041 Biological Sciences

This group includes occupations concerned with research in the reproduction, growth and development, structure, life processes, behavior, and classification of living organisms and the application of findings to the prevention of disease in the maintenance and promotion of health in plant and animal life. Also includes investigations into economic utilization, environmental impact, or harmful aspects of specific animals and plants.

041.061-010 ANATOMIST (profess. & kin.)

Studies form and structure of animal bodies: Examines large organs and organ systems of body by systematic observation and dissection, and examines minute structure or organs, tissues, and cells, using microscope. Compares structure of one species with that of another. Determines ability of animal bodies to regenerate destroyed or damaged parts, and investigates possibility of transplanting organs and skin segments from one living body to another. Conducts research into basic laws of biological science to determine application to human medicine.

041.061-014 ANIMAL BREEDER (profess. & kin.)

Develops systems of breeding desirable characteristics, such as improvement in strength, maturity rate, disease resistance, and meat quality, into economically important animals: Determines generic composition of animal populations, and heritability of traits, utilizing principles of genetics. Crossbreeds animals within existing strains, or crosses strains to obtain new combinations of desirable characteristics. Selects progeny having desired strains of both parents, and continues process until acceptable result is obtained.

041.061-018 APICULTURIST (profess. & kin.)

Studies bee culture and breeding: Conducts experiments regarding causes and controls of bee diseases and factors affecting yields of nectar and pollen on various plants visited by bees. Conducts research into various phases of pollination. Improves bee strains, utilizing selective breeding by artificial insemination.

041.061-026 BIOCHEMIST (profess. & kin.) chemist, biological.

Studies chemical processes of living organisms: Conducts research to determine action of foods, drugs, serums, hormones, and other substances on tissues and vital processes of living organisms. Isolates, analyzes, and identifies hormones, vitamins, allergens, minerals, and enzymes and determines effects on body functions. Examines chemical aspects of formation of antibodies, and conducts research into chemistry of cells and blood corpuscles. Studies chemistry of living processes, such as mechanisms of development of normal and abnormal cells, breathing and digestion, and of living energy changes, such as growth, aging, and death. May specialize in particular area or field of work, and be designated CHEMIST, CLINICAL (profess. & kin.); CHEMIST, ENZYMES (profess. & kin.); CHEMIST, PROTEINS (profess. & kin); CHEMIST, STEROIDS (profess. & kin.). May clean, purify, refine, and otherwise prepare pharmaceutical compounds for commercial distribution, develop new drugs and medications, and be designated CHEMIST, PHARMACEUTICAL (profess. & kin.).

041.061-030 BIOLOGIST (profess. & kin.)

Studies origin, relationship, development, anatomy, functions, and other basic principles of plant and animal life. May specialize in research centering around particular plant, animal, or aspect of biology. May collect and analyze biological data to determine environmental effects of present and potential use of land and water areas. May prepare environmental impact reports. May teach.

041.061-034 BIOPHYSICIST (profess. & kin.)

Studies physical principles of living cells and organisms, their electrical and mechanical energy, and related phenomena: Conducts research to investigate dynamics in such areas as seeing and hearing; the transmission of electrical impulses along nerves and muscles, and damage to cells and tissues caused by X-rays and nuclear particles; manner in which characteristics of plants and animals are carried forward through successive generations; and absorption of light by chlorophyll in photosynthesis or by pigments of eye involved in vision. Analyzes functions of electronic and human brains, such as transfer of information into brain from outside (learning), transfer and manipulation of information within brain (thinking), and storage of information (memory). Studies spatial configuration of sub microscopic molecules, such as proteins, using X-ray and electron microscope. May specialize in one activity, such as use of radiation and nuclear particles for treating cancer or use of atomic isotopes to discover transformation of substances in cells.

041.061-038 BOTANIST (profess. & kin.)

Studies development and life processes, physiology, heredity, environment, distribution, anatomy, morphology, and economic value of plants for application in such fields as agronomy, forestry, horticulture, and pharmacology: Studies behavior of chromosomes and reproduction, internal and external structures, and examines mechanics and biochemistry of plants and plant cells, using microscopes, staining techniques, and scientific equipment. Investigates environment and plant communities and effect of rainfall, temperature, climate, soil, and elevation on plant growth from seed to mature plants. Identifies and classifies plants. May conduct environmental studies and prepare reports. May be designated according to field of specialization as PLANT ECOLOGIST (profess. & kin.); PLANT TAXONOMIST (profess. & kin.).

041.061-042 CYTOLOGIST (profess. & kin.)

Studies plant and animal cells: Selects and sections minute particles of animal or plant tissue for microscopic study, using micro tome and other equipment and employs stain techniques to make cell structures visible or to differentiate parts: Studies parts of cells and details of cell division into new cells, using microscope. Analyzes cells concerned with reproduction, and means by which chromosomes divide or unite. Studies formation of sperm and eggs in animal sex glands and origin of blood and tissue cells. Conducts research in physiology of unicellular organisms, such as protozoa, to ascertain physical and chemical factors involved in growth. Studies influence of physical and chemical factors upon malignant and normal cells. Evaluates exfoliated, asperated, or abraded cells to assess hormonal status and presence of atypical or malignant changes. May be designated according to specialty as ANIMAL CYTOLOGIST (profess. & kin.); PLANT CYTOLOGIST (profess. & kin.).

041.061-046 ENTOMOLOGIST (profess. & kin.)

Studies insects and their relation to plant and animal life: Identifies and classifies species of insects and allied forms, such as mites and spiders. Aids in control and elimination of agricultural, structural, and forest pests by developing new and improved pesticides and cultural and biological methods, including use of natural enemies of pests. Studies insect distribution and habitat and recommends methods to prevent importation and spread of injurious species.

041.061-050 GENETICIST (profess. & kin.)

Studies inheritance and variation of characteristics in forms of life: Performs experiments to determine laws, mechanisms, and environmental factors in origin, transmission, and development of inherited traits. Analyzes determinants responsible for specific inherited traits, such as color differences, size, and disease resistance to improve or to understand relationship of heredity to maturity, fertility, or other factors. Devises methods for altering or producing new traits, making use of chemicals, heat, light or other means. May specialize in particular branch of genetics, such as molecular genetics or population genetics. May perform human genetic counseling or medical genetics.

041.061-058 MICROBIOLOGIST (profess. & kin.) bacteriologist

Studies growth, structure, development, and general characteristics of bacteria and other micro-organisms: Isolates and makes cultures of significant bacteria or other micro-organisms in prescribed or standard inhibitory media, controlling factors, such as moisture, aeration, temperature, and nutrition. Identifies micro-organisms by microscopic examination of physiological, morphological, and cultural characteristics. Observes action of micro-organisms upon living tissues of plants, higher animals, and other micro-organisms and on dead organic matter. Makes chemical analyses of substances, such as acids, alcohols, and enzymes produced by bacteria and other micro-organisms on organic matter. May specialize in study of viruses and rickettsiae and be designated VIROLOGIST (profess. & kin.). May specialize in particular material or product field and be designated BACTERIOLOGIST, DAIRY (profess. & kin.); BACTERIOLOGIST, FISHERY (profess. & kin.); BACTERIOLOGIST, FOOD (profess. & kin.); BACTERIOLOGIST, MEDICAL (profess. & kin.); BACTERIOLOGIST, PHARMACEUTICAL (profess. & kin.); or BACTERIOLOGIST, SOIL (profess. & kin.).

041.061-062 MYCOLOGIST (profess. & kin.)

Studies mechanism of life processes of edible, poisonous, and parasitic fungi to discover those that are useful to medicine, agriculture, and industry: Studies structure, affinities, classification, genetics, physiology, and growth of fungi. Applies findings to agriculture, medicine, and industry for development of drugs, medicines, molds, and yeasts. May specialize in research and development in such fields as antibiotics or fabric deterioration. May develop improved methods of propagating and growing edible fungi, as mushrooms and be designated MUSHROOM-SPAWN MAKER (profess. & kin.).

041.061-066 NEMATOLOGIST (profess. & kin.)

Studies nematodes (roundworms) that are plant parasitic, transmit diseases, attack insects, or attack soil, fresh water, or marine nematodes: Identifies and classifies nematodes and studies structure, behavior, biology, ecology, physiology, nutrition, culture, and distribution. Studies reactions of plants to parasitic nematodes and associations with other plant disease agents. Develops methods and apparatus for securing representative soil samples containing nematodes, and for isolating, mounting, counting, and identifying specimens. Investigates and develops pest management and control measures, such as chemical, hot water and steam treatments, soil fumigation, biological crop rotations, and cultural practices. See PARASITOLOGIST (profess. & kin.) for scientists who specialize in study of nematodes that are parasitic in man or animals.

041.061-070 PARASITOLOGIST (profess. & kin.)

Studies characteristics, habits, and life cycles of animal parasites, such as protozoan, tapeworms, roundworms, flukes, and other parasitic organisms, to determine manner in which they attack human beings and animals and effects produced: Investigates modes of transmission from host to host. Develops methods and agents to combat parasites. May specialize in study of one variety of parasite, such as animal parasites that attack man, and be designated MEDICAL PARASITOLOGIST (profess. & kin.); of parasitic worms and be designated HELMINTHOLOGIST (profess. & kin.); of one celled free living and parasitic organisms and be designated PROTOZOOLOGIST (profess. & kin.).

041.061-074 PHARMACOLOGIST (profess. & kin.)

Studies effects of drugs, gases, dusts, and other materials on tissue and physiological processes of animals and human beings: Experiments with animals, such as rats, guinea pigs, and mice, to determine reactions of drugs and other substances on functioning of organs and tissues, noting effects on circulation, respiration, digestion, or other vital processes. Standardizes drug dosages or methods of immunizing against industrial diseases by correlating results of animal experiments with results obtained from clinical experimentation on human beings. Investigates preventative methods and remedies for diseases, such as silicosis and lead, mercury, and ammonia poisoning. Analyzes food preservatives and colorings, vermin poisons, and other materials to determine toxic or non toxic properties. Standardizes procedures for manufacture of drugs and medicinal compounds.

041.061-078 PHYSIOLOGIST (profess. & kin.)

Conducts research on cellular structure and organ-system functions of plants and animals: Studies growth, respiration, circulation, excretion, movement, reproduction, and other functions of plants and animals under normal and abnormal conditions. Performs experiments to determine effects of internal and external environmental factors on life processes and functions, using microscope, X-ray equipment, spectroscope, and other equipment. Studies glands and their relationship to bodily functions. May specialize in physiology of animals and be designated ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGIST (profess. & kin.); of plants and be designated PLANT PHYSIOLOGIST (profess. & kin.); of human organisms and be designated MEDICAL PHYSIOLOGIST (medical ser.).

041.061-082 PLANT BREEDER (profess. & kin.)

Plans and carries out breeding studies to develop and improve varieties of crops: Improves specific characteristics, such as yield, size, quality, maturity, and resistance to frost, drought, disease and insect pests in plants, utilizing principles of genetics and knowledge of plant growth. Develops variety and selects most desirable plants for crossing. Breeds plants, using methods such as inbreeding, crossbreeding, back crossing, outcrossing, mutating, or inter specific hybridization and selection. Selects progeny having desired characteristics and continues breeding and selection process to reach desired objectives.

041.061-086 PLANT PATHOLOGIST (profess. & kin.)

Conducts research in nature, cause and control of plant diseases and decay of plant products: Studies and compares healthy and diseased plants to determine symptoms of diseased condition. Inoculates healthy plants with culture of suspected agents taken from diseased plants and studies effects to determine agents responsible for disease. Isolates disease-causing agent, studies habits and life cycle, and devises methods of destroying or controlling agent [MICROBIOLOGIST (profess. & kin.)]. Tests possible control measures under laboratory and field conditions for comparative effectiveness, practicality, and economy. Investigates comparative susceptibility of different varieties of plants and develops varieties immune to disease [PLANT BREEDER (profess. & kin)]. Studies rates of spread and intensity of disease under different conditions of soil, climate, and geography, and predicts outbreaks of plant diseases. Determines kinds of plants and insects that harbor or transmit disease. Studies losses from deterioration of perishable plant products in transit or storage and develops practices to prevent or reduce losses. Determines presence of disease producing agents in seed stocks to reduce losses from seed borne diseases. May specialize in type of plant affected, such as cereal crops, fruit, or forest trees, or by type of disease, such as bacterial, virus, fungus, mycoplasma, or nematode. May inspect flower and vegetable seeds and flowering bulbs for diseases, infections, and insect injuries.

041.061-090 ZOOLOGIST (profess. & kin.)

Studies origin, interrelationships, classification, life histories, habits, life processes, diseases, relation to environment, growth and development, genetics, and distribution of animals: Studies animals in natural habitat and collects specimens for laboratory study. Dissects and examines specimens under microscope and uses chemicals and various types of scientific equipment top carry out experimental studies. Prepares collections of preserved specimens or microscopic slides for such purposes as identification of species, study of species development, and study of animal diseases. May raise specimens for experimental purposes. May specialize in one aspect of animal study, such as functioning of animal as an organism, or development of organism from egg to embryo stage. May specialize in study of reptiles, frogs, and salamanders and be designated HERPETOLOGIST (profess. & kin.); of fish and fishlike forms and be designated ICHTHYOLOGIST (profess. & kin.); of sponges, jellyfish and protozoa and be designated INVERTEBRATE ZOOLOGIST (profess. & kin.) of birds and be designated as ORNITHOLOGIST (profess. & kin.); of mammals and be designated as MAMMALOGIST (profess. & kin.). May study animals for purposes of identification and classification and be designated ANIMAL TAXONOMIST (profess. & kin.); or study effects of environment on animals and be designated ANIMAL ECOLOGIST (profess. & kin.).

041.081-010 FOOD TECHNOLOGIST (profess. & kin.) food scientist.

Applies scientific and engineering principles in research, development, production technology, quality control, packaging, processing, and utilization of foods. Develops new and improved methods and systems for food processing, production, quality control, packaging, and distribution. Studies methods to improve quality of foods, such as flavor, color, texture, nutritional value, convenience, or physical chemical, and micro biological composition of foods. Develops food standards, safety and sanitary regulations, and waste management and water supply specifications. Tests new products in test kitchen and develops specific processing methods in laboratory pilot plant, and confers with process engineers, flavor experts, and packaging and marketing specialists to resolve problems. May specialize in one phase of food technology, such as product development quality control, or production inspection, technical writing, teaching, or consulting. May specialize in particular branch of food technology, such as cereal grains, meat and poultry, fats and oils, seafood, animal foods, beverages, dairy products, flavors, sugars and starches, stabilizers, preservatives, colors, and nutritional additives, and be identified according to branch of food technology.

041.261-010 PUBLIC-HEALTH MICROBIOLOGIST (gov. ser.)

Conducts experiments to detect presence of harmful or pathogenic bacteria in water, food supply, or general environment of community and to control or eliminate sources of possible pollution or contagion: Makes periodic laboratory counts of bacteria in water supply. Analyzes samples of sewage for harmful micro-organisms and for rate of sludge purification by aerobic bacteria. Examines milk, shellfish, and other food items for micro-organisms constituting menace to public health. Cooperates with hospitals and clinical laboratories in identifying micro-organisms taken from diseased persons to determine presence of bacteria causing contagious or epidemic diseases. May inoculate members of community against contagious diseases.

041.381-010 BIOLOGY SPECIMEN TECHNICIAN (profess. & kin.)

Prepares and embeds in plastic, biological specimens of plant and animal life for use as instructional aids: Selects plant or animal specimen in preserved or dried state. Dissects animal and cleans all matter from skeletal structures. Prepares slices or cross sections of small animals, embryos, or cross sections of animal organs, such as glands, kidneys, hearts, or eyes. Selects, trims, and stains a variety of stalks, flowers, and leaves to show plant structure and systems. Selects different stains to clearly indicate support structure, circulatory system, or other feature of plant or animal. Assembles and positions components of specimen in mold, using pins and holding devices. Mixes polylite plastic or other material and completes embedding by varied molding techniques. Works with plants, animals, mollusks, insects, and other classes of plants and animals. Identifies type and age of specimen, date of preparation, and type of embedding material used. May operate incubator to grow chicken eggs for embryo specimens. May prepare ecological kits which demonstrate polluting conditions in water, soil, or air.

Adapted from US Department of Labor DOT for Dictionary of Agricultural Occupations

15 November 2004