9 Exciting Biology Careers

If you have a strong interest in studying living organisms, a career in biology could be perfect for you. As a biologist, you can study animals, plants, ecosystems, microbes, or other areas of this field. Learning more about different types of biologists can help you narrow down your options and choose the right career path.

What Is a Biologist?

A biologist is a scientist who studies biological systems, such as wildlife, marine animals, molecules, DNA, or other living organisms. They will start with a science-oriented education, often a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Depending on their career goals, they might also earn advanced degrees in a particular area of biology, such as a master’s degree in environmental science, molecular biology, or zoology.

What Does a Biologist Do?

The job duties of a biologist depend on the field and career they pursue. Some biologists conduct biological research in a laboratory setting. Others spend their time working in the field, such as studying animals or plants in their natural habitat. Biologists might also work as educators in museums, classrooms, or other settings. Some focus on finding ways to effectively handle environmental problems, perhaps rescuing endangered species.

9 Popular Types of Biologists

Biologists have many career paths available. Thinking about your career goals and interests can help you decide what type of biologist you want to be. Here is a quick overview of some of the various specialties available to biologists:

1. Marine Biologist

Marine biologists study wildlife, plants, microbes, or other living organisms found in the ocean. Some focus on a particular marine species, while others study the effects of human behavior on the oceans. Marine biologists can work under different job titles, including fish and wildlife biologist, aquatic biologist, or biological technician. While some work for private institutions, such as aquariums and museums, others work for government agencies. Marine biologists often work outdoors when studying marine life, while others mainly work in labs.

2. Zoologist

Zoologists are biologists who study wildlife species to learn more about them and their interactions with their habitats. This typically includes studying animal behavior, physical characteristics, and life cycles. Zoologists might also study the effects of human behavior on wildlife species and their ecosystems or habitats. These biologists typically specialize in a certain area of zoology, such as entomology, ornithology, ichthyology, or mammalogy. Some zoologists specialize in a particular area of zoology rather than species type, such as soil zoology, embryology, or ethology.

3. Microbiologist

Microbiologists research tiny living organisms or microorganisms, such as viruses and bacteria. They also study fungi, algae, and other microorganisms to find out more about how they live and how they interact with their surrounding environments. Some microbiologists conduct research involving certain microorganisms to develop new treatments for diseases, while others study microorganisms to develop products, such as genetically modified crops. Microbiologists can specialize in a particular area of microbiology, such as bacteriology, mycology, virology, parasitology, or public health.

4. Molecular Biologist

Molecular biologists study ribonucleic acid (RNA) and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) from living organisms—animals, humans, or plants. These scientists need to have a strong educational background in biology, as well as genetics, chemistry, physics, and physiology. Molecular biologists focus on studying genetics, such as genetic variations, to engineer crops, find more effective ways to treat medical conditions and diseases, or create new products. Some molecular biologists study genetics to identify or discover environmental pollutants. Working as a molecular biologist usually involves working in a laboratory setting.

5. Conservation Biologist

Conservation biologists study the effects of human activities on the environment and seek to find ways to protect vulnerable habitats and plant and animal species. Some of these biologists focus on studying specific endangered animal or plant species, while others spend their time researching ways to conserve an entire ecosystem or natural habitat. Conservation biologists typically work in the field collecting samples of water, soil, or air, observing animal species, or examining plant species. However, they do spend some of their time working in laboratory settings.

6. Ecologist

Ecologists are biologists who study the relationships between living organisms and their ecosystem or surrounding environment. Some focus on studying how different species in a particular ecosystem interact, while other ecologists focus on studying the effects of invasive species on native species in an ecosystem. Some ecologists study the effects that occur when a species is removed from an ecosystem. Their research on living organisms and ecosystems leads to a better understanding of environmental issues and identifies ways to solve these problems.

7. Computational Biologist

Computational biologists apply innovative techniques from computer science, mathematics, and statistics to tackle complex problems in the field of biology. By harnessing the power of vast biological data sets and advanced algorithms, they unlock critical insights into a diverse range of areas, such as genetics, drug discovery, and disease modeling. With their unique interdisciplinary background, computational biologists are able to bridge the gap between theoretical and experimental biology, enabling scientists to develop a deeper understanding of biological systems and drive crucial advancements in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and personalized medicine.

8. Botanist

Botanists are biologists who study plants, trying to determine things like how plants interact with their environment, the physiological processes of plant life, or the agricultural uses of plants. Some botanists specialize in plant ecology to find ways to save native species of plants in certain environments or decrease the presence of invasive plant species. Other botanists focus on researching crops to improve their resistance to disease, drought, or pests. Botanists can also study the effects of pollution on certain plant species. While some botanists work mostly in laboratories, others work in the field studying plants in their native habitat.

9. Bioinformatician

Bioinformaticians combine their expertise in biology, computer science, and mathematics to analyze and manage biological data. They play a crucial role in the cutting-edge world of modern science, as they help unravel the various complexities of biological systems. Bioinformaticians usually achieve this by designing and implementing computational models, algorithms, and tools that can interpret, mine, and store large-scale biological datasets. Their work greatly contributes to our understanding of genetic material, protein structure, biological pathways, and more. Additionally, bioinformaticians often collaborate with researchers, physicians, and other experts in a wide range of fields, shaping new discoveries and breakthroughs in genomics, drug design, personalized medicine, and other areas of scientific research.

What Could You Do With a Biology Degree?

The field of biology includes many career possibilities, and a biology degree can serve as a starting point for several professional paths. While the specific role you pursue may depend on your interests, education level, and hands-on experience, a bachelor’s degree in biology can help prepare graduates for entry-level positions in research, environmental science, biotechnology, and other science-focused industries. Understanding how your degree connects to potential careers can help you begin mapping your path in the field of biology.

Educational Requirements for Entry-Level Biology Jobs

The credential of a biology degree confirms that you have mastered fundamental concepts and have also been thoroughly exposed to research and the complexities of the laboratory environment. Beyond this, educational requirements may vary, so it is wise to determine what is expected in your preferred niche.

Necessary Academic Credentials and Certifications

Jobs that draw heavily on biology concepts typically call for a science-oriented bachelor’s degree. Research-oriented positions, however, may only be available to candidates with advanced degrees.

With this in mind, a biology degree could provide excellent preparation for the challenges of graduate school, with those pursuing diverse master’s programs (such as occupational therapy, epidemiology, environmental science, and numerous others) often first developing crucial technical skills as undergraduate biology students.

Additionally, some roles may require specialized certifications. Depending on your career path, you may seek certification through the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), the National Registry of Environment Professionals (NREP), or the American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics.

Specialized Courses That Give You an Edge in the Job Market

As you plan your professional future, keep in mind that your degree is not the only academic factor that may influence your job prospects. Your course history also matters, as certain classes align better with specific biology jobs or specialties.

Consider pursuing degree-based concentrations, which help you hone in on a specific area of this vast field. With this approach, you could dedicate several courses to a career-driven biology subfield while also enhancing your resume.

Gaining Relevant Experience as a Student

Experiential learning is purposefully built into many biology courses, with labs in particular offering a hands-on learning environment and valuable takeaways. However, additional experiences are worth pursuing beyond the classroom and the college lab, as these reveal the nuances of the biology workplace.

Internships and Volunteer Opportunities in Biology

Internships provide valuable opportunities to apply critical skills in real-world environments. These experiences may be helpful from a networking perspective, with some internships even leading directly to full-time job offers after graduation. In addition, volunteering encourages you to develop hands-on skills while also allowing you to give back to the community.

Research Projects and How They May Boost Your Resume

Research is a cornerstone of any biology program. Independent research projects may place you in a field setting while encouraging you to contribute to the current biology body of knowledge. You could also gain valuable skills as you present your findings. Feel free to detail completed research projects on your resume and highlight skills you developed along the way.

Beginner’s Guide to Landing Your First Biology Job

If you have enrolled in a biology program and are eager to enter the field, remember: You cannot count on your degree alone to ensure that you land your dream biology job. You need to leverage the skills and contacts secured through that degree to make an impression. Do your research to uncover positions that align with your skills and interests — and that promise to enhance your career path.

Preparing Your Job Application Materials

After discovering an exciting opportunity in your chosen specialty, it is important to present yourself effectively to potential employers. This involves updating your resume, crafting a compelling cover letter, and gathering references to ensure you stand out in a competitive job market.

Step 1: Crafting a Biology-Focused Resume

Your resume should be tailored to reflect your biology-oriented career goals. Resist the urge to include every job or volunteer position you have held, and instead, focus on experiences that are most relevant to your intended niche. For example, if you hope to secure an entry-level position as a microbiologist, you could touch on your previous work as a lab assistant or reference your recent internship in microbiome science.

Be sure to highlight skills you have acquired through your biology-focused coursework. Functional resumes often benefit applicants with minimal experience, as these depend less on previous positions and instead emphasize critical competencies. Do not hesitate to get specific. Returning to the microbiology-focused example, you could mention environmental monitoring, sterility testing, or microbial limit testing.

Step 2: Writing a Cover Letter That Stands Out

A solid cover letter can expand on your resume, providing additional insight into your passion for biology and your ability to make a difference on the job. As with drafting your resume, however, this process should begin with in-depth research. You need to fully understand what your desired job entails, along with the overarching culture of the organization in question.

Proceed with a compelling yet concise message that conveys your intentions for the future. Share what excites you most about your career path and your potential job while also touching on what exactly you bring to the table. This should feel distinct from your resume but should still touch on key points revealing why you are the best person for the job.

Step 3: Building a Professional Online Presence

While employers rely on resumes and cover letters to understand skills, experience, and general potential, many now look to online platforms for additional insight. Simply put, your online presence matters. This is your chance to shape the narrative, and if you play your cards right, your digital brand may actually lead to inquiries from interested employers (rather than needing to do all the outreach yourself).

Begin with completing your profile on LinkedIn. Ideally, you would have already taken this step in your early days as a college student — so you may simply need a few updates to reflect recently completed courses or internships. Consider also adjusting your approach on more casual platforms such as Instagram or TikTok, where a professional demeanor would reflect positively on how you conduct yourself on a daily basis.

Step 4: Networking Strategies for Biology Graduates

Networking is important in most fields and especially in biology. After all, the right contacts could lead you toward exciting job opportunities. This begins with getting actively involved in your campus community. Make the most of group projects or biology-focused extracurricular activities and continue to remain in touch with fellow students as you make the transition to alumni status.

Many colleges offer active alumni networks, which may be an ongoing source of networking opportunities. Otherwise, look to professional associations or attend conferences to further enhance your network.

Step 5: Acing the Job Interview With Confidence

Once you have scored an interview with your ideal employer, conduct additional research. You should gain a solid idea of what this potential employer is looking for and why you are the best candidate for the job.

Also important is determining the types of questions that recruiters or managers might ask during your interview. Think carefully about how you might answer these questions. While it is best not to sound overly rehearsed, you want to come across as confident and prepared.

Explore Where a Biology Degree Could Take You

Although there are many career paths to consider in biology, you do not need to choose one right away. Focusing on your education first can help you discover which career path would work best for you. If you are thinking about a career in biology, please contact Post University. We offer a Bachelor of Science in Biology that could allow you to develop the knowledge and skills for a career in this field .

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Thank you for reading! The purpose of this blog is to provide general information to the reader, and as such, this information may not directly relate to programs offered by Post University.

Please note jobs and/or career outcomes highlighted in this blog do not reflect jobs or career outcomes expected from enrolling in or graduating from any Post program.