Careers in Life, Physical, and Social Science

Animal Scientists

Life, Physical, and Social Science

Conduct research in the genetics, nutrition, reproduction, growth, and development of domestic farm animals.

Requires a Master's Degree or above

Food Scientists and Technologists

Life, Physical, and Social Science

Use chemistry, microbiology, engineering, and other sciences to study the principles underlying the processing and deterioration of foods; analyze food content to determine levels of vitamins, fat, sugar, and protein; discover new food sources; research ways to make processed foods safe, palatable, and healthful; and apply food science knowledge to determine best ways to process, package, preserve, store, and distribute food.

Requires a Bachelor's Degree or above

Soil and Plant Scientists

Life, Physical, and Social Science

Conduct research in breeding, physiology, production, yield, and management of crops and agricultural plants or trees, shrubs, and nursery stock, their growth in soils, and control of pests; or study the chemical, physical, biological, and mineralogical composition of soils as they relate to plant or crop growth. May classify and map soils and investigate effects of alternative practices on soil and crop productivity.

Requires a Master's Degree or above

Biochemists and Biophysicists

Life, Physical, and Social Science

Study the chemical composition or physical principles of living cells and organisms, their electrical and mechanical energy, and related phenomena. May conduct research to further understanding of the complex chemical combinations and reactions involved in metabolism, reproduction, growth, and heredity. May determine the effects of foods, drugs, serums, hormones, and other substances on tissues and vital processes of living organisms.

Requires a Master's Degree or above

Microbiologists

Life, Physical, and Social Science

Investigate the growth, structure, development, and other characteristics of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, algae, or fungi. Includes medical microbiologists who study the relationship between organisms and disease or the effects of antibiotics on microorganisms.

Requires a Master's Degree or above

Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists

Life, Physical, and Social Science

Study the origins, behavior, diseases, genetics, and life processes of animals and wildlife. May specialize in wildlife research and management. May collect and analyze biological data to determine the environmental effects of present and potential use of land and water habitats.

Requires a Bachelor's Degree or above

Biological Scientists, All Other

Life, Physical, and Social Science

All biological scientists not listed separately.

No requirement is specified

Bioinformatics Scientists

Life, Physical, and Social Science

Conduct research using bioinformatics theory and methods in areas such as pharmaceuticals, medical technology, biotechnology, computational biology, proteomics, computer information science, biology and medical informatics. May design databases and develop algorithms for processing and analyzing genomic information, or other biological information.

Requires a Master's Degree or above

Molecular and Cellular Biologists

Life, Physical, and Social Science

Research and study cellular molecules and organelles to understand cell function and organization.

Requires a Master's Degree or above

Geneticists

Life, Physical, and Social Science

Research and study the inheritance of traits at the molecular, organism or population level. May evaluate or treat patients with genetic disorders.

Requires a Master's Degree or above