biologist
Snapshot
Unravel the mysteries of life and contribute to groundbreaking discoveries as a biologist. This leadership and strategy role involves in-depth research and analysis of living organisms and their environments, shaping our understanding of the natural world.
As a biologist at Career Band 5, your days are likely to involve designing and leading research projects, analyzing data, and interpreting findings to advance scientific knowledge. You'll collaborate with teams, present research results, and potentially contribute to strategic planning within your organization. This role requires a strong understanding of biological principles and the ability to apply them to complex problems, often with a focus on leadership and strategic direction.
- • Leading and managing research teams and projects.
- • Designing and conducting experiments to investigate biological phenomena.
- • Analyzing data using statistical methods and bioinformatics tools.
Unravel the mysteries of life and contribute to groundbreaking discoveries as a biologist. This leadership and strategy role involves in-depth research and analysis of living organisms and their environments, shaping our understanding of the natural world.
Could biologist fit you?
Answer three quick questions. This is not a full assessment — it is a teaser to help you decide whether to compare your profile.
Do you enjoy tasks that require Integrity?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Analytical Thinking?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Persistence?
Future Outlook for biologist
The outlook for biologist is exceptionally stable. While AI tools will assist with daily tasks, the core of this role relies on human judgment, resulting in a high resilience score of 81.7%.
How are these scores calculated?
The Resilience Score (0–100) estimates how structurally protected this occupation is from automation and AI disruption, based on task-level analysis. Higher scores mean more human-judgment-intensive tasks. AI Exposure shows the estimated percentage of task hours that current AI capabilities could affect. These are model-derived structural indicators, not predictions about individual job security.
How could biologist change as AI adoption grows?
Human judgement, trust, and context remain strong protectors for this role.
How could biologist change as AI adoption grows?
Human judgement, trust, and context remain strong protectors for this role.
How AI may change this role
Deterministic, model-based interpretation of current role signals — not a guarantee of replacement.
What still depends on people
This role remains strongly human-led where conduct research on fauna depends on trust, nuance, and real-world judgement.
Where AI may become a co-pilot
AI is more likely to assist supporting tasks such as conduct research on flora, documentation, search, and workflow coordination.
Tasks most exposed to automation
Automation pressure appears selective rather than broad, with the strongest signal currently coming from Generative AI.
Detailed Analysis Vital Signs, AI Vectors & Megatrends
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Vital Signs, AI Vectors & Megatrends
Vital Signs
AI Exposure Vectors
0-100%Exposure to content generation, creative augmentation, and large language model tools
Exposure to workflow automation, decision-support software, and process digitisation
Exposure to physical automation, robotics, and sensor-driven task displacement
Exposure to AI-assisted analysis, pattern recognition, and predictive modelling tasks
Megatrend Signals
0-100%Model-derived scores. Indicates structural exposure to megatrends, not direct demand.
Technical Details
NexFuture™ v2.0 combines O*NET ability and activity profiles with ESCO skill group distributions and six global megatrend signals. Scores are probabilistic estimates, not guarantees. See the NexFuture™ Methodology White Paper for full details.
What people in this role usually do
Agriculture
A typical day as a biologist
09 09:00 · Morning apply for research funding
10 10:30 · Mid-morning apply research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activities
12 12:00 · Midday conduct research on fauna
14 14:00 · Afternoon conduct research on flora
15 15:30 · Late afternoon manage intellectual property rights
17 17:00 · Wrap-up operate open source software
Task order is illustrative. Individual days vary.
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botany
The taxonomy or classification of plant life, phylogeny and evolution, anatomy and morphology, and physiology.
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ecosystem management
The set of approaches that takes into account the effect of a management decision on other elements of an ecosystem. It also addresses the optimization of diverse management strategies and the challenges that arise from fragmented landscapes.
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microbiology-bacteriology
Microbiology-Bacteriology is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.
- biology
- laboratory techniques
- life sciences
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manage findable accessible interoperable and reusable data
Produce, describe, store, preserve and (re) use scientific data based on FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) principles, making data as open as possible, and as closed as necessary.
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perform scientific research
Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.
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apply scientific methods
Apply scientific methods and techniques to investigate phenomena, by acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.
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apply research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activities
Apply fundamental ethical principles and legislation to scientific research, including issues of research integrity. Perform, review, or report research avoiding misconducts such as fabrication, falsification, and plagiarism.
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promote open innovation in research
Apply techniques, models, methods and strategies which contribute to the promotion of steps towards innovation through collaboration with people and organizations outside the organisation.
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integrate gender dimension in research
Take into account in the whole research process the biological characteristics and the evolving social and cultural features of women and men (gender).
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draft scientific or academic papers and technical documentation
Draft and edit scientific, academic or technical texts on different subjects.
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disseminate results to the scientific community
Publicly disclose scientific results by any appropriate means, including conferences, workshops, colloquia and scientific publications.
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publish academic research
Conduct academic research, in universities and research institutions, or on a personal account, publish it in books or academic journals with the aim of contributing to a field of expertise and achieving personal academic accreditation.
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write scientific publications
Present the hypothesis, findings, and conclusions of your scientific research in your field of expertise in a professional publication.
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gather experimental data
Collect data resulting from the application of scientific methods such as test methods, experimental design or measurements.
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collect biological data
Collect biological specimens, record and summarise biological data for use in technical studies, developing environmental management plans and biological products.
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synthesise information
Critically read, interpret, and summarise new and complex information from diverse sources.
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conduct research on flora
Collect and analyse data about plants in order to discover their basic aspects such as origin, anatomy, and function.
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conduct research on fauna
Collect and analyse data about animal life in order to discover the basic aspects such as origin, anatomy, and function.
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manage research data
Produce and analyse scientific data originating from qualitative and quantitative research methods. Store and maintain the data in research databases. Support the re-use of scientific data and be familiar with open data management principles.
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interact professionally in research and professional environments
Show consideration to others as well as collegiality. Listen, give and receive feedback and respond perceptively to others, also involving staff supervision and leadership in a professional setting.
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operate open source software
Operate Open Source software, knowing the main Open Source models, licensing schemes, and the coding practices commonly adopted in the production of Open Source software.
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speak different languages
Master foreign languages to be able to communicate in one or more foreign languages.
Skill DNA
Work personality traits and values that define this role
See whether this role fits your Career DNA
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Where does biologist fit?
Similarity scores based on skill overlap from ESCO data.
Frequently asked questions
- What kind of environments do biologists in this career band typically work in?
- Biologists at this level are commonly employed in research institutions, universities, government agencies, or private sector companies (e.g., pharmaceutical, biotechnology). The work is generally employee-based, though opportunities for independent research or consulting may arise with experience.
- How important are collaboration and communication skills for a biologist at this level?
- Collaboration is crucial. You’ll be leading teams and presenting findings, so strong communication skills – both written and verbal – are essential. The ability to clearly explain complex scientific concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences is highly valued.
- What are some of the work styles and values that contribute to success as a biologist?
- Success in this role benefits from a detail-oriented approach (1.C.5.c), strategic thinking (1.C.7.b), a commitment to accuracy (1.C.1.b), and the ability to adapt to changing priorities (1.C.5.b). Furthermore, a strong sense of purpose (1.B.2.c), intellectual curiosity (1.B.2.a), a dedication to precision (1.B.2.b), and a desire to make a meaningful contribution (1.B.2.f) are important values.