Science communicator

Science communicators communicate science to the general public. They need to make scientific research understandable to people who may not have a background or career in science. Science communicators can be a science journalists or work in a university press office promoting the scientific research carried out by academics. They may deliver science shows or organise events at science festivals, schools or science centres or design and make interactive exhibits for science centres.

Attributes: creative, curious, logical

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Poultry scientist

Poultry scientists use biology and chemistry to improve and manage the production and management of poultry for human consumption. They research the growth, development, physiology, genetics, nutrition, behaviour, and breeding of domesticated birds. They often work in laboratories but some poultry scientists work directly with flocks. They design feeding programs and new poultry products. They may assess individual birds to determine if they are fit for market and when diseases arise, they work with veterinarians to resolve issues and preserve the flock.

Attributes: organised, creative and committed

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Neuroscientist

Neuroscientists research and explore the brain, spinal cord and nervous system and develop treatments for a range of neurological issues. These include studying the brain’s role in mental illnesses such as depression or schizophrenia, the impact of trauma such as a stroke or head injury on the brain, or the diagnosis and treatment of diseases such as epilepsy, motor neuron disease or Alzheimer’s disease.

Attributes: imaginative, patient and curious

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Meta researcher

Meta researchers study research itself. They study research methods, reporting, reproducibility, evaluation, and incentives. They ensure, promote, and defend robust science, free from biases. They ensure all results from scientific investigations are evidence based.

Attributes: curious, patient, resilient

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Epigeneticsics research assistant

Epigenetics is the study of how experiences and environment can affect how genes are expressed and whether they release the information they carry. The main role of an epigenetics research assistant is to provide technical assistance in carrying out various research projects in epigenetics. This can include designing experiments, collecting data, preparing samples and maintaining equipment.

Attributes: collaborative, organised, hard-working

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Biotechnologist

Biotechnologists study the genetic, chemical and physical properties of cells, tissues and organisms, and discover ways to use this knowledge. They may work in the food industry and make enzymes and preservatives to use in food and drink. They may work in agriculture and genetically modify crops to improve yields. They may work in the medical industry and create new drugs and treatments. They may even work to improve the environment by converting plants into biofuels.

Attributes: observant, curious and imaginative

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Immunologist

An immunologist studies the immune system which protects the human body from infection and disease such as autoimmunity, allergies and cancer. They can work in a laboratory focusing on research or on the diagnosis and management of autoimmune diseases and allergies. A new area of research for immunologists is the contributions of immune responses to the development of metabolic, cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s.

Attributes: observant, imaginative, communicator

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Biological Anthropologist

Biological anthropologists make comparisons between humans and other animals in order to understand human uniqueness. They compare species across time to unravel the evolutionary history of humans over the last 5 million years. They investigate variation in human development and health, exploring the differences in humans today and in the past.

Attributes: resilient, hard-working, patient

 

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Palaeoanthropologist

Palaeoanthropologists study the origins and development of early humans using fossil remains. They use biological evidence such as fossilised skeletal remains, bone fragments and footprints alongside cultural artefacts such as stone tools which were made by early humans to discover how the human species developed and evolved.

Attributes: patient, passionate, committed

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Geneticist

Geneticists study genes and the science of inherited traits passed down through generations. They study living organisms, from human beings and animals to crops and bacteria. Research is a major part of a geneticist’s job. They conduct experiments to determine the origins of particular inherited traits, such as medical conditions and seek and use this information to adjust genetic material to modify existing traits and create new ones.

Attributes: observant, creative, curious

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