Virologist

Virology is the study of viral infections, such as rubella, herpes, hepatitis and HIV. Virologists specialise in the identification and characterisation of viruses that cause infection. Virologists may screen populations at risk of specific diseases or investigate how diseases have spread through the environment. Virologists may have research interests such as sterilisation and disinfection, the design and maintenance of operating theatres and other clinical areas, cleaning and waste disposal or food preparation and hygiene.

Attributes: logical, curious and patient

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Software engineer

Software engineers create, maintain, audit and improve systems to meet particular needs. They test hardware and software systems to diagnose and resolve system faults. Software engineers also write diagnostic programs and write code for operating systems and software.

Attributes: logical, patient, communicator

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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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Polar scientist

Polar science helps to inform the sustainable use of resources and to protect the planet. It includes many different types of research in the polar regions. Glaciologists study the ice in the polar regions. Space physicists study how space interacts with the upper atmosphere using lasers. Atmospheric scientists look for pollution, ozone and other changes to the atmosphere. Marine or terrestrial biologists study life in the polar regions, while oceanographers study the seas and oceans. Geologists study the rocks and sediments in the polar regions to understand the climate in the past. Meteorologists study the links between the polar atmosphere and changes in global weather.

Attributes: passionate, creative and open-minded.

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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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Machine learning engineer

Machine learning engineers combine software engineering and data analysis to create programmes and algorithms that enable machines to take actions without being directed. They provide computers with the ability to learn automatically and improve from experience, without being programmed.

Attributes: imaginative, curious, communicator

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Forensic genetics researcher

Forensic genetics researchers work with DNA. They work in medical or crime laboratories using genetic samples to help identify crime victims, perpetrators or family relationships. Forensic genetics researchers develop and use new methods to help analyse crime scene evidence.

Attributes: observant, self-motivated and hard-working

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Earth scientist

Earth scientists study the features of the Earth now and the evolution of the Earth in the past. They use this knowledge to help and sustain our planet for the future. They study the solid surface of the Earth and the ground beneath the surface (geologic science), the waters of the Earth (hydrologic science) and the air surrounding the Earth (atmospheric science).

Attributes: logical, imaginative and organised

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