Occupation Details
Biologists
Research or study basic principles of plant and animal life, such as origin, relationship, development, anatomy, and functions.
Quick Navigation
Interests
Realistic
Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Investigative
Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Work Values
Achievement
Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Recognition
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
Independence
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Salary & Job Outlook
Starting Salary
$76,720.00
New York StateMedian Salary
$103,200.00
New York StateExperienced Salary
$127,630.00
New York StateNational Average for Comparison
New York State Job Market Outlook
Jobs Right Now (2018)
980
professionals in NYFuture Job Growth (2030)
1,080
+10 jobs/yearNew Jobs Every Year
99
new opportunities yearlyGrowth Rate
0.1%
projected increasePreparation: Experience, Training, and Education
The list below outlines the prior educational experience required to perform in this occupation.
More School - Graduate or advanced degree
Experience Requirements
Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
Education Requirements
Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
Training Details
Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
Transferrable Skills and Experience
These occupations often involve coordinating, training, supervising, or managing the activities of others to accomplish goals. Very advanced communication and organizational skills are required. Examples include pharmacists, lawyers, astronomers, biologists, clergy, physician assistants, and veterinarians.
School Programs
The following lists school programs which are applicable to this occupation.
Licensing & Certification
State License and Certifications Requirements are not currently associated with this occupation.
Skills
The list below includes the skills required by workers in this occupation; skills are what allow you to learn more quickly and improve your performance.
Science
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Skill level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Knowledge
The list below includes knowledge items, the principles and facts required by this occupation.
Biology
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Chemistry
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Law and Government
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Knowledge level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Work Environment
The list below includes the physical and social factors that influence the nature of work in this occupation.
Hover over or tap each factor to see its description.
Work Styles
Included in the list below are the personal work style characteristics that can affect how well a worker is likely to perform in this occupation.
Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Leadership
Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
Persistence
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Stress Tolerance
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
Tools & Technology
This list below describes the machines, equipment, tools, software, and information technology that workers in this occupation will use.
Tools
- Agar plates
- Automated microscopes
- Automatic pipetters
- Benchtop centrifuges
- Benchtop lyophilizers
- Bioreactors
- Biosafety cabinets
- Bunsen burners
- Carbolite ovens
- Centrifugal evaporators
- Conductivity meters
- Deoxyribonucleic acid DNA sequencers
- Desktop computers
- Digestion units
- Digital cameras
- Dip nets
- Dissecting microscopes
- Distillation units
- Electron microscopes
- Electronic precision balances
- Electrophoresis chambers
- Erlenmeyer flasks
- Fermenters
- Fluid scintillation counters
- Fluorescence microscopes
- French presses
- Fume hoods
- Gas autoclaves
- Gas chromatographs GC
- General purpose laboratory test tubes
Technology
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
- Blue Tractor Software DNADynamo
- C++
- EMBOSS
- ESRI ArcGIS software
- Gene Codes Sequencher
- Geographic information system GIS software
- Joint Prediction of Operons JPOP
- Linux
- Meyer Instruments Optimas
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
- NAMD
Duties
Duties are job behaviors describing activities that occur on multiple jobs. The generalized and detailed work activities described in the list below apply to this occupation.
- breed animals to propagate stock or to develop new types
- use biological testing instruments
- use microscope
- use laboratory equipment
- prepare vaccines, biologicals, or serums
- prepare sample for laboratory testing, analysis, or microscopy
- prepare biological specimens for examination
- maintain records, reports, or files
- prepare reports
- prepare technical reports or related documentation
- prepare environmental impact or related environmental reports
- plant, cultivate, or harvest crops, including aquaculture
- oversee execution of organizational or program policies
- direct and coordinate scientific research or investigative studies
- direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff
- direct implementation of new procedures, policies, or programs
- advise clients or customers
- recommend further study or action based on research data
- advise governmental or industrial personnel
- adhere to safety procedures
- write research or project grant proposals
- write business project or bid proposals
- develop policies, procedures, methods, or standards
- develop plans for programs or projects
- teach college level courses
- communicate technical information
- make presentations
- confer with scientists
- confer with research personnel
- confer with engineering, technical or manufacturing personnel
- identify crop characteristics
- recognize disease or parasites in animals
- recognize plant diseases
- recognize tree or forest plant species
- isolate and identify micro-organisms
- examine biological or other material specimens under microscope
- identify plant characteristics
- identify insect characteristics
- identify animal species
- develop new products based on scientific research results
- develop scientific or mathematical hypotheses, theories, or laws
- plan scientific research or investigative studies
- explain complex mathematical information
- write scholarly or technical research papers
- explain genetic data
- collect scientific or technical data
- collect academic research data
- collect statistical data
- research human or animal disease
- study development of plants, animals, or microscopic organisms
- make decisions
- resolve engineering or science problems
- select animals to be bred
- record test results, test procedures, or inspection data
- compile numerical or statistical data
- develop tables depicting data
- classify plants, animals, or other natural phenomena
- use chemical testing or analysis procedures
- use hazardous materials information
- follow infectious materials procedures
- use nutrition research techniques
- use oral or written communication techniques
- use plant disease control techniques
- use pollution control techniques
- use scientific research methodology
- follow safe waste disposal procedures
- use teaching techniques
- use knowledge of vivisection
- follow microbiology procedures
- use biological research techniques
- use knowledge of investigation techniques
- use mathematical or statistical methods to identify or analyze problems
- use project management techniques
- use quantitative research methods
- use library or online Internet research techniques
- analyze biological research, test, or analysis data
- analyze scientific research data or investigative findings
- analyze chemical experimental, test, or analysis data or findings
- conduct field research or investigative studies
- conduct laboratory research or experiments
- conduct standardized qualitative laboratory analyses
- conduct standardized quantitative laboratory analyses
- analyze ecosystem data
- perform statistical analysis
- conduct analyses or tests of biological material samples
- forecast or predict phenomena based upon research data
- conduct analyses or tests of organic compounds
- use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
- use relational database software
- use spreadsheet software
- use word processing or desktop publishing software
- develop or maintain databases
Tasks
The list below outlines specific tasks that a worker in this occupation is called upon to do regularly.
- Prepare technical and research reports, such as environmental impact reports, and communicate the results to individuals in industry, government, or the general public.
- Develop and maintain liaisons and effective working relations with groups and individuals, agencies, and the public to encourage cooperative management strategies or to develop information and interpret findings.
- Collect and analyze biological data about relationships among and between organisms and their environment.
- Program and use computers to store, process, and analyze data.
- Plan and administer biological research programs for government, research firms, medical industries, or manufacturing firms.
- Study aquatic plants and animals and environmental conditions affecting them, such as radioactivity or pollution.
- Supervise biological technicians and technologists and other scientists.
- Identify, classify, and study structure, behavior, ecology, physiology, nutrition, culture, and distribution of plant and animal species.
- Write grant proposals to obtain funding for biological research.
- Communicate test results to state and federal representatives and general public.
- Research environmental effects of present and potential uses of land and water areas, determining methods of improving environmental conditions or such outputs as crop yields.
- Study and manage wild animal populations.
- Prepare requests for proposals or statements of work.
- Measure salinity, acidity, light, oxygen content, and other physical conditions of water to determine their relationship to aquatic life.
- Prepare plans for management of renewable resources.
- Teach or supervise students and perform research at universities and colleges.
- Represent employer in a technical capacity at conferences.
- Study basic principles of plant and animal life, such as origin, relationship, development, anatomy, and function.
- Review reports and proposals, such as those relating to land use classifications and recreational development, for accuracy, adequacy, or adherence to policies, regulations, or scientific standards.
- Study reactions of plants, animals, and marine species to parasites.
- Develop methods and apparatus for securing representative plant, animal, aquatic, or soil samples.
- Develop pest management and control measures, and conduct risk assessments related to pest exclusion, using scientific methods.
Learning Resources
More information on this occupation may be found in the links provided below.
Adventures of Herman: The Autobiography of Squirmin' Herman the Worm
The Adventures of Herman will help you learn the basic vocabulary of biology: biological composition, digestion and reproduction told through a guided study of the worm. You will gain knowledge of the principles of basic scientific research and application through the creation, observation and maintenance of a worm bin and read critically and analytically by first viewing the biological life of the worm and creating an environment to support life.
Learn MoreBiological Field Station High School and College Internship
Are you interested in the environment? The Biological Field Station High School Internship 9 week summer program has research teams that focus on specific areas of concern such as water quality monitoring, fisheries management, biological control studies and surveys. Students participating in each internship (with the exception of Madison County Internships) are responsible for organizing, executing and submitting for publication, a module of work which may require the support of other team members.
Learn MoreBiology Lesson Plans
Are you looking for complete, well written K12 lesson plans to add to your biology lessons? The topics at this site include: Neuroscience, General Anatomy and Physiology and Environmental Sciences and Animal Biology Activities.
Learn MoreBiotechnology Summer Camp
Students will explore topics in three general areas of science: microbiology, biochemistry and molecular biology. Activities will include: growth, isolation and characterization of microbes, protein chemistry, chromatography, enzy-mology, regulation of gene expression, DNA isolation analysis, amplification (PCR) and genetic modification using standard laboratory model organisms
Learn MoreBottle Biology: See It, Touch It, Smell It, Taste It.
Learn how to explore science and the environment with soda bottles and other recyclable materials.
Learn MoreCornell Institute for Biology Teachers
Originally designed specifically for high school biology teachers, the Cornell Institute for Biology Teachers (CIBT) now includes elementary through high school teachers and school administrators. CIBT offers unique opportunities for professional development. The Classroom Resources and Activities section you'll find resources for CIBT-developed labs and activities.
Learn MoreCornell Institute for Biology Teachers: Summer Programs
CIBT Summer Programs include a Summer Biology Workshop and Special Topics in Microbiology. The workshop includes talks from Cornell faculty members, hands-on lab and field activities and opportunities for teachers to interact with other teachers and Cornell researchers. Microbiology topics have Cornell faculty illustrate new ideas about microbiology through talks and by leading the participants through a gamut of activities and labs. Activities include Microscopy techniques, Plating and Culturing experiments, and Molecular Phylogeny.
Learn MoreCornell University Summer College Program: Research Apprenticeship in Biological Sciences (RABS)
<p>If you're a serious, research-oriented student with a passion for science, this innovative, highly selective program will give you the rare opportunity to join a top-notch laboratory at one of the world's leading research institutions. Placements are available in molecular biology, cancer research, animal physiology, epidemiology, and other research areas tailored to your interests and experience.</p>
Learn MoreCornell University's Shoals Marine Laboratory: Marine Environmental Science
Marine Environmental Studies focus is on coastal marine habitats, with an emphasis on issues as they relate to global habitats and concerns. Laboratory exercises and field work include explorations along Appledore's rocky intertidal zone, and excursions to neighboring islands to observe harbor seal and seabird colonies.Foundamental scientific research methods and equipment are introduced, and each student has the opportunity to be involved in group research projects while earning 4 Cornell credits.
Learn MoreCurriculum Development Workshop in Plant Sciences 2007
We are offering a workshop for pre- and in-service educators to work with scientists to develop classroom laboratory exercises related to various aspects of plant biology. In addition to developing original projects, we will be reworking ?cookbook? labs to make them more current and inquiry-based. During the week, there will be hands-on plant-based activities, tours of the Boyce Thompson Institute research facilities and seminars on current topics in plant biology. Applications due March 15, 2007.
Learn MoreDiscovery Channel School's Lesson Plans Library
View the list of brand-new lesson plans for elementary, middle and high school students. Lesson plans include the sciences, mathematics and technology. Hundreds of original lesson plans, all written by teachers for teachers are easily accessible. Use the pull-down menus to browse by subject, grade, or both.
Learn MoreDr. Arbor Talks Trees
Often trees are taken for granted. We see them everyday, but we may never even notice them. Without trees, we would miss a great deal. Trees provide everything from the air we breathe to the roof we live under. Dr. Arbor Talks Trees focuses on tree anatomy and physiology. Students learn some of the basic inner workings, chemical principles, and fun ways to get to know trees better.
Learn MoreGreat Plant Escape
<p>Getting kids to think about plants and plant life is an important part of The Great Plant Escape. This site will have the students helping Detective LePlant and his partners Bud and Sprout unlock the amazing mysteries of plant life.</p>
Learn MoreInside Cancer: Multimedia Education Resources For Cancer
Inside Cancer is a multimedia guide to cancer biology. Cancer causes, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and more.
Learn MoreMain Street Science Lending Library
This lending library serves as a resource for K12 teachers and educators to engage students in hands on science activities. Each activity includes a lesson plan and all supplies.
Learn MoreNatureJobs; A Career Magazine for Scientists
The careers magazine for scientists, NatureJobs, has guided scientists along their professional paths for decades. It is also home for science career information and other related tools.
Learn MorePLANTS Database
The PLANTS database includes information on the vascular and nonvascular plants of the United States and its territories. It includes checklists, species abstracts, distributional data, crop information, plants symbols, growth data, references and a variety of other plant information.
Learn MoreProject E.R. (Environmental Rescue)
Ecosystems are changing rapidly, and plants and animals are becoming extinct at an alarming rate. Because humans depend on ecosystems for food, medicine, and other natural resources, it is time for you to rescue the environment. What can you do to protect the planet and the things that live on it? To find out join Project E.R. (environmental rescue).
Learn MoreRader's Biology4Kids
Biology4Kids.com is a website that teaches the basics of biology to all ages. It has sections on cell structure, cell function, the scientific method, classification, microorganisms, invertebrates, plants, vertebrates, and animal systems.
Learn MoreRochester Museum and Science Center Bathysphere Underwater Biological Laboratories (BUBL) Voyage
Participate in and explore the underwater world of Lake Ontario in a virtual underwater experience that is exciting, educational and adventurous.
Learn MoreRochester Scholars Jr.
Rochester Scholars jr. students focus exclusively on one area of study, giving you the opportunity to immerse yourself in all the interesting facets of the topic, and develop greater academic skills while exploring a subject of personal interest.
Learn MoreSUNY New Paltz Summer Camp: Mad Science Anatomy Academy
Mad Science has sparked imaginative learning with their unique brand of engaging and educational live programs and activities. Anatomy Academy, the science of the human body, includes but is not limited to, the science of all things gross!
Learn MoreSmithsonian National Zoological Park Online Resources for Educators and Students
The Smithsonian National Zoological Park is a great place to discover and appreciate diverse and unusual creatures from tiny leaf-cutter ants to huge elephants. The Zoo's Online Resources website has animal fact sheets, live web cams, links to other educations sites, photo galleries, articles from our magazine, and Conservation Central, an online habitat education program that helps kids learn about habitat conservation through curricula and activities and more.
Learn MoreSt. Joseph's College High School Program - Experiences in Scientific Research
This four Saturday program features one Saturday of each of the following: new experiments in chemistry, polymer chemistry, physiology experiences, microbiology wonders, physics challenges, astronomy adventures and finally, forensic science, artistry in science with a detective guest speaker on this day during lunch time.
Learn MoreSummer Science Academy for Kids and Teens
Is your child a doctor or scientist in the making? Come to The Science Academy for a summer of scientific investigation and fun!
Learn MoreSummerIT: Girls' Applied Math/Science Camp
Explorations in biology and mathematics, emphasizing the contributions and roles of women in the sciences. Professional female scientists from the local community will offer occasional lunchtime presentations. www.summerit.sunyit.edu
Learn MoreSummerITeens: Academic Camp
SummerITeens is a series of academic summer day camps held on the SUNYIT campus, with the goal of introducing area teens to topics not usually covered in their regular school subjects. These camps incorporate a variety of activities to ensure diverse learning opportunities and fun outcomes. The Camps include Energy, Robotics, Nanotechnology and a Girls' Applied Math/Science Camp.
Learn MoreUniversity of Rochester: Rochester Scholars Jr.
Rochester Scholars Jr. students focus exclusively on one area of study. This gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in all the interesting facets of the topic, and develop greater academic skills while exploring a subject of personal interest.
Learn MoreWestchester Community College Summer Science Academy for Kids and Teens
Review the basic principles of biology, use skeletons and models to explore basic human anatomy, play detective and try to identify illnesses and learn more about cloning, DNA, and designing genes at the Summer Science Academy for Kids and Teens.
Learn MoreWildlife Conservation Society - Saving Wildlife
The Wildlife Conservation Society saves wildlife and wild lands.They do so through careful science, international conservation, education, and the management of the world's largest system of urban wildlife parks, led by the flagship Bronx Zoo.
Learn More