By: Kristen Falik
Are you currently pursuing or interested in pursuing a degree in biological science? A bachelor’s degree in biology or a specific type of biology you are interested in opens the door for many opportunities. Further education may be required for higher-level jobs and in some cases conduct independent research. There are so many options for jobs involving biology besides becoming a doctor! Here are some great career ideas to get you started on your search.
Medical Laboratory Technologist
A medical laboratory technologist analyzes human samples of tissue and bodily fluids to look for anything unusual. This helps doctors to treat and prevent illnesses to discover if a patient has a disease. These techs use very high-tech instruments to perform these tests. There are many areas of specialty of testing like hematology test blood, microbiology identifies things like bacteria and viruses, and histology looks at the cells and tissues. These are just a few of the specialties available. These technologists can work for hospitals, doctors’ offices, research labs, medical labs or forensic labs. This job requires a specific training program at college or university along with a certification. This is a great career to combine your interest in medicine and lab work.
Biochemist
Biochemists study the chemistry of living things. There is a broad area of focus. For example, some scientists may focus on genetics and heredity while others study chemical processes in the brain. These professionals may work in labs to conduct research where they analyze data and perform various experiments. Biochemists could also work as professors at universities where they can teach students and pursue their own research. Or there are clinical biochemists that analyze patients' tissues. Similarly to a medical lab tech. Most jobs in this field require an additional degree to undergrad to conduct independent research.
Forensic DNA Analyst
A forensic DNA analyst works in crime labs to examine DNA samples found at crime scenes to link potential subjects to the scene of the crime. Most of the day for people in this profession spend time inside the lab developing the DNA profiles and evidence from the profiles. There are many specializations to choose such as molecular genetics and serology. At least a bachelor’s degree in forensic science, biology or a related degree is needed to obtain a position in the field. If this career interests you also consider a career as a forensic scientist.
Pharmacologist
Pharmacologists study toxicology and medications and their effects on the body and how they will react in the body. They are responsible for organizing and analyzing the results of clinical trials for pharmaceutical companies or research development companies to test new medicines. They can research new medications in labs, evaluate pharmacological studies and consult with other physicians and specialists. A bachelor’s degree allows for entry-level positions but further education like a Ph.D. opens up more job options and is likely needed for the career.
Biostatistician
Biostatisticians work alongside biological scientists to obtain and summarize the results of biological experiments. They use principles of mathematics and statistics to analyze and interpret these results. This is a perfect career for you if you enjoy research, data analysis, science, and statistics. A bachelor’s degree is needed in maths or a similar field. There also may be a biostatistics program offered at a school near you. Taking biology and statistics courses and gaining research experience are useful when obtaining your degree.
Teaching
A great career idea is to become a high school, college, or university professor to share your knowledge and love for biology to teach students. These jobs can pay well and teachers have great benefits and a great schedule. A degree in teaching is required along with some certifications and training.
Zoologist
If you are fascinated by animals this is a great career for you. Zoology is a branch of biology that studies animals. They study behaviors, origins, diseases, and the genetic makeup of animals. Zoologists may specialize in areas like mammalogy (mammals), herpetology (reptiles), entomology (insects), ornithology (birds), and ichthyology (fish). Zoologists can conduct research, teach students, teach the public about the animal kingdom along with other areas as curators at the zoo, or educate the public on endangered species and how to preserve them. A bachelor’s degree in biology or specifically zoology is needed for entry-level positions. A master’s degree or a Ph.D. opens up more possibilities to work independently to conduct your own research.
Environmental Scientist
Do you have an interest in solving environmental issues? Well, environmental scientists use ideas of biology, chemistry, and engineering to create solutions to environmental issues. Such as recycling, air pollution control, waste disposal and public health. They can work with public policymakers to create obtainable plans for these issues as well as work with businesses to improve their practices.
There are so many more careers available in addition to the ones listed if you are interested in biology!
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