Academic

Teaching positions are available for biologists with an M.S. degree at two year and some smaller four year institutions.  More frequently higher education institutions require a Ph.D.

With a Ph.D. you can get teaching positions at smaller four year institutions and small liberal arts colleges.  If you want a teaching position, then it is important to seek out opportunities to teach while you work on your Ph.D.

Positions at larger research institutions require postdoctoral experience. Postdoctoral fellowships are available at academic institutions and at a government agencies such as the National Institute of Health.  Then, you can setup and run your own lab at a major research university.

Chronicle of Higher Education

Biotechnology

With an M.S. you can work as a technician in industry.  After getting lab experience, it may be possible to move into an administrative position. 

With a Ph.D., you generally work as a postdoc to acquire additional and specific experience before leading a group of scientists.

Atlanta Biotech Companies

Government agencies

The government operates similarly to industry. Technician positions are available with a master's degree.  Scientists more often get postdoctoral positions before getting their own lab. run your own lab.  You can work for the  (center for disease control), (national institutes of health), (federal drug administration)  (department of defense), (naval medical research institute), (uniformed services university health services) as well as many others.

Center for Disease Control (CDC)

National Institute of Health (NIH)

Federal Drug Administration (FDA)

Department of Defense (DOD)

Naval Medical Research Institute (NMRI)

Uniformed Services University Health Services

Career Links

Science Next Wave has a wealth of information for young and aspiring scientists and scientists early in their career.

New Scientist is a UK science magazine that has accessible information on all the sciences and has a career site.

Biographies of Scientists

Toni Pollin Assistant Professor of Medicine
Academic researcher in human genetics