Biological-Research Scientist Career & Jobs: Training, Salary & Certification Requirements

Over the past hundred years, society has seen amazing breakthroughs in both the sophistication of the technology that is used in medical procedures, but also new knowledge concerning injuries, illnesses, treatments, and rehabilitation methods for the people that suffer from them. It is only due to the unending work of the dedicated biological-research scientist that the body of knowledge about the human body and how it interacts with its environment has continued to grow. Biological-research scientists dedicated their lives to the study of certain diseases, drugs, bodily processes and environmental factors that are impacting, or have the ability to impact, the quality of life that can be enjoyed as a human. These scientists are highly skilled, and typically excel at academic subjects like math from a young age.

Salary Outlook

Average Annual Salary
$77,800
Salary Range
$39,800 - $102,200

Work Environment

It is most common for biological-research scientists to work in a highly sophisticated laboratory setting, as the bulk of their responsibilities include performing experiments that help them to know more about a part of the body, a hormone, a medicine, or an element of the natural environment. Companies that employ biological-research scientists are typically in the pharmaceutical, chemical, biomedical, or academic industries.

High School Preparation

People that are interested in becoming biological-research scientists should begin by concentrating on physics, algebra, biology, chemistry, calculus, geometry, trigonometry, and English while they are in high school. It is also helpful for aspiring scientists to received training in general physical education, applications of sociology, and the health occupations/medical professions education.

Requirements

The level of education that is pursued after graduating from high school depends on the level of industry excellence those students would like to be involved in. Those who achieve a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a designated medical specialty will be limited to non-research positions. If students are interested in achieving a research position, it will be necessary to obtain at least a master’s degree, and often a doctoral degree. Obtaining a PhD is mandatory if an individual is interested in ever teaching at the college level, or being promoted into supervisory positions within a certain industry.

Professional Organizations

American Institute of Biological Sciences
1444 I St., NW,
Suite 200
Washington, DC 20005
Phone: (202) 628-1500
www.aibs.org