A Biological Scientist studies living organisms and their interactions with the environment. They conduct experiments and analyse data in fields such as genetics, microbiology ecology and biochemistry. Working in laboratories, universities or research institutions, Biological Scientists may also be involved in teaching and publishing their findings. Their research can lead to important discoveries in medicine, environmental protection and biotechnology, improving our quality of life and understanding of the natural world.

Learning areas/subjects

You may be interested in this occupation group if you enjoyed these learning areas at school:

  • Physics
  • Rural Studies
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Environmental sciences
  • Health
  • Maths
  • Outdoor education

Skills

  • Outdoor
  • Teamwork
  • Problem-solving
  • Scientific
Environmental Science

Life Scientists

Life Scientists examine the anatomy, physiology and biochemistry of humans, animals, plants and other living organisms to better understand how living organisms function and interact with each other and the environment in which they live.

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Illustration of two women at table looking at a laptop. Two women on computers and plant in the background

Environmental Scientists

Environmental Scientists study, develop, implement and advise on policies and plans for managing and protecting the environment, flora, fauna and other natural resources.

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Environmental Science

Other Natural and Physical Science Professionals

Some other Natural and Physical Science Professionals include Sleep Scientists, Meteorologists, Medical Physicists and Exercise Physiologists.

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Hear from women in biological science

Ruth Purcell

"Be bold in what you wish for, and don't be afraid to ask for it... you'll need to work hard towards your dreams, but it is equally important to get help along the way."

Ruth Purcell

Synthetic Biology Scientist

Wendy Wright

"I want to ensure that wild places and wild animals are understood and protected."

Wendy Wright

Associate Professor, Conservation Biology & Associate Dean, Research Training

09 Lisa Gershwin Web

"I am a bio-nerd, like you can’t even imagine. I am a geek with a capital G. I spend all of my time travelling around discovering new species."

Lisa Gershwin

Biologist

Alice Hayward

"I'm super passionate about the environment and the problems of climate change, biodiversity loss and poverty facing our world."

Dr Alice Hayward

Biologist and Research Fellow

Cecilia Villacorta Rath Lizard Island

"Follow your heart and dream big because everything is possible."

Cecilia Villacorta-Rath

Research Officer

Dr Anjali Jaiprakash, Robobiologist

Dr Anjali Jaiprakash works at the intersection of medicine, biology, engineering and design, helping people to see and walk by designing devices that translate robotics and vision technologies into affordable systems that can be used to improve healthcare outcomes.

Video source: (c) STELR via MyFuture

Dr Samantha Nixon, Venoms Scientist

Dr Samantha Nixon is a former arachnophobe, turned Venoms Scientist and spider advocate at the University of Queensland's Institute for Molecular Bioscience. Her research harnesses the unique chemistries in venoms for drug discovery.

Rachel Janes, Marine Biologist

What's it like being a Marine Biologist, studying life under the sea? Whether it's cruising around on boats, scuba-diving along the sea floor or studying creatures on the shore, there are very few jobs where the office varies as much as that of Rachel Janes!