Medical Scientists
Overview
Medical scientists are like health detectives who solve medical mysteries by researching diseases and finding new ways to treat them. They design experiments, analyze blood samples and other medical data using advanced lab equipment and computer software, and test new drugs and medical devices to make sure they're safe and effective. These scientists work in teams at universities, hospitals, and pharmaceutical companies, often collaborating with doctors and other researchers to develop breakthrough treatments. A strong background in biology, chemistry, and math is essential, and many medical scientists earn advanced degrees to specialize in areas like cancer research or infectious diseases.
Did you know?
This career typically requires a PhD in a biological science and often additional postdoctoral training, representing 8-12 years of education beyond a bachelor's degree.
At a Glance
Median Wage
$89,708.33 Avg/yr
Growth
Fast Growing
Top Skill
Technology Design
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare and analyze organ, tissue, and cell samples to identify toxicity, bacteria, or microorganisms or to study cell structure.
- Study animal and human health and physiological processes.
- Use equipment such as atomic absorption spectrometers, electron microscopes, flow cytometers, or chromatography systems.
- Confer with health departments, industry personnel, physicians, and others to develop health safety standards and public health improvement programs.
- Write applications for research grants.
- Write and publish articles in scientific journals.
- Investigate cause, progress, life cycle, or mode of transmission of diseases or parasites.
- Follow strict safety procedures when handling toxic materials to avoid contamination.
- Plan and direct studies to investigate human or animal disease, preventive methods, and treatments for disease.
- Evaluate effects of drugs, gases, pesticides, parasites, and microorganisms at various levels.
- Teach principles of medicine and medical and laboratory procedures to physicians, residents, students, and technicians.
- Consult with and advise physicians, educators, researchers, and others regarding medical applications of physics, biology, and chemistry.
- Standardize drug dosages, methods of immunization, and procedures for manufacture of drugs and medicinal compounds.
- Conduct research to develop methodologies, instrumentation, and procedures for medical application, analyzing data and presenting findings to the scientific audience and general public.
Career Considerations
Extensive Educational Requirements
This career typically requires a PhD in a biological science and often additional postdoctoral training, representing 8-12 years of education beyond a bachelor's degree.
Federal Funding Dependency
Research positions heavily rely on competitive federal grants from agencies like NIH and NSF, making job security and project continuity dependent on funding cycles.
Geographic Concentration
Opportunities are primarily concentrated in major research universities, government agencies, and biotech hubs in specific metropolitan areas like Boston, San Francisco, and Research Triangle.