Supposedly you have gained an interest in biology from high school studies or life experiences, but you’re wondering, “What can you do with a biology degree?” Or you are simply asking yourself, “Is biology a good degree?” If you are looking for an adequate answer, you’re at the right place. Here, we have compiled a list of available career paths you can pursue and why this degree is worth it.
What Can You Do With a Biology Degree in Switzerland?
Biological science is the study of life, making it one of the most diverse sciences available to study. Biology covers it all, starting from the molecular study of life processes to the study of animal and plant ecosystems.
A biology major will give you a comprehensive awareness of the natural world. It also teaches you how to conduct research, solve problems, organize yourself, and think critically. You’ll have access to a wide range of intriguing work prospects with a biology degree.
Keep reading to find out what is the best thing to do with a biology degree. Meanwhile, you could also explore the reasons why Switzerland is the best place to pursue a career.
Research scientist
Choosing a career in research may be incredibly rewarding. The latest ongoing Covid-19 situation has made obvious the importance of the research scientists in our lives.
Daily tasks of a research scientist include:
- Developing and executing different experiments.
- Analyzing and reporting the data collected.
- Sharing the information with the team.
So, simply put, it will be your task to research the world and the species that live in it.
If you think that you could enjoy the technical aspects of the job and discover new concepts, then this might be the job for you.
Salary
Apart from this career’s previously mentioned benefits, we must mention the rewarding salaries that follow this job position.
A research scientist’s average pay in Switzerland is around 90,620 CHF per year. An entry-level research scientist with one year of experience earns an average of 85,503 CHF, while late careers employees are paid an average total compensation of 98,264 CHF.
Biologist
Biology is a diverse field, so biologists have different duties related to the subfields, but it all comes down to a similar purpose: studying living organisms.
A biologist studies living organisms to find out how they interact with each other and the surrounding environment. They are also researchers; their job after the research can include presenting the information to different groups of people, such as conferences, lab managers, government agencies, or the general public.
Salary
The advantages of this profession include lucrative earnings. A biologist in Switzerland is paid around 102,453 CHF per year. They also get additional payments of 458 CHF per year. The estimated average additional salary includes cash bonuses, tips, and profit-sharing.
Ecologist
An ecologist’s primary duty is to study the relationship between living organisms and the environment. They identify the environmental problems, the cause, and how they can improve the situation. Additionally, they gather all the data and analyze it for fundamental reasons. Lastly, they also are in charge of providing educational programs to the public to raise awareness on how to protect the living organisms in their area.
Salary
In Switzerland, the average gross pay for an ecologist is 96,888 CHF, including the 13th salary, and a bonus. An entry-level ecologist may expect to earn CHF 66’900 on average. A senior-level ecologist, on the other hand, earns an average of 130,000 CHF.
Biotechnologist
Compared to the previously mentioned careers, this one is a bit more detailed. As a biotechnologist, you will study cells’ and organisms’ genetic, physical, and chemical attributes. This study then corresponds to the creation of pharmaceuticals and other products to benefit society.
Salary
In Switzerland, the average pay for a biotechnologist is 118,113 CHF a year and 57 CHF an hour. The average salary range for a biotechnologist is between 83,278 CHF and 145,947 CHF. According to data, the estimated salary will see an increase of 7% in five years.
Nanotechnologist
As a nanotechnologist, you are expected to design and implement experiments observing nano-scale systems. Then you will analyze the data and develop new materials, drugs, or diagnostic tools. Your work will mainly be laboratory-based.
Salary
The average salary for a nanotechnologist is around 77,318 CHF or 37.17 CHF per hour. They also earn an average bonus of 1,639 CHF. The estimated salary potential will increase by 7% over five years, with the estimated annual salary in 2027 being 82,884.
Pharmacologist
As a pharmacologist, you will be working in laboratories instead of pharmacies. You will be in charge of investigating and analyzing different substances and identifying how they affect the biological environment. Additionally, you might be required to work on developing new drugs.
Salary
The average pay for a pharmacologist is approximately 141,672 CHF per year or 68 CHF per hour. Salaries range from 95.595 CHF to 175,632 CHF. The estimated salary potential will increase by 7% over five years.
Forensic scientist
Testing and processing of evidence required during criminal investigations are two of the main responsibilities of forensic scientists. As a forensic scientist, you’ll work in the legal sector alongside police departments or law enforcement organizations to help solve cases.
Salary
The average annual salary for the profession of a forensic scientist in Switzerland is 100,000 CHF. The salaries range from 70,600 CHF, the lowest, to 116,666 CHF, the highest.
Science writer
A scientific writer is a reporter who investigates and writes on scientific news and trends. These specialists may create articles, press releases, reports, brochures, journals, or website material for various publications, ranging from investigative newsrooms to scientific journals. So, if you are interested in media and biology, this is the best career for you.
Salary
The average scientific writer’s gross salary in Switzerland is 126,143 CHF per year, including the 13th salary and a bonus. An entry-level scientific writer makes an average salary of 77,080 CHF. On the other hand, a senior-level scientific writer makes an average salary of 178,500 CHF.
Teacher
With such a degree, you will also have the opportunity to work within educational institutions. If you enjoy working with the younger generation and encourage them to learn about living organisms and their surroundings, this might be your job.
Salary
The average income for a teacher in Switzerland is 83,154 CHF per year. As a senior-level teacher, you can expect to earn up to 105,000 CHF a year.
The Bottom Line
Biology is a respected profession and degree choice that offers the chance to be really close with the human and all other living organisms’ processes. This degree contains different modules, ensuring numerous career choices with rewarding salaries.
So, if you are interested in nature, plants, and animals, this is the right choice for you. Click here to explore the best universities for a biology bachelor’s degree in Switzerland.
