Zoologist

As a zoologist, you could work in agriculture, conservation, pharmaceuticals or for government departments.

You'll usually specialise in an area like:

• ecology - animal environments
• herpetology - reptiles
• entomology - insects
• ornithology - birds
• parasitology - parasites
• paleozoology - fossil remains

Depending on your role, sector and specialism, you could:

• do field and laboratory research
• study animals in their natural environment or in captivity
• identify, record and monitor animal species
• gather and interpret information and data
• write detailed technical reports, give presentations and publish research findings in journals and books

• knowledge of biology
• science skills
• the ability to work well with others
• excellent verbal communication skills
• maths knowledge
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• analytical thinking skills
• excellent written communication skills
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You can get into this job by doing a university course.

As an experienced zoologist, you could become a research manager. You might also work with zoos on wildlife conservation projects, or overseas on habitat and conservation management assignments.

In an academic post in higher education, you could progress to senior fellow or professor and lead your own research team. You might also supervise postgraduate research students, or work in scientific journalism.

You can get more details about research career development options through Vitae.