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How a life scientist can use AI, task by task

O*NET 19-1099.00: Life Scientists, All Other15 common activities

All life scientists not listed separately.

How this page is built: O*NET doesn't publish a task list for this catch-all occupation. This playbook is built from the related occupations it groups together: the work activities most of them share, classified the same way as every other task on the site. For a full task list, see Animal Scientists, Food Scientists and Technologists, Soil and Plant Scientists, Biochemists and Biophysicists, Microbiologists, Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists, Bioinformatics Scientists, Molecular and Cellular Biologists.
Type your own title and every prompt on this page updates to match. Also called: —.

Where AI fits in this job

AI-ready 22%AI-assist 54%Stays human 24%

Share of the job's common activities across related occupations, weighted by how important and how frequent each task is (O*NET ratings). 3 AI-ready, 10 AI-assist and 2 human-led tasks out of 15. This measures where AI can help, not whether the job will disappear.

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. Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.Explain it clearly · Monthly
  2. Research diseases or parasites.Look into it · Monthly
  3. Instruct college students in physical or life sciences.Train & teach · Weekly

💪 Lean into these

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

  1. Analyze biological samples.Hands-on work · Weekly
  2. Supervise scientific or technical personnel.Lead people · Daily

🔒 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 3

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

Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.

MonthlyIn 11 related jobs

AI turns complex material into plain-language handouts.

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 life scientist. Part of my job is to prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.

Context: We use SAS and Deoxyribonucleic acid DNA sequence analysis software; the work draws on biology, food production and chemistry.
Topic: [status, results, fixes]
Audience: [customers, staff]
Notes: [paste]

Draft slides outline and speaker notes. Use plain language, one everyday analogy, and the questions people are most likely to ask with short answers.

10-minute exercise: Technical presentation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
Step 2Fill in [Topic], [Audience] and [Notes] 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 4.2/5 · O*NET work activity: Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations..

Review professional literature to maintain professional knowledge.

MonthlyIn 4 related jobs

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 life scientist. Part of my job is to review professional literature to maintain professional knowledge.

Context: The work draws on biology, food production and chemistry.
Field: [my area]
What I need: [new methods, recent findings, specific question]

Act as my tutor: explain the main recent developments, key papers to look up, and quiz me with 5 questions one at a time. I'll verify every paper exists.

10-minute exercise: Literature catch-up

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you review professional literature.
Step 2Fill in [Field] and [What I need] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Look up two of the papers it names and read the abstracts.

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

Importance 4.0/5 · O*NET work activity: Review professional literature to maintain professional knowledge..

Write grant proposals.

A few times a yearIn 5 related jobs

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 life scientist. Part of my job is to write grant proposals.

Context: We use Microsoft Word.
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.

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

Importance 4.1/5 · O*NET work activity: Write grant proposals..

AI can help you prep these 10

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

Research diseases or parasites.

MonthlyIn 8 related jobs

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 life scientist. Part of my job is to research diseases or parasites.

Context: We use SAS and Deoxyribonucleic acid DNA sequence analysis software; the work draws on biology, food production and chemistry.
Disease or parasite: [name]
What I want to learn: [cause, spread, treatment]

Summarize what's known, open questions, experiment designs, and key references. Give sources I can check and say clearly when you're unsure.

10-minute exercise: Disease research plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you research diseases or parasites.
Step 2Fill in [Disease or parasite] and [What I want to learn].
Step 3Verify the references in PubMed or your database.

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

Importance 3.7/5 · O*NET work activity: Research diseases or parasites..

Instruct college students in physical or life sciences.

WeeklyIn 6 related jobs

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 life scientist. Part of my job is to instruct college students in physical or life sciences.

Context: We use Microsoft PowerPoint; the work draws on biology, food production and chemistry.
Topic: [concept]
Students: [level]

Plan a lecture with demonstrations, problems and misconceptions to address. Include timings, a realistic practice scenario from my work, and a short check for understanding with answers.

10-minute exercise: Science class session

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you instruct college students (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 3.8/5 · O*NET work activity: Instruct college students in physical or life sciences..

Plan biological research.

MonthlyIn 6 related jobs

AI lays out options and timelines to react to.

Show prompt & steps

AI can lay out options, timelines and checklists to react to. Fitting it to your people, budget and situation is your call.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a life scientist. Part of my job is to plan biological research.

Context: We use Oracle PeopleSoft and Microsoft Excel; the work draws on biology, food production and chemistry.
Organism and question: [describe]
Setting: [lab, field]

Draft the study plan and ethics considerations. 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: Biological study plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you plan biological research.
Step 2Fill in [Organism and question] and [Setting] 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 4.1/5 · O*NET work activity: Plan biological research..

Research genetic characteristics or expression.

MonthlyIn 5 related jobs

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 life scientist. Part of my job is to research genetic characteristics or expression.

Context: We use SAS and Deoxyribonucleic acid DNA sequence analysis software; the work draws on biology, food production and chemistry.
Question: [trait, gene, expression]
Organism and data: [species, samples, sequencing]

Outline the experimental design, analysis methods, controls, and key literature. Give sources I can check and say clearly when you're unsure.

10-minute exercise: Genetics study design

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you research genetic characteristics or expression.
Step 2Fill in [Question] and [Organism and data] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check the methods against two recent papers.

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

Importance 3.7/5 · O*NET work activity: Research genetic characteristics or expression..

Develop plans to manage natural or renewable resources.

MonthlyIn 4 related jobs

AI lays out options and timelines to react to.

Show prompt & steps

AI can lay out options, timelines and checklists to react to. Fitting it to your people, budget and situation is your call.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a life scientist. Part of my job is to develop plans to manage natural or renewable resources.

Context: We use Oracle PeopleSoft and Microsoft Excel; the work draws on biology, food production and chemistry.
Resource: [forest, soil, water, wildlife]
Goals and constraints: [yield, conservation, budget]

Draft a management plan with practices, schedule and monitoring. 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: Resource management plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you develop plans to manage natural or renewable resources.
Step 2Fill in [Resource] and [Goals and constraints] 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 4.2/5 · O*NET work activity: Develop plans to manage natural or renewable resources..

Train personnel in technical or scientific procedures.

MonthlyIn 4 related jobs

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 life scientist. Part of my job is to train personnel in technical or scientific procedures.

Context: We use Microsoft PowerPoint and SAS; the work draws on biology, food production and chemistry.
Procedure or tool: [describe]
Trainees: [describe]

Plan training with hands-on exercises. Include timings, a realistic practice scenario from my work, and a short check for understanding with answers.

10-minute exercise: Technical procedure training

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you train personnel. Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Procedure or tool] and [Trainees] 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 3.8/5 · O*NET work activity: Train personnel in technical or scientific procedures..

Plan natural resources conservation or restoration programs.

MonthlyIn 5 related jobs

AI lays out options and timelines to react to.

Show prompt & steps

AI can lay out options, timelines and checklists to react to. Fitting it to your people, budget and situation is your call.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a life scientist. Part of my job is to plan natural resources conservation or restoration programs.

Context: We use Oracle PeopleSoft and Microsoft Excel; the work draws on biology, food production and chemistry.
Site: [habitat, soil, wetland]
Problems and goals: [degradation, target condition]

Draft a restoration plan with actions, timeline, species or treatments, monitoring and costs. 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: Restoration plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you plan natural resources conservation or restoration programs.
Step 2Fill in [Site] and [Problems and goals] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check species and methods with local guidance.

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

Importance 3.6/5 · O*NET work activity: Plan natural resources conservation or restoration programs..

Collaborate with technical specialists to resolve design or development problems.

MonthlyIn 4 related jobs

AI drafts clear messages and talking points.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft updates, emails and talking points so your message is clear and complete. Relationships and real-time calls are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a life scientist. Part of my job is to collaborate with technical specialists to resolve design or development problems.

Issue: [product, construction]
Specialists: [engineers, experts]

Draft questions and data to share. Keep it under 150 words with a clear ask, plus a 2-sentence version for chat.

10-minute exercise: Technical problem collaboration

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you collaborate with technical specialists.
Step 2Fill in [Issue] and [Specialists] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Edit it until it sounds like you, then send it yourself.

Never let AI send messages for you. Read every word, because tone mistakes cost trust.

Importance 3.5/5 · O*NET work activity: Collaborate with technical specialists to resolve design or development problems..

Research crop management methods.

MonthlyIn 4 related jobs

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 life scientist. Part of my job is to research crop management methods.

Context: We use SAS and Deoxyribonucleic acid DNA sequence analysis software; the work draws on biology, food production and chemistry.
Question: [planting, spraying, soil, harvest]
Crop and conditions: [crop, region, soil]

Summarize best practices, a field trial design, measurements, and extension sources to check. Give sources I can check and say clearly when you're unsure.

10-minute exercise: Crop practice research

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you research crop management methods.
Step 2Fill in [Question] and [Crop and conditions] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Compare with your local extension service guidance.

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

Importance 3.6/5 · O*NET work activity: Research crop management methods..

Develop agricultural methods.

MonthlyIn 4 related jobs

AI lays out options and timelines to react to.

Show prompt & steps

AI can lay out options, timelines and checklists to react to. Fitting it to your people, budget and situation is your call.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a life scientist. Part of my job is to develop agricultural methods.

Context: We use Oracle PeopleSoft and Microsoft Excel; the work draws on biology, food production and chemistry.
Area: [feeding, housing, hatching, disease control]
Goals: [growth, health]

Plan practice changes and how to measure results. 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: Improved farm practice

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you develop agricultural methods.
Step 2Fill in [Area] and [Goals] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Trial with one group before rolling out.

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

Importance 3.5/5 · O*NET work activity: Develop agricultural methods..

These stay human 2

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

Analyze biological samples.

WeeklyIn 9 related jobs

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 life scientist. Part of my job is to analyze biological samples.

Context: The work draws on biology, food production and chemistry.
Sample and analysis: [soil microbes, proteins, tissues]
Method: [technique]

Make a prep and run checklist with controls and pitfalls. 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: Biological sample analysis prep

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you analyze biological samples (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Sample and analysis] and [Method] 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 3.9/5 · O*NET work activity: Analyze biological samples..

Supervise scientific or technical personnel.

DailyIn 7 related jobs

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 life scientist. Part of my job is to supervise scientific or technical personnel.

Context: The work draws on biology, food production and chemistry.
Team: [technicians, scientists]
Issue or goal: [quality, project]

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 lab team

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you supervise scientific or technical personnel (today). Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Team] and [Issue or goal] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Afterward, note one thing people responded to and one thing you'd change.

Importance 4.0/5 · O*NET work activity: Supervise scientific or technical personnel..

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