Life Science Jobs - What Are They and How to Get One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

The qualifications to get a job in a life sciences field typically include a bachelor’s degree and specific skills related to your duties. In college, you should study or major in biology, ecology, chemistry, or a closely related field. It is also important to get experience in laboratory and research settings, either through campus jobs or summer internships in the field. Advanced roles require a master’s degree, M.D., or Ph.D. Important skills include technical knowledge, such as how to design experiments, advanced computer literacy, and knowledge of safety protocols. Being a team player and having good interpersonal communication is essential.

There is a wide range of careers you can pursue in life science. They include work in pharmaceuticals, wildlife conservation, genetics research, nursing or medical professions, working in public utilities, such as water treatment, and forestry, to name just a few. The specific responsibilities of your career depend on the type of job you have. Researchers design and carry out experiments in labs or field sites, analysts collect data to analyze and present to researchers or supervisors, and conservationists do field work, guide visitors to parks, or maintain wilderness habitats. Your duties also differ greatly by the job. For example, a plant geneticist may study specific plants to find treatments for diseases.