Science Careers

Our career scientists conduct research and gather data on marine life to help inform the agency’s conservation and management mission. Sometimes they are in the field or lab using advanced technology to collect data and observe marine life. Sometimes they work in an office using database tools and software, building models and showing results. You can explore different science careers with NOAA Fisheries below, meet some of our scientists, and learn more about how these roles support our agency’s scientific mission.

Research Biologist

What is a research biologist? 

A research biologist studies humans, plants, animals, and the environments in which they live. They may conduct their studies of plant, animal, or environmental systems at the cellular or ecosystem level - or anywhere in between.

Required Education and Coursework

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Most research biologists have an advanced degree (such as a master's degree or Ph.D.) in fisheries biology, ecology, natural resource management, zoology, botany, environmental science, or a related field. 

Most have completed extensive coursework and/or research in fisheries biology, ecology, chemistry, environmental science, statistics, GIS, marine resource management, and related courses.

Meet a Research Biologist

• Jui-Han Chang of the Northeast Fisheries Science Center
• Learn more about the Northeast Fisheries Science Center

Fisheries Biologist

What is a fisheries biologist? 

Fisheries research biologists use computers to develop models of how fish interact with the environment or how fishing is affecting the number or size of fish in a population. Their work helps to conserve, propagate, and sustainably manage the populations of fish and their habitats. 

Required Education and Coursework

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Most research biologists have an advanced degree (such as a master's degree or Ph.D.) in fisheries biology, fish and wildlife management, aquaculture, ecology, marine biology, marine resource management, zoology, or a related field.

Most fisheries biologists have completed extensive coursework and/or research in fisheries biology, aquaculture, fish & wildlife management, ecology, marine biology, marine resource management, zoology, statistics, and related courses.

Meet Fisheries Biologists

• Dereka Chargualaf of the Southwest Fisheries Science Center
• Learn more about the Southwest Fisheries Science Center
• Jonathan Molineaux of the Office of Protected Resources
• Learn more about the Office of Protected Resources

GIS Developer

What is a GIS developer? 

The term geographic information systems (GIS) refers to applications and software that collect and map location-based data. GIS developers design and implement these applications on computers to help analyze data and create maps and other tools.

Required Education and Coursework

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Most GIS developers have completed their undergraduate degree in geographic information systems, environmental science, ecology, biology, computer science, or a related field. Many also have an advanced degree (such as a Master’s degree or Ph.D.) in these fields.

Most GIS developers have completed coursework in GIS, ecology, computer science, statistics, natural resource management, and related courses.

Meet a GIS Developer

• Renee Eaton of the Office of Habitat Conservation
• Learn more about the Office of Habitat Conservation

Microbiologist

What is a microbiologist? 

A microbiologist is a scientist who studies microscopic life forms and processes. This includes study of the growth, interactions and characteristics of microscopic organisms such as bacteria, algae, fungi, and some types of parasites and their vectors.

Required Education and Coursework

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Most microbiologists have an advanced degree (such as a master's degree or Ph.D.) in microbiology, microbial ecology, molecular biology, or a related field. 

Most have completed extensive coursework and/or research in biology, microbiology, mycology, chemistry, statistics, and related courses.

Meet a Microbiologist

• Stephanie Haynes of the National Seafood Inspection Laboratory

Research Oceanographer

What is a Research Oceanographer? 

Oceanographers study different aspects of the ocean, such as the chemistry of ocean water, the geology of the ocean floor, and the physical movements of the tides and ocean water.

Required Education and Coursework

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Most research oceanographers have an advanced degree (such as a master's degree or Ph.D.) in oceanography, marine resource management, geology, or a related field.

Most have completed extensive coursework and/or research in oceanography, earth science, geology, physics, meteorology, chemistry, marine resource management, statistics, and related courses.

Meet a Research Oceanographer

• Réka Domokos of the Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center
• Learn more about the Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center

Research Veterinary Medical Officer

What is a research veterinary medical officer? 

A veterinary medical officer monitors diseases found in animals and develops ways to prevent those diseases from spreading. Other job duties may include coordinating food inspections, investigating foodborne illnesses that have passed from animals to humans, and leading disease control programs.

Required Education and Coursework

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Veterinary medical officers must complete a veterinary degree in Doctor of Veterinary Medicine or its equivalent. They may also have complementary advanced degrees, such as a Master of Public Health, though this is not usually required.

Veterinary medical officers must complete extensive coursework in animal physiology and anatomy, biology, zoology, biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, pharmacology, and related courses. 

Meet a Research Veterinary Medical Officer

• Meghana Parikh of the Northeast Fisheries Science Center
• Learn more about the Northeast Fisheries Science Center

Molecular Geneticist

What is a Molecular Geneticist? 

A molecular geneticist may work both in the field and in the lab, gathering and analyzing genetic data. They collect samples of DNA, RNA, environmental DNA, and other biological molecules to help study and better understand the biodiversity, abundance, health, and diets of marine and coastal organisms. 

Required Education and Coursework

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Most molecular geneticists have an advanced degree (such as a master's degree or Ph.D.) in genetics, molecular biology, cellular biology, or a related field.

Most complete extensive coursework and/or research in genetics, molecular biology, cellular biology, chemistry, environmental science, biochemistry, statistics, and related courses.

Meet a Molecular Geneticist

• Abigail Wells of the Northwest Fisheries Science Center
• Learn more about the Northwest Fisheries Science Center

Aquaculture Social Scientist

What is an Aquaculture Social Scientist? 

Aquaculture social scientists conduct research and provide expertise on the human dimensions of aquaculture. They may also provide recommendations for regional aquaculture projects.

Required Education and Coursework

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Most social scientists have an advanced degree (such as a master’s degree or Ph.D.) in sociology, anthropology, psychology, marine resource management, natural resource policy, or a related field.

Most social scientists have completed extensive coursework and/or research in sociology, anthropology, psychology, marine resource management, statistics, and related courses.

Meet an Aquaculture Social Scientist

• Adriane Michaelis of the Southeast Fisheries Science Center
• Learn more about the Southeast Fisheries Science Center