Students who graduate with a Master’s in Biology will be glad to know that there are many exciting biology jobs available in very different fields. Biology majors can work in:
- academia
- private organizations
- independent researchers
Research Technician
Research technicians work in academic, private and government labs performing various duties. For example, a research technician who works with genetics and cognitive development will perform experimental procedures related to:
- biochemistry
- cell culture
- molecular biology
These types of lab positions are ideal for someone who is detail oriented and very organized. They will manage several ongoing projects with competing deadlines. Research technicians will need previous experience:
- organizing data
- interpreting findings
- ensuring the quality of data collection processes
Research technicians are often required to operate equipment and instruments to perform their duties with limited supervision. Research technicians will work in busy labs. They are expected to have a passion for research and participating in collaborative endeavors.
College Instructor
Students who have a Master’s in Biology with state teaching credentials can become college instructors. Those who teach lower level classes may be able to teach biology related subjects such as:
- botany
- zoology
- environmental science
College instructors teach assigned courses in accordance with:
- established syllabi
- school policies
- course competencies
They utilize various instructional strategies and delivery methods to meet the individual learning styles and needs of students. They foster a positive and professional learning environment by encouraging student engagement and feedback. They monitor, evaluate and document their students’:
- progress
- attendance
- competency attainment
Individuals with a Master’s in Biology who want to teach specialized topics will need at least 10 graduate semester credits in their target topic.
Scientist
One of the more common biology jobs is a scientist who conducts lab experiments and performs technical and theoretical research. They are often assigned projects and expected to perform experimental procedures. They make recommendations to resolve problems or reach goals. They assume ultimate responsibility for their experimental findings, including:
- accuracy
- consistency
- timeliness
As project leaders, they will:
- summarize experimental results
- review conclusions with shareholders
- communicate results through peer reviewed reports and presentations
They keep supervisors and key leaders informed of their project’s status and significant findings. Biology scientists must be able to perform work in compliance with established safety guidelines and internal procedures. They also need to have strong computer and data assessment skills. They will analyze data by using various data analysis software programs and standard quantitative methods.
Clinical Device Specialist
Clinical device specialists are usually employed by medical device manufacturers or health care organizations. They serve as product experts who provide advice and technical support for clinical devices. They use their technical expertise to:
- drive sales growth
- ensure high degree of customer satisfaction
- troubleshoot instruments and equipment
They often work closely with other professionals, such as:
- engineers
- device designers
- production managers
They play active roles as customer advocates during the stages of:
- product development
- improvement
- public release
They collaborate closely with quality, regulatory and market surveillance teams. They do this by providing insightful feedback regarding failure trends and customer experiences. Clinical device specialists will need a Master’s in Biology that includes adequate classes in engineering and health care basics.
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Additional biology jobs include:
- environmental inspector
- university researcher
- agricultural consultant
- science textbook writer.