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Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists

  • Bright Outlook
  • Rapid Growth

Conduct research dealing with the understanding of human diseases and the improvement of human health. Engage in clinical investigation, research and development, or other related activities.

What you’d do

  • Follow strict safety procedures when handling toxic materials to avoid contamination.
  • Evaluate effects of drugs, gases, pesticides, parasites, and microorganisms at various levels.
  • Plan and direct studies to investigate human or animal disease, preventive methods, and treatments for disease.
  • Prepare and analyze organ, tissue, and cell samples to identify toxicity, bacteria, or microorganisms or to study cell structure.
  • Conduct research to develop methodologies, instrumentation, and procedures for medical application, analyzing data and presenting findings to the scientific audience and general public.
  • Teach principles of medicine and medical and laboratory procedures to physicians, residents, students, and technicians.
  • Write and publish articles in scientific journals.
  • Write applications for research grants.

Skills that matter

  • Writing
  • Active Learning
  • Science
  • Speaking
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking

How to get there

Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher

Also called

  • Clinical Research Scientist
  • Research Scientist
  • Scientist
  • Study Director
  • Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Clinical Lab Scientist)
  • Clinical Pharmacologist

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