ZOOLOGIST

Salary
Graduate: £15,000 - £18,000
Employee with 10-15 years in the role: £27,000 - £40,000

Main Employers

• Universities
• Government research institutions 
• Zoos and wildlife trusts 
• Environmental protection agencies
• Veterinary, agricultural and fisheries consultancies
• Biotechnology industry
• Education sector and cultural organisations
• Scientific journalism
• Pharmaceutical and chemical industry
• Charities and pressure groups
• Conservation groups
• Animal foodstuff companies

Job Profile
Zoologists are biologists who study the behaviour, diseases, and development of animals. They usually are known for the animal group that they study. Some zoologists do basic research. They try to discover new information about living things. They identify the new data and decide where to classify it within the current framework. Other zoologists work in applied research. They use data from basic research to help solve problems in areas such as the environment or health. Often they will work in administration or management. They may work for a conservation agency and report on what is impacting an ecosystem, plan and administer programs for museums, or direct activities at zoos or aquariums.

Zoologists are scientists who are involved in the study of animals. Zoologists regard an animal as any kind of living creature that is not a plant, a fungus, a virus or a bacterium. Thus fishes, birds, mammals, insects, worms, rock lobsters, snails, starfish, sponges and jellyfish are all animals studied by zoologists.
Zoologists are life scientists who study animals, observing them both in the laboratory and in their natural habitat.

They study the origin and development of species, their habits, behaviors and interactions. They also research the development of animal diseases. Zoologists are sometimes known as animal scientists or animal biologists, as zoology is the branch of biology that relates to the animal kingdom.
Zoologists are scientists concerned with the study of animals, their anatomy, physiology, ecology, evolution and embryology. They work in many different roles. Environmental zoologists and conservationists, for example, are responsible for protecting, managing and enhancing the wildlife in a particular area. There may be opportunities to work in field surveying, conducting scientific surveys of natural habitats and identifying, recording and monitoring animal species, both in the UK and overseas.

Research zoologists work in some of the larger zoos. They seek to extend our knowledge of animals, including their behaviour, populations and genetics. In hospitals, medical zoologists help doctors to decide on the best form of treatment. As treatment progresses they monitor and evaluate its effectiveness. Zoologists can also work in research institutes, where they study problems related to old age, diet or the environment. They also carry out research on illnesses caused by human parasites.

Government departments such as the Department for Environment and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), English Nature and the Forestry Commission employ zoologists to research illness and disease in humans and animals. In the food and drink industry, zoologists work on research, production, quality control and marketing. Part of their work involves the study of human and animal diets.

Zoologists working in the pharmaceuticals industry test the ingredients of drugs before manufacture, as well as checking production methods and monitoring the finished product to ensure that it meets quality and safety standards. They also work on the discovery, development and marketing of new products.

Zoologists use their knowledge of animals in areas such as: 

• medicine
• environmental protection and conservation 
• agriculture and aquaculture 
• marine biology.
  They may be involved in: 
• developing and testing new drugs 
• improving agricultural crops and livestock 
• disease and pest control 
• conservation of endangered habitats and species 
• animal welfare and education 
• developing policies and enforcing regulations for governmental agencies.
  The work includes: 
• conducting field and laboratory research 
• using traditional observational techniques 
• using complex procedures such as computerised molecular and cellular analysis, in-vitro fertilisation and cryogenics 
• analysing and interpreting data 
• producing detailed technical reports.
  Zoologists undertaking research in universities usually specialise in one of the many branches of zoology. These include: 
• morphology and anatomy – animal structure 
• embryology – reproduction and development 
• genetics and evolution – inherited characteristics 
• animal ecology and ecophysiology – the relationship between animals and their environment 
• ecotoxicology – the effects of pollutants on animals 
• behavioural studies.

Role and Responsibilities
Jobs will vary according to each employer; however you could expect to be involved in:

• Conducting research studies and analysing findings 
• Monitoring animals' diets and breeding 
• Caring for animals, monitoring and recording behaviour 
• Releasing animals back in to their habitat
• Prepare educational information, talks, exhibits and displays 
• Running experiments to help solve environmental or health problems
• Breeding specimens, dissecting animals and preserving them
• Researching species in their natural surroundings and studying their behaviour 
• Collecting and cataloguing specimens to study in the lab
• Writing papers, giving speeches, preparing grant proposals to gain funding and acquiring relevant permits

Qualifications
Relevant further education subjects include: Animal Behaviour; Animal Ecology; Conservation; Ecology; Marine Biology; Parasitology; Wildlife Biology; Zoology

Most zoologists have degrees, but it is acceptable to enter as a trainee or at a technician level with A-levels or equivalent, including biology, maths, science and English. A Masters or PhD is an essential requirement if you wish to work in a teaching or research job.

Career Development
Zoologists are employed as lecturers, researchers, wildlife specialists, animal scientists, laboratory assistants or supervisors of scientific departments. They can work in research laboratories, museums, national parks, hospital, biological firms and drug companies. It may also be possible to advance by moving to another company. Self-employment is possible by setting up a freelance consultancy.

After years spent studying, the majority of zoologists work in academic institutions, researching and teaching. A smaller number work for government agencies in wildlife management, conservation, and agriculture. A few work for pharmaceutical companies, biological supply houses, or other private organizations involved in areas such as biomedical or agro-chemical research and development. Relatively few zoologists are employed by museums and zoos, or within conservation organizations, where salaries tend to be modest and applications far outweigh jobs available.

Being numerate scientists, the skills and expertise of Zoology graduates will always be in constant demand in the private sector.

Salaries vary depending on the education, experience, assignments, area of specialization, and type of employing organization. Career prospects in zoology will depend on your speciality, the type of organization with which you are seeking employment, and the general economic condition of that region. As more habitat is lost every year, zoologists will become more and more like conservationists.

There is no established career structure for conservation and field research posts, and promotion prospects can be very limited. Career progression usually involves taking on increasing responsibility for planning and organising projects, and advising or managing others. Many jobs are offered on short-term contracts. In universities there may be promotion from researcher to lecturer, and then to higher grades like senior lecturer, professor or head of department.

In industry and medicine, there may be an established career structure, with experienced zoologists being promoted to more senior posts. It may also be possible to advance by moving to another company. Some zoologists move into writing or broadcasting. With a science-based degree, it may be possible to apply for a shortened medical degree to train as a doctor.

Competition for jobs, especially in conservation and fieldwork, can be intense. Successful applicants are often those who have made useful contacts through spending time as volunteers for relevant organisations.

There are opportunities for work and study overseas.