Science
Nature of the Industry
The research and development industry drives future products and processes. The workers in this industry may be involved in tagging DNA, curing cancer, or predicting economic patterns. While some employees lead such projects, others are involved with assisting lead scientists in technical capacities such as equipment maintenance and data collection and calculation. These workers are science technicians. Science career jobs fall into eight fields of specialty: agriculture, biology, chemistry, environment, forensics, forestry, geology and petroleum, and nuclear radiation. Technicians who labor in the fields of agriculture, biology, environment, forensics, and forestry work in the life sciences; they perform research, testing, and development in areas such as food production, disease, pollution, criminal investigation, and natural landscapes. Technicians who labor in the fields of geology, petroleum, and nuclear radiation work in the fields of physical and Earth science; they perform research, testing, and development in areas such as oil and gas exploration and radioactivity. Technicians who labor in the field of chemistry work in chemical science; they perform research, testing, and development in areas such as manufacturing and laboratory experimentation. Overall, forecasters expect science jobs to increase at a moderate rate during the next several years. Prospects are good for candidates who work in the fields of biology, environmental science, and forensics. Job growth may be due to expansion in the fields of medical research and biotechnology.
Types of Jobs
Science jobs include the following: agricultural technicians, biological technicians, biotechnology specialists, chemical technicians, clinical laboratory technicians, diagnostic medical sonographers, environmental science technicians, forensic science technicians, forestry technicians, geological and petroleum technicians, nuclear technicians, research and development specialists, and science technicians.
Training and Education
To obtain a science job, a person must possess skills in the following areas: science, mathematics, communication, technology, and research. In addition to job-related experience, technicians must have associate's or bachelor's degrees in complementary fields such as biology, forensics, or chemistry. Candidates may also gain experience through internship programs.