physiologist
Snapshot
Are you fascinated by how living organisms function and how they respond to challenges? As a physiologist, you'll delve into the intricacies of biological systems, conducting research and developing solutions to improve health and well-being.
Physiologists are researchers and scientists who investigate the workings of living organisms – from humans to plants and animals. Their work involves studying the body’s systems, how they interact, and how they react to factors like disease, exercise, and stress. This often involves designing and conducting experiments, analyzing data, and publishing findings. Many physiologists work within established research teams, contributing to larger projects, while others may lead their own research initiatives.
- • Designing and conducting experiments to investigate physiological processes.
- • Analyzing data and interpreting results using statistical methods.
- • Writing research reports and publications to disseminate findings.
Where this occupation is in demand
Reported labour shortages and surpluses, by year. Published for occupation groups, not for individual job titles.
Deeper colour: reported the same way in more consecutive years.
Figures cover Science and engineering professionals — 274 jobs including this one.
In shortage: Ireland, Italy, Slovenia.
Longest-running shortage: Ireland, 3 years.
Select a place on the map to see its figures.
About this source›
Source: ELA/EURES labour shortages and surpluses. Readings are published at occupation-group level, and cover Europe. Editions differ in annex layout and country coverage, so a change between years does not always mean the labour market changed. Countries in grey were not reported, which is not the same as being in balance.
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Could physiologist fit you?
Answer three quick questions. This is not a full assessment — it is a teaser to help you decide whether to compare your profile.
Do you enjoy tasks that require Integrity?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Analytical Thinking?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Persistence?
Future Outlook for physiologist
The outlook for physiologist reflects a balanced mix of automation exposure and durable, human-led work.
How are these scores calculated?
The Resilience Score (0–100) estimates how structurally protected this occupation is from automation and AI disruption, based on task-level analysis. Higher scores mean more human-judgment-intensive tasks. AI Exposure shows the estimated percentage of task hours that current AI capabilities could affect. These are model-derived structural indicators, not predictions about individual job security.
How could physiologist change as AI adoption grows?
This role is likely to change gradually, with AI supporting selected tasks rather than replacing the whole occupation.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How could physiologist change as AI adoption grows?
This role is likely to change gradually, with AI supporting selected tasks rather than replacing the whole occupation.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How AI may change this role
Deterministic, model-based interpretation of current role signals — not a guarantee of replacement.
What still depends on people
- apply safety procedures in laboratory
- interact professionally in research and professional environments
- evaluate research activities
Where AI may become a co-pilot
- conduct research on fauna
- manage open publications
- demonstrate disciplinary expertise
Tasks most exposed to automation
- synthesise information
- apply for research funding
- manage research data
Vital Signs & AI Vectors
AI Exposure Vectors
0-100%Exposure to AI-assisted analysis, pattern recognition, and predictive modelling tasks
Exposure to content generation, creative augmentation, and large language model tools
Exposure to physical automation, robotics, and sensor-driven task displacement
Exposure to workflow automation, decision-support software, and process digitisation
Technical Details
NexFuture v3.0 estimates automation exposure natively from ESCO essential-skill groups, weighted by skill mass and calibrated against expert anchors. Scores are probabilistic estimates, not guarantees. See the NexFuture Methodology White Paper for full details.
Measures automation exposure. It does not measure pay, demand, or how many jobs exist near you.
What people in this role usually do
Agriculture
A typical day as a physiologist
09 09:00 · Morning apply for research funding
10 10:30 · Mid-morning apply research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activities
12 12:00 · Midday apply safety procedures in laboratory
14 14:00 · Afternoon conduct research on fauna
15 15:30 · Late afternoon manage intellectual property rights
17 17:00 · Wrap-up operate open source software
Task order is illustrative. Individual days vary.
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clinical immunopathology
The pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of disorders associated with an excessive, defective or unwarranted immune response. The difference between the pathogenesis of disorders of the immune system such as autoimmunity, allergy, immunodeficiency, leukaemia/lymphoma and transplant rejection.
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dermapathology
The cutaneous diseases at a microscopic and molecular level and the methods to analyse the potential causes of skin diseases at a basic level.
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exercise physiology
The effect of exercise on pathology and how the exercise can mitigate or reverse disease progression.
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hepatology
The characteristics of the liver, biliary tree, gallbladder, and pancreas, as well as management of their disorders.
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intracranial hypertension
The pathophysiology of elevated intracranial pressure and cerebral perfusion, the influence of blood gases, blood pressure, fluid and electrolyte balance.
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neoplasia
The characteristics of tumour formation, genetics, growth, cellular transformation and clonality.
- biology
- histology
- human anatomy
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manage findable accessible interoperable and reusable data
Produce, describe, store, preserve and (re) use scientific data based on FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) principles, making data as open as possible, and as closed as necessary.
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perform scientific research
Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.
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apply scientific methods
Apply scientific methods and techniques to investigate phenomena, by acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.
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apply research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activities
Apply fundamental ethical principles and legislation to scientific research, including issues of research integrity. Perform, review, or report research avoiding misconducts such as fabrication, falsification, and plagiarism.
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promote open innovation in research
Apply techniques, models, methods and strategies which contribute to the promotion of steps towards innovation through collaboration with people and organizations outside the organisation.
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integrate gender dimension in research
Take into account in the whole research process the biological characteristics and the evolving social and cultural features of women and men (gender).
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draft scientific or academic papers and technical documentation
Draft and edit scientific, academic or technical texts on different subjects.
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disseminate results to the scientific community
Publicly disclose scientific results by any appropriate means, including conferences, workshops, colloquia and scientific publications.
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publish academic research
Conduct academic research, in universities and research institutions, or on a personal account, publish it in books or academic journals with the aim of contributing to a field of expertise and achieving personal academic accreditation.
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write scientific publications
Present the hypothesis, findings, and conclusions of your scientific research in your field of expertise in a professional publication.
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perform laboratory tests
Carry out tests in a laboratory to produce reliable and precise data to support scientific research and product testing.
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calibrate laboratory equipment
Calibrate laboratory equipment by comparing between measurements: one of known magnitude or correctness, made with a trusted device and a second measurement from another piece of laboratory equipment. Make the measurements in as similar a way as possible.
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manage research data
Produce and analyse scientific data originating from qualitative and quantitative research methods. Store and maintain the data in research databases. Support the re-use of scientific data and be familiar with open data management principles.
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interact professionally in research and professional environments
Show consideration to others as well as collegiality. Listen, give and receive feedback and respond perceptively to others, also involving staff supervision and leadership in a professional setting.
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operate open source software
Operate Open Source software, knowing the main Open Source models, licensing schemes, and the coding practices commonly adopted in the production of Open Source software.
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speak different languages
Master foreign languages to be able to communicate in one or more foreign languages.
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maintain laboratory equipment
Clean laboratory glassware and other equipment after use and it for damage or corrosion in order to ensure its proper functioning.
Skill DNA
Work personality traits and values that define this role
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Where does physiologist fit?
Similarity scores based on skill overlap from ESCO data.
Frequently asked questions
- What kind of education is required to become a physiologist?
- A bachelor’s degree in a relevant science field (like biology, physiology, or biochemistry) is typically the starting point. Most physiologist roles require a postgraduate degree, often a Master’s or Doctoral degree (PhD) specializing in physiology or a related area. Specific degree requirements will depend on the research area and the employer.
- What are the key skills needed to succeed as a physiologist?
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are essential. You’ll also need excellent research skills, including experimental design and data analysis. Communication skills, both written and verbal, are vital for sharing your findings. The ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team is also crucial.
- What are the typical work environments for physiologists?
- Physiologists are primarily employed in research settings. This can include universities, research institutes, government agencies, and pharmaceutical companies. The role is predominantly employee-based, though opportunities for independent consulting may exist with experience.
- Physiologist — is there a shortage in Europe?
- No. In the 2025 ELA/EURES edition, a surplus was reported in 6 of the 9 European countries that assessed this occupation group: Austria, Czechia, Germany, Greece and 2 more. 3 countries reported a shortage. These assessments are published per occupation group rather than per job title.
- Physiologist — what does it pay in the United States?
- $100,590 a year at the median, as of 2025-05. State medians run from $49,650 to $136,990. Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is a United States figure and not a projection for Europe.