Biology Professors
Overview
Biology professors teach college students about living organisms, from tiny cells to entire ecosystems, using interactive labs, digital simulations, and hands-on experiments. They create course materials, grade assignments, conduct their own research discoveries, and publish scientific papers that advance our understanding of life. These educators work collaboratively with other professors to design degree programs and often mentor students on research projects using cutting-edge laboratory equipment and biotechnology tools. Most biology professors have a PhD and enjoy flexible schedules that blend teaching, research, and academic conferences.

Did you know?
Most postsecondary biological science teaching positions in the US require a doctoral degree (PhD) in biology or related field, particularly for tenure-track roles at four-year institutions.
At a Glance
Median Wage
$83,870.98 Avg/yr
Growth
Fast Growing
Top Skill
Service Orientation
Key Responsibilities
- Perform administrative duties, such as serving as department head.
- Advise students on academic and vocational curricula and on career issues.
- Maintain regularly scheduled office hours to advise and assist students.
- Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.
- Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
- Provide professional consulting services to government or industry.
- Collaborate with colleagues to address teaching and research issues.
- Participate in student recruitment, registration, and placement activities.
- Supervise undergraduate or graduate teaching, internship, and research work.
- Provide students course-related experiences, such as field trips, outside the classroom.
- Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as molecular biology, marine biology, and botany.
- Select and obtain materials and supplies, such as textbooks and laboratory equipment.
- Act as advisers to student organizations.
- Supervise students' laboratory work.
- Review papers for publication in journals.
- Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
- Write grant proposals to procure external research funding.
- Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
- Serve on academic or administrative committees that deal with institutional policies, departmental matters, and academic issues.
- Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
- Prepare materials for laboratory activities and course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
- Compile bibliographies of specialized materials for outside reading assignments.
- Participate in campus and community events, such as giving presentations to the public.
- Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, and course materials and methods of instruction.
- Evaluate and grade students' class work, laboratory work, assignments, and papers.
- Maintain or repair lab equipment.
- Assist students who need extra help with their coursework outside of class.
Career Considerations
Advanced Degree Requirements
Most postsecondary biological science teaching positions in the US require a doctoral degree (PhD) in biology or related field, particularly for tenure-track roles at four-year institutions.
Highly Competitive Job Market
The academic job market for biological science faculty positions is extremely competitive, with many qualified PhD holders competing for limited tenure-track openings.
Research and Teaching Balance
Faculty positions typically require balancing teaching responsibilities with conducting original research, publishing scholarly work, and securing grant funding.