Palaeontologist
Palaeontologists study the history of life on Earth through fossils.
Typical Salary
£25,000 – £45,000
per year
Working Hours
37–42
hours per week
Day-to-day tasks
As a palaeontologist, you could:
- collect samples and data from field trips and museum collections
- examine specimens in the lab, using technology like CT scanning
- analyse data and catalogue fossil specimens
- carry out research and publish findings
- plan and deliver lectures to students
- give talks and manage displays and exhibitions
- provide expert advice for broadcasters and publishers
Skills needed
- science skills
- maths knowledge
- knowledge of geography
- analytical thinking skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- excellent verbal communication skills
- excellent written communication skills
- persistence and determination
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
How to get into this role
You can get into this job through a university course.
Career progression
With experience, you could become a:
- senior researcher, managing a project team
- collections curator at a museum
- lecturer in higher education
You may also find opportunities in geological surveying in mining and minerals exploration, or work as a consultant in media publishing.