Nontraditional Biology Careers

People often assume that the only careers for those with biology degrees exist within research, academia, or healthcare. While this traditional route is a viable option for anyone passionate about those opportunities, there are alternative careers available to those with expertise in biology. Exploring nontraditional biology jobs can help you find a career that uniquely suits your interests and areas of specialization.

Rethinking Career Paths: Biology Beyond the Lab

One of the most common misconceptions about biology is that biologists only work in a lab or the field, conducting research and soliciting grants. Although research-based biology jobs are critical in advancing medicine, agriculture, environmental science, and other areas, alternative biology careers may offer a compelling option.

Many people who complete biology degree programs find these nontraditional biology jobs inviting, largely because they provide them with an opportunity to personalize their career path and explore different areas. While students are not guaranteed to transition into one of these roles immediately after graduating, with a few years of applicable, real-world experience, biology grads could be on a promising path toward some of these alternative careers.

Why Consider Nontraditional Biology Careers?

Are you hoping to find a job that allows you to move outside the lab? Are you curious as to what kind of nontraditional biology jobs are out there? Here are a few reasons to move forward with that job search.

• There are expanding job market opportunities for professionals with a background in biology.
• These positions allow you to align your passions and interests with your career goals.
• These opportunities enable you to leverage transferable skills developed during your biology degree program.

4 Alternative Careers for Biology Graduates

With all this in mind, below are four rewarding career options you might consider if you have a background in biology:

1. Business and Industry Roles

Biologists can consider a surprising range of business positions throughout their careers. These business and industry roles allow people with a background in biology to combine their expertise with their business acumen.

A few of the leading business and industry biology jobs include:

• Toxicologist – According to the Society of Toxicology, toxicologists are scientists who study the toxic response of particular substances. They may work in a wide variety of settings, such as pharmaceutical companies, chemistry organizations, research foundations, governmental agencies, and academia. Some toxicologists work as consultants, giving them more flexibility as they pursue their career goals.
• Clinical Research Specialist – Clinical research specialists work in the healthcare industry to oversee the development and implementation of clinical trials. They rely heavily on their science background in order to create objective clinical trials that will produce accurate results.
• Sales or Marketing Manager – Pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device companies are often seeking sales managers who have an advanced understanding of science. A science background allows sales and marketing managers to better promote pharmaceutical products and their benefits to healthcare organizations and physicians. It also helps with training personnel and researchers on how to use specialized equipment.

2. Environmental and Sustainability Careers

Biology graduates looking to align their careers with their personal passions may be interested in pursuing environmental or sustainability job opportunities, such as:

• Environmental Consultant – These consultants are hired by organizations to learn more about their impact on the environment and develop a strategy to reduce potential harm. Environmental consultants are often able to specialize in niche areas and personalize their career paths.
• Environmental Data Scientist – Environmental data scientists collect and analyze data related to the environmental impact of a particular organization. They uncover patterns embedded in the data and provide actionable insights to stakeholders that allow them to improve environmental initiatives within the company.
• Wildlife or Conservation Biologist – These scientists work to protect and preserve wild animals and their natural habitats. They work at national parks, aquariums, zoos, nonprofit organizations, or the government. They can conduct fieldwork and research and often recommend conservation policies and plans based on their findings.

3. Education and Public Outreach

Through communicating and engaging with the public, biologists can share their expertise and raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity, sustainability, medical research, etc. These are some of the nontraditional roles in education and public outreach biology graduates can consider:

• Teacher – According to the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence, there is a significant demand for elementary, middle, and high school teachers with a background in science. Those with a degree in biology and a passion for working with young people may find teaching to be a rewarding career.
• Science Communicator – These specialists write or create scientific content for organizations or institutions. Their deep knowledge of science helps them accurately and credibly explain complex topics. Their experience with research and data analysis improves their ability to summarize scientific information. In addition, companies hire scientists to create informational materials, explain research findings, write articles for the general public, etc.
• Community Outreach Coordinator – Community outreach coordinators commonly work at nonprofit organizations or government agencies, serving as a bridge between the organization and the community it serves. Those with a background in biology may find fulfilling work at science-based nonprofits where they can help develop programs and initiatives that get the community involved in the organization's mission.

4. Government and Policy Roles

Government and policy positions allow biology graduates to pursue exciting opportunities where they can have a direct impact on the world around them. Examples of government and policy biology jobs include:

• Forensic Analyst – Forensic analysts combine their scientific skills with their passion for the criminal justice system. They collect and analyze biological evidence from crime scenes to aid in investigations and preserve evidence that may be admissible in court.
• Program Coordinator – Program coordinators often work for government agencies or nonprofit organizations in order to create programs that raise awareness about biology, conservation, biodiversity, or sustainability.
• Environmental Policy Analysts – Partnering with legislators and government leaders, environmental policy analysts can offer insight into the latest data and research findings. The information they provide is frequently used to shape environmental policy.

How to Transition into a Nontraditional Biology Job

Whether you are just beginning your career in biology or looking to embark on a new career path, transitioning into a nontraditional role is possible. Advancing your education and expanding your skill set will allow you to refine your resume and develop the qualifications needed for the area that you want to pursue.

Skill Development and Certifications

The skills required for alternative careers in biology will vary based on the nature of the position and the job responsibilities. Consider the position that you want to pursue, then create a personalized plan to acquire the skills and industry certifications required. For example, if you want to become a high school biology teacher, you may have to earn a degree in biology as well as a teaching certificate in the state where you want to work. Aside from formally certified competencies, though, nothing is quite as valuable as gaining several years of hands-on experience in roles related to your ideal position.

Networking and Professional Growth

You should also make an effort to expand your network and connect with professionals in the field where you want to work. You will be able to learn about potential job opportunities and connect with prospective mentors. Consider joining professional organizations, attending industry conferences, and engaging with like-minded professionals on social media.

Additional Source

13 Alternative Biology Jobs, Indeed