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CAREERMASH (EN)FROM BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES →

Biologists

Biologists study living things - from tiny cells to whole ecosystems - to understand how life works and find ways to solve problems in medicine, farming and the environment.

Biologists

18

Biological Sciences

AI IMPACT
AI EXPOSURE TODAY18
20-YEAR SCENARIO
NOT A FORECAST63%
THE DOOR · ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAYB
STARTING PAY£28,000 - £35,000
NO MOATNo physical, legal or personal barrier protects this work from software.

THE DOOR: ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAY, graded A (easy) to E (extremely hard). A Careermash rule-of-thumb index built from our AI exposure index and the job's moat class. It is not a forecast and not a count of job openings.

AI EXPOSURE TODAY is a Careermash index from 0 to 100 of how exposed this job's everyday tasks are to AI today. We estimate it by matching published research on how people use AI to this job, usually by keyword or subject area, and we lower it where the work is protected (for example by physical, personal or legal requirements). It is not a direct measurement of how much people in this job use AI.

AI helps here, but has not taken over
AI exposure for this job is below 50 on our index, and the day-to-day work still leans on a person to decide, check and take responsibility. Nothing formally protects this job though, so the safest move is to keep building the judgement AI cannot yet copy.

The role

As a biologist, you study living organisms and how they work. You might spend time in a lab doing experiments with samples and equipment, or out in nature collecting data from real habitats and watching how animals and plants interact.

The work involves designing experiments, gathering information, running tests, and working out what the results mean. You might research new medicines, find ways to grow crops better, understand why certain animals are disappearing, or discover how disease spreads. You'll often work as part of a team with other scientists. The job needs patience for detail work and curiosity about how life actually functions - and if you're the kind of person who asks questions about the world around you, this could suit you well.

Daily responsibilities

  • Conduct laboratory experiments to study living organisms and their relationships with the environment.
  • Collect, analyze, and interpret biological data using advanced statistical methods.
  • Prepare detailed reports and presentations to communicate research findings to stakeholders.
  • Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to design and implement field studies and experiments.
  • Stay updated on the latest scientific literature and technological advancements in biology.
  • Conduct surveys and fieldwork to collect samples and observe biological phenomena in natural settings.
  • Develop and maintain laboratory equipment and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
  • Mentor and guide junior researchers or students in biological research techniques.

Does a degree help here?

A UK degree in soil science or a related field provides candidates with a robust understanding of local soil types, agricultural practices, and environmental regulations. UK universities are renowned for their research and innovation in agricultural sciences, giving graduates a competitive edge in the job market.