xenobiologist

Xenobiology is a branch of biology and synthetic biology that studies and constructs biological systems based on noncanonical chemistries. A xenobiologist is a scientist who investigates foreign or engineered biochemistries, including organisms with expanded genetic codes, noncanonical amino acids, nonstandard nucleotides, or alternative metabolisms. While the term is sometimes associated with the search for extraterrestrial life, xenobiology as practiced in laboratories typically involves terrestrial organisms engineered to use different substrates or genetic information, as well as theoretical work on life forms that might exist elsewhere.

Research in xenobiology covers the design, creation, and analysis of biological systems that operate with orthogonal or nonstandard biochemistries. Methods include genetic code expansion, directed evolution, use of orthogonal translation systems, and the design of XNAs or other noncanonical biomolecules. Xenobiologists study biosignatures and the theoretical limits of life, origins of life questions, and the potential ecological and ethical implications of deploying organisms with altered biochemistries. Safety and ethics are central concerns, including biosafety, biosecurity, containment, and governance of dual-use research.

Career paths typically require advanced degrees in biology, chemistry, or bioengineering, with specialization in synthetic biology, molecular biology, or chemical biology. Employers include universities, national laboratories, biotech companies, and research institutes.

Applications span novel therapeutics, materials, sensing, data storage, and environmentally robust bioprocesses. The field faces challenges such as regulatory oversight, public acceptance, and the need for robust risk assessment frameworks to manage the unknowns associated with noncanonical life forms.