2446 Life Scientists
2446 Life Scientists
Study the anatomy, physiology, characteristics and behaviour of animals, plants, insects and other living organisms to better understand how living organisms function and interact with each other and the environment in which they live, and to develop and improve biotechnological products and processes.
Ecologists are excluded from this unit group. Ecologists are included in Occupation 244333 Ecologist.
OSCA skill level
The occupations in this unit group have a skill level corresponding to the qualifications and experience below.
- Skill Level 1: Bachelor Degree, higher qualification, or at least five years of relevant experience
244631 Biotechnologist
Studies the anatomy, physiology, genetics and characteristics of living organisms and isolated biological molecules to improve or develop new products and processes in a wide range of industries, including agriculture, food production and medicine.
Specialisations
- Bioinformatician
- Molecular Biologist
Skill level: 1
Main tasks
- Studies, analyses and manipulates genes to develop new drugs
- Analyses and models large datasets of molecular and genomic sequences to identify patterns
- Researches, develops and creates new products in biotechnology
- Identifies and improves industrial use of genetic attributes of cells and organisms
- Uses computational methods to develop new, or improve existing, software tools and algorithms used in the analysis of large datasets of biological data
- Researches, develops and improves biodegradable materials
- Genetically modifies crops to improve pest resistance and increase productivity
244632 Botanist
Studies the anatomy, physiology, biochemistry and ecology of plants.
Specialisation
- Plant Pathologist
Skill level: 1
Main tasks
- Studies and researches the life cycle of plants
- Identifies, classifies and records plant species
- Identifies and studies diseases and disorders of plants
- Studies, researches and assesses the effect of environmental factors on plant growth and distribution
- Manages botanical collections
- Monitors plant populations and their distribution
244633 Entomologist
Studies the anatomy, physiology, characteristics, ecology, behaviour, environments and impact of insects.
Specialisations
- Entomologist (Biosecurity)
- Medical Entomologist
Skill level: 1
Main tasks
- Collects, analyses and classifies insect specimens
- Develops and conducts experimental studies with insects
- Studies the characteristics of insects and their interactions with other animals and their environment
- Estimates, monitors and manages insect populations
- Investigates and assesses risks posed by insects
- Plans insect control programs, and creates risk mitigation strategies to protect the environment and human health
244634 Marine Biologist
Studies the anatomy, physiology, functions, characteristics, behaviour and environments of all forms of life living in the sea and connected water bodies.
Aquaculture or Fisheries Scientists are excluded from this occupation. Aquaculture or Fisheries Scientists are included in Occupation 244134 Aquaculture or Fisheries Scientist.
Skill level: 1
Main tasks
- Collects and analyses samples to assess environmental effects on marine life
- Studies breeding patterns, physiological processes, behaviour and other characteristics of marine organisms
- Estimates, monitors and manages populations of marine life
- Assesses the impact of human activities on marine life
- Develops, conducts and improves breeding programs to support endangered species of marine life
244635 Microbiologist
Studies the growth and characteristics of microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, algae, fungi and protozoa, and the effect they might have on plants, animals and the environment.
Medical microbiologists are excluded from this occupation. Medical microbiologists are included in Occupation 244731 Medical Laboratory Scientist.
Skill level: 1
Main tasks
- Studies microorganisms in a range of environments to learn about their behaviour
- Studies, identifies and monitors physiological and morphological characteristics of microorganisms
- Develops and improves methods to prevent the spread of disease
- Studies, analyses and grows microbe cultures for use in the food and drink or agriculture industries
- Tests and analyses food, drink and related manufacturing processes to identify contamination
- Establishes process and safety standards for the processing of food to prevent spoilage and illness
244636 Zoologist
Studies the anatomy, physiology, characteristics, ecology, behaviour and environments of animals.
Entomologists are excluded from this occupation. Entomologists are included in Occupation 244633 Entomologist.
Skill level: 1
Main tasks
- Studies animal characteristics, development, physiology, behaviour and movement patterns in controlled and/or natural habitats
- Studies the impact of human activity on animal life
- Collects, analyses and records animal specimens
- Assesses and manages wildlife populations and their habitat
- Studies living and extinct animals in order to understand their evolution and behaviour
- Researches any possible threats from disease and pollution in the animal life and their habitat
244699 Life Scientists nec
This occupation group covers Life Scientists not elsewhere classified.
Skill level: 1
Occupations in this group include:
- Anatomist
- Animal Behaviourist
- Biochemist
- Biologist
- Neuroscientist
- Parasitologist
- Pharmacologist (Non-clinical)
- Physiologist
- Protein Chemist
- Toxicologist