Botanist

Are you interested in plants and the natural world? As a botanist, you'll study plants so we can use them to make food, medicines and new materials.

Botanists explore what helps plants grow and survive. Their work protects plant life and ensures our environments stay healthy and beautiful.

You'll analyse, interpret and report on data. Botanists examine many types of plants, including fungi and algae. You'll either do this in a laboratory or in their natural environment.

There are lots of areas you can specialise in. For example, you could study biochemistry, plant anatomy and physiology, ecology, genetics or a specific group of plants. Some botanists also focus on marine botany, paleobotany (study of fossilised plant remains) or taxonomy (the identification and classification of plants).

This role can get you into a wide range of industries. Botanists are found in agriculture, conservation, forestry, pharmaceuticals and food science.

Your tasks might include:

• identifying, classifying, recording and monitoring plant species

• doing ecological surveys and environmental impact assessments

• managing a plant collection, for example, at a botanic garden

• searching for new and undiscovered species of plants

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

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

You'll probably be given an opportunity to present your research results in academic journals or at conferences. Some botanists teach at a university or train junior staff and volunteers.

Green job 

In this job, you'll do work that helps the environment. Find out more about green jobs.

• Royal Society of Biology – explore this network of bioscience professionals and organisations

• Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland – check out this group for everyone who cares about the wild plants of Britain and Ireland