Palaeontologist

The role

A palaeontologist studies fossils to understand the history of life on Earth. By examining the remains of ancient plants and animals, they piece together how life evolved over millions of years. Their work helps us understand evolution, extinction events and even how the climate has changed across deep time.

Day to day, the job mixes fieldwork with lab and desk work. Some days you might be out digging at a site, carefully recovering and recording fossils. Other days you'll be back indoors cleaning specimens, examining them under microscopes, identifying species and writing up your findings to share with other scientists.

It takes patience, sharp attention to detail and curiosity, because fossils are fragile and the answers are rarely obvious. A strong grasp of biology and geology helps, along with good record-keeping and writing skills. The reward is being part of real discoveries and adding to what humanity knows about the past.

• Field skills: You need to excavate, collect and record fossils carefully without damaging them.
• Scientific knowledge: A solid understanding of geology and biology underpins everything you do.
• Attention to detail: Small features on a fossil can completely change how it is identified.
• Patience: Cleaning and studying specimens is slow, careful work that can't be rushed.
• Communication: You'll write up research and explain your findings clearly to others.
• Teamwork: Most projects involve collaborating with other scientists and specialists.

Daily responsibilities

• Excavate fossils at a dig site using careful hand tools and brushes.
• Record the exact location and position of each find for later study.
• Clean and prepare specimens back in the laboratory.
• Examine fossils under a microscope to identify species and features.
• Compare new finds against existing collections and research.
• Write up results and prepare them for publication or presentation.
• Discuss findings with colleagues and plan upcoming fieldwork.

Does a degree help here?

Studying in the UK offers access to some of the world's best universities with cutting-edge research facilities and opportunities to work with leading experts in the field. Plus, the UK's rich geological history provides a unique backdrop for practical learning and fieldwork.