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Biological Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$74K/yr

A. Degree: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR B. Combination of education and experience: Courses ...

$74K/yr

A. Degree: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR B. Combination of education and experience: Courses ...

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Biological Scientist information

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$37K

$89.4K

$138K

How much do biological scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for biological scientist in the United States is $89,403.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,500.00 and $121,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Biological Scientist vs Microbiologist?

AspectBiological ScientistMicrobiologist
CredentialsBachelor's or higher in biology, microbiology, or related field; often requires research experienceBachelor's or higher in microbiology, biology, or related field; specialized training in microbiology techniques
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, government agencies, biotech companiesLaboratories, healthcare settings, research institutions, public health agencies
Industry UsageBroad biological research, environmental studies, healthcare, agricultureFocus on microorganisms, infectious diseases, public health, food safety

Biological Scientists have a broad focus on various biological systems, while Microbiologists specialize in microorganisms. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and often work in research environments, but their specific areas of expertise and application differ.

What are Biological Scientists?

Biological scientists are professionals who study living organisms and their relationship to the environment. Their work can include research on animals, plants, bacteria, and other life forms to understand how they function, grow, and interact. Biological scientists often work in fields such as ecology, genetics, microbiology, and biochemistry. They may conduct experiments, analyze data, and publish their findings to contribute to scientific knowledge and practical applications in medicine, agriculture, and environmental conservation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Biological Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Biological Scientist, you need a strong background in biology, analytical skills, and typically at least a bachelor’s or master’s degree in biological sciences or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, data analysis software (like R or Python), and specialized techniques such as PCR and microscopy is often required. Critical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are important soft skills for collaborating on research and presenting findings. These skills ensure accurate experimentation, meaningful data interpretation, and impactful scientific contributions.

What are some common challenges faced by biological scientists in laboratory research environments?

Biological scientists often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting experimental protocols, maintaining strict safety and contamination controls, and adapting to rapidly evolving technology. Managing time effectively between laboratory work, data analysis, and documentation is also crucial. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, such as chemists, engineers, and data analysts, is common and can require strong communication and project management skills to ensure successful research outcomes.
More about Biological Scientist jobs
What cities are hiring for Biological Scientist jobs? Cities with the most Biological Scientist job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Biological Scientist jobs? The top employers for Biological Scientist jobs are:
What states have the most Biological Scientist jobs? States with the most job openings for Biological Scientist jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Biological Scientist jobs? For Biological Scientist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST

$74K/yr

Other

Posted 19 days ago


U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 518 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 46 rated military and defense


Job description

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below for IMPORTANT additional information.Qualifications:Qualifications

In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Professional and Scientific Positions.


BASIC REQUIREMENTS:
A. Degree: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.
OR
B. Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
IN ADDITION TO MEETING THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS ABOVE APPLICANTS MUST ALSO MEET THE QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS LISTED BELOW:
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:
GS-11: One year of specialized experience (equivalent to GS-09) experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. Your experience must include professional knowledge of environmental biological scientific concepts, principles, methodology, and practices and familiarity with other professional disciplines (e.g., engineering, community planning, and environmental science) to independently perform routine projects with complete responsibility, or portions of large and complex projects.
GS-12: One year of specialized experience (equivalent to GS-11) experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. Your experience must include professional knowledge and abilities applicable to a wide range of environmental biological science duties; and the skill to modify standard practices and adapt equipment or techniques to solve a variety of complex problems; adapt precedents or make significant departures from previous approaches to similar projects to provide for the specialized requirements of projects; and apply standard practices of related disciplines as they relate to biological science functions.
GS-13: One year of specialized experience (equivalent to GS-12) experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. Your experience must include professional knowledge of a wide range of environmental biological scientific concepts to include climate and hydrological science methods, guidelines, standards, research techniques, and state of the art capabilities and ability to resolve highly complex and difficult meteorological and climate science problems and issues.
GS-14: One year of specialized experience (equivalent to GS-13) experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. Your experience must include professional knowledge of environmental biological scientific concepts, principles, methodology, and practices and familiarity with other professional disciplines (e.g., engineering, community planning, and environmental science) to independently perform routine projects with complete responsibility, or portions of large and complex projects.
GS-15: One year of specialized experience (equivalent to GS-14) experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. Your experience must include professional knowledge of environmental biological scientific concepts, principles, methodology, and practices and familiarity with other professional disciplines (e.g., engineering, community planning, and environmental science) to independently perform routine projects with complete responsibility, or portions of large and complex projects.
Click on the link to view occupational requirements for this position:https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0400/general-natural-resources-management-and-biological-sciences-series-0401/
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs):
1. Knowledge of professional environmental principles, practices, techniques, and procedures to effectively perform project development, execution, training, and advisory services in assigned program element.
2. Knowledge to troubleshoot environmental problems requiring investigation of unsanitary or questionable conditions in assigned program(s).
3. Knowledge of applicable Federal, State and local laws, regulations and other guidance to make decisions and recommendations concerning assigned restoration, compliance, conservation, pollution prevention, and/or integration principles and practices; and health, safety, and security practices.
4. Skill to integrate an interdisciplinary team of professionals to include attorneys, public health specialists, public affairs specialists, biological scientists, environmental engineers, physical scientists, general engineers, community planners, regulators, other governmental officials, and community groups.
PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcriptswith the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience; transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.Employment Type: OTHER

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