A person who graduates from college with a science degree can apply for a variety of different scientist jobs; research positions are quite common, as are teaching positions, but these are by no means the only scientist jobs available. A student can enter a specific field, such as forensics, that will prepare him for a job in law enforcement. He or she can also enter a specific field such as marine biology that prepares him for a job with a laboratory or even a fishery. The opportunities are seemingly endless, but the student will need to prepare himself by studying a specific area of science during school.
If the student is prepared to continue his or her education in a postgraduate capacity, he or she may be prepared to teach science at the college level. Scientist jobs in education are quite common, though they may not pay as well as research positions or other positions in the private sector. A scientist can end up teaching at the high school or primary level as well, though he or she should only do so if motivated to work with children and have a passion for education as well as science.
Scientist jobs in the private sector may include positions that deal with research for a particular cause. A solar energy company, for example, may hire a scientist to find more efficient ways to turn solar energy into usable resources. Oil companies hire numerous scientists to provide a variety of services. A scientist on an oil rig may, for example, monitor the materials that come out of the well hole to ensure the proper balance of materials is being used to lubricate the drill bit. These scientist jobs are often known as mud logger jobs or mud technicians. Other scientists may work with oil crews to find new locations in which to drill; the scientist may perform an environmental study to ensure the location is safe for drilling.
The medical field will also offer plenty of scientist jobs, especially in pathology and forensics. A scientist may work in various departments in a hospital, or he or she may work independently on specific patient cases. Forensics is used often to determine how a person has died as well as who, if anyone, may have killed a person. Forensics usually relates directly to the legal system, so a scientist interested in the legal system or law enforcement may enjoy a position in forensics.
