What does a marine biologist do?
Marine biology is the study of all saltwater-based life forms, including ocean life and also life forms in saltwater lakes, from animals and plants through to microscopic organisms. Marine biologists are scientists that specialise in studying marine life forms and ecosystems.
Marine biologists can specialise in a particular area of marine biology if they want to study a specific species of marine flora or fauna in more detail, or if they want to focus more on the environmental aspects of marine biology and ocean preservation, such as the impact of climate change and human intervention on marine life.
Within their jobs, marine biologists carry out a range of tasks and work in various environments, some of which can be quite unconventional. Some examples of common responsibilities and activities of marine biologists include:
- Observing marine animals, plants, microorganisms or ecosystems
- Data collection and analysing samples in laboratories
- Mapping the behaviour of marine populations
- Promoting marine preservation and sustainability
- Conducting scientific research and writing research papers to publish their findings
- Teaching undergraduate or postgraduate students
- Speaking in conferences and other events to present research findings to the public
- Managerial and administrative work
Whilst marine biology often involves fieldwork, it is likely that a big part of the job will be laboratory work and in many cases also computer work. A marine biologist may work in government agencies, in non-profits working on sustainability and conservation, in research laboratories or in colleges or universities.
Their work often involves some form of teaching, public speaking or scientific writing. Marine biologists also often spend a considerable amount of time lecturing, promoting their scientific findings and advocating for marine conservation.
You can also work with the Marine Biological Association (MBA) and help in their mission to provide a voice for the oceans. Many famous marine biologists are involved in advocating for marine conservation, and it is a rewarding task to take on.
How to become a marine biologist
The first step towards becoming a marine biologist is obtaining your secondary education qualifications, including GCSEs and A levels, or equivalent. Within GCSE or equivalent qualifications, you should study sciences, particularly biology, although chemistry, physics, maths and subjects like IT or geography are also useful.
In A levels or equivalent, biology is the most important subject to take if you would like to become a marine biologist, followed by chemistry. Maths, physics, geography and IT are also useful, but there is more freedom for the remaining subjects provided that you take two sciences, including biology.
There are also options for those who don’t want to take A levels, or for those who have already completed them but did not take science. Some colleges, for example City College Plymouth, run access courses for higher education in science that are designed for mature students, or BTEC courses in applied science that allow students to gain more UCAS points to put towards their university applications.
In terms of higher education, a science-focused university course is essential to work in marine biology. Whilst your undergraduate degree doesn’t need to be in marine biology specifically, it should be a relevant science which then allows for the progression to postgraduate education, whether it be a master’s degree or a PhD focused on marine biology.
There are some positions within the field of marine biology that you can enter without a degree. These would be posts such as marine biology laboratory technician, seagoing technician and other scientific support roles.
As with most science-based jobs, there are hard and soft skills and requirements employers will look for when you are applying for jobs. These include, but are not limited to:
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving skills and interpersonal communication skills
- Communication skills for writing scientific papers and reporting findings
- Teamworking skills, whether applied in a lab or in the field
- Practical skills like first aid, diving or boat operating
- Flexibility with time and location of work
- Sufficient education and experience levels
Due to the competitive nature of marine biology as a field of study and work it is very useful to obtain some work experience relevant to marine biology before applying for jobs. It is recommended to attend conferences and courses such as diving courses or boat driving courses.
It is also possible to join research projects or work in a lab during your university degree. You can also obtain some fieldwork experience by joining local wildlife trusts or charities, ocean clean-up organisations or sanctuaries.
How long does it take to become a marine biologist
Depending on what route you choose to take, becoming a fully qualified marine biologist may take between three and seven years. An undergraduate degree can be three or four years depending on where it is completed, and further postgraduate education lasts anywhere from a year if you do a master’s degree, to three to five years if you opt for a PhD (although many marine biologists opt to take a PhD later on in their careers).
If you enter the field without any higher education, it is likely that it will take several years to climb up the ladder and expand your experience and education to become a qualified marine biologist.
A day in the life of a marine biologist
A day in the life of a marine biologist can vary depending on their area of work. Fieldwork tends to be less structured and the weekly hours vary based on the project and other factors, like weather conditions. On the other hand, in a lab environment and in government organisations or educational institutions the working hours are often more structured.
Short-term contracts are not uncommon in marine biology, particularly in research jobs where the contracts are often 12 to 24 months. It is also possible to work part-time, depending on the employer and type of work.
Marine biologists often have to travel for their work, whether that is because of conferences or research commitments abroad, or because of fieldwork. It is therefore important to be flexible and adapt to changes in location, working hours and working conditions.
Particularly in fieldwork, the conditions aren’t always comfortable and you may be working at sea in difficult weather conditions, or in locations where the accommodation facilities are very minimal. However, although not always comfortable, marine biology is an interesting and rewarding field with many career options and opportunities for growth and development.
Marine biologist: Career options
There are several career options you can take after completing education in marine biology. These all involve different types of work and offer varied work environments. Some examples of jobs you could do with education in marine biology include:
- Marine ecologist
- Marine conservationist
- Dive operations manager
- Marine technician
- Marine environmental consultant
- Wildlife biologist
- Oceanographer
- Marine veterinarian
- Postdoctoral fellow in marine biology
The job description within these roles can vary too, from more practical to more managerial work, depending on your employer and the path you choose.
Salary: How much does a marine biologist earn in the UK and the US?
In the UK, entry-level salaries start at £12,000 and can go up to £30,000 for consultancy work. More experienced marine biologists can earn anywhere between £26,000 and £35,000 a year for PhD level positions, or up to £45,000 a year in postdoctoral research. The salaries for positions such as high-level researchers or university deans can even reach around £90,000 and £120,000 a year, respectively.
In the US, marine biologists can earn between $33,000 and $100,000 a year as a base salary, with additional bonuses dependent on the employer. You can also earn commissions in some marine biology job positions, which will add to the salary.
Resources
- Ahmed, Z. Marine Insight. How to become a marine biologist: requirements and necessities. Published Jul 2022. Available from: https://www.marineinsight.com/careers-2/how-to-become-a-marine-biologist-requirements-and-necessities/#Different_Career_Options_After_Pursuing_Marine_Biology
- Prospects. Job profile – Marine biologist. Available from: https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/marine-biologist
- National Marine Aquarium. So you want to be a marine biologist? Available from: https://www.national-aquarium.co.uk/learning-at-the-aquarium/marine-biologist/
- Conservation careers. How to become a marine biologist? Available from: https://www.conservation-careers.com/how-to-become-a-marine-biologist/#What_is_the_job_demand_for_marine_biologists
- Environmental Science. What is a marine biologist? Available from: https://www.environmentalscience.org/career/marine-biologist
- Ghani, S. Indeed. What is a marine biologist? Published Jul 2023. Available from: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/what-is-a-marine-biologist
