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Biological Scientists, All Other

SOC 19-1029.00Job Zone 5 · Extensive PreparationSibling-inferredv.26.05

Context coveredThis framework covers biological research and applied advisory practice for animal nutrition, feeding, housing, disease control, and scientific communication across academic, government, and agricultural industry environments at Job Zone 5.

Sources:O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.SkillsCrosswalkSkillsCrosswalk — O*NET enrichment + adjacency index. Opens in new tab.
Emerging
Entry / Apprentice
  1. Nutritional requirements of research animals — identify and document under direct supervision in a university or government laboratory setting.
  2. Scientific literature on animal feed materials — read and summarize comprehensively to support ongoing research projects at an advanced-degree entry level.
  3. Research findings on animal biology — compile and organize into draft written reports under the guidance of a senior investigator.
  4. Data collection protocols for feeding trials — follow precisely and record observations accurately in a controlled experimental facility.
  5. Database and spreadsheet software — enter, retrieve, and format biological research data under direction within a life sciences research environment.
  6. Active listening skills — apply during laboratory briefings and team meetings to accurately interpret complex methodological instructions from senior scientists.
  7. Geographic information system tools — operate at a basic level to map animal population or habitat data as directed on research projects.
  8. Sanitation and biosecurity protocols for animal housing — follow established procedures under supervision to maintain compliance in a research vivarium.
  9. Critical thinking — apply when reviewing experimental results to flag anomalies or inconsistencies for senior review in a biological research context.
  10. Presentation software — prepare introductory slide decks summarizing literature or preliminary data for internal laboratory meetings under supervisor guidance.
Developing
Mid-level / Established
  1. Nutritive values of common animal feed materials — analyze and compare routinely using established assay methods in a research or agricultural testing laboratory.
  2. Research manuscripts and technical reports — draft and revise with reduced oversight to communicate findings to scientific and producer audiences.
  3. Animal feeding and husbandry practice improvements — propose evidence-based modifications based on review of current literature and trial data in production settings.
  4. Complex biological data sets — query, clean, and interpret using database and spreadsheet tools to support multi-phase research projects independently.
  5. Oral presentations of research results — deliver clearly to both scientific peers and agricultural producers at regional conferences or extension events.
  6. Parasite and disease control protocols — adapt and implement standard procedures for varying animal species and housing environments with limited supervision.
  7. Inductive reasoning — apply to identify emerging patterns across multiple feeding trials and draw preliminary conclusions for team discussion.
  8. Producer advisory communications — develop written guidance documents recommending improved animal production techniques based on completed research outcomes.
  9. Geographic information systems — use with proficiency to analyze spatial relationships in wildlife or livestock distribution studies across field sites.
  10. Active learning — pursue independently through professional development activities to integrate new methodologies into routine biological research practice.
Proficient
Senior / Expert IC
  1. Nutritional requirement models for diverse animal species — design and execute original research programs autonomously in academic, government, or industry research environments.
  2. Research findings — communicate authoritatively through peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, and public-facing materials directed at scientific and agricultural stakeholder audiences.
  3. Animal housing, feeding, and sanitation systems — evaluate comprehensively and develop improved practice frameworks addressing non-routine challenges across multiple production contexts.
  4. Producer advisory programs — lead independently, translating complex biological research into actionable recommendations that measurably enhance animal production outcomes.
  5. Complex problem solving — apply across full research scope to resolve novel experimental challenges involving disease control, nutrition, or environmental factors in animal populations.
  6. Multi-source biological data — integrate from databases, field studies, and laboratory assays to produce authoritative interpretations supporting regulatory or production decisions.
  7. Judgment and decision making — exercise autonomously when evaluating experimental design trade-offs, resource allocation, and ethical considerations in biological research programs.
  8. CAD and modeling software — utilize to design improved animal housing systems or experimental apparatus tailored to specific research and welfare requirements.
  9. Cross-disciplinary knowledge in chemistry, biology, and mathematics — synthesize to address complex questions about nutrient metabolism and feed composition in research programs.
  10. Mentorship of graduate students and junior scientists — provide structured guidance on research methodology, scientific writing, and professional development within research laboratories.
Advanced
Lead / Principal / Executive
  1. National or institutional research agenda for animal biological sciences — set strategic direction by identifying priority gaps and securing sustained funding from government and industry partners.
  2. Scientific communication strategy — lead organization-wide efforts to disseminate high-impact findings to research communities, policymakers, producers, and the public at national scale.
  3. Transformative improvements in animal production practices — champion adoption across industry sectors by synthesizing research programs, forging producer partnerships, and influencing policy frameworks.
  4. Senior scientific advisory function — serve authoritatively for agricultural agencies, industry boards, and international bodies on animal nutrition, disease control, and welfare standards.
  5. Large-scale interdisciplinary research programs — design and direct, integrating biology, chemistry, data science, and agricultural economics to solve systemic animal production challenges.
  6. Organizational research culture — cultivate intellectual curiosity, integrity, and rigorous attention to detail by modeling exemplary scientific standards and establishing institutional norms.
  7. Next-generation biological scientists — develop through doctoral mentorship, fellowship program leadership, and executive sponsorship of early-career researchers across the life sciences.
  8. Advanced analytical infrastructure — lead procurement, implementation, and governance of GIS platforms, research databases, and computational tools at an institutional or multi-site level.
  9. High-stakes judgment — exercise at the executive level when advising on outbreak response, regulatory submissions, or controversial animal production technologies with broad societal implications.
  10. Knowledge translation — orchestrate systematic conversion of research discoveries into extension education, producer training programs, and policy guidance that drives measurable industry improvement.

AI-at-Work Competency Framework

Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Authoritative source data identified for 998 occupations

How a worker at each mastery level uses, directs, and evaluates AI tools in this occupation. Each statement cites its evidence inline; click a citation chip to verify the source.

Emerging
  1. Literature synthesis — uses an AI assistant to surface and summarize peer-reviewed sources on animal nutrition and disease control, then reads primary papers to verify claims before accepting them Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  2. Data query drafting — submits structured prompts to an AI tool to generate initial database queries or spreadsheet formulas for organizing nutritive-value datasets, reviewing outputs for accuracy before use WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
Developing
  1. Research report drafting — delegates the first-draft assembly of methods and results sections to an AI writing assistant, then rewrites for scientific precision and adds interpretation from direct observation Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
  2. Feed-formula literature review — directs an AI assistant to compile and cross-compare published feeding trials, reducing manual reading time while applying critical judgment to conflicting findings Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  3. Producer advisory materials — uses an AI tool to convert technical research findings into plain-language producer briefs, then edits for accuracy and context-specific applicability before distribution.
Proficient
  1. Experimental design augmentation — partners with an AI assistant to generate candidate study designs for animal housing or parasite-control trials, stress-testing assumptions through iterative prompting while retaining final design authority Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  2. Multi-source data synthesis — orchestrates AI-assisted aggregation of nutritional, epidemiological, and production datasets, then applies domain expertise to interpret patterns that automated summaries miss Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  3. Manuscript acceleration — achieves substantial time savings by assigning AI tools to handle literature formatting, citation management, and draft structuring, while authoring all scientific conclusions and discussion independently Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
  4. Complex problem scoping — uses AI-generated scenario analyses as a starting framework for diagnosing multi-factor animal production challenges, then evaluates each scenario against field evidence before recommending interventions Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
Advanced
  1. AI workflow governance — establishes team-level protocols for when and how AI assistants are used in research pipelines—defining hand-off points, validation checkpoints, and documentation standards to maintain scientific integrity Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  2. Cross-disciplinary synthesis leadership — directs AI agents to integrate findings across nutrition, genetics, and epidemiology literature at scale, then leads expert synthesis sessions to translate outputs into novel hypotheses and practice recommendations Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  3. Autonomy calibration — evaluates the degree to which specific biological research subtasks can be safely delegated to AI versus requiring direct scientist judgment, and communicates those boundaries to junior researchers and collaborators Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
Evidence pack
AEI usage
Task observations: 65
Augment share: 6.5%
Time saved: 73.4%
AI autonomy: 3.65
SAFI positioning
Top skill: Reading Comprehension
Score: 45.5 / 100
Quadrant: Q2_ai_augmented
precision: exact
WEF cluster
Data Science and Analysis
data_science_and_analysis
Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.

Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework

Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Ten durable-skill domains mapped to four proficiency/role levels for each occupation. Each statement is aligned to the Pathsmith taxonomy, derived from trusted grounding data and mapped to occupation-specific O*NET tasks and skills.

1Communication12 statements
Emerging
  1. Research summary drafts — translates initial biological findings into written summaries using established scientific conventions for lab reports and internal documents Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Peer interaction — listens actively during lab meetings and seminars to capture key methodological details and follow-up questions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Terminology alignment — uses discipline-specific biological vocabulary consistently when describing experimental procedures to immediate colleagues O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Manuscript contribution — drafts sections of scientific manuscripts describing methods, results, and data interpretations for peer-reviewed submission Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Producer advisory communication — conveys findings on animal nutrition or disease control practices to agricultural producers using accessible, non-technical language O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Oral presentation delivery — presents research progress at departmental seminars, adjusting level of technical detail based on audience composition Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Research dissemination — communicates complete study findings orally and in writing to diverse audiences including scientists, producers, and public stakeholders through conference presentations and extension publications Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Grant narrative writing — authors compelling research proposals that integrate biological rationale, experimental design, and expected outcomes for federal and institutional funding bodies O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Interdisciplinary briefing — translates complex biological data on nutritive values or parasite control into actionable guidance during cross-functional advisory sessions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Science communication leadership — designs and delivers multi-format communication strategies that move biological research from laboratory findings to producer adoption and public policy influence Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Mentored writing program — coaches early-career scientists through iterative manuscript revision, modeling precise scientific language and audience-aware framing Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. High-stakes testimony — presents research conclusions on animal health or nutritional science before regulatory bodies or legislative committees, synthesizing evidence under scrutiny Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
2Leadership10 statements
Emerging
  1. Lab task ownership — takes initiative in completing assigned experimental protocols on feeding or disease control studies without requiring supervisory prompting Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Team contribution — volunteers for cross-lab data collection tasks, demonstrating early accountability for shared research outcomes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Project coordination — organizes timelines and assigns sub-tasks within a biological research project, ensuring milestones for animal nutrition or sanitation studies are met Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Junior mentorship — guides undergraduate or early graduate researchers through standard laboratory procedures and data recording practices Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Research team direction — leads a team of biological scientists and technicians through full study cycles, from hypothesis development to results dissemination, on animal production or nutritive value investigations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Stakeholder leadership — represents the research program to agricultural producers and institutional administrators, advocating for evidence-based changes to animal management practices O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Decision authority — makes independent judgments on experimental design modifications when preliminary biological data indicate a need for methodological adjustment Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Program-level scientific leadership — establishes research priorities, secures multi-year funding, and directs multiple concurrent biological studies addressing animal nutrition, disease, and housing optimization Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Institutional influence — shapes departmental or organizational research strategy by identifying emerging biological science priorities and building collaborative networks across institutions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Succession development — systematically cultivates the next generation of biological scientists through structured mentorship, co-authorship, and progressive leadership responsibility assignment Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
3Metacognition9 statements
Emerging
  1. Learning gap identification — reflects on comprehension challenges encountered while reading primary biological literature and seeks targeted resources to address knowledge deficits Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Protocol self-monitoring — checks own execution of laboratory procedures against written protocols to detect and correct procedural drift before data are compromised Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Research strategy reflection — evaluates which experimental approaches yielded reliable data in past animal nutrition studies and adjusts future study designs accordingly Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Skill inventory — honestly assesses current competencies in biological statistical analysis and computational tools, pursuing targeted training to close identified gaps Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Study design evaluation — systematically reviews own research plans before implementation, identifying logical gaps, confounding variables, and measurement limitations in biological experiments Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Post-study debriefing — conducts structured reflection after completing an animal science study to document what methodological choices enhanced or limited data quality Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Learning transfer monitoring — tracks how knowledge gained from current biological literature is being integrated into ongoing experimental decision-making Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Epistemological awareness — critically examines the assumptions underlying chosen biological paradigms and models, proactively adjusting research frameworks when evidence challenges foundational premises Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Metacognitive mentorship — teaches junior scientists to monitor their own reasoning processes during experimental design and data interpretation, reducing confirmation bias in biological research Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
4Critical Thinking11 statements
Emerging
  1. Literature evaluation — distinguishes between peer-reviewed primary research and secondary sources when reviewing literature on animal nutritional requirements or disease control Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Data questioning — identifies obvious anomalies or outliers in biological datasets during routine data entry and flags them for supervisory review Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Experimental hypothesis testing — formulates testable hypotheses grounded in biological theory and designs control conditions to isolate causal variables in animal nutrition experiments Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Evidence weighing — compares competing findings from multiple studies on nutritive values of feed materials, assessing methodological quality before drawing conclusions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Assumption identification — surfaces hidden assumptions in proposed research designs for parasite or disease control studies and evaluates their validity before committing resources Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Complex problem analysis — deconstructs multifactorial biological problems such as declining animal production performance by systematically evaluating nutritional, environmental, and pathological contributors Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Judgment under uncertainty — makes defensible research decisions when biological data are incomplete or conflicting, documenting the reasoning chain transparently Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Producer advisory reasoning — critically appraises commercial product claims against peer-reviewed evidence before advising producers on animal management improvements O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Research paradigm critique — evaluates the conceptual and methodological limitations of dominant frameworks in biological science, proposing alternative investigative models where current approaches fall short Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Cross-disciplinary synthesis — integrates evidence from biology, nutrition science, veterinary medicine, and computational modeling to form comprehensive judgments on complex animal production challenges Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Peer review leadership — leads rigorous review of scientific manuscripts and grant proposals, providing structured critical analysis that strengthens the quality of published biological science Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
5Collaboration10 statements
Emerging
  1. Lab team participation — contributes reliable data collection and documentation within a biological research team, meeting shared quality and timeline expectations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Interdisciplinary openness — engages respectfully with colleagues from adjacent disciplines such as veterinary science or agricultural engineering during joint project planning meetings Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Cross-functional project work — collaborates with statisticians and computational scientists to design data analysis pipelines for animal nutrition or disease studies Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Producer partnership — works alongside agricultural producers to gather observational data on animal feeding and housing conditions, integrating practitioner knowledge with scientific methods O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Conflict navigation — addresses disagreements about experimental approaches within the research team by grounding discussion in shared evidence and project objectives Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Multi-institution collaboration — contributes to and coordinates research tasks within multi-site biological studies, maintaining data consistency and communication across geographically distributed teams Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Stakeholder co-design — partners with producers, extension agents, and public health officials to ensure research on animal sanitation and disease control addresses real-world implementation constraints O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Peer knowledge exchange — systematically shares methodological expertise with collaborating laboratories, accelerating collective research progress on nutritional and parasitological questions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Consortium leadership — builds and sustains large-scale research consortia across academic, government, and industry partners, aligning diverse institutional interests toward shared biological science goals Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Collaborative culture building — establishes team norms and communication structures that maximize productive contribution from all members across career stages and disciplinary backgrounds Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
6Character9 statements
Emerging
  1. Data integrity — records raw biological measurements and observations accurately without alteration, even when results do not align with expected outcomes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Professional conduct — meets deadlines, maintains organized laboratory notebooks, and communicates honestly about progress in assigned research tasks Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Ethical research practice — follows institutional review and biosafety protocols consistently, reporting near-misses or protocol deviations to supervisors without prompting Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Accountability in reporting — acknowledges and transparently documents errors in data collection or analysis rather than omitting problematic observations from reports Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Research integrity stewardship — upholds rigorous standards of data collection, analysis, and reporting across all biological studies, resisting pressure to overstate findings for publication or funding advantage Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Producer trust maintenance — provides producers with honest, evidence-grounded assessments of animal management improvements, including limitations and uncertainties in the supporting research O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Conflict of interest management — identifies and discloses potential conflicts of interest in industry-funded animal nutrition research and implements structural safeguards to protect objectivity Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Institutional ethics leadership — shapes laboratory or departmental culture around research integrity by establishing explicit norms, leading ethics training, and modeling exemplary professional conduct Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Public accountability — takes responsibility for the societal implications of biological research findings on animal production, proactively engaging with ethical questions raised by new discoveries Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
7Creativity10 statements
Emerging
  1. Methodological curiosity — proposes minor modifications to standard animal feeding trial protocols when preliminary observations suggest a potentially more informative measurement approach Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Novel connection making — draws on knowledge from adjacent biological fields when brainstorming potential explanations for unexpected experimental results Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Experimental innovation — designs non-standard assay approaches to measure nutritive bioavailability or parasite load when conventional methods are insufficient for the research question Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Cross-domain application — adapts computational modeling techniques from ecology or epidemiology to address novel questions in animal nutrition and disease dynamics Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Study design originality — constructs creative experimental frameworks that address gaps in the biological literature on animal sanitation or housing, moving beyond replication toward genuine knowledge generation Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Solution invention — develops improved animal management practices by synthesizing biological principles with producer operational realities in ways not previously documented in the literature O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Divergent hypothesis generation — generates multiple competing mechanistic explanations for observed biological phenomena, expanding the solution space before selecting an experimental approach Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Research program innovation — conceives and pursues entirely new lines of biological inquiry that open unexplored scientific territory in animal nutrition, disease ecology, or production optimization Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Translational creativity — invents approaches that bridge fundamental biological discoveries and applied producer-facing technologies, creating novel pathways from bench to field Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Methodological paradigm advancement — introduces new experimental or analytical techniques to the biological sciences community that become adopted as standard practice across research institutions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
8Growth Mindset9 statements
Emerging
  1. Feedback receptivity — incorporates supervisor and peer feedback on experimental technique and scientific writing into subsequent work without defensive resistance Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Challenge embrace — persists through failed experimental trials in animal nutrition studies, treating unsuccessful outcomes as information rather than personal failure Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Skill expansion — pursues training in advanced biological statistical methods or bioinformatics tools to expand research capability beyond current comfort zone Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Setback reframing — analyzes failed study designs or inconclusive biological datasets to extract methodological lessons that inform improved future research approaches Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Continuous literature engagement — systematically reads emerging biological research outside immediate specialty to incorporate advances in nutrition science, parasitology, or molecular biology into ongoing work Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Peer critique integration — uses critical reviewer feedback on manuscript submissions to substantively strengthen research arguments and experimental interpretations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Long-term mastery orientation — sets multi-year professional development goals aligned with evolving biological science methodologies and adjusts learning plans as the field advances Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Field-level learning leadership — models intellectual humility and continuous learning for an entire research community by publicly updating positions when new biological evidence warrants it Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Innovation through failure — systematically documents and shares lessons from unsuccessful research programs so the broader scientific community avoids redundant approaches and builds on accumulated understanding Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
9Mindfulness9 statements
Emerging
  1. Attentional focus — maintains sustained concentration during precise biological measurements and observations, minimizing procedural errors caused by distraction Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Emotional awareness — recognizes when frustration with inconclusive experimental results is affecting data interpretation quality and pauses before drawing conclusions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Deliberate pacing — allocates focused, uninterrupted time for complex analytical tasks such as reviewing biological datasets or drafting scientific manuscripts Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Stress recognition — identifies signs of cognitive overload during high-demand phases of animal research trials and implements strategies to maintain decision quality Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Intentional experimental decision-making — approaches critical choices in biological study design with deliberate, evidence-grounded attention rather than reactive or habitual responses Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Regulated peer interaction — maintains composure and constructive engagement during contentious scientific debates about research findings, separating emotional responses from analytical judgment Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Present-moment observation — applies careful, unbiased observational attention during animal behavior and health assessments, resisting premature interpretation before full data are gathered Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Mindful leadership modeling — demonstrates and teaches intentional, reflective decision-making practices to research teams, reducing impulsivity and improving collective judgment quality in high-stakes biological research contexts Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Organizational awareness — maintains systemic awareness of how institutional pressures such as publication timelines and funding cycles affect research integrity, proactively managing these influences with equanimity Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
10Fortitude10 statements
Emerging
  1. Experimental persistence — continues executing structured animal nutrition trials through repeated inconclusive results, maintaining procedural rigor while awaiting meaningful data Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Uncertainty tolerance — proceeds productively with assigned research tasks despite incomplete theoretical understanding of the biological system under investigation Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Long-study endurance — sustains high-quality data collection and engagement across multi-month or multi-year animal production research programs without decline in rigor Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Rejection resilience — resubmits grant proposals and scientific manuscripts after rejection by incorporating reviewer feedback and strengthening the scientific argument Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Adversity navigation — maintains research productivity and team morale during significant setbacks such as animal colony health crises, equipment failures, or funding interruptions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Controversial finding courage — publishes and defends research conclusions that challenge established practices in animal nutrition or disease control, even when findings face institutional or industry resistance Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Career-stage perseverance — sustains independent research program development through the high-pressure early career period, managing competing demands without abandoning scientific rigor Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Pioneering persistence — pursues high-risk, high-reward biological research directions over extended periods despite initial lack of community recognition or funding support Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Institutional courage — advocates publicly for scientific integrity, accurate communication of animal research findings, or ethical research standards in the face of organizational or political pressure Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Community resilience building — actively supports the fortitude and persistence of junior scientists through mentorship and structural advocacy, strengthening the collective capacity of the biological research community to tackle intractable problems Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
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O*NET enrichment · skillscrosswalk.com

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Source anchors that ground each statement

Related titles
Algologist · Astrobiologist · Bioanalyst · Bioassayist · Biologist · Biomedical Scientist · Botanist · Bryologist · Collector of Aquarium Specimens · Embryologist · Etiologist · Morphologist
RAPIDS apprenticeships
—
O*NET skills
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningCritical ThinkingSpeakingWritingComplex Problem SolvingJudgment and Decision MakingActive Learning
Knowledge domains
English LanguageMathematicsComputers and ElectronicsEducation and TrainingBiologyAdministration and ManagementCustomer and Personal ServiceChemistry
Abilities
Written ComprehensionOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionWritten ExpressionInductive ReasoningDeductive Reasoning
Work styles
Attention to DetailIntellectual CuriosityDependabilityIntegrityAchievement OrientationCautiousness
Technology
Computer aided design CAD softwareGeographic information systemData base user interface and query softwareSpreadsheet softwareOffice suite softwarePresentation software
Tasks · seed anchors for statements
  1. Study nutritional requirements of animals and nutritive values of animal feed materials.
  2. Write up or orally communicate research findings to the scientific community, producers, and the public.
  3. Develop improved practices in feeding, housing, sanitation, or parasite and disease control of animals.
  4. Advise producers about improved products and techniques that could enhance their animal production efforts.
CIP education codes
26.010126.020426.020726.020826.020926.021026.029926.030126.030526.030726.030826.039926.040126.040326.040426.040626.040726.049926.050326.050426.050526.050626.050726.050826.050926.070226.070726.080126.080226.080326.080426.080526.080726.089926.091026.100126.100426.110126.110226.110426.119926.120126.130126.130226.130326.130426.130526.130626.130726.130826.131026.131126.139926.150126.150226.150326.150426.159926.999927.030630.190130.270130.320142.2706

Sources: O*NET v30.2 (CC BY 4.0), SkillsCrosswalk.com, LER.me, Anthropic Economic Index, SAFI (Jadhav & Danve, 2026), WEF Skills Taxonomy 2021, Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework. © 2026 EBSCOed.