Palaeontologist
18AI USED FOR18%moving to63%
THE DOOR, NOWB
THE DOOR, 20 YRSD
STARTING PAY£20,000 - £25,000
NO MOATNo physical, legal or personal barrier protects this work from software.
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CAREERMASH (EN)FROM BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES →
Palaeontologist
Ever dreamed of uncovering the secrets of the past? As a palaeontologist, you'll dig deep into the Earth to discover fossils and understand the history of life on our planet. Join the adventure of exploring ancient worlds and contribute to our understanding of evolution and climate change!
THE DOOR: A easy to E extremely hard, now and in 20 years
AI helps here, but has not taken over
AI is already used for some of this job, but the day-to-day work still leans on a person to decide, check and take responsibility. Nothing formally protects this job though, so the safest move is to keep building the judgement AI cannot yet copy.
Career progression path
1FIRST STEPField AssistantAs a Field Assistant, you'll help with excavations, collect samples, and assist in research projects. This is your chance to get hands-on experience in the field and learn from seasoned palaeontologists.£20,000 - £25,000
2GAINING EXPERIENCEPalaeontologistIn this role, you'll conduct your own research, analyze fossils, and publish your findings. You'll also collaborate with other scientists and contribute to important discoveries about ancient life.£30,000 - £45,000
3PEAK CAREERLead Palaeontologist/Research DirectorAt the peak of your career, you'll lead major research projects, mentor young scientists, and possibly teach at a university. Your work will shape our understanding of Earth's history and influence future generations.£50,000+
The degree route
Courses in this career's subject area, from the live library of 35,000; every one is AI impact assessed through its actual graduate destinations.
🎓Biological Sciences with Spanish for ScienceImperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£31,500 median
🎓Human Sciences and EvolutionUniversity College London · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£30,500 median
🎓Biochemistry and PharmacologyUniversity of Strathclyde · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£28,000 median
🎓Biomedical Sciences with a Year in IndustryRoyal Holloway and Bedford New College · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£27,500 median
All Biological Sciences courses as cards →
There is more than one way in
You do not have to go the university route to get here. There is also a vocational route that skips a degree entirely.
Degree subjects that lead this way
Courses in this career's subject area, from the same register that priced the degree above. Subject-matched, not a guaranteed qualifying route: check each course's own entry requirements and any professional accreditation before you rely on it.
Biological Sciences with Spanish for ScienceImperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine · DegreeHuman Sciences and EvolutionUniversity College London · DegreeBiochemistryThe University of Leeds · DegreeBiochemistry and PharmacologyUniversity of Strathclyde · DegreeHuman BiologyQueen's University of Belfast · DegreeBiomedical Sciences with a Year in IndustryRoyal Holloway and Bedford New College · Degree