Biologist job description template
If you are hiring for this role, start here. This free template is our detailed definition of the position, with everything you need to find and hire the right person. Copy it, add your own requirements, and post it.
What is a Biologist?
Biologists are skilled scientists who study living organisms, plant life, and the environment.
They investigate, observe, and interpret their compositions, behaviors, habitats, and interactions with other organisms.
They also conduct and coordinate various research and projects, collect samples and measurements and perform tests and experiments for further investigation.
Biology is a broad science that allows these scientists to focus on a specific area, such as ecology, zoology, genetics, etc.
In some cases, Biologists may work across many different fields and industries.
The top Biologist skills.
Five things separate a strong hire from a résumé that reads well. Use these as your scorecard criteria.
The job description, ready to post.
Copy it as written, or edit it until it sounds like your company. Both work.
We are hiring a skilled and expert Biologist who will help us gain a better understanding of living organisms in nature. As a Biologist, you will be conducting research and experiments to observe and investigate organisms, their behaviors, diets, reproduction, movements, communication, mutual interaction, and impact on the environment. You will also work on identifying and classifying plants and animals, as well as recognizing endangered species.
To be successful as a Biologist, you should possess strong and applicable knowledge of biology, chemistry, anatomy, ecology, and different research techniques and laboratory procedures. You should also have excellent communication skills, including the ability to write academic research papers. In the end, our ideal candidate should also be detail-oriented, observant, and analytical.
Duties and responsibilities
- Conduct experiments and research to investigate natural processes and phenomena
- Collect samples for experiments using specialized equipment and tools, such as microscopes and spectrometers
- Investigate and evaluate the impact of human activities on the environment
- Identify and classify plant and animal species
- Recognize the species of plants and animals that are in danger of extinction
- Study and note the behavior of living organisms in their natural environment to comprehend how they adjust to their surroundings
- Study the characteristics of animals and plants, such as species interaction, diseases, etc.
- Study plant and animal diets, reproduction, movements, communication, and impact on the environment
- Identify areas suitable for biological experimentation and exploration
- Communicate research findings and results with other scientists and the public through presentations and publications
- Write research papers and articles to explain results and discoveries
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Biology, or an equivalent field
- Further education may be required (Master's or Doctorate)
- Working experience as a Biologist in the field
- Expert knowledge of biology, chemistry, ecology, cell biology, etc
- Knowledge of laboratory equipment and procedures
- Willingness to travel and work outdoors
- Excellent verbal and written communication
- Exceptional research and analytical skills
- Strong attention to detail and observation
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Copy it straight into your job board or ATS, or have it emailed to you with the interview questions for this role.
What education this role needs.
Biologists need a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in biology or a related discipline.
Employers will also appreciate it if candidates seek further education in the form of a Master’s degree or a Ph.D.
A Bachelor’s degree in biology provides candidates with a thorough and strong foundation in genetics, chemistry, microbiology, anatomy, and physiology.
Candidates will also undertake practical training during their education.
Sample interview questions for a Biologist.
Once you have gathered the applications, work through these in order. Twelve questions across four areas, enough to tell your shortlist apart.
- What are your greatest strength and greatest weakness?
- Do you have any hobbies besides biology?
- What is your favorite animal?
- Could you tell us more about your previous working experience as a Biologist?
- Why do you want to work for us and what are your expectations if you get hired?
- How would you rate your academic achievements so far?
- How well do you express your findings in written form?
- What motivates you when you are feeling down?
- Do you prefer a field or laboratory working environment?
- What is your experience with laboratory equipment and procedures?
- How do you approach a study of endangered animal species?
- What is the role of a plant cell wall and what is it made of?
How much to pay when hiring.
Annual pay by percentile. Where you land depends on the size of the cycle they will own, and the 25th percentile is usually where a first analyst hire sits.
Hourly equivalents run from $16 at the 10th percentile to $43 at the 90th.
Candidates may apply under a different name.
Post the title your industry uses and keep the rest of the description. These three roles overlap enough that the same posting usually reaches all of them.
Three titles, one description.
Search behavior varies by industry, so the same job is advertised under several names. If you are unsure which one your candidates search for, run two titles and see which fills.
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What do Biologists do?
Biologists are scientists who study humans, animals, and plants.
They study their mutual interaction, diets, habitats, movements, communication, reproduction, behavior, etc.
Biologists conduct environmental research, collect samples and measurements, and note their discoveries and results for future reference.
What are the different types of Biologists?
Based on their field of work and specialization, Biologists can be:
- Forensic Biologists
- Wildlife Biologists
- Microbiologists
- Zoologists
- Biological Engineers
- Ecologists, etc.
How much do Biologists earn annually?
Biologists earn between $32,000 and $89,500 per year.
What are the crucial skills for Biologists?
Biologists must possess expert knowledge of biology, ecology, cell biology, chemistry, and other related disciplines connected to biology itself.
Furthermore, Biologists must be familiar with various laboratory equipment, procedures, and research methods and techniques.
In the end, they also must have excellent communication, observation, attention to detail, and analytical skills.
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