MightyRecruiterUsing advanced methods of modern science, biological scientists study living organisms. They examine plants, animals and microbes to better understand their natural biological processes and impact on the environment. Most biological scientists focus on an area of biology, such as biochemistry or zoology.
Biological scientists should be able to conduct both basic and applied research and provide precise and accurate information about the results. You may want to indicate in the skills section of your biological scientist job description that experience managing a laboratory team and presenting findings to colleagues is desired if you want to attract candidates with better interpersonal skills.
If you are looking for a biological scientist to work on a specialized team to solve a problem, it is helpful to be as specific as possible when writing your job description. Examining the biological scientist job description template below can help you understand what to include.
Biological Scientist Job Summary
If you enjoy using the latest innovative technology to conduct interesting experiments that may change lives, you should consider being a part of our company’s biological science team. Beyond laboratory work, you will also have the opportunity to do research out in the field and potentially manage a laboratory team. You will have access to some of the newest laboratory equipment available, and be a part of a company committed to discovering ways to fight diseases and protect the environment. You can use your critical thinking and strategizing skills to plan applied research projects, and put your communication skills to use by presenting your findings to colleagues and other professionals. We are eager to expand our valued team of experts with a hard-working professional like you.
Job Responsibilities
- Lead a laboratory team to conduct experiments on plants, animals, bacteria and other microbes to improve mankind’s quality of life
- Research the effects that various drugs, hormones and other substances have on numerous biological processes
- Know and adhere to all safety and environmental regulations regarding experimentation on various life forms
- Ensure all environmental guidelines are followed regarding the discharge of any organisms that have been genetically modified
- Collect and analyze all pertinent data related to each research project in a manner that ensures the precision and accuracy of the results
- Collaborate with other professionals and colleagues on larger scale experiments to expand the scope of research, increase the potential for discovery and use resources more efficiently
- Publish all scientific discoveries or findings, including research materials in scientific newsletters and journals
- Present research data on the current project at weekly seminars and attend monthly conferences to remain current on the experiments and findings of peers
Job Skills & Qualifications
Reqiured:
- Master of Science in Biology
- Minimum of one year spent in an internship at a professional biochemistry laboratory
Preferred:
- Doctoral degree with research focused on molecular biology
- Experience with leading laboratory teams and monitoring their work quality
Biological Scientist Job Responsibilities
When it comes to your biological scientist job description, it is best to focus on the responsibilities section. Because this is the information that candidates use to decide whether or not they will apply for the opening, it should be the meatiest section and include the strongest information. Your goal should be to outline exactly what duties an applicant will complete if hired. Writing it clearly with readability in mind helps convince candidates to submit an application.
The biological scientist job responsibilities section is best when formatted as a bulleted list. Including between six and eight bullet points ensures that it is not too short and vague, and not too long to be intimidating or boring. One of the easiest strategies to make your biological scientist job description engaging is to begin every bullet point with a strong action verb. The following examples demonstrate some of the strongest verb choices for this position specifically:
- Observe and research animals in their natural habitat, taking careful notes to gather raw biological information
- Conduct experiments to gain a more complete understanding of animal behavior, psychology and anatomy
- Monitor and estimate animal populations, ensuring their safety at all times
- Create reports based on findings, including in-depth details of experiments and observations
Biological Scientist Job Specifications
At the very end of your biological scientist job description, there is a small job qualifications and skills section that details the requirements to apply. It is not uncommon for hiring managers to neglect this section because of its length. In reality, despite being the shortest section, it is one of the most important as it keeps all the unqualified candidates from submitting their resume and wasting your precious time. Keep in mind, however, that biological scientist job specifications that are too strict may scare away the best candidates, even if they would be a good fit for the job.
To prevent these unfortunate situations from happening, include both required and preferred qualifications in two separate bulleted lists. This makes it perfectly clear when candidates are not qualified, without putting too much focus on the little things that not everyone may meet. Finish your biological scientist job description strong with these examples:
- Must hold a bachelor’s and master’s degree in biology or another related life science field
- 4 years of experience as a scientist or laboratory assistant required, 8 years preferred
- Excellent perception and evaluation abilities, as well as a strong attention to detail
- Strong communication skills, including written and oral abilities
