
JOB REPORT / 19-1029 · 88 TASKS
Biological Scientists, All Other.
Can AI do the work of Biological Scientists, All Others?
Mostly it works alongside you. Here is what shifts, task by task.
YOUR EXPERIENCE MATTERS
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The parts of your job AI can already do most of:
- Analyze large molecular datasets
- Prepare requests for proposals or statements of work
- Provide statistical and computational tools for biologically based activities
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A guided certificate program in AI-assisted Biological Scientists, All Other work. It covers the 84 AI-affected parts of your job and ends in a capstone a person reviews.
WHAT WE LOOKED AT
Your job, task by task.
84/ 8884 of 88 tasks reviewed
This job has 88 core tasks. We went through 84 of them, one at a time.
Task by task, from the work Biological Scientists, All Others actually do. How we describe AI use in each task is our own read of it, not a measurement of whether AI can replace the job.
- TASK 01
Analyze large molecular datasets, such as raw microarray data, genomic sequence data, or proteomics data, for clinical or basic research purposes.
AI DOESRuns quality checks, aligns sequences, calls variants, and spots expression patterns in large datasets
YOU DOChoose the right analysis approach and judge whether results make biological sense
- TASK 02
Prepare requests for proposals or statements of work.
AI DOESDrafts outlines, fills in standard sections, and suggests clear wording for proposals
YOU DODefine the real science goals, technical specs, and project scope that only you know
- TASK 03
Provide statistical and computational tools for biologically based activities, such as genetic analysis, measurement of gene expression, or gene function determination.
AI DOESGenerates analysis code, recommends statistical tests, and automates standard genomics pipelines
YOU DOInterpret biological meaning and adapt tools to novel experimental questions
- TASK 04
Prepare summary statistics of information regarding human genomes.
AI DOESRuns statistical scripts, generates tables, and flags patterns in genome datasets
YOU DOVerify data quality and decide which findings are scientifically meaningful
- TASK 05
Maintain accurate laboratory records and data.
AI DOESAuto-fills data templates, checks for missing entries, and flags inconsistencies in records
YOU DOVerify that recorded data truly matches what happened at the bench
- TASK 06
Prepare or review reports, manuscripts, or meeting presentations.
AI DOESDrafts sections, checks grammar, summarizes data, and suggests slide layouts
YOU DOOwn your findings and decide what the science actually means
- TASK 07
Program and use computers to store, process, and analyze data.
AI DOESWrites data processing code, suggests analysis methods, and explains errors
YOU DODecide what the data means and whether the biology checks out
- TASK 08
Write grant proposals to obtain funding for biological research.
AI DOESDrafts background sections, edits for clarity, suggests funding sources, and formats documents
YOU DOBring the original scientific idea, lived lab experience, and trusted reputation that reviewers fund
- TASK 09
Compile data for use in activities, such as gene expression profiling, genome annotation, or structural bioinformatics.
AI DOESSearches public databases, formats genomic datasets, and flags relevant entries automatically
YOU DOJudge data quality and make context-specific decisions about what biological data actually belongs in the analysis
- TASK 10
Design and maintain genetics computer databases.
AI DOESWrites database code, cleans data, and suggests structures
YOU DODecide what genetic data to track and how it connects to real biology
- TASK 11
Create novel computational approaches and analytical tools as required by research goals.
AI DOESGenerates code drafts, suggests existing algorithms, explains methods, and debugs scripts
YOU DODefine the research question and judge whether an approach is truly new and scientifically sound
- TASK 12
Evaluate new technologies to enhance or complement current research.
AI DOESScans papers, compares specs, and summarizes pros and cons of new tools
YOU DOMatch technology to your unique research questions and lab context
- TASK 13
Confer with information technology specialists to develop computer applications for genetic data analysis.
AI DOESDrafts technical specs, suggests analysis pipelines, and writes starter code for genetic data tools
YOU DOJudge whether the software captures the real biology and communicates clearly with the IT team
- TASK 14
Write grant applications to obtain funding.
AI DOESDrafts boilerplate sections, improves clarity, and formats citations
YOU DOOwn the research vision and make the scientific case only you can make
- TASK 15
Write grants and papers or attend fundraising events to seek research funds.
AI DOESDrafts grant sections, summarizes prior work, and checks writing clarity
YOU DOBuild relationships and make the case for your unique vision in person
- TASK 16
Attend clinical and research conferences and read scientific literature to keep abreast of technological advances and current genetic research findings.
AI DOESSummarizes new papers, tracks journals, and highlights key findings across thousands of articles
YOU DODecide which advances are worth pursuing and build real connections at conferences
- TASK 17
Compile and analyze molecular or cellular experimental data and adjust experimental designs as necessary.
AI DOESSorts and visualizes data, flags statistical trends, and suggests known analysis methods
YOU DOInterpret unexpected results and redesign experiments based on deep lab intuition
- TASK 18
Prepare technical and research reports, such as environmental impact reports, and communicate the results to individuals in industry, government, or the general public.
AI DOESDrafts report sections, summarizes data tables, checks grammar, and suggests plain-language explanations
YOU DOInterpret what the results actually mean for real ecosystems and people, then own the conclusions
- TASK 19
Collect and analyze biological data about relationships among and between organisms and their environment.
AI DOESSearches for patterns in data, builds models, and summarizes findings from large biological datasets
YOU DOGo into the field, collect real specimens, and judge whether findings make sense in context
- TASK 20
Review reports and proposals, such as those relating to land use classifications and recreational development, for accuracy, adequacy, or adherence to policies, regulations, or scientific standards.
AI DOESScans documents for policy gaps, flags missing sections, and summarizes key findings
YOU DOApply field knowledge and scientific expertise to judge whether conclusions are actually sound
- TASK 21
Improve user interfaces to bioinformatics software and databases.
AI DOESDrafts UI layouts, writes front-end code snippets, and suggests accessibility improvements
YOU DOWatch real users struggle and decide what changes actually help scientists think better
- TASK 22
Communicate test results to state and federal representatives and general public.
AI DOESDrafts reports, simplifies technical language, and suggests visuals for different audiences
YOU DOBring scientific authority and read the room for each audience
- TASK 23
Develop protocols to improve existing genetic techniques or to incorporate new diagnostic procedures.
AI DOESSearches research papers, compares existing protocols, and drafts structured procedure outlines
YOU DOBring hands-on lab knowledge and scientific judgment to validate and refine each protocol step
- TASK 24
Design databases, such as mutagenesis libraries.
AI DOESSuggests database schemas, auto-formats variant entries, and flags gaps in sequence coverage
YOU DODefine the biological question and decide which mutations actually matter to study
- TASK 25
Instruct medical students, graduate students, or others in methods or procedures for diagnosis and management of genetic disorders.
AI DOESGenerates lecture outlines, explains complex genetic concepts in plain language, and creates practice case studies
YOU DORead students' confusion, adapt on the fly, and mentor with real clinical wisdom
- TASK 26
Plan or conduct basic genomic and biological research related to areas such as regulation of gene expression, protein interactions, metabolic networks, and nucleic acid or protein complexes.
AI DOESSearches research literature, flags patterns in genomic datasets, and drafts experimental protocols
YOU DODesign novel experiments, interpret unexpected results, and make judgment calls at the bench
- TASK 27
Maintain laboratory notebooks that record research methods, procedures, and results.
AI DOESDrafts structured notebook entries, suggests formatting, and flags missing procedure details
YOU DORecord what you actually observed and verify every result is accurate
- TASK 28
Conduct research on cell organization and function, including mechanisms of gene expression, cellular bioinformatics, cell signaling, or cell differentiation.
AI DOESSearches papers, spots patterns in genomic data, and suggests hypotheses from existing research
YOU DODesign experiments, interpret unexpected results, and decide what questions are worth asking
- TASK 29
Prepare plans for management of renewable resources.
AI DOESSummarizes research, drafts plan sections, and runs data models
YOU DOApply field experience and local ecosystem knowledge to finalize decisions
- TASK 30
Develop assays that monitor cell characteristics.
AI DOESSuggests assay designs, finds relevant literature, and helps analyze results
YOU DORun the physical experiments and interpret unexpected biological findings
- TASK 31
Conduct family medical studies to evaluate the genetic basis for traits or diseases.
AI DOESScans genomic databases, flags known variants, and summarizes research literature
YOU DOBuild trust with families and apply clinical and ethical judgment to complex cases
- TASK 32
Identify, classify, and study structure, behavior, ecology, physiology, nutrition, culture, and distribution of plant and animal species.
AI DOESHelps identify species from photos, searches literature, analyzes data patterns, and assists with classification
YOU DOGo into the field, handle specimens, design experiments, and make judgment calls about living organisms
- TASK 33
Develop guidelines for procedures such as the management of viruses.
AI DOESDrafts guideline frameworks, summarizes biosafety literature, and flags relevant regulations
YOU DOVerify accuracy, apply lab-specific context, and sign off on safety-critical decisions
- TASK 34
Verify all financial, physical, and human resources assigned to research or development projects are used as planned.
AI DOESPulls spending reports, flags budget variances, and summarizes resource usage data
YOU DOWalk the lab, talk to the team, and judge whether real-world use matches the plan
- TASK 35
Plan and administer biological research programs for government, research firms, medical industries, or manufacturing firms.
AI DOESSearches literature, drafts grant sections, summarizes data, and suggests research designs
YOU DOOwn the scientific vision, build team relationships, and make judgment calls when results surprise you
- TASK 36
Research environmental effects of present and potential uses of land and water areas, determining methods of improving environmental conditions or such outputs as crop yields.
AI DOESSearches research literature, summarizes findings, analyzes environmental datasets, and helps model land/water use scenarios
YOU DOCollect field samples, apply local ecological knowledge, and make judgment calls about what methods will actually work
- TASK 37
Design molecular or cellular laboratory experiments, oversee their execution, and interpret results.
AI DOESSuggests experimental designs, finds relevant protocols, and helps analyze data patterns
YOU DOBring deep domain intuition, run hands-on lab work, and judge what results actually mean in context
- TASK 38
Evaluate, diagnose, or treat genetic diseases.
AI DOESSearches genetic databases, flags known disease-linked variants, and summarizes relevant research papers
YOU DOApply clinical judgment, talk with patients, and make final diagnosis and treatment calls
- TASK 39
Participate in all levels of bioproduct development, including proposing new products, performing market analyses, designing and performing experiments, and collaborating with operations and quality control teams during product launches.
AI DOESSearches literature, summarizes market trends, drafts experimental plans, and flags data patterns
YOU DORun the lab work, judge scientific risk, and build trust across teams
- TASK 40
Direct, coordinate, organize, or prioritize biological laboratory activities.
AI DOESSuggests schedules, flags bottlenecks, and organizes lab data and protocols
YOU DORead the room, manage people, and make calls when things go wrong in the lab
- TASK 41
Coordinate molecular or cellular research activities with scientists specializing in other fields.
AI DOESDrafts meeting agendas, summarizes research updates, and suggests collaboration frameworks
YOU DOBuild trust across teams and make judgment calls about research priorities
- TASK 42
Design sampling plans or coordinate the field collection of samples such as tissue specimens.
AI DOESSuggests sampling strategies, calculates sample sizes, and flags gaps in coverage
YOU DOGo into the field, handle specimens, and adapt to real conditions on the ground
- TASK 43
Confer with vendors to evaluate new equipment or reagents or to discuss the customization of product lines to meet user requirements.
AI DOESSummarizes product specs, compares reagent options, and drafts questions for vendor meetings
YOU DOBring your lab's specific needs and build the vendor relationship in person
- TASK 44
Plan curatorial programs for species collections that include acquisition, distribution, maintenance, or regeneration.
AI DOESSearches literature, flags genetic gaps in collections, summarizes breeding records, and drafts program outlines
YOU DOWeigh conservation tradeoffs, build partner relationships, and make final calls on living collections
- TASK 45
Develop pest management and control measures, and conduct risk assessments related to pest exclusion, using scientific methods.
AI DOESSearches research literature, summarizes pest behavior data, and helps draft risk assessment reports
YOU DOGo into the field, observe real conditions, and make safety-critical decisions about control methods
- TASK 46SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Develop new software applications or customize existing applications to meet specific scientific project needs.
AI DOESGenerates code and suggests architecture patterns
YOU DODesign for real scientific needs
About this analysis
60% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
- TASK 47
Provide scientific direction for project teams regarding the evaluation or handling of devices, drugs, or cells for in vitro and in vivo disease models.
AI DOESSearches literature, summarizes protocols, and drafts experimental design options
YOU DOApply deep lab experience and real-time judgment to guide your team safely and effectively
- TASK 48
Direct the work of technicians and information technology staff applying bioinformatics tools or applications in areas such as proteomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, or clinical bioinformatics.
AI DOESDrafts project plans, summarizes pipeline progress, and flags bottlenecks in bioinformatics workflows
YOU DOBuild team relationships and make calls when science or priorities shift unexpectedly
- TASK 49
Represent employer in a technical capacity at conferences.
AI DOESDrafts talking points, prepares slide summaries, and suggests answers to likely questions
YOU DOBuild trust face-to-face and make real-time judgment calls during Q&A
- TASK 50
Confer with departments, such as marketing, business development, or operations, to coordinate product development or improvement.
AI DOESDrafts meeting summaries, prepares data reports, and suggests talking points
YOU DOBuild trust across teams and make judgment calls that balance competing priorities
- TASK 51
Participate in the development of endangered species breeding programs or species survival plans.
AI DOESAnalyzes genetic diversity data, flags inbreeding risks, and drafts breeding pair recommendations
YOU DOBuild trust with partner institutions and make final calls on animal welfare trade-offs
- TASK 52
Develop and maintain liaisons and effective working relations with groups and individuals, agencies, and the public to encourage cooperative management strategies or to develop information and interpret findings.
AI DOESDrafts emails, summarizes research findings, and creates plain-language reports for public audiences
YOU DOShow up, listen, build trust, and negotiate face-to-face with real people and communities
- TASK 53
Evaluate new supplies and equipment to ensure operability in specific laboratory settings.
AI DOESResearches specs, compares product reviews, and flags compatibility issues with existing lab systems
YOU DOPhysically test equipment in your lab and judge real-world performance yourself
- TASK 54
Supervise or direct the work of other geneticists, biologists, technicians, or biometricians working on genetics research projects.
AI DOESDrafts meeting summaries, tracks project timelines, and flags research bottlenecks in data
YOU DOBuild trust, resolve team conflicts, and make judgment calls on research direction
- TASK 55SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Prepare results of experimental findings for presentation at professional conferences or in scientific journals.
AI DOESGenerates charts, graphs, and draft text from data
YOU DOChoose the story and defend conclusions
About this analysis
45% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
- TASK 56
Study and manage wild animal populations.
AI DOESAnalyzes population data, identifies trends, and models habitat changes
YOU DOGo into the field, observe animals directly, and make real-world management calls
- TASK 57
Maintain laboratory safety programs and train personnel in laboratory safety techniques.
AI DOESDrafts safety documents, quizzes, and training materials
YOU DOShow up in person, demonstrate techniques, and judge whether staff truly understand
- TASK 58SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Create or modify web-based bioinformatics tools.
AI DOESGenerates code templates and suggests algorithms
YOU DODesign the tool's purpose and workflow
About this analysis
45% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
- TASK 59SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Manipulate publicly accessible, commercial, or proprietary genomic, proteomic, or post-genomic databases.
AI DOESQueries databases and formats initial results
YOU DOChoose the right analysis approach
About this analysis
44% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
- TASK 60SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Conduct applied research aimed at improvements in areas such as disease testing, crop quality, pharmaceuticals, and the harnessing of microbes to recycle waste.
AI DOESAnalyzes data patterns and suggests research directions
YOU DODesign experiments and interpret real meaning
About this analysis
41% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
- TASK 61SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Search scientific literature to select and modify methods and procedures most appropriate for genetic research goals.
AI DOESFinds relevant papers and suggests standard protocols
YOU DOJudge which methods fit your specific goals
About this analysis
40% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
- TASK 62
Supervise biological technicians and technologists and other scientists.
AI DOESHelps track team progress, draft feedback, and flag scheduling gaps
YOU DOBuild trust, read team dynamics, and make tough calls in the moment
- TASK 63
Supervise technical personnel and postdoctoral research fellows.
AI DOESDrafts feedback templates, tracks progress metrics, and suggests meeting agendas
YOU DOBuild relationships, read people, and guide careers with empathy and context
- TASK 64SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Develop data models and databases.
AI DOESGenerates schema designs and optimizes queries
YOU DOChoose what data serves the business
About this analysis
38% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
- TASK 65
Verify that cytogenetic, molecular genetic, and related equipment and instrumentation is maintained in working condition to ensure accuracy and quality of experimental results.
AI DOESTracks maintenance logs, flags overdue calibrations, and surfaces equipment error patterns from records
YOU DOPhysically inspect, test, and certify each instrument is truly working correctly
- TASK 66
Develop methods and apparatus for securing representative plant, animal, aquatic, or soil samples.
AI DOESSearches research literature, drafts sampling protocol templates, and suggests equipment options
YOU DOTest methods in real field conditions and adapt to the specific environment
- TASK 67SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Design and apply bioinformatics algorithms including unsupervised and supervised machine learning, dynamic programming, or graphic algorithms.
AI DOESGenerates code templates and optimizes algorithm parameters
YOU DOChoose the right approach for biological questions
About this analysis
31% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
- TASK 68SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Recommend new systems and processes to improve operations.
AI DOESAnalyzes data patterns and suggests process improvements
YOU DOJudge feasibility and lead the change
About this analysis
31% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
- TASK 69SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Create or use statistical models for the analysis of genetic data.
AI DOESRuns standard models and generates initial results
YOU DOChoose the right approach and interpret meaning
About this analysis
30% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
- TASK 70SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Test new and updated bioinformatics tools and software.
AI DOESRuns automated test suites and flags basic errors
YOU DOJudge if tools solve real research problems
About this analysis
29% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
- TASK 71SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Collaborate with software developers in the development and modification of commercial bioinformatics software.
AI DOESGenerates code snippets and suggests algorithm improvements
YOU DOGuide design decisions and user needs
About this analysis
21% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
- TASK 72SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Study aquatic plants and animals and environmental conditions affecting them, such as radioactivity or pollution.
AI DOESProcesses data patterns and flags potential correlations
YOU DODesign studies and interpret what it means
About this analysis
18% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
- TASK 73SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Consult with researchers to analyze problems, recommend technology-based solutions, or determine computational strategies.
AI DOESAnalyzes data patterns and suggests technical approaches
YOU DOShape strategy based on real constraints
About this analysis
17% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
- TASK 74SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Evaluate genetic data by performing appropriate mathematical or statistical calculations and analyses.
AI DOESRuns statistical tests and generates analysis reports
YOU DOInterpret results and guide next steps
About this analysis
17% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
- TASK 75SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Study basic principles of plant and animal life, such as origin, relationship, development, anatomy, and function.
AI DOESGenerates summaries and visual diagrams of biological concepts
YOU DOConnect patterns and ask deeper questions
About this analysis
16% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
- TASK 76SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Communicate research results through conference presentations, scientific publications, or project reports.
AI DOESDrafts slides, formats citations, and suggests visuals
YOU DOShape the story and deliver with impact
About this analysis
10% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
- TASK 77SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Review, approve, or interpret genetic laboratory results.
AI DOESFlags patterns and highlights key markers
YOU DOInterpret meaning for each patient's story
About this analysis
0% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
- TASK 78SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Instruct undergraduate and graduate students within the areas of cellular or molecular biology.
AI DOESCreates lesson plans and practice problems
YOU DOAdapt to each student's confusion
About this analysis
0% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
- TASK 79SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Analyze determinants responsible for specific inherited traits, and devise methods for altering traits or producing new traits.
AI DOESProcesses genetic data and suggests modification pathways
YOU DODesign safe experiments and ethical choices
About this analysis
0% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
- TASK 80SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Keep abreast of new biochemistries, instrumentation, or software by reading scientific literature and attending professional conferences.
AI DOESScans papers and summarizes key findings
YOU DOJudge what's truly breakthrough and relevant
About this analysis
0% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
- TASK 81SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Collaborate with biologists and other professionals to conduct appropriate genetic and biochemical analyses.
AI DOESSuggests analysis methods and interprets initial results
YOU DOChoose the right approach and build trust
About this analysis
0% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
- TASK 82SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Teach or supervise students and perform research at universities and colleges.
AI DOESGenerates lesson plans and research summaries
YOU DOInspire curiosity and guide discovery
About this analysis
0% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
- TASK 83SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Instruct others in the selection and use of bioinformatics tools.
AI DOESGenerates tutorials and explains tool features
YOU DOChoose the right tool for each learner
About this analysis
0% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
- TASK 84SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Study reactions of plants, animals, and marine species to parasites.
AI DOESAnalyzes patterns in large datasets quickly
YOU DODesign experiments and interpret meaning
About this analysis
0% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
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