Biological Scientists

Job Zone

Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed

Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

O’NET publishes details below this occupation’s level. Showing Biochemists and Biophysicists — one of 4 occupations here: Biochemists and Biophysicists, Microbiologists, Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists, Biological Scientists, All Other.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

Share research findings by writing scientific articles or by making presentations at scientific conferences.93
Teach or advise undergraduate or graduate students or supervise their research.88
Study physical principles of living cells or organisms and their electrical or mechanical energy, applying methods and knowledge of mathematics, physics, chemistry, or biology.86
Manage laboratory teams or monitor the quality of a team's work.86
Develop new methods to study the mechanisms of biological processes.85
Write grant proposals to obtain funding for research.84
Design or perform experiments with equipment, such as lasers, accelerators, or mass spectrometers.81
Determine the three-dimensional structure of biological macromolecules.80
Design or build laboratory equipment needed for special research projects.76
Prepare reports or recommendations, based upon research outcomes.76
Study spatial configurations of submicroscopic molecules, such as proteins, using x-rays or electron microscopes.74
Study the chemistry of living processes, such as cell development, breathing and digestion, or living energy changes, such as growth, aging, or death.72

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Prepare pharmaceutical compounds for commercial distribution.69
Study the mutations in organisms that lead to cancer or other diseases.68
Research the chemical effects of substances, such as drugs, serums, hormones, or food, on tissues or vital processes.67
Research transformations of substances in cells, using atomic isotopes.65
Develop or execute tests to detect diseases, genetic disorders, or other abnormalities.63
Develop or test new drugs or medications intended for commercial distribution.61
Isolate, analyze, or synthesize vitamins, hormones, allergens, minerals, or enzymes and determine their effects on body functions.58
Examine the molecular or chemical aspects of immune system functioning.58
Research how characteristics of plants or animals are carried through successive generations.57
Develop methods to process, store, or use foods, drugs, or chemical compounds.56
Investigate the nature, composition, or expression of genes or research how genetic engineering can impact these processes.56
Produce pharmaceutically or industrially useful proteins, using recombinant DNA technology.55
Analyze biochemical or biophysical data.—

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

Science94
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Reading Comprehension85
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Critical Thinking81
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Writing81
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Active Learning78
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Active Listening78
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Complex Problem Solving78
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Speaking78
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Judgment and Decision Making75
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Learning Strategies75
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Mathematics72
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Monitoring72
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

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Instructing66
Teaching others how to do something.
Systems Analysis60
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Operations Analysis53
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Systems Evaluation53
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Coordination50
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Management of Personnel Resources50
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Persuasion50
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Quality Control Analysis50
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Social Perceptiveness50
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Time Management47
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Operations Monitoring44
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Negotiation38
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Service Orientation38
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Equipment Selection31
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Programming31
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Operation and Control28
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Technology Design28
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Management of Material Resources25
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Equipment Maintenance22
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Management of Financial Resources22
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Troubleshooting22
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Repairing19
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Installation3
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

Biology91
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Chemistry84
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
English Language83
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Mathematics83
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Physics76
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Education and Training68
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Computers and Electronics64
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Engineering and Technology59
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Administration and Management49
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Medicine and Dentistry48
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Mechanical39
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Design36
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

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Administrative29
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Communications and Media29
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Personnel and Human Resources26
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Public Safety and Security26
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Telecommunications25
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Production and Processing23
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Law and Government21
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Building and Construction20
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Economics and Accounting18
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Psychology18
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Therapy and Counseling13
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Customer and Personal Service11
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Foreign Language11
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Philosophy and Theology11
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
Sales and Marketing11
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Sociology and Anthropology10
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Transportation10
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Food Production8
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
History and Archeology8
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Fine Arts6
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
Geography3
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Inductive Reasoning81
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Written Comprehension81
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Written Expression81
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Oral Comprehension78
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression78
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Category Flexibility75
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Deductive Reasoning75
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Information Ordering75
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Mathematical Reasoning75
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Near Vision75
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Problem Sensitivity72
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Fluency of Ideas69
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).

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Originality69
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Speech Clarity69
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Flexibility of Closure66
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Number Facility63
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Visualization56
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Perceptual Speed53
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Speech Recognition53
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Memorization50
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Selective Attention50
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Speed of Closure50
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Far Vision47
The ability to see details at a distance.
Visual Color Discrimination47
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Arm-Hand Steadiness44
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Finger Dexterity41
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Manual Dexterity31
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Time Sharing31
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Control Precision28
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Trunk Strength28
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Wrist-Finger Speed28
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Auditory Attention25
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Depth Perception22
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Hearing Sensitivity22
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Multilimb Coordination19
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Reaction Time19
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Static Strength19
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Rate Control16
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Response Orientation13
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Extent Flexibility10
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Dynamic Strength3
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Dynamic Flexibility0
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Explosive Strength0
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Glare Sensitivity0
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Gross Body Coordination0
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Gross Body Equilibrium0
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Night Vision0
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Peripheral Vision0
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Sound Localization0
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Spatial Orientation0
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Speed of Limb Movement0
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Stamina0
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Analyzing Data or Information99
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Documenting/Recording Information94
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Thinking Creatively94
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge94
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Getting Information93
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems93
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Processing Information93
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Working with Computers92
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events89
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others88
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates84
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings84
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

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Developing Objectives and Strategies83
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information83
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Training and Teaching Others79
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work78
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials75
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People74
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates71
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Coaching and Developing Others69
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships65
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Scheduling Work and Activities64
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards63
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization62
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Controlling Machines and Processes61
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment61
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others59
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Developing and Building Teams58
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources58
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others57
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Performing Administrative Activities56
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment53
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Handling and Moving Objects44
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others41
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Staffing Organizational Units41
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Assisting and Caring for Others40
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Selling or Influencing Others40
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment39
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Performing General Physical Activities34
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment29
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public24
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

Attention to Detail100
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Intellectual Curiosity100
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
Innovation87
A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.
Dependability79
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Integrity74
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Achievement Orientation71
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
Cautiousness61
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Initiative61
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
Adaptability60
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Perseverance53
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Stress Tolerance44
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Tolerance for Ambiguity42
A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.

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Leadership Orientation41
A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
Self-Confidence41
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Cooperation40
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Sincerity28
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Humility24
A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
Social Orientation23
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
Self-Control20
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Optimism19
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
Empathy9
A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

Investigative100
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Realistic69
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Conventional44
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Artistic27
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.
Social19
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
Enterprising14
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

E-Mail
- Every day85%
- Once a week or more but not every day15%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important75%
- Very important25%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours85%
- 40 hours15%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day83%
- Once a week or more but not every day11%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day50%
- Once a week or more but not every day44%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom40%
- Some freedom55%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom40%
- Some freedom50%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important53%
- Very important21%
- Important21%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Every day53%
- Once a week or more but not every day32%
- Never11%
Level of Competition
- Extremely competitive32%
- Highly competitive53%
- Moderately competitive11%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility30%
- High responsibility30%
- Moderate responsibility30%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others20%
- Contact with others most of the time45%
- Contact with others about half the time25%

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Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results20%
- Important results55%
- Minor results15%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day37%
- Once a week or more but not every day16%
- Once a month or more but not every week26%
- Once a year or more but not every month21%
Telephone Conversations
- Every day22%
- Once a week or more but not every day33%
- Once a month or more but not every week33%
- Once a year or more but not every month11%
Spend Time Sitting
- More than half the time47%
- About half the time47%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important26%
- Very important32%
- Important16%
- Fairly important21%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Continually or almost continually25%
- More than half the time20%
- About half the time35%
- Less than half the time15%
Written Letters and Memos
- Every day22%
- Once a week or more but not every day22%
- Once a month or more but not every week39%
- Once a year or more but not every month11%
Consequence of Error
- Extremely serious26%
- Very serious21%
- Serious21%
- Fairly serious26%
Time Pressure
- Once a week or more but not every day25%
- Once a month or more but not every week50%
- Once a year or more but not every month15%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility11%
- High responsibility32%
- Moderate responsibility42%
- Limited responsibility11%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important11%
- Very important21%
- Important47%
- Fairly important16%
Physical Proximity
- Moderately close (at arm's length)37%
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)47%
- I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)11%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Every day11%
- Once a week or more but not every day32%
- Once a month or more but not every week26%
- Once a year or more but not every month21%
- Never11%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- About half the time35%
- Less than half the time45%
Spend Time Standing
- About half the time53%
- Less than half the time42%
Degree of Automation
- Moderately automated58%
- Slightly automated32%
Public Speaking
- Once a month or more but not every week45%
- Once a year or more but not every month45%
Conflict Situations
- Once a month or more but not every week15%
- Once a year or more but not every month70%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Every day11%
- Once a week or more but not every day16%
- Once a month or more but not every week21%
- Once a year or more but not every month21%
- Never32%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Once a month or more but not every week30%
- Once a year or more but not every month30%
- Never25%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Once a week or more but not every day15%
- Once a month or more but not every week25%
- Once a year or more but not every month15%
- Never40%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Once a month or more but not every week26%
- Once a year or more but not every month47%
- Never21%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Once a week or more but not every day15%
- Once a month or more but not every week20%
- Once a year or more but not every month30%
- Never35%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Extremely important11%
- Important28%
- Fairly important17%
- Not important at all44%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Once a week or more but not every day16%
- Once a year or more but not every month53%
- Never26%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Once a month or more but not every week25%
- Once a year or more but not every month30%
- Never40%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- About half the time16%
- Less than half the time63%
- Never21%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Once a month or more but not every week15%
- Once a year or more but not every month25%
- Never50%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Fairly important30%
- Not important at all50%
Exposed to Radiation
- Once a year or more but not every month55%
- Never40%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Once a month or more but not every week17%
- Once a year or more but not every month11%
- Never67%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Never80%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- Less than half the time32%
- Never63%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- Less than half the time35%
- Never60%
Work Schedules
- Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)20%
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)80%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Once a year or more but not every month20%
- Never75%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Less than half the time37%
- Never63%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Once a year or more but not every month22%
- Never72%
Exposed to High Places
- Never85%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Less than half the time25%
- Never75%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Never89%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Never95%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Once a year or more but not every month11%
- Never89%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Never95%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Never100%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

Post-doctoral training
Bachelor’s degree
Doctoral degree

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Analytical or scientific software
Accelrys QAUNTA, Fujitsu BioMedCache, IBM SPSS Statistics, Minitab
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Graphics or photo imaging software
3D graphics software, Adobe Photoshop, Graphics software, Molecular Simulations WebLab ViewerPro
Object or component oriented development software
Perl, Python, R
Electronic mail software
Email software, Microsoft Outlook
Computer aided design CAD software
Accelrys Insight II, ChemInnovation Software Chem 4-D
Data mining software
Golden Helix ChemTree, Golden Helix HelixTree
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Geographic information system
ESRI What if?
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
SAP software
Enterprise application integration software
Extensible markup language XML
Office suite software
Microsoft Office software
Operating system software
Linux
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Data base user interface and query software
Sequence database software
Inventory management software
ItemTracker
Process mapping and design software
Microsoft Visio
Information retrieval or search software
Molecular Networks GmbH Biochemical Pathways

Professional Associations

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

Related Occupations

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
Instruct college students in physical or life sciences.
Research microbiological or chemical processes or structures.
Supervise scientific or technical personnel.
Develop biological research methods.
Write grant proposals.
Design research studies to obtain scientific information.
Analyze biological samples.
Set up laboratory or field equipment.
Prepare compounds or solutions for products or testing.
Research diseases or parasites.
Develop new or advanced products or production methods.

Show all 14 →

Research genetic characteristics or expression.
Research methods to improve food products.

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology