Biologist

A Biologist studies living organisms and ecosystems through fieldwork, laboratory experiments, and data analysis to understand life processes. Biologists conduct research ranging from cell biology and genetics to wildlife conservation and environmental science. They publish their findings, contribute to scientific knowledge, and may advise on environmental policy or public health initiatives. Contributes to fundamental scientific understanding of life, informs conservation efforts, develops new medical treatments, and addresses global challenges like climate change and food security.

A Biologist earns a median of $85,000 per year in the US, typically ranging from $62,000 to $125,000.

To become a Biologist, a bachelor's degree in a biological science is typically required for entry-level positions, while a master's or Ph.D. is often needed for advanced research roles.

Biologist roles tend to suit people who are highly conscientious — precise, organised and strong on follow-through (Conscientiousness 82/100) and open and curious — drawn to variety, ideas and new approaches (Openness 78/100). The traits that matter most in the role are Curious, Meticulous, Analytical and Collaborative. Driven by a deep desire to understand the natural world and how living systems function. On interests, Biologist maps to an ICR Holland Code profile — individuals who enjoy systematic investigation, conducting experiments, analyzing data, and working with tangible biological systems in a structured way often thrive as Biologists.

A Biologist role is usually a strong fit for these reasons. High Investigative (I) and Conventional (C) scores align with the systematic research and data analysis involved. The role offers substantial deep work for focused experimentation and scientific inquiry. Opportunities for both laboratory and fieldwork appeal to those with Realistic (R) interests.

Biologist roles come with trade-offs worth weighing up. Research can be repetitive, with experiments often requiring multiple iterations or controls. The pace can sometimes be slow, with results taking time to materialize, requiring patience.

Work as a Biologist is mostly mixed-based with hybrid arrangements common, semi-structured — a mix of set processes and self-directed work, a moderate pace and medium exposure to clients or stakeholders. Around 72% of the week is focused deep work.

Core skills for a Biologist include Experimental design, Data analysis and interpretation, Scientific writing and communication, Laboratory techniques, Fieldwork and sample collection and Problem-solving.

Common entry routes into Biologist roles include Research Assistant, Laboratory Technician and Field Technician.

From a Biologist role, common next steps include Senior Biologist and Research Director; lateral moves include Environmental Scientist and Biochemist.

The outlook for Biologist roles is currently rated growing. Job growth is expected to be above average over the next five years.

Traitstack rates automation risk for Biologist roles at 51 out of 100, which is moderate. AI can dramatically improve data analysis and experimental design, allowing biologists to focus more on novel hypothesis generation, lab execution, and interpreting complex results. AI is most likely to take on analyze large genomic and proteomic datasets for patterns, automate image analysis from microscopes for cell counting or anomaly detection and suggest experimental designs and optimize parameters based on existing literature. Designing truly novel experiments and forming new hypotheses, executing complex hands-on laboratory procedures and fieldwork and interpreting nuanced and unexpected experimental results stay with people. Less time on routine data processing. More on novel discovery and interpretation. That score measures how much of the work could change, not the likelihood the job disappears. It is Traitstack's current view, revisited as AI capability moves.