We surveyed 3,600 biologists to better understand the work environment and required skills of a typical biologist. Here are the results.
How much intelligence is required as a biologist?
Low
High
Working as a biologist typically requires higher levels of intelligence when compared with the average career. This means that biologists are required to actively learn new things related to their discipline and solve complex problems.
Can I learn to become a biologist?
Intrinsic Talent
Acquired Talent
A career as a biologist typically depends predominantly on qualities you can gain through experience, with a small aspect of skills you are born with.
Is it easy to get a job as a biologist?
Easy
Hard
It’s typically difficult to find a job as a biologist. If you’re curious about the numbers, check out the job market for biologists.
Do biologists work full-time or part-time?
64% of biologists work in full-time roles while 36% work part-time.
Is being a biologist stressful?
Low
High
Biologists tend not to find their jobs stressful, which likely contributes positively to career satisfaction.
Is being organized important as a biologist?
Low
High
Some level of organization is generally required to be a biologist.
How competitive is the workplace for biologists?
Low
High
Biologists see mild competition in their workplace.
Does being a biologist require frequent time pressure to complete tasks?
Low
High
Biologists will have to sometimes face time pressure on the job.
Are biologists allowed to express themselves creatively?
Low
High
Biologists are afforded a certain level of ability to express themselves creatively, compared to other careers.
Do biologists have control over the direction of their work?
Low
High
While sometimes the direction is set, occasionally biologists will have some flexibility over the direction of their work.
Is being a biologist physically demanding?
Low
High
Work as a biologists is not the most physically demanding of careers, falling in the bottom half of all careers.
Are biologists exposed to a wide variety of work?
Low
High
While sometimes repetitive, biologists tend to have opportunities for variety in their work.
Does being a biologist require attention to detail?
Low
High
As in many careers, attention to detail is quite helpful for biologists.
Does being a good biologist require compassion and empathy?
Low
High
The ability to be compassion and empathetic isn't considered fundamental to success as a biologist.