πŸ”¬Biological Scientists All Other

MODERATE
Category:Life Physical and Social Science Occupations
Last updated: Jun 6, 2025

AI Impact Overview

"Artificial intelligence will significantly augment and automate data-intensive and repetitive tasks in biological sciences but is unlikely to fully replace roles requiring experimental creativity, scientific judgment, and cross-disciplinary collaboration."

Detailed Analysis

While artificial intelligence tools are rapidly gaining traction in analyzing large datasets, image recognition, protein structure prediction, and literature mining for biological sciences, the need for hypothesis generation, experimental design, and regulatory navigation ensures continued demand for skilled biological scientists. The broad nature of the 'all other' category means some specialized or field-based jobs will remain largely insulated, whereas routine lab and data processing roles could become highly automated. Those able to use artificial intelligence as a tool and adapt to evolving workflows will maintain strong job security.

Opportunity

"Biological scientists who proactively acquire artificial intelligence and computational skills, while emphasizing their creative and leadership capacities, are positioned not just to survive but to thrive in the evolving landscape."

AI Risk Assessment

Risk Level by Experience

Junior
HIGH

Junior Level:

Entry-level roles focused on data entry, basic experimental procedures, or routine analyses are at high risk of automation as artificial intelligence tools become increasingly capable of handling these tasks at scale.

Mid-level
MODERATE

Mid Level:

Mid-career scientists engaged in experimental planning, cross-functional research, or facilitating artificial intelligence integration are moderately exposed and can reduce risk by upskilling and adapting.

Senior
LOW

Senior Level:

Senior scientists involved in strategic planning, grant acquisition, interdisciplinary research leadership, or regulatory workface minimal risk as artificial intelligence is unlikely to replace the need for these uniquely human capabilities.

AI-Driven Job Forecasts

2 Years

Job Outlook

Jobs will remain largely stable, with increased pressure to adopt artificial intelligence-assisted tools for data analysis and literature review. Competition will intensify for roles utilizing bioinformatics and computational biology.

Transition Strategy

Enroll in artificial intelligence and data analysis training, join interdisciplinary teams, and seek certifications in artificial intelligence tools relevant to experimental biology.

5 Years

Job Outlook

Positions emphasizing manual data handling or basic bioinformatics will be reduced. Increased demand for hybrid biologist-data scientist roles, as artificial intelligence integration becomes standard in academic and private research.

Transition Strategy

Pursue advanced degrees or certifications in computational biology, machine learning, or regulatory affairs. Target leadership or interface roles between biology and artificial intelligence.

7+ Years

Job Outlook

Labor market polarization. Roles requiring creative problem-solving, regulatory oversight, field research, or collaboration with artificial intelligence will grow. Routine lab-based positions may sharply decline owing to automation.

Transition Strategy

Diversify skillset with artificial intelligence communication, ethics, and leadership development. Explore roles in science policy, regulatory oversight, and technology transfer. Engage in continuous professional development.

Industry Trends

AI-Enhanced Environmental Research

Impact:

Use of sensors and automated analytics in fieldwork increases need for technical adaptability.

Adoption of Artificial Intelligence in Research

Impact:

Automation of repetitive laboratory and data analysis tasks, changing job responsibilities.

Emphasis on Regulatory Compliance and Ethics

Impact:

Demand for professionals navigating new rules governing AI-guided research and biotechnologies.

Expansion of Personalized Medicine

Impact:

Leveraging artificial intelligence to tailor treatments, increasing demand for bioinformatics expertise.

Greater Emphasis on Science Communication

Impact:

Need for scientists to effectively communicate findings to diverse audiences and stakeholders.

Growing Public-Private Partnerships

Impact:

Cross-sector collaboration creates roles managing partnerships and translational research.

Growth of Data-Driven Biology

Impact:

Increased need for computational and analytical skills to complement biological expertise.

Open Science and Data Sharing

Impact:

Push toward transparency and reproducibility, necessitating skills in data curation and management.

Remote and Cloud-Based Research

Impact:

Collaboration and experiment management increasingly virtual, facilitating interdisciplinary teamwork.

Rise of Interdisciplinary Roles

Impact:

Blending of biology, computer science, and business leads to demand for hybrid professionals.

AI-Resistant Skills

Complex Problem-Solving

World Economic Forum Future of Jobs
Skills Type:
Cognitive
Score:9/10

Experimental Design and Creativity

Nature – The irreducible human expertise in biology
Skills Type:
Scientific creativity, research design
Score:10/10

Science Communication

Alan Alda Center – Science Communication
Skills Type:
Public engagement, communication
Score:8/10

Alternative Career Paths

Regulatory Affairs Specialist

Oversee compliance with government regulations in biotechnology and life science products.

Relevance: Strong demand for regulatory experts as artificial intelligence and biotechnologies converge; requires scientific knowledge and communication skills.

Science Policy Analyst

Analyze, develop, and recommend policies in science and technology sectors.

Relevance: Expertise in both science and policy is increasingly crucial as artificial intelligence shapes regulatory frameworks.

Healthcare Data Analyst

Interpret complex biological data to support healthcare decisions and research.

Relevance: Hybrid role integrating biological expertise and artificial intelligence-driven data analysis, high growth outlook.

Emerging AI Tools Tracker

AlphaFold
AI-driven protein structure prediction impacting structural biology and drug design.
10/10
CurrentWidespread use in academic and industrial research.
Robotically Automated Liquid Handling
Augments high-throughput laboratory work.
9/10
CurrentHigh in industry, growing in academia.
Benchling
Comprehensive cloud-based laboratory data platform supporting AI-driven research management.
8/10
2 yearsGrowing rapidly, especially in biotechnology.

Full AI Impact Report

Access the full AI impact report to get detailed insights and recommendations.

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