Palaeontologist

Palaeontologists study fossilised life forms to understand what the Earth was like millions of years ago

Through understanding how the Earth and biodiversity has changed over millions of years, palaeontologists can try to predict how it might change in the future.

Working in palaeontology can be an extremely competitive but rewarding career. The role varies considerably depending on your area of specialism and the type of organisation you work for. Activities can range from collecting samples on site, conducting scientific experiments and analysing data to academic research, planning and delivering lectures, curating and outreach work. 

As well as working in academia and in museums, there are a range of related roles linked to palaeontology, including science writer, science educator, photographer, palaeoartist and consultant.

Types of palaeontology

Palaeontology is a broad science and can be separated into many subdisciplines that overlap. Some of the main ones are:

• vertebrate/invertebrate palaeontology - describing ancient animals from their fossilised remains
• palaeobotany - the study of ancient plants, seeds, fungi and algae
• macroevolutionary work - the study of evolution, extinction and how animals are related to each other (the subscience of phylogenetics)
• stratigraphic palaeobiology - understanding past environments based on fossils and geological fieldwork.
• taphonomy - the study of how organisms decay and become fossilised
• biomechanics - the study of how organisms move and eat
• micropalaeontology - the study of ancient microscopic organisms (typically used in climate studies or oil and gas).

Other areas you could work in include curation, conservation of fossil sites and educational outreach work.

Responsibilities

There are a range of roles and specialisms within palaeontology and your work may cross over these areas, but in general you'll need to:

• carry out research and write scientific papers
• work on field excavations or digs, collecting data and specimens
• work in laboratories, carrying out experiments and testing on fossils using various analytical methods such as CT scanning and electron microscopy
• carry out data modelling and analyse data for research
• record and classify specimens
• plan and deliver lectures and workshops to university students or other academics
• give educational talks and presentations to schools and geological groups
• write articles for publications such as professional journals and magazines
• produce content in various formats, such as podcasts, blogs and online videos
• act as an adviser or contributor on radio and TV programmes, and films
• respond to queries from the general public and other researchers
• manage displays and exhibitions
• manage volunteers or staff on projects or field trips.

Salary

• Key areas of work for palaeontologists are academia and museums. Starting salaries range from £18,000 to £25,000 for entry-level museum roles or a minimum of £20,780 for funded PhD students who receive a tax-free stipend.
• More experienced museum staff can expect salaries from £26,000 to £35,000. Postdoctoral researchers are often employed on grades 6 or 7, depending on their experience. Salaries can range from £31,000 to £48,000.
• Senior staff at museums, such as head curator or head of collections, can expect salaries over £40,000, while senior researchers and academics can earn more than £50,000. Salaries for associate professors and professors can reach in excess of £75,000. For more information on academic salaries, see the HE pay scale.

Salaries vary depending on the sector you work in, the type and size of organisation and your location. For example, salaries in London are usually higher due to the higher cost of living. Other factors affecting salary include your specialism, level of experience and responsibilities.

Income figures are intended as a guide only.

Working hours

Academic roles are generally 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, although you'll often work longer hours, including evenings and weekends, to prepare lectures, conduct research and attend conferences. If you're working in a museum, you may sometimes have to work evenings and weekends to cover events and educational programmes.

Fieldwork often involves irregular hours, including extended periods away from home, sometimes in remote locations.

Flexible working arrangements, including part-time roles, job sharing and hybrid working, may be available depending on the employer. Academics may have opportunities for career breaks or sabbaticals, but maintaining an active research profile is essential.

What to expect

• You could work in a museum, university, office, laboratory or on site. Most palaeontologists don't spend a lot of time doing field work. Much of their work is spent on activities such as research, analysis, teaching, preparing workshops and administration. However, there are some opportunities to undertake field work as part of your role.
• Palaeontology is a small, but competitive profession. For example, there can be intense competition for postdoctoral positions and lectureships. You may need to take on several postdoctoral research roles, both in the UK and abroad, before securing a permanent lecturing post.
• Museum work can also vary depending on the type of museum. In smaller museums you may have to get involved in all aspects of the work, from preparing exhibits to opening the museum. In a larger or national museum, however, you may have more opportunity to concentrate on research and on specific collections.
• There are a small number of opportunities available throughout the UK in, for example, universities, research institutions and museums. There are also opportunities abroad in places that have a reputation for palaeontology research. Many of the opportunities for field work can be found abroad in countries such as the US.
• Posts in both academia and museums are often dependent on funding and specific grants. Contracts are often short term or temporary, especially in the early years of an academic career, and you may have to move around a lot to find work. Secondments are also sometimes available, providing an opportunity to work with other laboratories and institutions.
• At times, you may need to travel and work away from home for field trips, to share research or to attend and present at conferences.

Qualifications

You'll usually need a degree to get into a career in palaeontology. Typically, this will be in geology or a science or mathematics-based subject. The following degree subjects are particularly useful:

• geology
• zoology
• Earth sciences
• biology
• palaeontology
• chemistry
• geography
• maths
• statistics.

Undergraduate courses specialising in palaeontology are rare, though most geology degrees include evolution and palaeontology. It's often advisable to build a broad scientific foundation first before specialising at Masters or PhD level. Research courses carefully to ensure they align with your career goals.

A strong academic record and achieving a 2:1 or first-class degree is important.

For most roles, a postgraduate qualification such as a Masters or PhD is beneficial. Palaeontologists working in research or academia are typically educated to at least doctorate level, while those in museums or the oil and gas sector usually have a Masters. Use The Palaeontological Association website to search for Masters courses and PhD opportunities linked to palaeontology.

Although you don't need to specialise in palaeontology at undergraduate level, it's often helpful to focus on areas of palaeontology at postgraduate level. Many researchers undertake postdoctoral positions before securing a lectureship or research role.

Palaeontology is a broad science, however, and it's possible to move into a palaeontology role from areas such as engineering and biomechanics and medicine.

If you're studying palaeontology or a related subject, joining The Palaeontological Association provides you with access to networking opportunities and events. They also offer a mentoring scheme for early-career palaeontologists, including PhD students or those in a postdoctoral position.

The Palaeontological Association also offers a number of grants to encourage research and education. You can apply to the Association for funding to do a palaeontological project even as an undergraduate.

Skills

You will need to have:

• the ability to plan, conduct and evaluate high-level research
• an analytical and enquiring mind, with strong problem-solving skills
• the ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team
• excellent verbal communication skills for presenting ideas and research in lectures and presentations to academics, students and the public
• strong written communication skills for producing scientific reports, research papers and articles, funding bids and public engagement materials
• proficiency in IT, data analysis and statistical techniques
• organisational and project management skills
• skills in specimen handling, classification and interpretation
• the ability to manage and mentor junior researchers, students and volunteers on field projects
• multimedia skills for creating graphical data presentations, videos, podcasts and social media content.

Work experience

Getting relevant work experience is crucial for standing out in the field and building professional networks. However, formal internships are rare, so you'll need to take a proactive approach to finding work experience opportunities.

For example, if you're interested in palaeontological work in museums, consider volunteering at your local museum. Approaching smaller museums, as well as national or larger museums, can increase your chances of success.

If you're interested in field work, consider joining The Geological Society group in your region and get involved in their activities. Organisations such as the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre also offer volunteering opportunities. However, the availability of field experience depends on your location and the availability of projects in the area.

If you're considering an academic career in palaeontology, you could approach universities or palaeontology research departments to find out about opportunities to visit or to get involved in projects or laboratory work. Tasks may include helping to identify specimens or data collation, either in person or remotely - you don’t necessarily have to be in the same building to do it.

Joining professional organisations such as the Geologists' Association and local palaeontological or geological societies can help you get involved and build connections. You should also read relevant scientific papers and attend scientific conferences such as The Palaeontological Association annual meeting if you can.

Find out more about the different kinds of work experience and internships that are available.

Employers

Universities, research institutions, museums and science centres are the main employers of palaeontologists, particularly in research, teaching, education and curation roles. However, opportunities also exist with:

• media and broadcasting organisations - advising or contributing to documentaries, films and educational programmes
• publishing companies - writing for academic journals, scientific publications and educational resources
• mining, oil and gas companies - analysing fossils and organic matter in rock samples to assist with resource exploration and geological assessments
• environmental and geotechnical consultancies - providing expert advice on fossil records, climate change, conservation and land use planning to a range of companies, environmental organisations and government bodies.
• government agencies and heritage organisations - contributing to policymaking, conservation initiatives and geological surveys.

Look for job vacancies at:

• Jobs.ac.uk and THEunijobs - for positions in higher education institutions.
• Museums Association (MA) - you need to register to see jobs.
• Museum Jobs
• University of Leicester Museum Studies Jobs Desk
• Earthworks Jobs - jobs in geoscience.

Vacancies are also advertised on university, museum and local authority websites.

You can also find opportunities by following scientists, museums and institutions on professional networking sites such as LinkedIn.

Consider using The Geologist's Directory Online for making speculative applications to organisations for work experience.

Professional development

There are opportunities to develop your skills and knowledge through training, courses and qualifications, wherever you work. For those working in museums, for example, the Museums Association offers CPD schemes, including mentoring and professional development programmes, to support career progression.

In academia, options such as the Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (PGCertHE) and Advance HE Fellowships can help develop teaching and research expertise.

Membership of The Palaeontological Association also offers a range of CPD opportunities, including annual meetings, networking events and funding for research projects. Attending conferences and other events can give you the opportunity to present your research and learn from others in the field.

Many employers provide in-house training on topics such as IT, management, personal development, administration and advanced research techniques.

Career prospects

Career progression in palaeontology typically involves moving into senior academic or museum roles, such as senior or principal lecturer, head of collections or curator. Building a strong research profile by publishing work and presenting at conferences is key to career advancement. Experienced palaeontologists may also have opportunities for freelance consultancy, advising on excavation projects, exhibitions or conservation initiatives, for example.

As your expertise and reputation grows, you may be able to diversify into media and science communication, acting as a consultant for documentary films, TV programmes or educational content. Some palaeontologists become authors, writing popular science books or contributing to specialist publications.

Palaeontologists with expertise in stratigraphy and fossil analysis may work as geological consultants for government agencies, environmental organisations or the oil and gas industry. Others may specialise in data analysis, applying their skills to areas such as climate research, biodiversity studies or forensic science.

Developing additional skills in areas such as digital modelling, statistical analysis or science communication, for example, can open up opportunities in related fields such as geotechnical surveying, natural history conservation or academic publishing.