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How a biological science teacher (postsecondary) can use AI, task by task

O*NET 25-1042.00: Biological Science Teachers, PostsecondaryMedian pay $84,620/year (BLS, May 2025)27 tasksJob Zone 5: Extensive preparation

Teach courses in biological sciences. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Type your own title and every prompt on this page updates to match. Also called: Anatomy Instructor, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Biological Sciences Professor, Biology Instructor, Biology Professor, Instructor, Lecturer, Physiology Instructor, Professor.

Where AI fits in this job

AI-ready 27%AI-assist 44%Stays human 29%

Share of the job's tasks, weighted by how important and how frequent each task is (O*NET ratings). 9 AI-ready, 10 AI-assist and 8 human-led tasks out of 27. This measures where AI can help, not whether the job will disappear.

Information & paperwork
Thinking & planning
People & communication
Leading & teaching
Hands-on & physical

Shape of the job: importance of each kind of work activity (O*NET, 1 to 5).

🗓 Start here on Monday

The most frequent, most important tasks where AI can help right away.

  1. Evaluate and grade students' class work, laboratory work, assignments, and papers.Train & teach · Daily
  2. Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as molecular biology, marine biology, and botany.Train & teach · Weekly
  3. Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.Train & teach · Weekly

💪 Lean into these

Core tasks that stay human. These skills get more valuable as the routine work gets automated.

  1. Supervise students' laboratory work.Lead people · Weekly
  2. Maintain regularly scheduled office hours to advise and assist students.Be there for people · Daily
  3. Supervise undergraduate or graduate teaching, internship, and research work.Lead people · Weekly

Skills to build & where you could move ↓

🔒 Many of these tasks involve people's information. Remove names and identifying details before using AI, or use only a tool your employer has approved.

AI can draft these 9

AI produces a usable first pass. You review it, fix it and own it.

Prepare materials for laboratory activities and course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.

Weekly

AI turns complex material into plain-language handouts.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 51% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

AI is great at turning complicated material into plain-language guides, handouts, FAQs and how-tos for a specific audience. You check it's accurate.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a biological science teacher (postsecondary). Part of my job is to prepare materials for laboratory activities and course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.

Context: We use Course management system software; the work draws on biology, chemistry and medicine and dentistry.
Course: [subject, level]
Need: [syllabus, assignment, handout]

Draft the material with clear objectives and grading criteria. Use plain language, one everyday analogy, and the questions people are most likely to ask with short answers.

10-minute exercise: Course materials

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you prepare materials (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Course] and [Need] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check every answer is right for your workplace before you share it.

Rules, prices and policies change. Make sure AI is working from your current official version.

Importance 4.4/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Develop instructional materials..

Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.

Weekly

AI writes the first draft from your notes; you check every fact.

Show prompt & steps

Give AI your rough notes, numbers or last version and it will turn them into a clean, well-structured first draft. You check every fact and figure before it goes anywhere.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a biological science teacher (postsecondary). Part of my job is to maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.

Context: We use Microsoft Word and Google Docs.
Records: [grades, attendance, reports]
Rules: [privacy]

Draft templates or entries without names. Use plain language and headings where they help, and mark anything you had to guess with [CHECK].

10-minute exercise: Student records

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you maintain student attendance records and grades (this week). Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Records] and [Rules] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check every fact, name and number against your source before it goes anywhere.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Importance 4.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Maintain student records..

Collaborate with colleagues to address teaching and research issues.

Monthly

AI is a patient tutor for new rules and techniques.

Show prompt & steps

AI is a patient personal tutor. It explains new rules, techniques and technology at your level, quizzes you and builds a study plan.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a biological science teacher (postsecondary). Part of my job is to collaborate with colleagues to address teaching and research issues.

Context: The work draws on biology, chemistry and medicine and dentistry.
Topic: [research area]
Purpose: [paper, grant, teaching]

Give me an overview, open questions, key authors to look up and possible study ideas. I'll verify every reference.

10-minute exercise: Research topic primer

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you collaborate with colleagues.
Step 2Fill in [Topic] and [Purpose] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check one claim against an official or professional source.

AI's knowledge has a cutoff date. For new regulations and standards, always confirm against the official source.

Importance 3.7/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Research topics in area of expertise..

Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.

Weekly

AI is a patient tutor for new rules and techniques.

Show prompt & steps

AI is a patient personal tutor. It explains new rules, techniques and technology at your level, quizzes you and builds a study plan.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a biological science teacher (postsecondary). Part of my job is to conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.

Context: The work draws on biology, chemistry and medicine and dentistry.
Topic: [research area]
Purpose: [paper, grant, teaching]

Give me an overview, open questions, key authors to look up and possible study ideas. I'll verify every reference.

10-minute exercise: Research topic primer

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you conduct research in a particular field of knowledge (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Topic] and [Purpose] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check one claim against an official or professional source.

AI's knowledge has a cutoff date. For new regulations and standards, always confirm against the official source.

Importance 3.8/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Research topics in area of expertise.. Also involves: Write articles, books or other original materials in area of expertise..

Provide students course-related experiences, such as field trips, outside the classroom.

A few times a year

AI drafts lesson plans, quizzes and practice scenarios.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft lesson plans, training outlines, quizzes and practice scenarios in minutes. You shape them around your learners and your standards.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a biological science teacher (postsecondary). Part of my job is to provide students course-related experiences, such as field trips, outside the classroom.

Context: We use Learning management system LMS and Course management system software; the work draws on biology, chemistry and medicine and dentistry.
Course: [subject]
Options: [sites, labs, community partners]

Plan the experience: learning goals, logistics, safety, pre-work and a reflection task. Include timings, a realistic practice scenario from my work, and a short check for understanding with answers.

10-minute exercise: Plan a field trip or hands-on experience

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you provide students course-related experiences. Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Course] and [Options] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Swap one AI example for a real story from your own work. Real stories are what people remember.

Check that every procedure in the material matches your workplace's actual standards.

Importance 3.4/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Plan experiential learning activities..

Compile bibliographies of specialized materials for outside reading assignments.

A few times a year

AI handles forms, records and routine paperwork for you to verify.

Show prompt & steps

Forms, records, data entry, scheduling and routine paperwork are where AI saves the most time. It drafts, sorts, extracts and reformats while you verify.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a biological science teacher (postsecondary). Part of my job is to compile bibliographies of specialized materials for outside reading assignments.

Context: We use Blackboard software and Microsoft Excel.
Course or topic: [describe]
Level and length: [students, number of items]

Suggest a structured reading list with why each item fits. I'll verify every citation. Point out anything missing or inconsistent and suggest a template I can reuse.

10-minute exercise: Reading list builder

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you compile bibliographies of specialized materials.
Step 2Fill in [Course or topic] and [Level and length] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Look up every item. AI invents books.

Personal, financial and health data shouldn't go into AI tools unless your employer has approved one for it.

Importance 3.0/5 · O*NET work activity: Compile specialized bibliographies or lists of materials..

Write grant proposals to procure external research funding.

A few times a year

AI writes the first draft from your notes; you check every fact.

Show prompt & steps

Give AI your rough notes, numbers or last version and it will turn them into a clean, well-structured first draft. You check every fact and figure before it goes anywhere.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a biological science teacher (postsecondary). Part of my job is to write grant proposals to procure external research funding.

Context: We use Microsoft Word and Google Docs.
Funder and call: [paste guidelines]
Project: [aims, methods, budget notes]

Draft the specific aims and narrative sections to the funder's structure, flagging gaps with [CHECK]. Use plain language and headings where they help, and mark anything you had to guess with [CHECK].

10-minute exercise: Grant proposal draft

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you write grant proposals.
Step 2Fill in [Funder and call] and [Project] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check every requirement in the funder's guidelines and verify citations. Recompute every total yourself.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Double-check every number. AI can make arithmetic and rounding mistakes.

Importance 3.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Write grant proposals..

Participate in campus and community events, such as giving presentations to the public.

A few times a year

AI drafts the plan, schedule or checklist for you to adjust.

Show prompt & steps

Describe the goal, the people and the constraints, and AI drafts the plan, schedule or checklist. You adjust it to what you know about real life on the ground.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a biological science teacher (postsecondary). Part of my job is to participate in campus and community events, such as giving presentations to the public.

Context: We use Microsoft Excel; the work draws on biology, chemistry and medicine and dentistry.
Activity: [classes, exhibits, events]
Participants: [who]

Draft a plan with schedule, materials and safety. Lay it out as a table with steps, owner, timing and what could go wrong, then list the decisions I still need to make.

10-minute exercise: Community activity plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you participate in campus and community events.
Step 2Fill in [Activity] and [Participants] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Cross out anything that won't work on the ground and ask AI to revise with your corrections.

AI doesn't know your people, your site or your history. Treat its plan as a starting point to react to.

Importance 2.9/5 · O*NET work activity: Plan community programs or activities for the general public..

Participate in student recruitment, registration, and placement activities.

A few times a year

AI handles forms, records and routine paperwork for you to verify.

Show prompt & steps

Forms, records, data entry, scheduling and routine paperwork are where AI saves the most time. It drafts, sorts, extracts and reformats while you verify.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a biological science teacher (postsecondary). Part of my job is to participate in student recruitment, registration, and placement activities.

Context: We use Blackboard software and Microsoft Excel.
Process: [recruitment, registration, placement]
Steps: [describe]

Organize a checklist and student-facing instructions. Point out anything missing or inconsistent and suggest a template I can reuse.

10-minute exercise: Enrollment process

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you participate in student recruitment, registration and placement activities. Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Process] and [Steps] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Save the template and use it on the next one. Time both.

Personal, financial and health data shouldn't go into AI tools unless your employer has approved one for it.

Importance 3.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Perform student enrollment or registration activities.. Also involves: Promote educational institutions or programs..

AI can help you prep these 10

AI speeds up the prep, drafting or thinking. The core of the task is still yours.

Evaluate and grade students' class work, laboratory work, assignments, and papers.

Daily

AI preps the materials; reading the room is you.

Show prompt & steps

AI preps the materials: lesson outlines, quizzes, examples, practice scenarios. Reading the room and coaching people is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a biological science teacher (postsecondary). Part of my job is to evaluate and grade students' class work, laboratory work, assignments, and papers.

Context: We use Learning management system LMS and Blackboard Learn; the work draws on biology, chemistry and medicine and dentistry.
Assignment: [paste the prompt and rubric]
Sample work: [paste one anonymized submission]

Apply the rubric to the sample with reasons for each score and draft feedback. Then suggest a comment bank for common issues.

10-minute exercise: Grade faster and fairer

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you evaluate and grade students' class work, laboratory work and assignments (today). Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Paste the [Assignment] rubric and one anonymized piece into [Sample work].
Step 3Compare its scores with yours. Keep the comment bank, keep the grading yours.

Check that every procedure in the material matches your workplace's actual standards.

Importance 4.7/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Evaluate student work..

Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as molecular biology, marine biology, and botany.

Weekly

AI preps the materials; reading the room is you.

Show prompt & steps

AI preps the materials: lesson outlines, quizzes, examples, practice scenarios. Reading the room and coaching people is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a biological science teacher (postsecondary). Part of my job is to prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as molecular biology, marine biology, and botany.

Context: We use Learning management system LMS and Blackboard Learn; the work draws on biology, chemistry and medicine and dentistry.
Topic: [describe]
Students: [level]

Plan the lecture with worked examples and practice problems with answers. Include timings, a realistic practice scenario from my work, and a short check for understanding with answers.

10-minute exercise: Math or physical science lecture

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you prepare and deliver lectures (this week). Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Topic] and [Students] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Swap one AI example for a real story from your own work. Real stories are what people remember.

Check that every procedure in the material matches your workplace's actual standards.

Importance 4.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Teach physical science or mathematics courses at the college level..

Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.

Weekly

AI preps the materials; reading the room is you.

Show prompt & steps

AI preps the materials: lesson outlines, quizzes, examples, practice scenarios. Reading the room and coaching people is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a biological science teacher (postsecondary). Part of my job is to initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.

Context: We use Learning management system LMS and Blackboard Learn; the work draws on biology, chemistry and medicine and dentistry.
Topic or reading: [describe]
Class: [level, size]

Write an opening question, follow-ups that go deeper, ways to bring in quiet students, and a wrap-up.

10-minute exercise: Discussion plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Topic or reading] and [Class] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Note which question sparked the best discussion.

Check that every procedure in the material matches your workplace's actual standards.

Importance 4.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Guide class discussions..

Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.

Weekly

AI explains and quizzes you; confirm against official sources.

Show prompt & steps

AI can explain new developments and quiz you. Confirm what you learn against official sources.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a biological science teacher (postsecondary). Part of my job is to keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.

Context: The work draws on biology, chemistry and medicine and dentistry.
Event: [training, conference, professional meeting]
What I want from it: [skills, contacts, answers]

Prepare a primer on the main topics, 5 questions to ask, and a one-page template for notes and actions.

10-minute exercise: Make a meeting or training count

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you keep abreast of developments in the field (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Event] and [What I want from it] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Turn one action into something you do the following week.

AI's knowledge has a cutoff date. For new regulations and standards, always confirm against the official source.

Importance 4.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Attend training sessions or professional meetings to develop or maintain professional knowledge.. Also involves: Stay informed about current developments in field of specialization..

Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, and course materials and methods of instruction.

Weekly

AI does the arithmetic and suggests what to look at; the conclusions are yours.

Show prompt & steps

AI can do the arithmetic, build the spreadsheet formula and suggest what to look at. Deciding what the numbers mean for your situation is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a biological science teacher (postsecondary). Part of my job is to plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, and course materials and methods of instruction.

Context: We use SAS and IBM SPSS Statistics; the work draws on biology, chemistry and medicine and dentistry.
Course: [subject, level]
Evidence: [paste grades, evaluations, completion rates, feedback]

Identify topics students struggle with, what's working, and 3 concrete revisions to content or methods. Show your working step by step and give spreadsheet formulas so I can reproduce the numbers.

10-minute exercise: Course or curriculum review

Step 1Gather last term's results and feedback for one course.
Step 2Fill in [Course] and [Evidence] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Make one revision before next term and note how you'll measure it.

AI makes arithmetic mistakes. Recompute anything that matters with a spreadsheet formula.

Importance 4.4/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Evaluate effectiveness of educational programs.. Also involves: Develop instructional objectives..

Assist students who need extra help with their coursework outside of class.

Weekly

AI preps the materials; reading the room is you.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 31% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

AI preps the materials: lesson outlines, quizzes, examples, practice scenarios. Reading the room and coaching people is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a biological science teacher (postsecondary). Part of my job is to assist students who need extra help with their coursework outside of class.

Context: We use Learning management system LMS and Blackboard Learn; the work draws on biology, chemistry and medicine and dentistry.
Student need: [topic, exam, performance]
Time: [minutes]

Plan a diagnostic question, targeted practice and a confidence check. Include timings, a realistic practice scenario from my work, and a short check for understanding with answers.

10-minute exercise: Tutoring session

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you assist students who need extra help (this week). Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Student need] and [Time] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3End with one thing the student can do on their own.

Check that every procedure in the material matches your workplace's actual standards.

Importance 4.1/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Tutor students who need extra assistance..

Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.

Monthly

AI preps the materials; reading the room is you.

Show prompt & steps

AI preps the materials: lesson outlines, quizzes, examples, practice scenarios. Reading the room and coaching people is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a biological science teacher (postsecondary). Part of my job is to compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.

Context: We use Learning management system LMS and Blackboard Learn; the work draws on biology, chemistry and medicine and dentistry.
Course and unit: [subject, level]
Outcomes to test: [what learners should know or do]

Draft a short assessment: mixed question types, an answer key, a marking rubric, and how results map to outcomes.

10-minute exercise: Assessment design

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you compile, administer, and grade examinations.
Step 2Fill in [Course and unit] and [Outcomes to test] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check every answer in the key and cut any question you wouldn't ask.

Check that every procedure in the material matches your workplace's actual standards.

Importance 4.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Administer tests to assess educational needs or progress.. Also involves: Prepare tests.; Evaluate student work..

Select and obtain materials and supplies, such as textbooks and laboratory equipment.

Monthly

AI gets you up to speed; confirm findings with records or people.

Show prompt & steps

AI can get you up to speed fast and suggest where to look, but you need to confirm findings against real sources, records or people.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a biological science teacher (postsecondary). Part of my job is to select and obtain materials and supplies, such as textbooks and laboratory equipment.

Context: We use DOC Cop and iParadigms Turnitin; the work draws on biology, chemistry and medicine and dentistry.
Course: [subject, level]
Needs: [textbook, lab equipment, budget, accessibility]

Suggest criteria and candidate materials to evaluate. I'll verify every title exists. Give sources I can check and say clearly when you're unsure.

10-minute exercise: Choose course materials

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you select and obtain materials and supplies.
Step 2Fill in [Course] and [Needs] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Open two of the sources it gives and confirm the key claim before you use it.

AI can invent sources and citations. Open every link and confirm it says what the AI claims.

Importance 3.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Select educational materials or equipment.. Also involves: Order instructional or library materials or equipment..

Review papers for publication in journals.

A few times a year

AI pre-checks against the rules; the sign-off stays with you.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 38% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI as a first-pass checker against a list of rules or standards. The final judgment and sign-off stay with you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a biological science teacher (postsecondary). Part of my job is to review papers for publication in journals.

Context: We use SAS and IBM SPSS Statistics; the work draws on biology, chemistry and medicine and dentistry.
Paper: [paste abstract, methods, or sections you're allowed to share]
Journal criteria: [scope, standards]

Check clarity, method soundness, statistics and claims, and draft structured reviewer comments. Respect confidentiality rules. Make a table: requirement, met / not met / unclear, and the exact evidence.

10-minute exercise: Peer review assistant

Step 1Check the journal's policy on AI before using any manuscript text.
Step 2Fill in [Paper] and [Journal criteria] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Rewrite the comments in your own voice and judgment.

AI can miss things and sound sure about it. Use it to catch extra problems, not as the final check.

Importance 3.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Evaluate scholarly materials..

Provide professional consulting services to government or industry.

A few times a year

AI helps you prepare clearer wording and likely questions.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to prepare: simpler wording, analogies, likely questions and a one-page handout. The conversation itself is yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a biological science teacher (postsecondary). Part of my job is to provide professional consulting services to government or industry.

Context: The work draws on biology, chemistry and medicine and dentistry.
Topic: [curriculum, methods, policy]
Audience: [educators, government]

Write recommendations with evidence. Use plain language, one everyday analogy, and the questions people are most likely to ask with short answers.

10-minute exercise: Curriculum or policy advice

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you provide professional consulting services.
Step 2Fill in [Topic] and [Audience] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check every answer is right for your workplace before you share it.

Rules, prices and policies change. Make sure AI is working from your current official version.

Importance 2.5/5 · O*NET work activity: Advise educators on curricula, instructional methods, or policies..

These stay human 8

They need your hands, your presence or your accountable judgment. Lean into them: they get more valuable as routine work is automated.

📏 Measured in this job (O*NET work context): Face-to-face discussions: every day · Contact with others: contact with others most of the time · Frequency of decisions: once a week or more but not every day · Impact of decisions: important results

Supervise students' laboratory work.

Weekly

Leading people runs on trust. AI can prep the paperwork around it.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can prep the paperwork around leading: meeting agendas, feedback drafts, rotas, briefings and difficult-conversation rehearsals.

Prep prompt

I work as a biological science teacher (postsecondary). Part of my job is to supervise students' laboratory work.

Context: The work draws on biology, chemistry and medicine and dentistry.
Lab: [teaching, food science]
People: [students, technicians]

Plan safety briefing, checkpoints and feedback. Give me the key message in 2 sentences, how people might react, and how to respond to each.

10-minute exercise: Supervising lab work

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you supervise students' laboratory work (this week). Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Lab] and [People] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Afterward, note one thing people responded to and one thing you'd change.

Importance 4.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Supervise laboratory work..

Maintain regularly scheduled office hours to advise and assist students.

Daily

Human connection. Use AI only before and after, to prepare.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: Use AI before and after, not during. Prepare talking points, practise a hard conversation, or turn your notes into a follow-up.

Prep prompt

I work as a biological science teacher (postsecondary). Part of my job is to maintain regularly scheduled office hours to advise and assist students.

Context: The work draws on biology, chemistry and medicine and dentistry.
Who: [student, mentee; no names]
Topic: [courses, career, research]

Prepare questions to understand their goals, options to discuss, and next steps. Then play the student.

10-minute exercise: Advising session

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you maintain regularly scheduled office hours (today). Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Who] and [Topic] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3End with one concrete next step they own.

Importance 3.9/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Advise students on academic or career matters..

Supervise undergraduate or graduate teaching, internship, and research work.

Weekly

Leading people runs on trust. AI can prep the paperwork around it.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can prep the paperwork around leading: meeting agendas, feedback drafts, rotas, briefings and difficult-conversation rehearsals.

Prep prompt

I work as a biological science teacher (postsecondary). Part of my job is to supervise undergraduate or graduate teaching, internship, and research work.

Context: The work draws on biology, chemistry and medicine and dentistry.
Students: [level]
Project: [describe]

Plan milestones, meeting questions and feedback approach. Give me the key message in 2 sentences, how people might react, and how to respond to each.

10-minute exercise: Supervising student research

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you supervise undergraduate or graduate teaching and internship (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Students] and [Project] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Afterward, note one thing people responded to and one thing you'd change.

Importance 4.1/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Supervise student research or internship work..

Advise students on academic and vocational curricula and on career issues.

Weekly

Human connection. Use AI only before and after, to prepare.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: Use AI before and after, not during. Prepare talking points, practise a hard conversation, or turn your notes into a follow-up.

Prep prompt

I work as a biological science teacher (postsecondary). Part of my job is to advise students on academic and vocational curricula and on career issues.

Context: The work draws on biology, chemistry and medicine and dentistry.
Who: [student, mentee; no names]
Topic: [courses, career, research]

Prepare questions to understand their goals, options to discuss, and next steps. Then play the student.

10-minute exercise: Advising session

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you advise students (this week). Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Who] and [Topic] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3End with one concrete next step they own.

Importance 4.0/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Advise students on academic or career matters..

Serve on academic or administrative committees that deal with institutional policies, departmental matters, and academic issues.

Monthly

Leading people runs on trust. AI can prep the paperwork around it.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can prep the paperwork around leading: meeting agendas, feedback drafts, rotas, briefings and difficult-conversation rehearsals.

Prep prompt

I work as a biological science teacher (postsecondary). Part of my job is to serve on academic or administrative committees that deal with institutional policies, departmental matters, and academic issues.

Context: The work draws on biology, chemistry and medicine and dentistry.
Committee: [board, department, governing body]
Agenda item: [describe]
My view: [what I'll argue for]

Prepare my position in 2 sentences, the strongest counter-arguments, questions to ask, and what I'll vote or decide based on.

10-minute exercise: Committee meeting prep

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you serve on academic or administrative committees.
Step 2Fill in [Committee], [Agenda item] and [My view] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Read the papers yourself before the meeting.

Importance 3.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Serve on institutional or departmental committees..

Maintain or repair lab equipment.

Monthly

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a biological science teacher (postsecondary). Part of my job is to maintain or repair lab equipment.

Context: The work draws on biology, chemistry and medicine and dentistry.
Equipment: [instruments, lab gear, tools]
Manual guidance: [cleaning and maintenance steps]

Make a maintenance checklist and log. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Clean-and-maintain routine

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you maintain or repair lab equipment.
Step 2Fill in [Equipment] and [Manual guidance] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Importance 3.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Clean equipment, parts, or tools to repair or maintain them in good working order.. Also involves: Maintain laboratory or technical equipment..

Perform administrative duties, such as serving as department head.

Monthly

Leading people runs on trust. AI can prep the paperwork around it.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can prep the paperwork around leading: meeting agendas, feedback drafts, rotas, briefings and difficult-conversation rehearsals.

Prep prompt

I work as a biological science teacher (postsecondary). Part of my job is to perform administrative duties, such as serving as department head.

Context: The work draws on biology, chemistry and medicine and dentistry.
Department: [describe]
Priorities: [describe]

Help me prepare: the key message in 2 sentences, what good looks like, how people might react and how I'll respond, and one thing I'll check next week.

10-minute exercise: Leading a department

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you perform administrative duties.
Step 2Fill in [Department] and [Priorities] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Afterward, note one thing people responded to and one thing you'd change.

Importance 3.1/5 · O*NET work activity: Direct department activities..

Act as advisers to student organizations.

Monthly

Human connection. Use AI only before and after, to prepare.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: Use AI before and after, not during. Prepare talking points, practise a hard conversation, or turn your notes into a follow-up.

Prep prompt

I work as a biological science teacher (postsecondary). Part of my job is to act as advisers to student organizations.

Context: The work draws on biology, chemistry and medicine and dentistry.
Who: [student, mentee; no names]
Topic: [courses, career, research]

Prepare questions to understand their goals, options to discuss, and next steps. Then play the student.

10-minute exercise: Advising session

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you act as advisers to student organizations. Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Who] and [Topic] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3End with one concrete next step they own.

Importance 2.8/5 · O*NET work activity: Advise students on academic or career matters..

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Your next moves

Skills to build

From O*NET's ratings of how important each skill is in this job, matched to which part of the work it supports.

Stays human Deepen these

They power the human-led work, which is the part of the job AI can't take over.

  • Speakingimportance 4.2/5
    Used in: Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
  • Instructingimportance 4.1/5
    Used in: Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
  • Critical Thinkingimportance 3.9/5
    Used in: Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
  • Social Perceptivenessimportance 3.2/5
    Used in: Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates

With AI Use these to work with AI

When AI does the first draft, these are the skills you use to brief it and check what comes back.

  • Reading Comprehensionimportance 4.0/5
    Used in: Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
  • Monitoringimportance 3.9/5
    Used in: Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
  • Active Listeningimportance 4.0/5
    Used in: Training and Teaching Others
  • Active Learningimportance 4.0/5
    Used in: Training and Teaching Others

Where you could move

Related jobs from O*NET with the closest skill profile, favouring ones where more of the work stays human. No step down in preparation.

New tasks appearing in this job

O*NET has started tracking 1 new or updated task here: 1 AI-ready, 0 AI-assist, 0 stays human. They have no worker ratings yet, so they aren't counted in the bar above.

Write letters of recommendation for students.

New in O*NET

AI writes the first draft from your notes; you check every fact.

Show prompt & steps

Give AI your rough notes, numbers or last version and it will turn them into a clean, well-structured first draft. You check every fact and figure before it goes anywhere.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a biological science teacher (postsecondary). Part of my job is to write letters of recommendation for students.

Context: We use Microsoft Word and Google Docs.
Here's what I have for the letters of recommendation: [rough notes, the facts, figures and decisions behind it]

Write a clear first draft that I can check and finish. Keep it [one page / short / formal], laid out so I can paste it into Microsoft Word or Google Docs. Use headings if they help, and mark anything you had to guess with [CHECK].

10-minute exercise: Draft the letters of recommendation

Step 1Pull up the last letters of recommendation you did, or jot 5 rough bullets for the next one. Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Paste the prompt and put those bullets in [rough notes]. Pick the length in [one page / short / formal] to match what goes into Microsoft Word or Google Docs.
Step 3Fix every [CHECK] against your source and anything else that's wrong, then compare the time with writing the letters of recommendation from scratch.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

New O*NET task (08/2019). O*NET hasn't linked it to work activities yet, so it was labelled by hand.

Getting into this job

Doctoral degree is most common (48% of workers)

  • Associate's 1%
  • Graduate degree 99%
  • On-the-job training: none or a short demo
  • Related experience: 2–4 years

What workers in this job report, from O*NET surveys (typical values).

Software in this job

In-demand tools from O*NET. Many now have AI built in, so check what yours can do before adding a new tool.

Google DocsIBM SPSS StatisticsMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WindowsMicrosoft WordSASThe MathWorks MATLAB

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