainfall, temperature, and altitude.

Qualification:-
A Ph.D. degree is required to make a career as biological scientist. A Ph. D degree is enough for individual research or industrial research, and college teaching. A master's degree is enough for same jobs in applied research, product development, management, or inspection. A master's degree generally takes 2 years. A bachelor's degree in biological science is also enough for non research jobs. Many colleges and universities offer bachelor's degree in biological science, and related sciences.

In addition the courses in chemistry and botany, and related knowledge in mathematics, physics, engineering and computer science is also beneficial. Computer knowledge is useful in research work.

Other necessary skills:-
In the career as biological scientist, they usually work independently or as a part of team, so they should have good oral and written communication skills. Those spending their career in management or administration work should be able to use business and management techniques and apply strategic policies wherever necessary. Those doing field research in remote areas must have physical stamina. Biological scientist jobs involve detailed and long research jobs so they should be patient and self-disciplined.

Work Place:-
In the career as biological scientist, most of the time is spend in laboratories for conducting research and in offices writing up results and following up with the latest research discoveries. In the career of a biologist, they are usually not exposed to unsafe and unhealthy conditions. Biological scientists usually work for 40 hours a week but some of them may work for longer hours.

Job Opportunities:-
The career as biological scientist has great scope as lecturers in colleges and universities. Most of the jobs are also available in Federal, state and local governments for basic research and development. Some of the biologists are also needed in pharmaceutical, medicine manufacturing industries and testing labs.

Related Occupations:-
Many other occupations deal with living organisms and are similar to a career of biologists. These include agricultural and food scientists, medical scientists, conservation scientists, foresters, and also engineering and natural sciences managers. Other health related specialties include dentists, veterinarians, physicians and surgeons.

Remuneration:-
In the career as biological scientist, the average annual salary for entry-level scientists is decent. The salary also depends on the employers, type of work, and experience they have.

The salary is better in federal and state government jobs. The average annual salary for biological scientists is a considerable sums in federal government as compared to other employers.

Job Progress:-
The biologists with years of experience in research can become lead researchers and control a team of biologists and technicians. Some may work as a consultant in business or government agencies. They can carry out research on their own and supervise others. Others move into managerial positions and become natural sciences managers. They are involved in planning and administering programs for testing foods and drugs.

Employment Forecast:-
In the career as biological scientist, the employment is expected to increase in

Federal, State, and local government sectors for basic research work.

The employment for a biologist is expected to grow faster than the average growth for all occupations. With the increase in biotechnology, there is increase in biological scientist jobs.

They will be needed to discover new and improved ways to clean up and safeguard the environment.