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Life Scientists, All Other

SOC 19-1099.00Job Zone —v.26.05

Context coveredThis framework covers applied life science practice in animal nutrition, husbandry, disease control, and producer advisory roles within research stations, livestock facilities, and extension or agricultural support settings.

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 common livestock — identify and record under direct supervisor guidance in a research or production facility.
  2. Scientific literature on animal feed materials — read and summarize using standard reading comprehension protocols in a supervised laboratory setting.
  3. Basic animal feeding schedules and protocols — follow and document according to established procedures on a supervised farm or research station.
  4. Research findings on animal health topics — compile and organize into written reports under the direction of a senior scientist.
  5. Spreadsheet software — enter and format animal production data under supervision to support ongoing nutrition studies.
  6. Sanitation and disease-control checklists — apply consistently to animal housing areas following established protocols in a field or facility setting.
  7. Scientific terminology related to biology and chemistry — use accurately when communicating basic observations to supervisors or team members.
  8. Office suite software — prepare draft correspondence and simple tables to communicate routine study updates in an agricultural support role.
  9. Animal parasite identification guides and reference materials — consult and apply under supervision to flag potential health concerns in a livestock setting.
  10. Oral instructions from senior researchers — listen actively and confirm understanding before carrying out assigned data-collection tasks in the field.
Developing
Mid-level / Established
  1. Nutritive values of animal feed materials — analyze and compare across multiple feed sources with moderate oversight in a production or research context.
  2. Animal feeding and housing improvement recommendations — draft based on study observations and submit for review in a mid-level research support role.
  3. Research findings on nutrition and husbandry topics — present clearly to small producer or team audiences using standard presentation software with limited supervision.
  4. Database query software — retrieve and cross-reference animal production records to identify trends and anomalies in an ongoing study environment.
  5. Disease and parasite control practices — adapt standard protocols to site-specific conditions in a livestock facility with routine but reduced supervisor check-ins.
  6. Written research summaries — produce with accurate scientific content and clear structure for distribution to producers and internal stakeholders.
  7. Producer inquiries about feeding techniques — respond to using working knowledge of current best practices and product options in an extension or advisory setting.
  8. Critical thinking skills — apply when evaluating conflicting data from animal nutrition trials to propose plausible explanations to the research team.
  9. Geographic information system tools — use to map animal population distribution or environmental variables in support of field-based life science projects.
  10. Animal production improvement options — evaluate using inductive reasoning and prior field experience to recommend feasible changes to facility managers.
Proficient
Senior / Expert IC
  1. Comprehensive nutritional requirement profiles for multiple animal species — develop and validate autonomously through controlled feeding trials in research or production environments.
  2. Non-routine disease or parasite challenges in livestock populations — diagnose probable causes and devise evidence-based control strategies without direct supervision.
  3. Research findings — communicate independently to scientific audiences through written reports and oral presentations, adapting technical depth to each audience.
  4. Animal housing, sanitation, and feeding program improvements — design and implement across a full production cycle using integrated field and laboratory evidence.
  5. Complex datasets from animal production studies — analyze using spreadsheet and database tools, drawing defensible conclusions through deductive and inductive reasoning.
  6. Producer advisory sessions — lead independently, translating current research into practical guidance on improved products and techniques for animal production operations.
  7. Multifaceted feed formulation problems — resolve by synthesizing biology, chemistry, and economics considerations in real-world farm or research station contexts.
  8. Study designs for animal nutrition or health investigations — construct with appropriate controls and data-collection methods suited to a Job Zone 3 field environment.
  9. CAD or GIS software — apply to plan facility layouts or habitat assessments that support improved animal management practices across diverse production settings.
  10. Scientific integrity and judgment — exercise consistently when reporting equivocal data or recommending interventions that carry risk to animal welfare or producer livelihood.
Advanced
Lead / Principal / Executive
  1. Organizational research agenda for animal nutrition and life science programs — set and prioritize based on producer needs, scientific gaps, and available resources.
  2. Junior scientists and technicians — mentor in research methodology, critical thinking, and professional communication standards within a life science unit or extension program.
  3. Evidence-based guidelines for feeding, housing, and disease control — author and disseminate at industry or regional scale to improve animal production outcomes broadly.
  4. Strategic partnerships with producers, universities, and regulatory bodies — cultivate and lead to advance applied life science research and technology adoption.
  5. Complex, cross-disciplinary animal health and nutrition challenges — resolve by integrating biology, chemistry, administration, and policy considerations at an organizational level.
  6. Program-level quality and integrity standards — establish and enforce across all data collection, analysis, and reporting activities within the life science team.
  7. High-stakes findings on animal production practices — present to executive, regulatory, or public audiences, translating nuanced science into clear policy-relevant conclusions.
  8. Technology evaluation and adoption processes — lead for emerging tools such as advanced GIS platforms, AI-assisted data analysis, or precision feeding systems across the organization.
  9. Funding proposals and strategic plans for life science research initiatives — develop and champion to secure resources that sustain multi-year animal studies.
  10. Organizational culture of intellectual curiosity, dependability, and scientific rigor — model and cultivate through leadership decisions, professional development programs, and team accountability structures.

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 summarize and surface relevant research papers on animal nutrition and disease control, then manually verifies key claims against primary sources before incorporating findings into study designs 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..
Developing
  1. Research writing acceleration — delegates first-draft synthesis of findings to an AI writing tool, then critically revises for scientific accuracy and communicative clarity before submission to journals or producer audiences 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..
  2. Feed-value data extraction — directs an AI assistant to parse nutritive composition tables from large datasets, freeing researcher time for interpretation and experimental design decisions Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
Proficient
  1. Complex problem framing — applies AI-generated scenario analyses to develop improved feeding, housing, and sanitation practices, retaining authorship of the experimental rationale and validating AI outputs against field observations 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. Producer advisory preparation — uses AI tools to synthesize emerging literature on enhanced animal production techniques into plain-language briefings, then reviews and contextualizes each recommendation before delivery Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
  3. Workflow time optimization — structures research workflows so that AI handles high-volume document processing and literature triage, recovering substantial time for hypothesis-driven analytical work Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
Advanced
  1. AI output governance — establishes evaluation protocols for AI-generated research summaries and analytical outputs, setting occupation-specific accuracy thresholds that account for the Q2 augmented nature of life-science reading comprehension tasks 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 integration — directs AI agents to cross-reference animal science, epidemiology, and nutritional datasets simultaneously, then synthesizes contradictory outputs into coherent research frameworks communicated to both scientific and producer audiences 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..
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.

1Communication10 statements
Emerging
  1. Research summary drafts — translates preliminary biological findings into written reports using standard scientific conventions 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. Oral research updates — presents initial study observations to laboratory team members in structured team meetings 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. Scientific manuscript sections — writes clear methods and results sections that accurately convey experimental design and biological data 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 advisories — communicates improved animal feeding or housing techniques to agricultural producers using accessible, jargon-reduced language 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. Active listening in field interviews — elicits detailed observations from animal producers through attentive questioning during site consultations 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. Peer-reviewed publication — authors complete research manuscripts that meet journal standards for biological sciences, integrating data, analysis, and interpretation 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. Multi-audience dissemination — delivers research findings on nutritional requirements or disease control to scientific conferences and public stakeholder groups using appropriately calibrated language 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. Technical advisory reports — produces written guidance documents that translate biological research outcomes into actionable recommendations for producers 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. Cross-sector science communication — leads communication strategy that conveys complex life science research to policymakers, producers, and the scientific community simultaneously, ensuring fidelity and accessibility 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 publication development — coaches early-career researchers through the full scientific writing and submission process, modeling clarity and precision in biological reporting 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.
2Leadership9 statements
Emerging
  1. Research task ownership — takes initiative in completing assigned biological study components independently within supervised laboratory or field settings Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Peer contribution — volunteers observations and suggestions during team research planning sessions on animal nutrition or disease control projects Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Project sub-team coordination — organizes and directs small groups of research assistants during data collection phases of life science studies Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Stakeholder engagement initiation — proactively contacts producers or collaborators to align research goals with real-world animal production needs 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 program management — leads full study lifecycle from hypothesis development through dissemination for investigations into animal nutritive requirements or parasite control 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.
  2. Advisory leadership — guides producers in adopting improved animal production techniques by synthesizing research evidence and presenting compelling recommendations 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. Team direction — assigns roles, sets milestones, and monitors progress for multidisciplinary research teams studying life science topics Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Research agenda setting — defines long-term investigative priorities for a biological research program, aligning team efforts with gaps in scientific knowledge and industry needs 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 science leadership — represents the research unit in external collaborations, funding negotiations, and policy consultations, championing evidence-based approaches to life science challenges Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
3Metacognition8 statements
Emerging
  1. Learning gap identification — recognizes areas of limited biological knowledge during literature review and seeks targeted resources to address deficiencies Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Experimental reflection — pauses after initial laboratory procedures to evaluate whether methods aligned with intended study design Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Research strategy adjustment — monitors personal comprehension of complex biological data and modifies analytical approach when initial interpretation yields inconsistent results 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. Self-directed skill development — identifies specific competency gaps in areas such as bioinformatics or statistical modeling and pursues training to fill them 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 self-evaluation — systematically reviews own experimental protocols before submission, assessing logical consistency, control adequacy, and alignment with research 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.
  2. Feedback integration — incorporates peer review critiques of manuscripts or study designs into revised work, reflecting explicitly on how reviewer concerns reveal blind spots Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Metacognitive modeling — coaches junior scientists to monitor their own reasoning processes during hypothesis formation and data interpretation in life science contexts Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Epistemic self-audit — conducts structured personal review of assumptions underlying long-term research programs, identifying where disciplinary bias may have constrained inquiry Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
4Critical Thinking9 statements
Emerging
  1. Literature evaluation — assesses credibility and relevance of published biological studies when building background knowledge for a new 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. Observational questioning — identifies inconsistencies between expected and observed animal behavior or nutritional outcomes and flags them for further investigation 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. Hypothesis scrutiny — examines competing explanations for biological phenomena related to animal nutrition, disease, or reproduction before selecting a research direction 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 validity assessment — evaluates whether collected biological measurements meet quality and reliability standards before drawing interpretive 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.
Applying
  1. Evidence synthesis — integrates data from multiple biological studies on nutritive feed values or disease control to form well-reasoned, evidence-grounded 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.
  2. Assumption identification — explicitly surfaces and tests underlying assumptions in animal production research designs, preventing confounded 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. Judgment under uncertainty — makes informed decisions about study continuation, protocol modification, or result interpretation when biological data are incomplete or ambiguous 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. Paradigm critique — evaluates foundational assumptions in established life science frameworks, identifying where prevailing theories may inadequately explain emerging biological evidence 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 — applies critical analysis to integrate biological, computational, and management knowledge to solve complex animal production or life science problems that exceed single-domain expertise 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.
5Collaboration9 statements
Emerging
  1. Team data collection — participates cooperatively in shared field sampling or laboratory procedures, following protocols established by senior researchers Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Interdisciplinary listening — attends collaborative meetings with veterinarians, nutritionists, or agricultural engineers and incorporates their input into personal research 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.
Developing
  1. Co-authored research — contributes substantively to jointly written scientific papers, negotiating responsibilities and integrating diverse analytical perspectives 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 — collaborates with animal producers to design practical studies that address real production challenges while maintaining scientific rigor 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. Multidisciplinary research teams — coordinates effectively with biologists, statisticians, and domain specialists to execute complex life science investigations, managing role clarity and shared accountability 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. Conflict navigation — addresses disagreements over research interpretation or methodology within collaborative teams using evidence-based dialogue and mutual respect Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Community knowledge exchange — participates in scientific working groups to pool findings on topics such as parasite control or animal nutritional requirements, advancing collective 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.
Exceeding
  1. Collaborative network leadership — builds and sustains productive research partnerships across institutions, disciplines, and industry sectors to address large-scale life science challenges Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Inclusive team design — structures research collaboration environments that leverage diverse scientific backgrounds and perspectives, maximizing innovation in biological inquiry Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
6Character9 statements
Emerging
  1. Research integrity basics — accurately records raw biological data and avoids selective omission even when results deviate from expected outcomes 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. Professional accountability — acknowledges errors in laboratory procedures or data entry and reports them transparently to supervising researchers Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Ethical data stewardship — handles sensitive biological or proprietary production data according to established research ethics protocols and institutional guidelines 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. Honest scientific communication — presents research findings to producers and the public without overstating certainty or minimizing limitations 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. Animal welfare commitment — upholds rigorous ethical standards in study designs involving live animals, ensuring compliance with regulatory and humane care requirements 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. Conflict of interest transparency — discloses funding sources, industry relationships, and potential biases in all research publications and public communications 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. Consistent professionalism — maintains respectful, reliable conduct across interactions with research colleagues, producers, and public stakeholders regardless of context or pressure Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Research ethics leadership — establishes and models culture of scientific integrity within a research program, mentoring others in responsible conduct and proactive ethics review Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Advocacy for evidence integrity — publicly challenges misrepresentation of biological research findings in policy or commercial contexts, upholding the credibility of life science evidence 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.
7Creativity8 statements
Emerging
  1. Alternative hypothesis generation — proposes multiple possible explanations for unexpected animal nutritional or disease outcomes rather than defaulting to a single interpretation 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. Novel observation logging — captures unusual biological patterns noticed during field or laboratory work and explores their potential research significance Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Innovative study design — develops research protocols that combine established biological methods with novel measurement approaches to address understudied life science 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.
  2. Cross-domain problem framing — reframes animal production challenges by borrowing conceptual frameworks from adjacent biological or physical science disciplines 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 method innovation — designs original experimental approaches for investigating nutritive feed values or parasite control strategies that advance beyond existing methodological conventions 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. Creative dissemination formats — develops non-traditional communication formats such as visual data narratives or interactive producer workshops to expand research impact 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. Paradigm-shifting inquiry — initiates research programs that reframe foundational questions in animal nutrition, disease ecology, or life science, generating new investigative directions for the 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.
  2. Translational innovation — converts fundamental biological discoveries into novel practical applications for animal production, bridging the gap between scientific creativity and industry implementation 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.
8Growth Mindset8 statements
Emerging
  1. Setback reframing — treats failed experiments or null results as informative data points rather than personal failures, identifying what the outcome reveals about biological systems Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Feedback seeking — actively requests critique of research designs or written reports from peers and supervisors to identify improvement areas Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Skill expansion effort — pursues training in unfamiliar analytical tools such as statistical software or bioinformatics platforms to strengthen research capability 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. Challenge acceptance — takes on complex biological research questions outside immediate expertise, viewing the learning curve as a productive part of scientific development 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. Iterative research improvement — revises study protocols and analytical models across multiple experimental cycles based on cumulative learning and external feedback 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. Constructive response to peer review — treats reviewer critiques of submitted manuscripts as developmental opportunities, systematically incorporating substantive feedback into revisions 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. Growth culture cultivation — fosters a research environment where team members are encouraged to experiment, fail informatively, and continuously develop scientific competence Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Long-term mastery orientation — sustains deliberate professional development across a career in life sciences, continuously updating expertise as biological knowledge and research methodologies evolve 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.
9Mindfulness8 statements
Emerging
  1. Attentive observation — maintains focused, present-moment attention during animal behavior monitoring or specimen collection to ensure accurate and complete data capture 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. Emotional awareness — recognizes personal stress responses during demanding fieldwork or tight publication deadlines and applies basic self-regulation strategies Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Intentional experimental conduct — approaches laboratory procedures with deliberate attention to protocol steps, reducing procedural errors in sensitive biological assays 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. Mindful communication — listens fully to producer concerns or colleague input without premature judgment, enabling more accurate understanding of applied research needs 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. Sustained analytical focus — maintains concentrated attention through extended data analysis sessions involving complex biological datasets, managing cognitive fatigue without sacrificing accuracy 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. Regulated decision-making — approaches ambiguous or high-stakes research judgments with calm, deliberate reasoning rather than reactive responses to time or outcome 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.
Exceeding
  1. Mindful research leadership — models intentional, present-focused leadership in research team environments, reducing reactive decision-making and cultivating reflective scientific culture Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Attention regulation under field adversity — maintains methodological precision and situational awareness during challenging or unpredictable field research conditions involving animal systems 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.
10Fortitude8 statements
Emerging
  1. Persistence through inconclusive results — continues systematic biological investigation when early data fail to support initial hypotheses, maintaining scientific rigor without discouragement 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. Uncertainty tolerance — proceeds with foundational research tasks in life science contexts where questions are open-ended and outcomes are not guaranteed Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Long-study endurance — sustains consistent effort across multi-year biological research projects, maintaining quality and engagement through slow or incremental progress phases 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. Rejection resilience — resubmits manuscripts or grant proposals after rejection, incorporating reviewer feedback and maintaining commitment to research objectives Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Resource-constrained perseverance — advances biological research programs under conditions of limited funding, equipment access, or institutional support, finding workable paths forward 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. Courageous dissemination — presents controversial or counterintuitive research findings to skeptical scientific or producer audiences, defending evidence with rigor and confidence 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. Sustained research courage — champions long-term investigation of understudied or contested biological questions despite professional risk, resource barriers, or disciplinary 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.
  2. Resilient program recovery — rebuilds research programs following major disruptions such as failed grant cycles, data loss, or personnel changes, restoring team momentum and scientific direction 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.
Show O*NET source anchors38 anchors · skillscrosswalk.com

O*NET enrichment · skillscrosswalk.com

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Source anchors that ground each statement

Related titles
Collector of Aquarium Specimens · Embryologist · Forensic Scientist · Life Science Taxonomist · Morphologist · Olericulturist · Osteologist · Paleobotanist · Physiologist · Phytopathologist · Plant Taxonomist · Public Health Microbiologist
RAPIDS apprenticeships
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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
26.010126.130126.139926.999930.170130.180130.190130.430142.270651.2314

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.