Botanist

You would study plants so we can use them to make food, drugs and different materials.

You’d discover more about how plants thrive so we can protect them and keep our surroundings pleasant and healthy.

You would analyse, interpret and report on data. You’d examine all types of plants including fungi and algae, either in the laboratory or in their natural environment.

You could specialise in:

• the study of specific plant groups

• plant anatomy and physiology

• biochemistry

• molecular biology

• genetics

• ecology

• marine botany

• paleobotany (study of fossilised plant remains)

• taxonomy (the identification and classification of plants)

You could work in a wide range of industries, including:

• agriculture

• conservation

• forestry

• pharmaceuticals

• food science

Your role would vary depending on the particular job.

You could:

• identify, classify, record and monitor plant species

• do ecological surveys and environmental impact assessments

• manage a plant collection, for example, at a botanic gardens

• search for new species

• study the effects of pollution or new buildings on plant life

• identify and purify chemicals produced by plants so they can be used in products such as drugs, food, fabrics, solvents and building materials

You'd present research results in academic journals and at conferences. You might also teach at a university or train and supervise junior staff and volunteers.

Green job 

In this job you'll be doing work to help the environment. Find out more about green jobs.

• Royal Society of Biology - Careers and CPD

• Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland - Training information for everyone interested in the flora of Britain and Ireland

• Science Career Pathways - Introduction to science careers from Cogent, the skills body for science industries

• Field Studies Council - Opportunities to discover, explore, and understand the environment

• GreenJobs - Find botanist job vacancies