Life, Physical & Social Sciences

Find Employers with Life, Physical & Social Sciences Occupations

Types of occupations for this career path:

Agricultural and Food Science Technicians: Work with agricultural scientists in food, fiber, and animal research, production, and processing; assist with animal breeding and nutrition work; under supervision, conduct tests and experiments to improve yield and quality of crops or to increase the resistance of plants and animals to disease or insects. Include technicians who assist food scientists or food technologists in the research, development, production technology, quality control, packaging, processing, and use of foods.
Important Abilities & Skills: Oral comprehension; oral expression; written expression; reading comprehension; speaking; writing; complex problem solving; coordination; judgment and decision making; English language; mathematics; biology
Training Programs: Animal/livestock husbandry and production; crop production; animal sciences; agricultural animal breeding; animal nutrition; dairy science; food science; agronomy and crop science

Animal Scientists: Conduct research in the genetics, nutrition, reproduction, growth, and development of domestic farm animals.
Important Abilities & Skills: Written comprehension; oral expression; oral comprehension; reading comprehension; science; active listening; complex problem solving; judgment and decision making; system analysis; biology; English language; food production
Training Programs: Agriculture, ; animal sciences; agricultural animal breeding; animal health; animal nutrition; dairy science; range science and management

Anthropologists and Archeologists: Study the origin, development, and behavior of humans. May study the way of life, language, or physical characteristics of existing people in various parts of the world. May engage in systematic recovery and examination of material evidence, such as tools or pottery remaining from past human cultures, in order to determine the history, customs, and living habits of earlier civilizations.
Important Abilities & Skills: Inductive reasoning; written comprehension; oral comprehension; science; speaking; reading comprehension; complex problem solving; judgment and decision making; social perceptiveness; sociology and anthropology; history and archeology; English language
Training Programs: Anthropology; physical anthropology; archeology

Astronomers: Observe, research, and interpret celestial and astronomical phenomena to increase basic knowledge and apply such information to practical problems.
Important Abilities & Skills: Written comprehension; inductive reasoning; written expression; reading comprehension; science; active learning; complex problem solving; judgment and decision making; coordination; physics; mathematics; English language
Training Programs: Astronomy, astrophysics; planetary astronomy and science

Atmospheric and Space Scientists: Investigate atmospheric phenomena and interpret meteorological data gathered by surface and air stations, satellites, and radar to prepare reports and forecasts for public and other uses. Include weather analysts and forecasters whose functions require the detailed knowledge of a meteorologist.
Important Abilities & Skills: Oral expression; written comprehension; deductive reasoning; critical thinking; science; reading comprehension; complex problem solving; judgment and decision making; time management; geography; physics; English language
Training Programs: Atmospheric sciences and meteorology; atmospheric chemistry and climatology; atmospheric physics and dynamics; meteorology

Biological Technicians: Assist biological and medical scientists in laboratories. Set up, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment, monitor experiments, make observations, and calculate and record results. May analyze organic substances, such as blood, food, and drugs.
Important Abilities & Skills: Near vision; inductive reasoning; information ordering; reading comprehension; active listening; science; complex problem solving; judgment and decision making; systems analysis; biology; chemistry; mathematics
Training Programs: Biology technician/biotechnology laboratory technician

Biochemists and Biophysicists: Study the chemical composition and physical principles of living cells and organisms, their electrical and mechanical energy, and related phenomena. May conduct research to further understanding of the complex chemical combinations and reactions involved in metabolism, reproduction, growth, and heredity. May determine the effects of foods, drugs, serums, hormones, and other substances on tissues and vital processes of living organisms.
Important Abilities & Skills: Written expression; inductive reasoning; information ordering; science; critical thinking; writing; judgment and decision making; systems analysis; complex problem solving; biology; chemistry; engineering and technology
Training Programs: Biochemistry; biochemistry/biophysics and molecular biology; soil chemistry and physics; soil microbiology; biophysics; molecular biochemistry; molecular biophysics; cell/cellular biology and anatomical sciences

Chemists: Conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analysis or chemical experiments in laboratories for quality or process control or to develop new products or knowledge.
Important Abilities & Skills: Oral comprehension; written comprehension; inductive reasoning; science; reading comprehension; active listening; complex problem solving; judgment and decision making; time management; chemistry; mathematics; English language
Training Programs: Chemistry; analytical chemistry; inorganic chemistry; organic chemistry; physical and theoretical chemistry; polymer chemistry; chemical physics               

Chemical Technicians: Conduct chemical and physical laboratory tests to assist scientists in making qualitative and quantitative analysis of solids, liquids, and gaseous materials for purposes, such as research and development of new products or processes, quality control, maintenance of environmental standards, and other work involving experimental, theoretical, or practical application of chemistry and related sciences.
Important Abilities & Skills: Written comprehension; near vision; deductive reasoning; science; reading comprehension; writing; quality control analysis; time management; complex problem solving; chemistry; English language; computers and electronics
Training Programs: Food science; chemical technology

Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists: Diagnose and treat mental disorders; learning disabilities; and cognitive, behavioral, and emotional problems using individual, child, family, and group therapies. May design and implement behavior modification programs.
Important Abilities & Skills: Oral comprehension; oral expression; problem sensitivity; active listening; speaking; critical thinking; social perceptiveness; judgment and decision making; complex problem solving; therapy and counseling; psychology; English language
Training Programs: Psychology; clinical psychology; counseling psychology; developmental and child psychology; school psychology; clinical child psychology; psychoanalysis and psychotherapy

Conservation Scientists: Manage, improve, and protect natural resources to maximize their use without damaging the environment. May conduct soil surveys and develop plans to eliminate soil erosion or to protect rangelands from fire and rodent damage. May instruct farmers, agricultural production managers, or ranchers in best ways to use crop rotation, contour plowing, or terracing to conserve soil and water; in the number and kind of livestock and forage plants best suited to particular ranges; and in range and farm improvements, such as fencing and reservoirs for stock watering.
Important Abilities & Skills: Oral expression; oral comprehension; problem sensitivity; active listening; speaking; critical thinking; judgment and decision making; social perceptiveness; complex problem solving; biology; customer and personal service; English language
Training Programs: Natural resources/conservation; natural resources management and policy; water, wetlands, and marine resources management; land use planning and management/development; forestry; forest sciences and biology; forest management/forest resources management; wildlife and wetlands science and management

Economists: Conduct research, prepare reports, or formulate plans to aid in solution of economic problems arising from production and distribution of goods and services. May collect and process economic and statistical data using econometric and sampling techniques.
Important Abilities & Skills: Oral expression; written expression; oral comprehension; reading comprehension; speaking; active listening; complex problem solving; judgment and decision making; systems analysis; English language; economics and accounting; mathematics
Training Programs: Economics; agricultural economics; applied economics; econometrics and quantitative economics; development economics and international development; international economics; economics; business/managerial economics

Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health: Performs laboratory and field tests to monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution, including those that affect health. Under direction of an environmental scientist or specialist, may collect samples of gases, soil, water, and other materials for testing and take corrective actions as assigned.
Important Abilities & Skills: Written comprehension; oral expression; written expression; reading comprehension; active listening; writing; judgment and decision making; time management; operation monitoring; chemistry; computers and electronics; public safety and security
Training Programs: Environmental studies; environmental science; physical science technologies; science technologies

Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health: Conduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or the health of the population. Utilizing knowledge of various scientific disciplines may collect, synthesize, study, report, and take action based on data derived from measurements or observations of air, food, soil, water, and other sources.
Important Abilities & Skills: Inductive reasoning; written comprehension; deductive reasoning; science; critical thinking; reading comprehension; coordination; complex problem solving; judgment and decision making; English language; chemistry; mathematics
Training Programs: Environmental studies; environmental science

Epidemiologists: Investigate and describe the determinants and distribution of disease, disability, and other health outcomes and develop the means for prevention and control.
Important Abilities & Skills: Problem sensitivity; oral comprehension; written comprehension; science; reading comprehension; speaking; complex problem solving;  judgment and decision making; social perceptiveness; mathematics; English language; biology
Training Programs: Cell/cellular biology and histology; epidemiology; medical scientist (MS, PhD)

Food Scientists and Technologists: Use chemistry, microbiology, engineering, and other sciences to study the principles underlying the processing and deterioration of foods; analyze food content to determine levels of vitamins, fat, sugar, and protein; discover new food sources; research ways to make processed foods safe, palatable, and healthful; and apply food science knowledge to determine best ways to process, package, preserve, store, and distribute food.
Important Abilities & Skills: Oral comprehension; written comprehension; problem sensitivity; reading comprehension; active listening; writing; complex problem solving; judgment and decision making; systems analysis; production and processing; chemistry; food production
Training Programs: Agriculture; international agriculture; food science; food technology and processing

Forensic Science Technicians: Collect, identify, classify, and analyze physical evidence related to criminal investigations. Perform tests on weapons or substances, such as fiber, hair, and tissue to determine significance to investigation. May testify as expert witnesses on evidence or crime laboratory techniques. May serve as specialists in area of expertise, such as ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, or biochemistry.
Important Abilities & Skills: Flexibility of closure; inductive reasoning; deductive reasoning; writing; critical thinking; speaking; complex problem solving; social perceptiveness; coordination; English language; law and government; customer and personal service
Training Programs: Forensic science and technology

Forest and Conservation Technicians: Compile data pertaining to size, content, condition, and other characteristics of forest tracts, under direction of foresters; train and lead forest workers in forest propagation, fire prevention and suppression. May assist conservation scientists in managing, improving, and protecting rangelands and wildlife habitats, and help provide technical assistance regarding the conservation of soil, water, and related natural resources.
Important Abilities & Skills: Deductive reasoning; oral comprehension; near vision; critical thinking; active listening; reading comprehension; judgment and decision making; social perceptiveness; coordination; mathematics; geography; biology
Training Programs: Natural resources/conservation; natural resources management and policy; forestry; forest sciences and biology; forest management; urban forestry; wood science and wood products/pulp and paper technology; forest resources production and management

Foresters: Manage forested lands for economic, recreational, and conservation purposes. May inventory the type, amount, and location of standing timber, appraise the timber’s worth, negotiate the purchase, and draw up contracts for procurement. May determine how to conserve wildlife habitats, creek beds, water quality, and soil stability, and how best to comply with environmental regulations. May devise plans for planting and growing new trees, monitor trees for healthy growth, and determine the best time for harvesting. Develop forest management plans for public and privately-owned forested lands.
Important Abilities & Skills: Oral expression; deductive reasoning; problem sensitivity; monitoring; speaking; critical thinking; coordination; complex problem solving; judgment and decision making; biology; English language; mathematics
Training Programs: Natural resources/conservation; natural resources management and policy; forestry; forest sciences and biology; forest management/forest resources management; urban forestry; wood science and wood products/pulp and paper technology; forest resources production and management

Geological and Petroleum Technicians: Assist scientists in the use of electrical, sonic, or nuclear measuring instruments in both laboratory and production activities to obtain data indicating potential sources of metallic ore, gas, or petroleum. Analyze mud and drill cuttings. Chart pressure, temperature, and other characteristics of wells or bore holes. Investigate and collect information leading to the possible discovery of new oil fields.
Important Abilities & Skills: Written comprehension; oral comprehension; information ordering; reading comprehension; critical thinking; active listening; time management; judgment and decision making; complex problem solving; mathematics; computers and electronics; engineering and technology
Training Programs: Petroleum technology

Geographers: Study nature and use of areas of earth’s surface, relating and interpreting interactions of physical and cultural phenomena. Conduct research on physical aspects of a region, including land forms, climates, soils, plants and animals, and conduct research on the spatial implications of human activities within a given area, including social characteristics, economic activities, and political organization, as well as researching interdependence between regions at scales ranging from local to global.
Important Abilities & Skills: Written expression; oral expression; inductive reasoning; writing; reading comprehension; active listening; judgment and decision making; complex problem solving; systems analysis; geography; English language; computers and electronics
Training Programs: Geography

Geoscientists, expect hydrologists and Geographers: Study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the earth. May use geological, physics, and mathematics knowledge in exploration for oil, gas, minerals, or underground water; or in waste disposal, land reclamation, or other environmental problems. May study the earth’s internal composition, atmospheres, oceans, and its magnetic, electrical, and gravitational forces. Include mineralogists, crystallographers, paleontologists, stratigraphers, geodesists, and seismologists.
Important Abilities & Skills: Written comprehension; oral expression; written expression; reading comprehension; science; active listening; complex problem solving; judgment and decision making; time management; engineering and technology; geography; computers and electronics
Training Programs: Geology/earth science; geochemistry; geophysics and seismology; paleontology; geochemistry and petrology; oceanography, chemical and physical; geological and earth sciences/geosciences

Historians: Research, analyze, record, and interpret the past as recorded in sources, such as government and institutional records, newspapers and other periodicals, photographs, interviews, films, and unpublished manuscripts, such as personal diaries and letters.
Important Abilities & Skills: Written comprehension; written expression; oral expression; reading comprehension; writing; speaking; social perceptiveness; instructing; coordination; English language; computers and electronics; history and archaeology
Training Programs: Classical, ancient Mediterranean and near Eastern studies and archaeology; history; architectural history and criticism; historic preservation and conservation; cultural resource management and policy analysis; medieval and Renaissance studies; Holocaust and related studies; ancient studies/civilization; American history; European history; history and philosophy of science and technology; Asian history; Canadian history

Hydrologists: Research the distribution, circulation, and physical properties of underground and surface waters; study the form and intensity of precipitation, its rate of infiltration into the soil, movement through the earth, and its return to the ocean and atmosphere.
Important Abilities & Skills: Written comprehension; written expression; mathematical reasoning; critical thinking; science; reading comprehension; complex problem solving; judgment and decision making; systems analysis; mathematics; English language; physics
Training Programs: Geology/earth science; hydrology and water resources science; oceanography, chemical and physical

Industrial-Organizational Psychologists: Apply principles of psychology to personnel, administration, management, sales, and marketing problems. Activities may include policy planning; employee screening, training and development; and organizational development and analysis. May work with management to reorganize the work setting to improve worker productivity.
Important Abilities & Skills: Oral comprehension; written comprehension; oral expression; active listening; critical thinking; reading comprehension; complex problem solving; judgment and decision making; systems evaluation; psychology; personnel and human resources; English language
Training Programs: Psychology; industrial and organizational psychology

Nuclear Technicians: Assist scientists in both laboratory and production activities by performing technical tasks involving nuclear physics, primarily in operation, maintenance, production, and quality control support activities.
Important Abilities & Skills: Problem sensitivity; near vision; oral comprehension; monitoring; critical thinking; active listening; operation monitoring; operation and control; complex problem solving; physics; public safety and security; mathematics
Training Programs: Nuclear engineering technology; industrial radiologic technology; nuclear/nuclear power technology; nuclear and industrial radiologic technologies; radiation protection/health physics technician

Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists: Conduct research dealing with the understanding of human diseases and the improvement of human health. Engage in clinical investigation or other research, production, technical writing, or related activities. Include medical scientists such as physicians, dentists, public health specialists, pharmacologists, and medical pathologists.
Important Abilities & Skills: Oral comprehension; written comprehension; inductive reasoning; science; critical thinking; reading comprehension; complex problem solving; judgment and decision making; systems analysis; biology; English language; mathematics
Training Programs: Biochemistry; molecular biology; biomedical sciences; biophysics; cell/cellular biology and histology; anatomy; medical microbiology and bacteriology; immunology; human/medical genetics; physiology; molecular physiology; cell physiology; endocrinology; reproductive biology; neurobiology and neurophysiology; cardiovascular science; exercise physiology; vision science/physiological optics; pathology/experimental pathology; oncology and cancer biology; physiology, pathology, and related sciences; pharmacology; molecular pharmacology; neuropharmacology; toxicology; molecular toxicology; environmental toxicology; pharmacology and toxicology; biostatistics; epidemiology; medical scientist (MS, PhD)

Market Research Analysts: Research market conditions in local, regional, or national areas to determine potential sales of a product or service. May gather information on competitors, prices, sales, and methods of marketing and distribution. May use survey results to create a marketing campaign based on regional preferences and buying habits.
Important Abilities & Skills: Written comprehension; written expression; oral expression; reading comprehension; active listening; writing; complex problem solving; judgment and decision making; systems analysis; English language; customer and personal service; administration and management
Training Programs: Economics; applied economics; econometrics and quantitative economics; international economics; business/managerial economics; marketing research

Materials Scientists: Research and study the structures and chemical properties of various natural and manmade materials, including metals, alloys, rubber, ceramics, semiconductors, polymers, and glass. Determine ways to strengthen or combine materials or develop new materials with new or specific properties for use in a variety of products and applications. Include glass scientists, ceramic scientists, metallurgical scientists, and polymer scientists.
Important Abilities & Skills: Oral comprehension; written comprehension; oral expression; science; critical thinking; reading comprehension; complex problem solving; judgment and decision making; operations analysis; chemistry; engineering and technology; English language
Training Programs: Materials science

Microbiologists: Investigate the growth, structure, development, and other characteristics of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, algae, or fungi. Include medical microbiologists who study the relationship between organisms and disease or the effects of antibiotics on microorganisms.
Important Abilities & Skills: Inductive reasoning; written comprehension; information ordering; science; critical thinking; writing; judgment and decision making; complex problem solving; coordination; biology; English language; chemistry
Training Programs: Biochemistry/biophysics and molecular biology; soil microbiology; structural biology; neuroanatomy; cell/cellular biology and anatomical sciences; microbiology

Physicists: Conduct research into the phases of physical phenomena, develop theories and laws on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply laws and theories to industry and other fields.
Important Abilities & Skills: Mathematical reasoning; number faculty; inductive reasoning; science; mathematics; critical thinking; complex problem solving; judgment and decision making; instructing; physics; mathematics; English language
Training Programs: Physics; astrophysics; atomic/molecular physics; elementary and particle physics; plasma and high-temperature physics; nuclear physics; optics/optical sciences; solid state and low-temperature physics; acoustics; theoretical and mathematical physics; health/medical physics

Political Scientists: Study the origin, development, and operation of political systems. Research a wide range of subjects, such as relations between the United States and foreign countries, the beliefs and institutions of foreign nations, or the politics of small towns or a major metropolis. May study topics, such as public opinion, political decision making, and ideology. May analyze the structure and operation of governments, as well as various political entities. May conduct public opinion surveys, analyze election results, or analyze public documents.
Important Abilities & Skills: Written comprehension; oral expression; written expression; reading comprehension; speaking; critical thinking; complex problem solving; social perceptiveness; judgment and decision making; law and government; English language; history and archeology
Training Programs: Political science and government; international/global studies; American government and politics; Canadian government and politics

Social Science Research Assistants: Assist social scientists in laboratory, survey, and other social research. May perform publication activities, laboratory analysis, quality control, or data management. Normally these individuals work under the direct supervision of a social scientist and assist in those activities which are more routine.
Important Abilities & Skills: Oral comprehension; oral expression; written comprehension; reading comprehension; active listening; speaking; complex problem solving; judgment and decision making; time management; English language; customer and personal service; law and government
Training Programs: Social sciences

Sociologists: Study human society and social behavior by examining the groups and social institutions that people form, as well as various social, religious, political, and business organizations. May study the behavior and interaction of groups, trace their origin and growth, and analyze the influence of group activities on individual members.
Important Abilities & Skills: Written comprehension; oral expression; written expression; reading comprehension; speaking; active listening; social perceptiveness; instructing; judgment and decision making; sociology and anthropology; English language; mathematics
Training Programs: Sociology; urban studies/affairs; criminology; demography and population studies

Soil and Plant Scientists: Conduct research in breeding, physiology, production, yield, and management of crops and agricultural plants, their growth in soils, and control of pests; or study the chemical, physical, biological, and mineralogical composition of soils as they relate to plant or crop growth. May classify and map soils and investigate effects of alternative practices on soil and crop productivity.
Important Abilities & Skills: Oral expression; inductive reasoning; deductive reasoning; science; critical thinking; active listening; judgment and decision making; complex problem solving; systems analysis; biology; English language; chemistry
Training Programs: Agriculture; plant sciences; agronomy and crop science; horticultural science; agricultural and horticultural plant breeding; plant protection and integrated pest management; range science and management; plant sciences; soil science and agronomy; soil chemistry and physics; soil microbiology

Survey Researchers: Design or conduct surveys. May supervise interviewers who conduct the survey in person or over the telephone. May present survey results to client.
Important Abilities & Skills: Oral comprehension; written comprehension; deductive reasoning; reading comprehension; active listening; speaking; complex problem solving; judgment and decision making; time management; English language; mathematics; customer and personal service
Training Programs: Economics; applied economics; business/managerial economics; marketing research

Urban and Regional Planners: Develop comprehensive plans and programs for use of land and physical facilities of local jurisdictions, such as towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas.
Important Abilities & Skills: Oral expression; oral comprehension; written comprehension; active listening; speaking; reading comprehension; judgment and decision making; systems analysis; systems evaluation; English language; law and government; administration and management
Training Programs: City/urban, community and regional planning

Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists: Investigate the growth, structure, development, and other characteristics of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, algae, or fungi. Include medical microbiologists who study the relationship between organisms and disease or the effects of antibiotics on microorganisms.
Important Abilities & Skills: Oral comprehension; written comprehension; oral expression; active listening; science; critical thinking; judgment and decision making; coordination; complex problem solving; biology; English language; mathematics
Training Programs: Wildlife and wildlands science and management; cell/cellular biology and anatomical sciences; zoology/animal biology; entomology; animal physiology; animal behavior and ethology; wildlife biology; zoology/animal biology; ecology

Veternarian:

Education and training for this career path:
Business (Finance/Accounting/HR) ; Computer and Information Sciences ; Engineering ; Math/Statistics ; Parks, Recreation and Fitness ; Physical Science ; Social Science