Marine Biology covers a vast deal of subjects under it and as a marine biologist and researcher you will have to pick one of them according to your interest. The work required hereafter is extensive research. Marine biologists usually work in labs that are located in vicinities off seashores conducting various tests in controlled conditions and using a wide variety of equipment. They are required to record data, run experiments, conduct tests, and compile observations. Many researchers may even be required to work outdoors close to marine species in a research vessel. Only then they are able to study marine organisms under natural conditions. Many dive down in the deep waters frequently to observe the species that they are studying about.
Molecular biology is a very prospective field of study that many marine biologists opt for. This is an extremely specialized study of biochemical processes that takes place within the living cells. The work hours for a marine scientist are usually forty hours per week, though long hours and working at odd hours is not uncommon depending on the pressure of meeting deadlines or due to the extension of certain ongoing research and projects.
The basic academic requirement for a marine biologist is a Ph.D. in any area of aqua biology or oceanography to work as a researcher. A master's degree will work for applied research, teaching posts at secondary level, simple assessments, and product developments. A Bachelor's degree in life sciences is just good enough to work as a laboratory assistant, be a teacher in school or maybe as a sales representative of related products. There are reputed universities and colleges across the United States to attend such programs.
Studying science subjects such as computers, mathematics, physics, and engineering along with biological sciences at the undergraduate level helps immensely while working in the laboratory and in simulation tasks later.
To be a researcher in Marine Biology one should have an extensive knowledge in subjects like chemical oceanography, physical oceanography, and geological oceanography beside Marine Biology. These equip them with a wholesome picture while conducting the research. They should be able to work both independently or in a team. They should possess good communication as well as interpersonal skills to be able to keep pace with fellow researchers. They need to be disciplined and patient to conduct long, thorough, and comprehensive research. Good physical and mental health is required as they often have to work outdoors or dive in water to observe and study the species. If you aspire to move ahead in management or administrative positions, you must have sound knowledge of business and marketing management in the relevant field. Know-how about writing proposals for grants and handling the whole process is a necessity. Knowledge of maintaining reports, using equipment in the laboratory, and training in computers is also required.
It is always useful to have a certain amount of years of work experience even after attaining a doctoral degree under senior researchers to be able to teach in a university, conduct independent research, or industrial research, and for advancements to administration posts. A prior experience will promote you to the position of a senior researcher that will enable you to lead a team of researchers, scientist, and technicians on a particular project.
There are good openings for researchers in marine biology in the industrial sector, colleges, and universities. Many work in the federal government too. The growth in marine science jobs in the last decade was fairly good. Analysts predict a growth of eight percent in the current decade.
A job as a researcher in marine sciences can fetch you about fifty two thousand dollars at the beginning of your career. The top researchers in Marine Biology earn up to one hundred thousand dollars or more. An associate teacher of marine biology earns up to sixty thousand dollars while a lecturer earns about ninety thousand dollars.
Marine biology is an extremely specialized field. It has attracted many brilliant and diligent scholars over the years to study the mysterious world of seas and oceans. If you have an inquisitive mind about marine species this is the career for you.