Biological Scientists are life scientists who study the origin, development, characteristics, and life processes of plant and animal life and their relationships to the environment. Biological Scientists may conduct basic research aimed at increasing our knowledge of living organisms or conduct applied research aimed at using biological knowledge in such activities as developing new medicines, improving crop yields, managing populations of wild animals, and improving the environment.

General Job Tasks

• Investigate, through laboratory and field research, living organisms such as plants, animals, viruses, bacteria, and possible living matter of outer space
• Plan, participate in, and administer research programs for government experiment stations, private research centers, manufacturing firms, and medical service industries
• Teach and lecture
• Supervise students
• Consult for private and governmental agencies
• Write for technical and professional publications

Work Environment

• Biological Scientists may work in a laboratory, classroom, museum, an industrial setting, a botanical garden or zoo, or in the field.
• Those working in laboratory or industrial settings must keep work areas very clean to avoid contamination of products or research being conducted or to products being manufactured.
• Those in government or industry may work a 5-day, 40-hour week. Those working in colleges and universities may have longer and more variable hours.

Information from: http://mois.org/scripts/138.HTM