Jobs for a PhD in Biology

<h2 id="section---CareerPathsForAPhDInBiology">Career Paths for a PhD in Biology</h2> <h3 id="section---BioinformaticsScientist">Bioinformatics Scientist</h3> <p>As a bioinformatics scientist, your job is to create programs that collect and manage biological data. You will typically assist with research, develop databases, and work online to craft tools that collect and manage information. This includes software-related work, like analyzing genomic sequence data for clinical research purposes. </p> <h3 id="section---Microbiologist">Microbiologist</h3> <p>Microbiologists study microorganisms and conduct studies that aim to improve sterilization processes and medical drugs for infectious diseases. As a microbiologist, much of your work will be in laboratories to conduct research and in offices to prepare technical reports and research papers, and a PhD is typically required when conducting complex research projects and for assuming higher education teaching positions. Other duties include overseeing biological technicians and technical personnel. </p> <h3 id="section---BiologicalScienceTeacherPostsecondary">Biological Science Teacher, Postsecondary</h3> <p>Postsecondary biological science teachers lecture and advise students on subjects like marine biology, botany, and molecular biology. Outside of the classroom, you will attend regular training sessions and keep updated on current events to maintain and increase your academic knowledge. Other duties include conducting research, analyzing data, and writing papers for professional publications. </p> <h3 id="section---EnvironmentalScientist">Environmental Scientist</h3> <p>Environmental scientists define and analyze environmental problems and create solutions for them. Most environmental scientists will specialize in a sub-field, like climate change analysis, environmental health and safety, environmental restoration, or industrial ecology. Individuals develop new plans on environmental sustainability, conduct research, assist or educate the public, or advise the government and consulting firms on regulations. </p> <h3 id="section---MedicalScientist">Medical Scientist</h3> <p>Medical scientists conduct research for the improvement of human health and perform work in offices and laboratories. Areas of work may be in research and development, at universities, hospitals, pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing, or in the offices of physicians. Much of your time will be spent studying data and creating reports. </p> <h3 id="section---NaturalSciencesManager">Natural Sciences Manager</h3> <p>Natural sciences managers with related experience oversee the work of scientists and primarily perform office duties, which can be a good fit for you if you have an interest in business management. Like other managerial positions, you may spend a lot of time working on the computer and will oversee research experiments, review data, direct technical staff, and hire new personnel. Managers with smaller staffs may spend some time in the laboratory or travel to remote locations to perform research. </p> <h3 id="section---MolecularAndCellularBiologist">Molecular and Cellular Biologist</h3> <p>Molecular and cellular biologists conduct research on cellular molecules and organelles for experiments in such fields like gene expression, cellular bioinformatics, cell signaling, and cell differential. This position requires extensive laboratory work, skills in data analysis, and the ability to oversee research associates and personnel. Although some positions only require a master's degree, a doctorate is typically required for managerial positions. </p> <h3 id="section---ZoologicalAndWildlifeBiologist">Zoological and Wildlife Biologist</h3> <p>Your job as a zoological and wildlife biologist includes studying the behavior of animals and the impact of humans on their environments; in order to advance in this research field you will typically need a PhD. Your field of job possibilities are broad, and you may even want to focus on working with one species, such as a cetologist, who works with marine animals. Duties include conducting research, collecting and analyzing specimens, educating the public, working in animal conservation, and monitoring wildlife populations. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th> Job Title </th><th> Median Salary (2018)* </th><th> Outlook (2018-2028)*</th></tr> <tr><td> Bioinformatics Scientist </td><td> $79,590 </td><td> 6% (biological scientists, all other)</td></tr> <tr><td> Microbiologist </td><td> $71,650 </td><td> 5%</td></tr> <tr><td> Biological Science Teacher, Postsecondary </td><td> $82,550 </td><td> 12%</td></tr> <tr><td> Environmental Scientist </td><td> $71,130 (environmental scientists and specialists, including health) </td><td> 8% (environmental scientists and specialists, including health)</td></tr> <tr><td> Medical Scientist </td><td> $84,810 (medical scientists, except epidemiologists) </td><td> 8% (medical scientists, except epidemiologists)</td></tr> <tr><td> Natural Sciences Manager </td><td> $123,860 </td><td> 6%</td></tr> <tr><td> Molecular and Cellular Biologist </td><td> $79,590 </td><td> 6% (biological scientists, all other)</td></tr> <tr><td> Zoological and Wildlife Biologist </td><td> $63,420 </td><td> 5%</td></tr> </table><p><i>*Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <p>A PhD in biology can prepare students to have an extensive understanding of life's fundamental processes. Individuals are typically trained to apply their skills and expertise to the study and improvement of the world around them, whether in medicine, genetics, ecology, technology, or wildlife.</p>