Diving into a career in biology? If you're all about understanding how life works, from tiny genes to vast ecosystems, or you're into the latest in biotech, there's a spot for you in biology.
In this article, we're going to walk you through the best careers in biology. Keep reading to learn more!
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Quickstart Guide To Landing A Career In Biology
- Polish your resume. Give your resume a boost before job hunting. Consider using resume writing services to highlight your biology skills and experiences, making you stand out to employers.
- Search for jobs on the ZipRecruiter job posting site. Start your job search with ZipRecruiter. Its user-friendly platform and job alerts make finding the perfect biology position easier and more efficient.
12 Of The Best Careers In Biology
1. Biomedical Engineer
Median National Salary: $94,807/year
Education Required: Bachelor's degree
Job Duties: Biomedical engineers combine engineering principles with medical sciences to design and create equipment, devices, computer systems, and software used in healthcare. They work on a range of products, from artificial internal organs to machines that diagnose medical problems.
2. Genetic Counselor
Median National Salary: $87,816/year
Education Required: Master's degree
Job Duties: Genetic counselors assess individual or family risk for a variety of inherited conditions, such as genetic disorders and birth defects. They provide information and support to other healthcare providers, or to individuals and families concerned with the risk of inherited conditions.
3. Microbiologist
Median National Salary: $70,674/year
Education Required: Bachelor's degree
Job Duties: Microbiologists study microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, algae, fungi, and some types of parasites. They try to understand how these organisms live, grow, and interact with their environments.
4. Biochemist
Median National Salary: $47,326/year
Education Required: Bachelor's degree
Job Duties: Biochemists study the chemical and physical principles of living things and of biological processes. They conduct complex research projects and often work on teams to develop new products and technologies.
5. Environmental Scientist
Median National Salary: $84,123/year
Education Required: Bachelor's degree
Job Duties: Environmental scientists use their knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment and human health. They may clean up polluted areas, advise policymakers, or work with industry to reduce waste.
6. Wildlife Biologist
Median National Salary: $61,173/year
Education Required: Bachelor's degree
Job Duties: Wildlife biologists study animals and other wildlife and how they interact with their ecosystems. They study the physical characteristics of animals, animal behaviors, and the impacts humans have on wildlife and natural habitats.
7. Epidemiologist
Median National Salary: $85,222/year
Education Required: Master's degree
Job Duties: Epidemiologists investigate patterns and causes of disease and injury in humans. They seek to reduce the risk and occurrence of negative health outcomes through research, community education, and health policy.
8. Forensic Scientist
Median National Salary: $79,408/year
Education Required: Bachelor's degree
Job Duties: Forensic scientists assist criminal investigations by collecting and analyzing evidence. Many specialize in various types of laboratory analysis, including DNA, ballistics, or toxicology.
9. Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
Median National Salary: $72,525/year
Education Required: Bachelor's degree
Job Duties: Pharmaceutical sales representatives educate doctors and other healthcare professionals on new developments in the pharmaceutical industry, offering the latest drugs and therapies to healthcare providers.
10. Conservation Biologist
Median National Salary: $89,403/year
Education Required: Bachelor's degree
Job Duties: Conservation biologists work to protect and restore biodiversity, studying the effects of human activities on ecosystems. They develop conservation plans and conduct field research to prevent species from becoming endangered or extinct.
11. Biotechnology Research Scientist
Median National Salary: $130,117/year
Education Required: Ph.D. in biotechnology or related field
Job Duties: Biotechnology research scientists conduct studies and experiments to advance knowledge in the biotechnology field. They develop new drugs, therapies, and medical diagnostic tests; or increase crop yields and pest resistance.
12. Marine Biologist
Median National Salary: $43,396/year
Education Required: Bachelor's degree
Job Duties: Marine biologists study the plants, animals, and microbes of the oceans and other saltwater environments. They may focus on marine ecology, environmental biology, or physiology and genetics of marine organisms.
Requirements And Skills To Find A Good-Paying Job In Biology
Educational Requirements
Most high-paying careers in biology start with a solid educational foundation, typically requiring at least a Bachelor's degree in Biology or a closely related field.
However, for more specialized roles or positions with higher responsibility, a Master's or even a Ph.D. may be necessary. Fields such as biotechnology, environmental science, and genetic counseling are examples where advanced degrees can significantly enhance your job prospects and salary potential.
Skills
Beyond degrees, certain skills are crucial for success and advancement in biology careers:
- Analytical Skills: The ability to analyze data, understand complex processes, and draw accurate conclusions is fundamental in biology. Whether you're conducting research or developing new products, strong analytical skills are a must.
- Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with laboratory equipment, computer software for data analysis, and staying updated on technological advancements in your field can make you a more effective and sought-after professional.
- Communication Skills: Being able to clearly and effectively communicate your findings to others, both in writing and verbally, is essential. This includes writing reports, publishing research findings, and collaborating with colleagues.
- Problem-Solving Abilities: The capacity to identify problems, think critically to find solutions, and apply knowledge in practical settings is key in biology careers. This skill is especially valuable in research and development roles.
- Attention to Detail: Precision is crucial in biology. Whether you're conducting experiments, recording observations, or analyzing data, a keen eye for detail can prevent errors and ensure accuracy in your work.
Best Places To Find A Career In Biology
Job Posting Sites
Job posting sites are excellent resources for finding biology-related jobs. These platforms offer a wide range of listings, from entry-level positions to specialized roles requiring advanced degrees. ZipRecruiter, in particular, stands out for its intelligent matching technology, which can help streamline your job search by sending you alerts for jobs that match your skills and interests.
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Professional Associations
Professional associations specific to biology and related fields often have job boards and career resources for their members. Organizations like the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) or the Ecological Society of America (ESA) provide access to industry-specific job listings, networking opportunities, and career development resources. Membership in these associations can be a valuable asset in your job search.
University Career Centers
For current students and alumni, university career centers are a goldmine of resources and connections. These centers often have listings for internships, part-time positions, and full-time jobs in the biology field. They also provide career counseling, resume and cover letter review services, and networking events that can connect you with potential employers.
LinkedIn is not just a networking site; it's also a powerful tool for finding jobs in biology. By setting up a detailed profile and connecting with professionals in your field, you can access job listings shared by your network or recommended by the platform. LinkedIn also allows you to follow companies you're interested in and apply directly for jobs through the site.
Research Institutions and Companies
Directly visiting the websites of research institutions, universities, biotech companies, and pharmaceutical firms can lead you to career opportunities not listed elsewhere. Many organizations prefer to post job openings on their own websites before or instead of listing them on larger job boards. Regularly checking these sites can give you a head start on applying for new openings.
Science Career Fairs
Career fairs focused on science and biology offer a unique opportunity to meet employers face-to-face, learn about different organizations, and discover job openings. These events are often hosted by universities, professional associations, or convention centers. Attending a career fair can provide you with valuable contacts and a better understanding of the job market in your field.
The Bottom Line
After reading this article, we hope you now have a clearer picture of the exciting opportunities in the field of biology.
As you gear up to take the next step in your career journey, don't overlook the power of platforms like ZipRecruiter. With its intuitive interface and vast database of job listings, ZipRecruiter simplifies the search process, helping you to efficiently find and apply to the biology jobs that excite you the most. So why wait? Dive into ZipRecruiter today and move one step closer to your dream job in biology.
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