Palaeontologist

Description

Palaeontologists research and analyse forms of life that existed in ancient eras of the planet Earth. They strive to define the evolutionary path and the interaction with different geological areas of all kinds of once organisms and such plants, pollen and spores, invertebrate and vertebrate animals, humans, traces such as footprints, and ecology and climate.

Other titles

The following job titles also refer to palaeontologist:

ichnologist
palaeontology analyst
palaeoecologist
palaeontology scholar
palaeontology research analyst
palaeontology science researcher
palaeontology researcher
palaeontology scientist
paleontologist
palaeontology research scientist
micropalaeontologist

Minimum qualifications

Master’s degree is generally required to work as palaeontologist. However, this requirement may differ in some countries.

ISCO skill level

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

  • the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
  • the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
  • the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Palaeontologist is a Skill level 4 occupation.

Palaeontologist career path

Similar occupations

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to palaeontologist.

oceanographer
seismologist
biophysicist
geologist
astronomer

Long term prospects

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of palaeontologist. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of palaeontologist with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

Essential knowledge and skills

Essential knowledge

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of palaeontologist.

Geographic information systems: The tools involved in geographical mapping and positioning, such as GPS (global positioning systems), GIS (geographical information systems), and RS (remote sensing).
Geological time scale: System of chronological measurement dividing geologic history into several temporal divisions and subdivisions that take ancient life, geography, and climates into account.
Geology: Solid earth, rock types, structures and the processes by which they are altered.
Paleontology: The field of science that studies fossils’ ecologies, their evolution and interaction with other organisms, and the environment during period beginning approximately 11,700 years ago up to the present.
Scientific modelling: Scientific activity consisting in selecting the relevant aspects of a situation and aiming to represent physical processes, empirical objects and phenomena to allow a better understanding, visualisation or quantification, and to enable simulation that shows how this particular subject would behave under given circumstances.
Scientific research methodology: The theoretical methodology used in scientific research involving doing background research, constructing an hypothesis, testing it, analysing data and concluding the results.

Essential skills and competences

These skills are necessary for the role of palaeontologist.

Use geographic information systems: Work with computer data systems such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Perform scientific research: Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.
Apply scientific methods: Apply scientific methods and techniques to investigate phenomena, by acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.
Write scientific papers: Present the hypothesis, findings, and conclusions of your scientific research in your field of expertise in a professional publication.

Optional knowledge and skills

Optional knowledge

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of palaeontologist. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

Botany: The taxonomy or classification of plant life, phylogeny and evolution, anatomy and morphology, and physiology.
Geophysics: The scientific field that deals with the physical processes and properties of, and spatial environment surrounding Earth. Geophysics also deals with the quantitative analysis of phenomena such as magnetic fields, the internal structure of Earth, and its hydrological cycle.
Biology: Tissues, cells, and functions of plant and animal organisms and their interdependencies and interactions with each other and the environment.
Chemistry: The composition, structure, and properties of substances and the processes and transformations that they undergo; the uses of different chemicals and their interactions, production techniques, risk factors, and disposal methods.

Optional skills and competences

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of palaeontologist. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

Examine geochemical samples: Analyse laboratory samples using equipment such as spectrometers, gas chromatographs, microscopes, microprobes and carbon analysers. Determine the age and characteristics of environmental samples such as minerals, rock or soil.
Perform laboratory tests: Carry out tests in a laboratory to produce reliable and precise data to support scientific research and product testing.
Write research proposals: Synthetise and write proposals aiming to solve research problems. Draft the proposal baseline and objectives, the estimated budget, risks and impact. Document the advances and new developments on the relevant subject and field of study.
Work ergonomically: Apply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.
Record test data: Record data which has been identified specifically during preceding tests in order to verify that outputs of the test produce specific results or to review the reaction of the subject under exceptional or unusual input.
Apply statistical analysis techniques: Use models (descriptive or inferential statistics) and techniques (data mining or machine learning) for statistical analysis and ICT tools to analyse data, uncover correlations and forecast trends.
Collect samples for analysis: Collect samples of materials or products for laboratory analysis.
Develop scientific theories: Formulate scientific theories based on empirical observations, gathered data and theories of other scientists.
Gather experimental data: Collect data resulting from the application of scientific methods such as test methods, experimental design or measurements.
Oversee excavation: Oversee the excavation of fossils and other archaeological evidence at dig sites, ensuring conformity with standards and regulations.
Locate fossils: Determine the location of fossils using radar scanners and other equipment.
Conduct geochemical research: Conduct both theoretical and applied geochemical and geological research.
Analyse experimental laboratory data: Analyse experimental data and interpret results to write reports and summaries of findings
Identify fossils: Classify fossils by examining their age through radiometric dating and compare them to identified fossils in order to discover their environment, diet, and skeletal structure.
Interpret geophysical data: Interpret data of a geophysical nature: Earth’s shape, its gravitational and magnetic fields, its structure and composition, and geophysical dynamics and their surface expression in plate tectonics.
Conduct field work: Conduct field work or research which is the collection of information outside of a laboratory or workplace setting. Visit places in order to collect specific information about the field.
Operate scientific measuring equipment: Operate devices, machinery, and equipment designed for scientific measurement. Scientific equipment consists of specialised measuring instruments refined to facilitate the acquisition of data.
Assemble fossils: Reassemble the skeletal structure of dinosaurs, prehistoric mammals, and other fossils by comparing them to existing fossils.
Excavate fossils: Dig up prehistoric remains of animals and plants using specialised tools such as hand picks, brushes, and shovels.

ISCO group and title

2114 – Geologists and geophysicists

 

 


 

 

References
  1. Palaeontologist – ESCO
Last updated on August 8, 2022