Image of career: Biologist

Biologist

Overview

Biologists study the origin, development, structure, and function of plant and animal life, covering a broad area within life sciences.

Description

  • Collect organism samples (e.g. tissue cells), measurements, photographs, or sketches.
  • Perform experiments on specific plants, animals, or ecosystems to understand biological processes.
  • Record and maintain experiment results accurately.
  • Analyse experimental results on organisms to learn behaviour and impact on surroundings.
  • Develop experimental protocols and procedures for conducting research projects.

Entry requirements

  • You'll need at least a Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in Biology field.
  • Research broad specialisation areas that interest you, such as zoology (study of animals) and botany (study of plants), to find your focus.

Salary

$3,900 – 6,100

/mo

Salary ranges are estimated based on public information found on Singaporean job portals, including MyCareersFuture, MySkillsFuture. Updated as of 2026.

Trivia

Biologists are also called biological scientists or life scientists. Government support is available under SGUnited Traineeships Programme for new graduates to develop skills and receive training allowances.

What to expect

Various biologists cover different aspects of life. Stay curious and open-minded; biology is vast and constantly evolving, so continuous learning is key.

Soft
skills

Communication

Able to clearly present research findings, write scientific reports, and collaborate with colleagues.

Problem-Solving

Ability to identify research questions, develop hypotheses, and design experiments to test their validity.

Collaboration

Able to work effectively in teams, share knowledge, and combine expertise from different scientific areas.

Biorisk Management

Able to understand research risks, such as safely handling pathogens or genetically modified organisms.

Laboratory Management

Ability to manage lab organisation and operations while ensuring safety compliance.

Chemical Risk Management

Skilled in safe handling and disposing of chemicals while complying with regulations.

Hard
skills

Frequently asked questions

There are many types named after their specialty, such as botanists, microbiologists, zoologists, anatomists, physiologists, pathologists, nutritionists, and pharmacologists.

Most work for government agencies, universities, or private laboratories. Universities hire biologists as professors to teach students and conduct research.

They study biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology. Biochemistry focuses on chemical processes and substances that occur within living organisms.

Biochemistry helps them understand diseases at the molecular level, which is important for developing new drugs, diagnostics, and medical treatments.

They work with various samples including cells, tissues, blood, DNA, RNA, proteins, and whole organisms for their research.