What are careers in life sciences?

Clinical laboratory scientists, microbiologists, and researchers are careers in life sciences. Here are some details on these careers and others in life sciences:

• Clinical laboratory scientist: A clinical laboratory scientist is a professional who uses laboratory facilities and equipment to examine biological specimens and perform tests on them. Their work has a heavy focus on medical inquiries, such as testing bodily fluids for diseases or other anomalies that might be in the sample.

  The work they perform can lead to possible treatments or prevention techniques concerning illnesses and diseases. They also may work in the corporate arena testing chemical solutions on various properties, attempting to gain a certain effect.

  Clinical laboratory scientists always work in a lab, but these labs can come in many different forms, such as ones in hospitals, academic settings, pharmaceutical companies, and other industry-specific laboratories.

  Clinical laboratory scientists almost always have advanced degrees in a specific area of science, such as biology, microbiology, chemistry, or other related fields.

  The average salary of a clinical laboratory scientist is $94,081 per year.

• Microbiologist: A microbiologist is a scientist who focuses on microorganisms. They determine how microorganisms can affect human health positively and negatively. Oftentimes they study bacteria, fungi, and algae to identify if these organisms have the chance of spreading diseases or illnesses to humans or if they might have positive effects.

  They attempt to study microorganisms in their natural environment, as well as in a lab setting. Microbiologists often share their work with scientists and doctors in hopes of developing new medications or treatments for medical conditions.

  Microbiologists tend to have a master's or Ph.D. in microbiology.

  The average salary of a microbiologist in the United States is $65,985 per year.

• Researcher: A researcher is a professional who performs research in a specific scientific field or subject, such as one in life sciences. Medical research involves projects that seek to advance certain areas of the medical field.

  Researchers also scrutinize medical data and attempt to make projections about the health of a population in the future.

  Their main objective is to find new methods of improving and maintaining people's health in the long term. Medical researchers may work in hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, or other medical research facilities.

  Many medical researchers have graduated from medical school or have a master's or Ph.D. in a specific area related to medical science.

  The average salary of a researcher in the United States is $80,106 per year.

• Zoo veterinarian: Zoo veterinarians are doctors of zoo animals. They perform the same kinds of tasks as regular veterinarians, although their jobs tend to be more complex because they give medical care to exotic animals.

  Zoo veterinarians need a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM or VMD) degree to practice. Before attending veterinary school to obtain this degree, they must first get their bachelor's degree in a related field.

  A bachelor's degree in zoology is perhaps the best preparation for a career being a zoo veterinarian. After they get a DVM or VMD, they also need to obtain a state license. All states require a license to be a zoo veterinarian.

  In addition, most states require the passing of a state test, as well as the national exam.

  Zoo veterinarians need to obtain internships in the field. They can do this while in school or post-graduation. They must do this to develop hands-on experience dealing with exotic animals. Here they can be mentored by professional zoo vets. Internships also prepare them for the residency program they need to complete.

  Getting specialized training in a residency program is another requirement. Most zoo vet residency programs last three to four years. These programs are approved by the American College of Zoological Medicine (ACZM), which is the certifying board for zoological medicine.

  Residency programs offer in-depth professional training and experience. They help to hone clinical skills and research abilities. The work may take place at a zoo, aquarium, wild animal park, or another related site with exotic animals.

  The average salary of a zoo veterinarian in the United States is $122,467 per year.

• Scientist: A scientist is a professional who specializes in one or several areas of life sciences and observes the world. Scientists undergo specific education and training in a specific scientific area, such as biology or microbiology.

  They conduct research in the hopes of advancing knowledge of particular parts of the world. Scientists may make hypotheses, test them with different means such as statistics and data, and formulate conclusions based on the evidence.

  The average salary of a scientist in the United States is $78,277 per year.