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Marine Biologist

Marine Biologist Image

Marine biologists study marine plants, animals and other organisms, both vertebrate and invertebrate, in deep oceans and shallow seas and in the laboratory. They are also called marine scientists.

The Work

You could be:

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:

Entry level salaries for marine biologists are usually in the range of £18,500 to £24,000. Typical salaries for those with a PhD is between £26,000 and £35,000. Some marine laboratories and research organisations pay marine biologists on university lecturer scales (£28,000 to £45,000 a year).

Very senior staff can earn more than £50,000. Other employers pay different rates and salaries may vary.

Conditions

You would probably work both in a laboratory and at sea.

In the laboratory:

At sea:

Workforce Employment Status

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Useful Subjects

Getting In

You could work in research, resource management, conservation and education, with a marine research laboratory run by a government department or by a private company. You could also work in a university, with an environmental or conservation body, in fisheries or in fish farming. Some posts may be short term contracts.

Workforce Education Levels (UK)

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Job Outlook Scotland

Employment

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Job Outlook Scotland and UK

  Scotland
2024
3914
3.5 %
RISE
2029
4051
  United Kingdom
2024
45630
4.8 %
RISE
2029
47823

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What Does it Take?

You need to be:

You should have:

Training

Getting On

More Information

The IntoBiology website is a good source of information on what you can do with a career in biology and includes videos, projects and study skills.

Video

Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.

Marine Biological Association (MBA)
Tel: 01752 426493
E-mail: info@mba.ac.uk
Website: http://www.mba.ac.uk/
Twitter: @thembauk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/MarineBiologicalAssociation

National Oceanography Centre
Tel: 023 8059 6666
Website: http://www.noc.ac.uk
Twitter: @NOCnews
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NationalOceanographyCentre

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