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What Are the Different Types of Animal Scientist Jobs?

Brindles Macon
Brindles Macon

There are many different types of animal scientist jobs, from scientific researchers to zoologists to animal scientist technicians. Animal scientists collect information on how to feed, shelter, and care for animals. They may also study ways to protect an endangered species or preserve a certain animal. Getting animal scientist jobs begins with the right education, and most colleges and universities offer this type of curriculum for students with an interest in research.

Research jobs make the majority of scientific breakthroughs in animal care possible. Animal scientific research jobs require a great deal of study and work, and involve taking courses in biology, reproduction, and nutrition. Most secondary schools require students to have a degree in agriculture as well. The types of animal research jobs available include biological scientists, dairy nutritionists, and animal behaviorists.

People interested in animal science could work in a laboratory.
People interested in animal science could work in a laboratory.

Zoologists study animals in their natural habitat and in captivity. This form of animal science can include a wide variety of areas of research, such as behavior, species interaction, and reproduction. Some people take jobs in one specific field of zoology; for example, a zoologist may specialize in herpetology, the study of amphibians and reptiles, while another may have interest in fish or ichthyology. Zoologist jobs also include working in wildlife sanctuaries and, of course, zoos.

Animal scientists may study animal aggression.
Animal scientists may study animal aggression.

People who enjoy the technical side of science may choose to pursue technician or technologist jobs; these animal scientist jobs employ people in a laboratory setting or in a veterinary office. Laboratory animal technicians may administer medications, perform tests, help during surgeries, and provide treatments. Like most types of animal scientist jobs, technicians often perform several duties and take on several different roles. Veterinary technologists may perform similar duties, although a technologist usually is required to complete a four-year degree.

Animal scientists may focus on how different species interact with their environment.
Animal scientists may focus on how different species interact with their environment.

Sometimes, animal scientist jobs require tough decisions be made. An animal that cannot be saved due to an untreatable disease, illness, or severe injury must be euthanized. Animal scientists who work in facilities where this is part of the job must be able to put aside the emotional side of his or her work in order to carry out such tasks.

It may not be easy choosing which one of the animal scientist careers to pursue; with a great number of choices open to researchers, biologists, and other similar professionals, the choice can be hard. The first step to making the right choice begins with finding the right education. Most colleges and universities offer associate's and bachelor's degree programs. Programs can take four years or longer, if pursuing a master's degree or higher. Students learn in clinical laboratory settings as well as in external sites.

Discussion Comments

whiteplane

I have always wanted to do the kind of animal research that involves observing the animal in it's natural habitat. One of my all time heroes is Jane Goodall. The work she has done is just incredible and I have so much respect for her methods.

As much as I can I try to pay close attention to the animals that I have access to. There are birds in the backyard that I watch. There are also squirrels. I know that watching squirrels in a backyard is not the same as watching gorillas in the mist but I have to take what I can get.

ZsaZsa56

I work in a veterinarian medicine laboratory developing new prescription drugs for dogs and cats. I am a trained veterinarian and biologist but these days I rarely get to work with animals. I have a dog and cat at home, but they are no where to be found in the laboratory.

Most of my research is done at the molecular level. My lab is filled with microscopes and test tubes but not any animal cages. All of our samples are processed and brought in from different parts of the company. After we have compiled our data we send that off to other divisions of the company. I am a vet who has not given a dog a shot in years.

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    • People interested in animal science could work in a laboratory.
      By: kasto
      People interested in animal science could work in a laboratory.
    • Animal scientists may study animal aggression.
      By: Fotomicar
      Animal scientists may study animal aggression.
    • Animal scientists may focus on how different species interact with their environment.
      By: Sarka
      Animal scientists may focus on how different species interact with their environment.
    • Animal scientists might focus on conservation efforts for endangered animals.
      By: hitdelight
      Animal scientists might focus on conservation efforts for endangered animals.
    • An animal that can not be saved due to an untreatable illness must be euthanized.
      By: Scott Griessel
      An animal that can not be saved due to an untreatable illness must be euthanized.