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When people think about careers in science, they automatically coin them to people donned in lab coats, safety glasses, mixing solutions, or handling test tubes every day.
But did you know that the science environment is filled with interesting and unique jobs that don’t necessarily confine you within the four walls of science labs?
A career in science is not just about burying yourself in labs or sitting behind a computer. Just think about it, every part of what we do and how the world works requires science. This means that you can pursue scientific careers in the weirdest places, doing unusual science jobs.
From being a snake milker to a fireworks designer, a space psychologist, a nuclear engineer, and even a cosmetic scientist, there are so many unusual jobs you can get that involve science.
The Lowdown
A career in science is an excellent choice, especially if you’re looking for roles that are rewarding, varied, and challenging. It allows you to improve and help improve people’s lives and develop your understanding and knowledge of people, nature, and everything around us.
Finding the best science careers will take time. However, if you’re not so keen on landing a typical science-related job, there are several unusual jobs that you might want to consider.
The Ten Weirdest Careers in Science
Scatologist
It may not be the most glamorous of jobs, but surprisingly, it attracts students who become experts in this field. Scatology, in its simplest meaning, is the study of excrement and can tell scientists a lot about animals, including their health, habits, and the presence of disease.
What scientists see in animal feces can reveal their diet and tell where these animals have been. To become a scatologist, a degree in biology, medicine, or paleontology is your stepping stone toward becoming one.
Fermentation Scientist
Fermentation scientists, also called zymologists, study foods made by fermentation processes, like beer, bread, wine, yogurt, cheese, pickles, and more. Fermentation is the process in which bacteria or yeast converts sugar into acids, alcohol, or gas.
These scientists study and research how microorganisms are used in food chemistry, like the process of beer brewing. The first zymologist, Louis Pasteur, discovered how yeast led to fermentation.
To become a fermentation scientist, you need to have at least high school courses in biology, mathematics, agricultural education, computer courses, and business courses. A master’s degree in biochemistry, microbiology, or any related field is also advised.
Fireworks Chemist/Fireworks Designers
Who doesn’t love a good fireworks show– the sparks, the bursts of lights, the crackles, and the booms? Those amazing displays are only made possible by a firework designer or chemist.
The chemist will design fireworks shows with chemical makeup to emit cool, beautiful, and sparkly colors when they are heated.
For example, blue colors are from copper compounds, crimson hues from strontium compounds, and sodium blazes create bright yellow. These chemicals are reactive and extremely dangerous. To become a fireworks designer, you need to have a master’s program or a Ph.D. in chemistry.
Volcanologist
A volcanologist is a geophysics specialist who studies volcanic activity, volcanic eruptions, as well as the movement and formation of molten rocks (magma) under the surface of the earth. Scientists of many disciplines study volcanoes.
They have strong technical backgrounds and advanced degrees in natural sciences, including physics, chemistry, geology, mathematics, and computer science.
Forensic Anthropologist
Forensic anthropology is a unique sub-field of physical anthropology that involves applying skeletal techniques and analysis in archaeology to solve criminal cases.
When human remains or suspected burial sites are found, these professionals are called upon to gather data and information from the bones.
From there, they are able to recover a significant contest to identify who died, the cause of death, and how long age they died. A good starting point toward becoming a forensic anthropologist is to earn a bachelor’s in forensic science or anthropology.
Storm Tracker/Investigator
A career in storm tracking is one cool job that only a few people dare to take! To the ordinary individual, no one in their right mind would run toward an impending storm knowing how dangerous it is!
Storm trackers, also called storm chasers, are atmospheric and space scientists who use technology, their working knowledge, and weather news or forecasts to predict where a storm will fall and gather data when observing it. To qualify for this career, one must have a bachelor’s in meteorology.
Snake Milkers
This is a highly dangerous career that only specialized zoologists can do. Snake milkers are tasked with extracting snake venom/milk from poisonous snakes.
Venom is used for medical research as it can help treat strokes, heart attacks, and brain disorders. It is also used in medicine, especially during emergency treatments.
When someone is bitten, snake milkers will extract venom to concoct an anti-venom to treat the affected person. To enter into this cool world of snake milking, you need to have a bachelor’s in zoology.
Pet/Animal Food Taster
For pet owners, you have probably wondered what your pet’s food tastes like. But did you know that there are really existing jobs focused on testing pet food? This will include wet and dry foods, treats, chewy sticks, and even liver mixtures.
Although this sounds like a gross job, some people actually find this fascinating, especially if the jobs involve assessing the food’s flavor, texture, and nutritional levels. A bachelor’s degree in nutrition is required to join this cool but real job.
Animal Therapist
These professionals do not give therapy to animals. Instead, they train and take care of an animal that may be used to provide therapy to others. From domestic dogs and cats to more exotic animals, the world needs an animal therapist for several reasons.
A bachelor’s in psychology or sociology is a good starting point for this career. Animal training is also necessary.
Space Psychologists
Going up into space is never easy. Astronauts deal with the force upon lift-off, not to mention the challenges of doing mundane things in zero gravity.
Space psychologists work with astronauts, helping them cope with things like the air quality they breathe, weightlessness, and many more. To qualify for this career, NASA requires a Ph.D. in behavioral psychology.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a STEM qualification/education be enough to search for jobs related to science and technology?
Students who can complete an associate degree in a STEM subject right after earning their high school diploma can either look for STEM careers or proceed to a bachelor’s program.
What other weird but interesting science-related in-demand jobs can you get?
If you’re a foodie, then you can be a Gumologist. You can be an ice cream taster and do nothing but just taste ice cream samples. Or a Flavorist researching in a lab how to enhance food, produce, milk, or create new flavors.
You can also focus on becoming a nuclear waste professional or put your attention on robotics or engineering. Or how about a deodorant tester and spend your days in the lab trying to assess and check samples as to which scent is longer-lasting and which one is not?
Whatever it is, whether you hold a bachelor’s or a STEM curriculum, you will always be relevant to the world.
Summary Points
The demand for professionals in not-so-traditional jobs is growing by the day. Whether you are focused on plants, the environment, robotics, or engineering, with a bachelor’s or a STEM certification, the field of science will always have something interesting to offer you.
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