Who is a biologist and what do they do? The task of a biologist is to carry out research on the structure, organisation, functions and development of living organisms, their mutual relations, as well as their interaction with the environment.
What are the activities of the biologist? Carrying out observations in natural and laboratory conditions, taking samples for scientific analysis, carrying out tests and experiments, data processing and analysing, development of scientific and popular publications, participating in teams with professionals in other occupational fields, for example – doctors, physicists, chemists, ecologists.
Where is it done and under what conditions? Mainly indoors – in laboratories, studies, computer centres, libraries, archives. In certain cases field work is carried out in the open air – botanical gardens, zoos, rivers, lakes etc. Some investigations and experiments may carry health risks. In these cases protective clothing and other protective equipment are used.
What tools/equipment do they use? Laboratory equipment, instruments and measurement devices, chemical and biological substances, working documents, computers, scientific publications.
What do you need to succeed? You need to have completed university, with a masters degree and higher, in the field of biology. Ability to concentrate and be alert, ability to think analytically and be resourceful, and to work with precision, and self-discipline, are important, as are planning skills and organisation of one’s activity and team work; you also need the ability to make quick, and responsible decisions.