How to become A Plant Scientist

• Soil Scientist 
• Microbiology Soil Scientist 
• Research Soil Scientist

What do Plant Scientists do?

A Plant Scientist would typically need to:

• Study plants and conduct experiments to ensure food, animal, and fibre crops meet the demands of a growing population without depleting natural resources
• Assess soil composition and its impact on plant growth; research the breeding and cultivation of plants and their harvested yield
• Use their geographic location and physical characteristics to identify new species of flora
• Collect specimens of plants, algae, fungi, mosses, etc. for study and classification in herbariums and laboratories
• Conduct appropriate laboratory tests on collected samples to determine their chemical composition and physiological reaction to external stimuli
• Undertake field studies to test hypotheses regarding plant growth and development
• Carry out surveys of a specific plant species in a particular habitat, such as a meadow, woodland, or moorland
• Analyse the reaction of soil and crops to alternative ways of growing plants, such as genetic modification
• Measure plant growth to establish the effect of different conditions on the growth rate; alter soil environments to grow non-indigenous plants
• Examine plant populations across various locations to study the effects of pollution, drought, or agricultural pests
• Study plant cells, structure, and function to explore their use in medicine; extract beneficial chemicals with antibacterial or antioxidant properties
• Diagnose plant diseases and recommend appropriate treatment methods; research ways for the safe rehabilitation and reuse of soil holding hazardous material 
• Investigate contamination in soil and groundwater to figure out how to change the physical, chemical or biological characteristics of the contaminated area
• Study the habits of helpful insects to encourage their growth and of pests to contain their infestation and potential damage to crops
• Maintain the laboratories and greenhouses where samples are stored or studied
• Collect and analyse data, record research findings and complete relevant documentation; interpret science to inform policy
• Write research reports and develop presentations for scientific and non-scientific stakeholders
• Offer recommendations to food growers on how to optimise the use of their land and the crops that would thrive on their property
• Monitor land conservation projects and waste management programs for farms, including composting
• Integrate knowledge of plant science into pertinent aspects of land management and ecosystems
• Determine the causes behind a dwindling bee population and figure out ways to increase the production of pollen, which is crucial to the agricultural system
• Draft proposals, make bids for new research projects and funding, make presentations, give seminars, teach and advise students if teaching
• Tender for work, report to, and advise clients if working as a consultant
• Protect local plant life, promote public awareness, or manage unique plant collections at a botanical garden, if working in conservation
• Survey undeveloped land and help in determining whether it should be classified as conservation land
• Liaise with like-minded colleagues in ecology, environmental science, geology, genetics, conservation biology, plant breeding, and hydrology

Your work as a Plant Scientist may involve a judicious combination of laboratory-based, office and outdoor activities on farms and other agricultural properties.

Those working in higher education often divide their time between lecture theatres, classrooms, laboratories, and offices. If your focus is on foods, you may spend long hours in kitchens dedicated to discovering and testing new food processing processes.

You may work in a team comprising many scientists collaborating to develop new techniques while improving current products and methods in the field. Close interaction with farmers, employees and volunteers of conservation organisations, and representatives of the local and national government and industry is part of the job description.

Periodic travel during the day to different work sites and overnight/overseas trips to carry out research projects and attend conferences and training may be necessary.

Most Plant Scientists work full-time and maintain standard workweeks, putting in around eight hours from Monday to Friday. Field research that depends on the seasons may involve long hours and weekends to make the most of available time. Consulting with farmers or doing surveys may also require ten- or twelve-hour workdays.  

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Plant Scientists can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting employers directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies. Fieldwork, conservation or corporate employment may offer overseas employment opportunities. Government jobs may require passing a civil service test. Although most job offers come with long-term security, short-term contracts seem to be the norm in the early stages of one’s career.

Plant Scientists are generally employed by: 

• Commercial & Industrial Organisations
• Government Agencies
• Private Sector Companies
• Voluntary Environmental & Conservation Organisations
• Environmental Consultancies
• Food Production Companies
• Forensic Laboratories
• Higher Education Institutions
• Botanical Gardens
• Museums
• Advanced Research Centres

Professional associations and organisations, such as The Agriculture Network Information Collaborative (AgNIC), are crucial for Plant Scientists interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• The need to walk on rough terrain such as marshes, peat bogs, or hillsides in all kinds of weather to gather samples
• Inherent hazards in working on rehabilitation of sites that have hazardous materials
• Probable risks when dealing with poisonous plants or hazardous chemicals without following safety precautions
• Physical exhaustion from carrying out fieldwork on one’s feet for the better part of the workday
• Discomfort from having to work outdoors in all kinds of climates across the globe

Any academic program that a potential Plant Scientist takes up typically requires a period of lab work and hands-on projects. Some educational providers may stipulate completing a practical internship before awarding the degree. Others offer work-study programs that allow the students to divide their time between coursework and a job related to plant science.

You will gain optimal benefit from your tasks outside of the classroom when they line up perfectly with your lessons inside it. You may get to hear countless stories from more experienced professionals and obtain valuable hands-on experience when they manage to turn seemingly routine incidents into unique learning moments. Opportunities to enrich your network of contacts are a bonus. 

Additional practical experience may be gained through vacation/voluntary lab work or sampling/surveying in soil-related fieldwork. Apply directly to colleges and universities, private firms, museums, botanical gardens, and government agencies with a particular interest in plant science. 

Read about the profession and interview or job shadow experts working in plant science to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers.

Most Plant Scientists have a bachelor’s degree from an agricultural university focusing on environmental science, soil science or crop science. However, employers are leaning toward candidates with a master’s degree in the abovementioned areas.

The environmental science option enables students to take up careers devoted to water quality, remediation of contaminated sites, or evaluating soils for proposed facilities and recreational sites. 

On the other hand, the soil science or crop science options prepare the students for primarily agriculture-related roles. The students learn how to increase crop yields and grow healthier food by better understanding the science behind soil and thriving plants.

Focus on sciences, maths, geography, geology, and English in high school.

Certification in plant science from an objective and reputed organisation can prove your expertise in the various plant, natural, and environmental-science-related fields and help you stand out in a competitive job market.

Additional certifications in soil science, horticulture, tree risk assessment, entomology, pest control advice and application, and crop advice may carry a significant salary premium of up to 18 per cent and qualify you for related licensure.

A combination of education, experience, and testing is generally required to gain certification, though requirements differ from region to region. Successful certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics.

Plant Scientists whose work involves soil science may require licensure. Typically, that would include an application, processing fees, an examination, and relevant education and experience. Check with your local or national plant science organisations whether you will need licensure.

Performance, experience, the acquisition of professional qualifications, and scientific publication drive the career progression of a Plant Scientist, regardless of the specific path they choose. 

Professionals interested in higher education complete a PhD and may secure a postdoctoral position or junior lectureship from where they can advance to readership or senior lectureship within five to ten years. On the other hand, Plant Scientists who wish to focus their attention on fixed-term research-based jobs may move to more challenging projects or organisations. 

It will help you remember that research and teaching positions remain highly competitive with a limited number of grants awarded to research and the increasing number of newly trained Plant Scientists entering the job market.

Employees of a non-academic research body, such as a government or corporate organisation, can expect promotion to managerial or senior technical roles.

If you have significant experience in a particular area of specialisation, self-employment, private consultancy, and contractual work become viable options and offer numerous opportunities. 

Advanced degrees will make you capable of applying your skills and training to assist urban and regional planning as well as environmental conservation programmes.

Candidates with postsecondary education, requisite certifications and licensure, and relevant work experience have the best job prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Plant Scientist build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, 

formal education, or self-directed learning. 

Pursue a master’s or doctoral degree to teach or hold a highly-coveted research position at a university. 

Employee-sponsored on-the-job training may be generic or project-specific, or employer-specific. In-house staff development courses, postgraduate study, external courses, and workshops will also help expand your skills and knowledge.

Keep abreast of the latest developments in plant science and related areas, environmental concerns, and policy changes that may affect your work. Attending conferences will help you stay updated on the latest in the field while offering valuable opportunities to network with other professionals.

CPD also enables the acquisition and regular renewal of desirable certifications and licences. Industry-recognised qualifications in engineering, geology, chemistry, surveying, and environmental science increase your chances of advancement and allow you to become an independent consultant. 

Plant Scientists can expect support and additional training from the academic institution or from Vitae, a non-profit global leader with over 50 years of experience in enhancing the skills of researchers. 

In partnership with governments, funders of research, professional bodies, trusts & foundations, universities, and research institutes, Vitae offers training, resources, events, consultancy, and membership.

Tools of the Trade

Plant Scientists use state-of-the-art tools and techniques such as electron microscopes, radioisotopes, digital imaging analysis, polymerase chain reaction, cell and tissue culture, satellite imaging, and telemetry to ensure their work offers beneficent results.

To Fulfil Good Intentions

Plant Scientists who intend to make significant headway in agricultural production, biodiversity, climate change, environmental quality, human health, and land remediation should have commendable analytical thinking, planning, practical research and data collection skills. They must enjoy working with plants and possess the manual dexterity to handle delicate specimens and equipment.

Their curiosity, patience, ability to communicate, identify and solve problems, manage time, and work independently and as part of a team further determine the extent of their professional success in the identification and sustainable cultivation of the best plants for specific purposes. They should be ready to spend long hours in the field, laboratory or greenhouse, planning and carrying out experiments.

In addition to a comprehensive understanding of health and safety in the workplace, IT and presentation and report-writing skills also enhance the quality of any tasks they undertake in collaboration with businesses and other scientists.

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing Plant Scientists have more flexible work schedules and locations. They have full ownership of the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

On the other hand, a full-time Plant Scientist has company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

The Earth has more than 80,000 species of edible plants.

Down-to-earth Plant Scientists keep going on their increasingly challenging agenda to keep plants growing so biological infrastructures worldwide remain sustainable, and the Earth continues to thrive.

“Wherever life plants you, bloom with grace.”

 Anonymous