Biology Professor

Your Fit

Income

$84K

Preparation

Extensive

Growth

8.6%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Biology Professor?

A Biology Professor is an academic expert who teaches biology at the college or university level. They are responsible for educating students in various biological sciences, conducting research, and contributing to academic scholarship in their field.

Sample job titles:

Associate Professor, Biology Instructor, Biology Professor, Professor

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Biology Professor.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Biology Professor earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$51K per year	$64K per year	$84K per year	$125K per year	$170K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $34K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Biology Professor do?

Work environment

Biology Professors work primarily in academic settings such as universities and colleges. Their environment includes classrooms, laboratories, and research facilities. They may also spend time in offices for planning lectures, grading, and conducting research.

Quick task list

Develops and delivers lectures and coursework in various biology subjects.
Conducts research and publishes findings in academic journals.
Supervises and mentors undergraduate and graduate students.
Participates in academic committees and contributes to university governance.
Stays up to date with current developments in biological sciences.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Molecular and Cellular Biology: Focusing on the molecular and cellular processes of life.
Ecology and Evolution: Studying organisms in their natural environments and evolutionary processes.
Microbiology: Specializing in microorganisms and their interactions with humans, animals, plants, and the environment.
Genetics: Concentrating on heredity and variation in organisms.
Biotechnology: Applying biological knowledge to develop new technologies and products.

Description

Biology Professors are integral to the field of biological sciences, sharing knowledge and inspiring the next generation of biologists. They blend deep technical knowledge with teaching skills to educate students in the complexities of biology. Alongside teaching, they engage in research, often working on projects that contribute to scientific understanding and advancements. This dual role of educator and researcher requires them to stay at the forefront of biological discoveries and teaching methodologies.

The role of a Biology Professor involves more than imparting knowledge; it's about fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and scientific inquiry among students. They guide students through laboratory experiments, fieldwork, and theoretical study, preparing them for careers in various biological fields.

This career offers the satisfaction of contributing to scientific advancements and education. Biology Professors have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge research, collaborate with fellow scientists, and travel for conferences and academic events.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Mentoring and influencing the next generation of scientists.
Engaging in innovative research and academic scholarship.
Intellectual stimulation from continually learning and exploring new areas of biology.
Recognition and respect in the academic and scientific communities.

You might make a good Biology Professor if you are...

Passionate about biology and scientific research.
Skilled in both laboratory and fieldwork aspects of biology.
A strong communicator, capable of explaining complex concepts clearly.
Interested in academic research and lifelong learning in the field of biology.
Committed to the educational and professional development of students.

Pros:

Opportunities for continuous learning and conducting original research.
Autonomy in teaching and choosing research topics.
Intellectual satisfaction from teaching and advancing the field of biology.

Cons:

The competitive nature of academia, particularly in securing tenure and research funding.
Balancing teaching responsibilities with research and administrative duties.
Pressure to publish in academic journals and maintain a high level of scholarship.

How to become a Biology Professor

Typical education

Becoming a Biology Professor typically requires a Ph.D. in Biology or a closely related field, which can take about 5-7 years to complete after earning a bachelor's degree. Some positions, especially at community colleges, might accept candidates with a master's degree in biology.

High school preparation

Courses:

Advanced biology courses to build a strong foundation in the subject.
Chemistry, physics, and mathematics to complement biological studies.
English and communication courses to develop writing and presentation skills.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participation in science clubs or fairs, particularly those focused on biology.
Internships or summer programs in scientific research or related fields.
Volunteering in environmental or conservation projects.

Preparation after high school

Pursue a bachelor's degree in biology or a related scientific field.
Engage in undergraduate research projects and internships related to biology.
Earn a Ph.D. in a specialized area of biology.
Gain teaching experience through graduate teaching assistantships or similar roles.
Publish research in academic journals and present at scientific conferences.

More resources

American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) - Provides resources and support for the biological science community.
National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT) - Offers professional development and networking opportunities for biology educators.
Society for Experimental Biology - A platform for experimental biologists, including academic researchers and educators.
The Scientist - An online and print publication providing the latest news and insights in the field of biology.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.