Plant Scientist

Plant scientists should harbor a keen interest in nature and the environment and have genuine concern for public welfare. Those who are passionate about science, particularly botany, are perfectly suited for this profession. Such scientists should be able to work independently as well as have strong interpersonal relationship skills to be part of a team. They should also be able to communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.

Most of plant scientists also need a fundamental understanding of basic business principles, aptitude to relate to statistical techniques, and the skills required to operate computers to analyze various data and manage biological and chemical processing.

Plant scientists study plants & crops in order to develop newer methods to improve their quality and quantity. Therefore, their goal is to increase agricultural productivity & food safety whilst simultaneously helping to conserve natural resources such as soil & water. Their work involves finding out ways to improve crop yield with minimal labor, strengthen resistance to pests & diseases, control weeds, adapt to specific soils or climates and lastly, increase nutritional value of crops, often by means of genetic engineering and biotechnology.

Some plant scientists look for ways to make use of agricultural products as substitutes for fuel and as sources of energy, while others study the physiology, reproduction and management of crops. They grow crops that are resistant to pests and drought via genetic engineering and invent new technologies & oversee actions taken to eradicate or control pests and prevent their spread in ways suitable to the environment. They conduct research to determine the best methods of planting, spraying, cultivating, harvesting, processing or transporting horticultural products.

Plant scientists are also responsible to communicate their project results to others, or give related lectures at colleges and universities, conduct seminars or workshops. They provide information to farmers and other agricultural producers, giving recommendations about ways in which they can use their land for optimum plant growth.

A bachelor's degree is the minimum qualification for plant science jobs in product development or assisting in applied research. Students thinking about a career in plant science should take courses in related subjects- particularly plant pathology, entomology, plant physiology, molecular biology and biochemistry.

However, those wishing to carry out basic research or to direct applied research, generally require a master's or doctoral degree (PhD). Fieldwork, laboratory research, and a thesis or paper based on independent research, are usually covered in advanced degree programs. To advance to senior research positions and to teach as a professor, a PhD in agricultural science or fields like plant biology is usually needed.

In the US, plant scientists earn an annual income of $58,000 on an average, but the range is between $30,000 and $100,000. Income varies according to location, employer and level of expertise.

Basic research entails understanding the biological and chemical functions of plants and modalities like genetics come under this field. Scientists involved in applied research apply this knowledge to develop methods to improve the quality, quantity as well as safety of agricultural products.

Other scientists control or oversee research and development programs or are in charge of marketing or production operations in agricultural chemicals, seeds, and machinery industries. Some plant scientists are consultants to farming business firms, private clients, or the government while others may be required to give lectures or teach at universities.

Therefore, plant scientists work in different environments and conditions. Plant scientists engaged in management or basic research tend to have regular working hours with routine schedules, usually in offices and laboratories. Many plant scientists also work outdoors, conducting research on farms and other agricultural entities. They usually work 40 hours per week.

There is a high level of aptitude and intelligence required for this profession, and because of interaction with people with the same level of intellect, the job is exhilarating. It pays quite well, especially if employed by a large private firm. Moreover, there is frequent travel to exotic places along with meeting interesting new people.

In addition, plant scientists benefit to the environment, increase productivity & wellbeing, whilst simultaneously helping to boost economies. Personal satisfaction from this career is therefore felt by many.

Plant scientists are often exposed to unhygienic conditions including microorganisms, pollution, extremes of temperature, dust etc. Sometimes they are exposed to loud noise levels from machinery that is disturbing and uncomfortable. Handling various equipment, chemicals and machinery may also prove to be hazardous.

Another disadvantage in this career is the fact that plant scientists have to undergo a period of rigorous education to progress or advance in this field. Research positions are almost never secured without obtaining a master’s degree.

Advancing biotechnologies will keep on playing a major role in agricultural research, and will provide many employment opportunities for plant scientists. Further developments and newer methods will be needed to improve the quality, quantity and safety of agricultural products marketed to consumers. Plant scientists will also be needed to balance increased farming productivity with protection and conservation of natural resources and ecosystems.

Employment growth in plant science is projected to grow by 20% in the coming decade. The number of new jobs created through 2016 is estimated to be around 18,000. Statistics suggest that in 2006, plant scientists held about 87,000 jobs.

Developed countries offer most promising opportunities because of the advanced facilities and technologies they possess. Places like USA, Europe, Australia, and Singapore are a few examples.