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Career Exploration

Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists

Also called: Clinical Research Scientist, Research Scientist, Scientist, Study Director

What they do:

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.

On the job, you would:
  • 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.
On the job, you'll need:

Math and Science

  • biology
  • chemistry

Arts and Humanities

  • English language

Health

  • medicine and dentistry

Engineering and Technology

  • computers and electronics

Basic Skills

  • writing things for co-workers or customers
  • figuring out how to use new ideas or things

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

People and Technology Systems

  • thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one
  • figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it

Verbal

  • communicate by speaking
  • communicate by writing

Ideas and Logic

  • make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information
  • group things in different ways

Math

  • choose the right type of math to solve a problem
  • add, subtract, multiply, or divide

Visual Understanding

  • see hidden patterns

Investigative

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.

  • Analytical Thinking
  • Innovation
  • Integrity
  • Attention to Detail
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Cooperation

Analytical or scientific software

  • IBM SPSS Statistics
  • SAS

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint

Data base user interface and query software

  • Database software
  • Waters Empower 2

Video courtesy of CareerOneStop.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for this position is Bright.

New job opportunities are very likely in the future. This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.

Median Annual Salary: $99,930

Education

Doctoral degree or post-doctoral training is usually needed.