Overview of the Biologist Profession
Biologists study the origin, development, anatomy, functional relationships, and other principles of all forms of life. They are dedicated to developing advanced biotechnology such as bio-pharmaceuticals, bio-energy, and neuroscience, which will increase future national competitiveness and become the center of development. In particular, there is a strong need for personnel related to stem cell research, brain research, and new drug development.
Biologists conduct on-site investigations and laboratory research on the origin, development, structure, distribution, environment, interrelationships, and other lifestyles of living organisms. They observe the ecological characteristics and behavior of organisms in natural environments for research purposes. During the research process, they collect, inspect, classify, and store samples, and assist in the study of diseases and other documents.
They use anatomical instruments, microscopes, chemical staining, and other scientific equipment to study and experiment with biological specimens in the laboratory. They use statistical techniques to adjust, analyze, and evaluate the data obtained, and write reports on discoveries and estimates for use in fields such as medicine, agriculture, and pharmaceutical manufacturing. They also interpret biological reports and research materials and conduct in-depth research.
Work Environment
Biologists usually work full-time, but some work part-time. Working hours are usually from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. When it is necessary to continuously check the results of experiments due to the nature of the research, they may work overtime in the laboratory. Work is mostly done in laboratories or experimental rooms, and when researching fields such as biology, energy, resources, agriculture, and oceans, they may also perform research activities outdoors.
During the research process, there are cases where they handle some hazardous toxic substances, so they must comply with laboratory safety rules. When conducting experiments with hazardous substances, they must be careful about safety, and this can lead to high work stress. They may also go on business trips for outdoor research or perform external activities such as attending academic seminars.
How to Become a Biologist
To become a biologist, you need a master's degree or higher in a related field such as natural sciences or medical science. In the early years of college, such as in biology and other related majors, you mainly learn basic knowledge related to natural sciences, and as you become a senior, you acquire more specialized knowledge. In the graduate school course, you study your own specific major of interest intensively, and generally, after becoming a researcher, you continue to conduct research centered on your specific major.
It is necessary to accumulate research experience, such as participating in various research and submitting related papers to journals during your student years, and working as a research assistant or participating in field training programs conducted by government-funded research institutes can be helpful when employed by related institutions. Related majors include biology, bioengineering, microbiology, life science, biotechnology, genetics, bio-life science, agricultural life science, medicine, and pharmacy.
Aptitude and Interest
To become a biologist, you must have a curiosity about life phenomena such as the creation, growth, and extinction of animals, plants, and microorganisms, and enjoy observing them to find answers to problems by analyzing information or explaining them logically. Therefore, you must have curiosity and knowledge about biology and natural sciences in general.
Since experimental research accounts for a considerable part of the work, intellectual curiosity and interest in the experimental process are required. Since many long-term studies are conducted, it is also necessary to have a planned and steady and diligent attitude to be able to research your assigned research topic to the end. Since many researchers work in teams, it is also necessary to have good interpersonal skills to respect and accept the opinions of other researchers.
Career Development
Biologists can enter government-funded research institutes, corporate research institutes, pharmaceutical manufacturers, food manufacturers, chemical product manufacturers, and life technology companies. In the case of government-funded research institutes, special recruitment is usually carried out by field for the required personnel. When hiring, major and research experience are the main evaluation factors, and in some cases, one can be hired as a researcher after being recognized for their abilities by working as a trainee or research assistant at the same research institute.
The promotion system varies depending on the research institute, but individual research performance is often emphasized. If you are a biologist and find teaching attractive using your research results, you may often switch to a university professor. As a professional who researches based on specialized knowledge in the field of biology, it requires continuous efforts to learn new theories and acquire new research methods.
Job Outlook
Biologists study living organisms around us and belong to the life science research institute. In animal research performed by biologists, for example, they analyze what food is the most nutritionally beneficial, why an animal got sick and what treatment is appropriate through research on diseases, food, habitats, etc. If side effects occur due to the use of antibiotics, they analyze the reasons and alternative substances, and if there is a problem with the habitat, they conduct research to find the most suitable habitat. In this way, biologists study biology, which is the basic science of life science, including medicine, energy, food, environment, etc.
The job of biologists is closely related to the development of the bio-industry, which is closely related to life science research as a whole. Life engineering is a discipline that applies life science to engineering and develops based on life science research. It is considered a key technology for overcoming human problems such as climate change and aging. Life engineering technology is being integrated with various technologies and applied fields such as health, medicine, biological information, environment, and energy. In order to increase future national competitiveness, Korea is also making national efforts to develop bio-pharmaceuticals, bio-energy, and brain science, etc., and has established the "4th Basic Plan for Nurturing Life Engineering" based on the Life Engineering Promotion Act.
Based on this, it has established three major strategies: research and development innovation for bio-leap, dynamic bio-industry ecosystem activation, and establishment of research and development infrastructure for sustainable growth. As the government fosters the bio-industry as a future core strategic industry, it is expected that the number of jobs for life science researchers, including biologists, will increase. Investment in life science research by companies is also increasing. Life science companies are growing, and investment in bio-venture companies is also being made steadily. In particular, the pharmaceutical industry is making efforts to expand the market for new drugs, including the development of drugs for aging and the expansion of the market for health functional foods due to the aging population.
As consumers prefer healthier, safer, and better foods, research on eco-friendly foods is becoming more active, and the cosmetics industry is expanding the market for functional cosmetics. As a result of the development of related industries, the demand for life science research is increasing, and the number of jobs for biologists who perform basic research on this is expected to increase in the future. On the other hand, cases of utilizing big data in biological research or collecting data on plants and the environment through smart farms are increasing, and simulation techniques and IoT technology are being used to create a safer and more convenient research environment. Improvements in such research environments are expected to lead to excellent research results, promote the growth of the bio-industry, and have a positive impact on the increase in the number of jobs for researchers.
