Zoologist
What is the work like?
Zoologists work in a wide range of areas that involve studying animals and their behaviour, including:
- development and testing of new drugs
- improvement of agricultural crops and livestock
- disease and pest control
- conservation of endangered habitats and species
- animal welfare and education
- policy development and enforcment of regulations for government agencies.
You would usually specialise in one area, such as ecology (animal environments), herpetology (reptiles), entomology (insects) or parasitology (parasites).
Your work would vary depending on the particular job, but could include:
- conducting field and laboratory research
- studying animals in their natural environment or in captivity
- identifying, recording and monitoring animal species
- gathering and interpreting data
- using complex procedures such as computerised molecular and cellular analysis and in-vitro fertilisation
- producing detailed technical reports
- giving presentations and publishing information in journals and books.
- supervising technicians.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You will usually need a degree in a subject such as zoology, animal ecology, parasitology, animal behaviour or conservation.
To search for colleges and universities offering foundation degrees, HNDs and degrees see Universities and Colleges Admissions Service . You should check entry requirements with individual colleges or universities.
For some jobs, particularly in research, you will need a postgraduate qualification, usually a PhD. To search for postgraduate courses see Hobsons Postgrad.
What further training and development can I do?
You will need to continue to develop your skills and knowledge throughout your career. Membership of professional organisations such as the Institute of Zoology (IoZ) and the Institute of Biology (IOB) will give you the opportunity for continuing professional development (CPD) and networking.
For some jobs, such as conservation and fieldwork, you are likely to need to gain experience in areas such as scientific data collection and research methods by volunteering. See the IoZ website for details of volunteering opportunities, research projects, postgraduate courses and PhD studentships.
You can do a wide range of professional development courses through the Field Studies Council.
Before you are awarded a PhD you will need to:
- work on a research project alongside senior colleagues to develop the skills you will need for individual research
- produce a thesis based on your findings
- be interviewed at length about your research.
Where can I go for more information?
9 Red Lion CourtLondon
EC4A 3EF
Tel: 020 7936 5900
Preston
Shrewsbury
Shropshire
SY4 1HW
Tel: 0845 345 4071
Regent’s Park
London
NW1 4RY
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Zoologists in research posts can earn up to £30,000 a year.
- Senior research staff can earn around £50,000.
Salaries for those working in private industry and other organisations vary considerably.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
Your working hours would vary according to the type of job.
In industry, research and higher education you would usually work regular hours from Monday to Friday. As a field researcher you would work variable hours – for example, you would need to work at night if you are studying nocturnal animals.
If you work in conservation you may have to work evenings, weekends and public holidays, for example to attend evening meetings, supervise volunteers or host public open days.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- an interest in animals and the environment
- an aptitude for science, particularly biology and chemistry
- the ability to conduct detailed work accurately and methodically
- the ability to plan research, analyse and interpret data, and write reports
- practical skills
- problem solving skills
- patience, perseverance and the ability to concentrate for long periods
- the ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team
- strong communication and IT skills.
What opportunities are there?
You could be employed by:
- universities
- government research institutions
- the NHS
- medical research establishments
- museums and other cultural organisations
- zoos and wildlife trusts
- environmental protection agencies.
In the private sector you could work as a consultant or in a technical and research role in areas such as:
- agriculture
- fisheries
- biotechnology
- chemicals
- pharmaceuticals.
You could use your experience as a zoologist to move into other jobs such as management, marketing, sales or scientific journalism. You could also have the opportunity to work and study overseas.
You may find the following links useful for job vacancies and further reading (links open in new window):
Science Careers
New Scientist Jobs
Nature
Get Hobsons
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