Duties and Tasks

Botanists may perform the following tasks:

• investigate the effects of environmental factors such as rainfall, temperature, sunlight, soil, topography (place) and disease on plant growth
• grow plants under controlled conditions to assess the significance of environmental and genetic variables
• study the genetics of plants using biochemical and molecular techniques in the laboratory in order to determine the patterns of plant evolution
• study the nature and occurrence of plant chromosomes, cells and tissues
• prepare scientific reports and papers
• supervise and coordinate the work of technical support staff
• work with other scientists to develop drugs, medicines and other products from plants
• search for and classify new species of plants and identify plant specimens
• prepare handbooks for plant identification
• use computers for information/data storage and for analysis of data.

Specialisations

Marine Botanist
Plant Ecologist
Plant Physiologist
Plant Taxonomist
Plant Pathologist

Work Conditions

Botanists work in laboratories, offices and in the field, alone or with other life scientists. They may work irregular hours and live in remote areas when carrying out research.

Botanists may carry out fieldwork to collect and document plant species and numbers in particular areas, so that after mining has taken place the natural environment can be restored. They may be approached to advise on environmental and management issues and possible courses of action.

Personal Requirements

• interested in plants and research
• analytical skills
• aptitude for working with computers
• patience
• enjoy working outdoors
• able to work independently or as part of a team.

Related Industries

Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (Except Computer System Design and Related Services)

Labour Market

Information

Australian JobOutlook for Life Scientists

Vacancies

Australian JobSearch for Life Scientists (ALL AUSTRALIA)
Work Opportunities websites

Related Jobs

Life Scientist