Research Biologist Education Requirements & Skills

<h2 id="section---CareerAtAGlance">Career at a Glance</h2> <p>Biology encompasses many scientific disciplines, from the study of microorganism to plants, animals and humans, biologist study the living world around us. Research biologists use the latest scientific tools and technology to conduct research in the field and then use the results to find solutions to biological problems. The table below provides a brief overview of the key detail for a career as a research biologist: </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td> <b>Degree Required</b> </td><td> Bachelor's degree minimum; master's degree and/or PhD preferred</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Education Field of Study</b> </td><td> Biology, cellular biology, genetics, zoology</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Key Skills</b></td><td> Attention to detail, analytical skills, integrity, trustworthy, problem-solving skills, decision-making skills, critical thinking</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Median Salary (2021)</b> </td><td>$64,542 (research biologist)*</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Job Outlook (2020-2030)</b> </td><td> 4% (biological scientists, all other)**</td></tr> </table><p><i>Sources: *PayScale.com; **U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) </i> </p> <h3 id="section---WhatDoResearchBiologistDo">What Do Research Biologist Do?</h3> <p>Biological science is a very broad discipline, so a research biologist's duties will depend on their specialization. In this role, you can choose to specialize in plant research, animal research, the research of microorganism, medical research (human) or environmental system research, for example. Although there are a variety of different work settings available as a research biologist, a research biologist will typically work in a lab. Their primary duties include designing and implementing experimental studies, analyzing results, collecting biological data, reviewing literature, presenting research findings, writing research papers, and securing funding. Some research biologists may also teach in colleges and universities. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreTheEducationRequirementForACareerAsAResearchBiologist">What Are the Education Requirement for a Career as a Research Biologist?</h3> <p>Entry-level positions are available for those with just an undergraduate degree in the biological sciences, but quite often employers prefer applicants have significant graduate education, such as a master's degree or a PhD. If you plan on pursuing an independent research position or teaching position, a PhD will be necessary. Many research biologists will continue their education after a PhD with a post-doctoral fellowship to learn more techniques from experienced researchers. Common fields of study include biology, cellular biology, zoology or genetics </p> <h3 id="section---WhatSkillsAreRequiredToBecomeAResearchBiologist">What Skills Are Required to Become a Research Biologist?</h3> <p>A research biologist is expected to be analytical and detail orientated so that they can analyze scientific findings and write detailed reports. They must have good problem-solving skills in order to conduct scientific experiment. They will need to have integrity and be trustworthy in order to publish results of scientific study. A successful research biologist will have good written and verbal communication skills, in order to communicate scientific findings to wider audiences. </p> <h3 id="section---HowMuchDoResearchBiologistEarnAndWhatSTheJobOutlook">How Much do Research Biologist Earn and What's the Job Outlook?</h3> <p><i>PayScale.com</i> reported that as of November 2021, the median salary of a research biologist was $64,542. In comparison, the BLS stated that 'all other' biological scientists, which includes research biologists, earned a median salary of $85,290 in 2020. The BLS also reported that the projected employment of 'all other' biological scientists will grow by 4% between 2020 and 2030, with 1,700 jobs expected to be added to the job market. This is slower to the national average growth of all occupations, which is 8%. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreSomeOfRelatedOccupationsToAResearchBiologist">What Are Some of Related Occupations to a Research Biologist?</h3> <p>There are a number of other related positions, depending on what your interests are and what you would like to study. Ecologists and environmental scientists are concerned with studying and preserving the natural world while marine biologists spend time on the ocean studying marine life and zoologists study the animal populations. Some other career options for research biologists include geneticists, epidemiologists, neuroscientist, immunologist, cancer biologist, biotechnologist, biophysicist and biochemist.</p>