Responsibilities
Paleontologists research the evolutionary history of life on Earth using fossils and record and explain the geological development and changes of plant and animal life.
Typical Places of Work
Paleontologists find employment, for example, at universities and research institutes
at natural history museums and collections
at companies involved in mineral exploration and raw material extraction
Salary
The salary level for Palaeontologist in Germany is:
from 3939
up to 6037 EUR per month
Задачи
What is it about?
Paleontologists research the history of the development of life on Earth using fossils and record and explain the geological development and changes of plant and animal life.
Geological history
The object of research in paleontology is the rock layers of the upper crust of the Earth. They contain clues to the geological development and the development of life in the form of fossils, petrified evidence of earlier plant and animal life. Not only the - rather rare - spectacular discovery of dinosaur bones or skeletons of other extinct vertebrates, but also microscopic traces, e.g. of single-cell organisms or plant spores, provide insights into the history of the earth.
Research and teaching
The location, position and age of fossils provide insights into the nature of the earth's surface and the climatic conditions of earlier times. For example, they can determine whether certain areas were temporarily under the sea surface or whether an island that is now located on the Arctic Circle was originally on the equator and which route it took.
At universities, paleontologists also take on teaching tasks. They design lectures and prepare seminars, excursions or internships and develop teaching materials. They also have to design, carry out and correct coursework and examination papers. They raise funds for research projects from government institutions and industry, carry out the projects and publish the results. They give lectures on their findings at conferences and congresses.
Independent scientific activities usually require a master's degree and a doctorate.
Museum and public relations
In natural history museums or collections, for example, they look after the inventory and ensure that finds are carefully catalogued, preserved, restored, supplemented or reconstructed if necessary in order to restore the original shape of the creatures as closely as possible. They ensure that finds are stored properly, design exhibitions and guided tours, and take on public relations tasks.
A master's degree is often required for management positions.
Fossil fuels
In business, the findings of paleontology find practical application, e.g. in the search for oil, natural gas or coal deposits. To do this, paleontologists analyze rock cores that have been brought to light by deep drilling for clues to fossil mineral resources.
