You might think that you know what you're getting into with science and technology - fields like biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, telecommunications and engineering have existed seemingly since the year dot, so it can be easy for those contemplating science jobs to forget the truly 'living and breathing', continually evolving nature of science and technology.

For a reminder of just how exciting it can be to get picked by a science recruitment agency for a sought-after and important role, just consider the latest frontiers to which you could make an active contribution.

The effects on food crops of climate change

Climate change isn't just about the prospect of higher temperatures and us all ending up underwater - it's also about the very sustainability of our planet's food supply. Become a plant scientist, and you could play an instrumental role in the development of drought-resistant crop strains.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation

Whereas the replacement of heart valves has traditionally been done by surgically opening the chest cavity, if the process is done by chest catheter, only a small incision is required. Since this was achieved by a French doctor in 2002, it has gained popularity across dozens of countries when faulty aortic valves need to be treated.

The acidification of the ocean

As the atmosphere of our planet becomes ever-more concentrated with carbon dioxide, so the amount of carbonic acid in our oceans is also increasing, decreasing the pH and even dissolving the shells or skeletons of some organisms. Scientists are still grappling to properly understand the evolving chemical composition of our oceans - but who is to say that you won't contribute to the next big breakthrough in this area?

Galileon cosmology

The universe has long held seemingly infinite mystery and fascination for scientists, who are still trying to explain not only why it is still getting bigger, but also doing so ever-quicker. Attempts to shed some light on the matter have included the modification of how we mathematically treat gravity's effects at greater distances, with the galileon scalar field enabling self-accelerating solutions.

Synthetic biology

This is one emerging scientific field that even many laypeople are familiar with already - after all, how could the design and construction of biological parts, systems and devices possibly not capture the wider imagination? Recent years have seen the creation of "synthetic life" - DNA that is digitally created before its printing and insertion into a living bacterium - and as a scientist in this field, you could be perfectly placed to direct and influence the next wave of developments.

Looking to change the world? Science jobs certainly allow you to do that, with those in the aforementioned fields offering some of the best possibilities of all.