12+ Job Types in Biomimicry

Many learners ask the question: what type of jobs are available in biomimicry? Some individuals have made biomimicry their full time profession, by developing biomimicry courses and programmes, or mentoring others. Some organisations have a Director of Biomimicry, like Microsoft and B+H Architecture. 

You can read more about biomimicry as a profession in this interview with the Learn Biomimicry course creators, Claire Janisch and Jessica Berliner, here.

However, biomimicry can be applied to almost any industry, and we’ve identified some of the careers where biomimicry can be particularly useful. Some are a no-brainer, like biomimicry in sustainable architecture and biomimetic engineering, but others might surprise you. 

Let's dive right in. Below is a quick overview, and then we look at each profession with examples. 

Biomimicry is useful in various jobs and careers. If you're interested to know how you can apply it to your own project, explore our online, mentored Biomimicry Practitioner Programme. You can download the brochure here.

Biomimicry for Architects

Architects can incorporate biomimicry by emulating nature’s designs for energy efficiency and resilience. Various nature-inspired buildings emulate nature's forms, but also achieve a specific function.

Here are more examples of biomimicry in architecture.

The Singapore Arts Centre is a good example. Deriving its form of the Durian fruit, the Centre's kinetic facade synchronises with the movement of the sun to protect its interiors from the tropical heat while also allowing natural light to permeate the built environment. The centre's biomimetic design slashes the energy consumption by 30% and artificial lighting by an impressive 55%. 

By observing nature’s principles, such as modularity and adaptability, architects create structures and communities that harmonise with the environment while reducing resource consumption and urban heat island effects.

Biomimicry for Sustainability Consultants

Sustainability consultants can integrate biomimicry into strategies that help organisations minimise their environmental impact. They might suggest waste management systems inspired by forests or water filtration systems mimicking wetlands. 

By analysing natural ecosystems, consultants can propose supply chain designs that emulate closed-loop cycles, reducing waste and improving efficiency. Incorporating biomimicry allows them to deliver innovative, actionable advice, enabling businesses to meet environmental goals while gaining recognition as leaders in sustainable practice. 

Biomimicry for Materials Scientists

Materials scientists have the opportunity to design life-friendly materials (also perhaps in overlap with green chemistry we mention further on) that are not harmful to the environment in any part of the material’s life cycle. Here is more about how we can use structural colour in materials, like fabric. 

For instance, studying seashells’ layered structure has inspired impact-resistant composites. By following nature’s lead, materials scientists create solutions that reduce environmental impact and enable breakthroughs in industries from construction to medicine.

Biomimicry for Educators

Educators who incorporate biomimicry in their curriculums or lesson plans foster curiosity and critical thinking about nature’s solutions. For instance, lessons on photosynthesis can inspire discussions about solar panels, or bird flight can serve as a springboard for understanding aviation design. Full time biomimicry professionals are often also educators, or involved in creating learning materials or courses, and several institutions have created biomimicry learning products. 

University lecturers in almost any field, including business, engineering, architecture and other design-focussed industries can educate learners on looking to nature to solve challenges and create conditions conducive to life in their careers, or they can, of course, teach pure biomimicry. 

Learn Biomimicry offers a 6-month Biomimicry Educator Programme for those interested in creating their own biomimicry learning materials. 

Biomimicry for Biologists

Biologists can use their knowledge of living systems to guide the application of biomimicry in technology, engineering, and design. For example, their study of how spiders produce silk—a material stronger than steel—can inform innovations in textiles or construction.  

By collaborating with other professionals, biologists help translate nature’s solutions, like the self-healing properties in skin, for examples, into human applications. Acting as interpreters of nature’s blueprints, they bridge scientific understanding with practical, sustainable solutions across industries.

Biomimicry for Product Designers

Product designers can draw from biomimicry to create innovative, sustainable and life-friendly items. Velcro, inspired by burdock burrs clinging to fur, is a classic example. Designers have also explored sharkskin-inspired textures to reduce drag or bacteria-resistant surfaces for medical tools. 

Here are more examples of products by nature-inspired designers.

Anyone who is designing products, from the mobility industry to fashion and technology, will benefit from evaluating their designs against Life’s Principles. This approach not only advances functionality but also reduces waste, making biomimicry a cornerstone of sustainable product development.

Biomimicry for Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs who are developing their own new businesses can look to nature to mimic natural systems, enhancing resilience. For example, companies like Interface have modeled their carpet production on the regenerative practices of ecosystems, achieving zero waste.  

Entrepreneurs in agriculture might use polyculture models inspired by natural biodiversity to enhance soil health and yield. By embracing biomimicry, startups create unique, nature-inspired value propositions, addressing ecological challenges while gaining a competitive edge in a market increasingly drawn to sustainability.

If you're planning to start your own business, here are our top biomimicry incubators, competitions and accelerators.

Biomimicry for Climate Change Consultants

Climate change consultants can draw on biomimicry to help organizations adapt to and mitigate climate challenges. For example, designing buildings that mimic desert plants’ water storage capabilities can improve water efficiency. 

You can read Biomimicry 3.8's Biomimicry Solutions Carbon Report and article by Synapse here. You can read the University of Johannesburg's Conference Paper by Olusegun A. Oguntona and Clinton O. Aigbavboa here.

Consultants may also develop carbon sequestration strategies or energy systems modeled on the closed-loop efficiency of ecosystems. Biomimicry provides actionable, nature-based solutions to enhance resilience and sustainability, helping clients meet climate goals while benefiting from innovative, environmentally conscious practices.

Biomimicry for Chemical Engineers

Chemical engineers can create processes and materials that mimic nature’s efficiency and life-friendliness. For instance, they might design chemical pathways inspired by the way plants photosynthesize to produce biofuels or synthetic materials. 

When we look at how nature does chemistry, we'll come across "green chemistry" - the design of chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the use and generation of hazardous substances. Nature’s ability to catalyze reactions at ambient temperatures and pressures inspire “green” production methods, reducing energy consumption.  

Biomimicry for Robotics Engineers

Robotics engineers can mimic movement, sensory systems, and behaviours found in living organisms to design advanced robots. For instance, engineers have developed robotic arms emulating the flexibility of elephant trunks, and drones inspired by insect flight patterns. 

Engineers also study swarm intelligence in ants or bees to create algorithms for coordinated robot systems. Biomimicry enhances robotics by providing designs that are adaptive, efficient, and robust, enabling breakthroughs in fields like disaster response, manufacturing, and exploration.

Biomimicry for Business Developers

Professionals in business development can apply biomimicry by modelling organisational strategies on natural systems. For example, they can emulate the symbiotic relationships in forests to foster collaborative partnerships and adaptive business ecosystems. 

Here are some of our top examples of biomimicry in business. By embedding biomimicry into their strategic frameworks, business developers drive sustainable growth, demonstrating leadership in aligning profitability with environmental stewardship.

Here is a case study of a previous learner who used biomimicry to map the organism lifecycle stages of companies. during her Biomimicry Practitioner Programme as another example. 

Biomimicry for Ecologists

Ecologists use biomimicry to guide environmental restoration projects by mimicking natural processes. For example, studying forest ecosystems inspires reforestation projects that restore biodiversity and carbon sequestration. 

f you have a project in mind, you might find out Biomimicry Practitioner Programme useful. Learn more here.

By applying principles such as mutualism and nutrient cycling, ecologists can help enhance ecosystem health and resilience, demonstrating how biomimicry supports both conservation and human needs in harmony with nature.

Add Your Career Here!

Are you practicing biomimicry in a career that we have not mentioned? Great! We'd love to know about it, and include it in this article. Please reach out to us via this contact form.

In Closing 

Biomimicry is not necessarily a job, but a way of thinking, which can be applied in any job or project. It may lead to a change in career path for some, or spark new projects. And yes, by learning biomimicry, you will gain new skills, but you don't have to discount your existing knowledge and experience in your current field. You can, in fact, incorporate biomimicry to enhance them! 

When you're ready, here are some ways you can start (or further) your biomimicry journey:

If you're interested in learning the fundamentals of biomimicry, you can download our FREE eBook: A Field Guide to Biomimicry for an easy introduction. 

You can also explore our Biomimicry Short Courses. Through these courses, you'll get practical knowledge of how to apply Biomimicry to your own design, get a Learn Biomimicry certificate which is recognised globally (and endorsed by the Biomimicry Institute), and so much more.