How to Become a Life Scientist: Australian Careers in Science

Life Scientists study living organisms and the environments they inhabit. Their work drives advances in healthcare, agriculture and environmental conservation. Through research and experimentation, they uncover the biological processes that underpin life.

• Designing and conducting experiments – Life Scientists plan and run tests to gather data and test hypotheses.
• Making observations and measurements – They record biological phenomena with care and accuracy.
• Researching information – They review existing literature to inform new studies.
• Analysing data – They use statistical methods to interpret results and draw conclusions.
• Preparing lab reports and scientific papers – They document findings for publication and peer review.
• Presenting at scientific meetings – They share research with peers at conferences and seminars.
• Supervising staff – They guide junior researchers and oversee lab operations.
• Studying bodily organs and tissues – They use dissection and microscopy to examine biological structures.
• Investigating cell chemistry – They explore the chemical structure and function of living cells and tissues.
• Examining micro-organisms – They study bacteria, fungi and yeast to develop new products and processes.
• Investigating plant growth – They assess how rainfall, temperature, soil and disease affect plants.
• Planning marine studies – They design experiments to study marine organisms and their ecosystems.
• Studying micro-organism effects – They research how micro-organisms affect plants, animals and humans.
• Investigating animal relationships – They study how animals interact in natural and controlled settings.