What You Need to Know About Medical Scientist
Medical Scientist Definition 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. Includes physicians, dentists, public health specialists, pharmacologists, and medical pathologists who primarily conduct research.
Life As a Medical Scientist: What Do They Do?
- Evaluate effects of drugs, gases, pesticides, parasites, and microorganisms at various levels.
- Follow strict safety procedures when handling toxic materials to avoid contamination.
- Prepare and analyze organ, tissue, and cell samples to identify toxicity, bacteria, or microorganisms or to study cell structure.
- Plan and direct studies to investigate human or animal disease, preventive methods, and treatments for disease.
- Investigate cause, progress, life cycle, or mode of transmission of diseases or parasites.
- Use equipment such as atomic absorption spectrometers, electron microscopes, flow cytometers, or chromatography systems.
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Things a Medical Scientist Should Know How to Do
These are the skills Medical Scientists say are the most useful in their careers:
Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Good Laboratory Practice In Vitro Study Director (GLP In Vitro Study Director)
- Medical Scientist
- Clinical Assistant
- Clinical Pharmacologist
- Clinical Research Director
Job Demand for Medical Scientists
In the United States, there were 120,000 jobs for Medical Scientist in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 13.4% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 16,100 new jobs for Medical Scientist by 2026. The BLS estimates 12,100 yearly job openings in this field.
The states with the most job growth for Medical Scientist are Utah, Nevada, and Florida. Watch out if you plan on working in Illinois, Oklahoma, or Maine. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Average Medical Scientists Salary
Medical Scientists make between $46,810 and $156,980 a year.
Medical Scientists who work in New Jersey, Connecticut, or Delaware, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Medical Scientists in different U.S. states.
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $90,300 |
Arizona | $99,840 |
Arkansas | $98,490 |
California | $102,550 |
Colorado | $74,370 |
Connecticut | $134,710 |
Delaware | $115,070 |
District of Columbia | $104,280 |
Florida | $82,990 |
Georgia | $75,800 |
Hawaii | $96,880 |
Idaho | $71,440 |
Illinois | $87,660 |
Iowa | $67,730 |
Kansas | $81,190 |
Kentucky | $77,160 |
Louisiana | $69,600 |
Maine | $109,900 |
Maryland | $105,780 |
Massachusetts | $92,980 |
Michigan | $67,960 |
Minnesota | $92,920 |
Mississippi | $45,150 |
Missouri | $70,510 |
Montana | $74,440 |
Nebraska | $83,110 |
Nevada | $104,900 |
New Hampshire | $116,200 |
New Jersey | $145,300 |
New Mexico | $87,850 |
New York | $95,170 |
North Carolina | $98,740 |
North Dakota | $74,630 |
Ohio | $79,020 |
Oregon | $90,050 |
Pennsylvania | $114,370 |
Rhode Island | $115,170 |
South Carolina | $82,300 |
South Dakota | $80,900 |
Tennessee | $81,390 |
Texas | $72,260 |
Utah | $76,620 |
Vermont | $81,340 |
Virginia | $102,310 |
Washington | $90,290 |
West Virginia | $71,850 |
Wisconsin | $72,270 |
What Tools & Technology do Medical Scientists Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Medical Scientists:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Python
- Word processing software
- Microsoft Project
- Spreadsheet software
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
- Database software
- The MathWorks MATLAB
- Microsoft Dynamics
- SAS
- Linux
- Microsoft Publisher
- Microsoft Visual Basic
- FileMaker Pro
- IBM SPSS Statistics
- UNIX
- R
How to Become a Medical Scientist
Education needed to be a Medical Scientist:
How many years of work experience do I need?
Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those thinking about becoming a Medical Scientist might also be interested in the following careers:
Career changers with experience as a Medical Scientist sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
References:
Image Credit: Shrout, Bill via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.