Job Description - Medical Scientist:
A medical scientist researches human diseases and conditions with an eye toward improving human health. He or she conducts biomedical research and development in universities, hospitals, government laboratories or in private companies.
Employment Facts - Medical Scientist:
In 2008 there were 109,400 working medical scientists.
Educational Requirements - Medical Scientist:
To work as a medical scientist one must have a Ph.D. in a biological science or a medical degree. Most who work in this field have earned the former.
Other Requirements - Medical Scientist:
A medical scientist who interacts medically with patients must be licensed.
Advancement Opportunities - Medical Scientist:
As a medical scientist gains experience, he or she will be afforded greater independence to do research and will be given a larger budget. Those working in university settings may earn tenure.
Job Outlook - Medical Scientist:
The job outlook for medical scientists is excellent. This occupation is projected to experience faster growth, through 2018, than other occupations requiring at least a master's degree (The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Earnings - Medical Scientist:
Median annual earnings of medical scientists were $74,590 in 2009.
Use the Salary Wizard at Salary.com to find out how much a Medical Scientist currently earns in your city.
A Day in a Medical Scientist's Life:
On a typical day a medical scientist's tasks might include:
- Conducting research to develop methodologies, instrumentation and procedures for medical application, analyzing data and presenting findings
- Planning and directing studies to investigate human or animal disease, preventive methods, and treatments for disease
- Evaluating effects of drugs, gases, pesticides, parasites and microorganisms at various levels
- Preparing and analyzing organ, tissue, and cell samples to identify toxicity, bacteria or microorganisms, or to study cell structure
- Conferring with health departments, industry personnel, physicians and others to develop health safety standards and public health improvement programs
- Consulting with and advising physicians, educators, researchers and others regarding medical applications of physics, biology and chemistry
Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Medical Scientist, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos309.htm (visited March 18, 2010).
Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, O*NET Online, Medical Scientist, on the Internet at http://online.onetcenter.org/link/details/19-1042.00 (visited November 30, 2010).
