From the smallest microorganism to the giant blue whale, every living thing is of interest to biologists, who study the basic principles of plant and animal life. Biologists use the scientific method, testing their ideas or hypotheses through experimentation, to investigate questions about the origin of life, its development, and the relationships between living things, as well as a creature’s anatomy and how it functions in its environment. Whether they’re working in a lab, out in the field, or at a university, biologists collect and analyze biological data, although the specifics of their research are as varied as the creatures in nature. For example, some biologists may work almost exclusively with computer models, while others may spend months collecting and studying specimens at sea. Many specialize in working with plants, animals, or the environment. Biologists need strong communication skills. Their work is often as much about interacting with people and institutions as it is focusing on DNA or anatomy. A career in biology generally requires a bachelor’s degree in the field. Many biologists attend graduate school to earn more advanced research positions or professorships.
What they do:
Research and study cellular molecules and organelles to understand cell function and organization.
On the job, you would:
Maintain accurate laboratory records and data.
Design molecular or cellular laboratory experiments, oversee their execution, and interpret results.
Write grant applications to obtain funding.
Math and Science
biology
chemistry
Arts and Humanities
English language
Education and Training
teaching and course design
Engineering and Technology
computers and electronics
Basic Skills
using scientific rules and strategies to solve problems
reading work related information
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
People and Technology Systems
thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one
figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it
Verbal
read and understand what is written
listen and understand what people say
Ideas and Logic
make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information
group things in different ways
Math
choose the right type of math to solve a problem
add, subtract, multiply, or divide
Visual Understanding
see hidden patterns
People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
Attention to Detail
Persistence
Integrity
Analytical Thinking
Cooperation
Dependability
You might use software like this on the job:
Analytical or scientific software
Minitab
RasMol
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Graphics or photo imaging software
Adobe Systems Adobe Illustrator
Corel CorelDraw Graphics Suite
post-doctoral training or bachelor's degree usually needed
In the Air Force:
Biomedical Laboratory; Biomedical Laboratory, Biomedical Laboratory Science; Biomedical Laboratory, Blood Bank; Biomedical Laboratory, Clinical Chemistry; Biomedical Laboratory, Environmental and Industrial Hygiene Chemistry; Biomedical Laboratory, Hematology; Biomedical Laboratory, Microbiology; Biomedical Laboratory, Toxicologist
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