Many work in research and development. Some conduct basic research to increase knowledge of living organisms. Others, in applied research, develop new medicines, increase crop yields and improve the environment. Federal biological scientists work mainly in the U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Interior and Defense, and in the National Institutes of Health. Most of the rest work in pharmaceutical and biotechnology establishments, hospitals or research and testing laboratories.
Many biologists hold faculty positions in colleges and universities.
The 1996-97 Occupational Outlook Handbook indicates employment of biological and medical scientists is expected to increase faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2005. Nevertheless, jobseekers can expect to face considerable competition for highly sought-after basic research positions. Biological and medical scientists will continue to conduct genetic and biotechnological research and help develop and produce products developed by new biological methods. In addition, efforts to clean up and preserve the environment will continue to add to growth. More biological scientists will be needed to determine the environmental impact of industry and government actions and to correct past environmental problems.