What Do Medical Scientist Do?
Position Description 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
- Follow strict safety procedures when handling toxic materials to avoid contamination.
- Consult with and advise physicians, educators, researchers, and others regarding medical applications of physics, biology, and chemistry.
- 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.
- Investigate cause, progress, life cycle, or mode of transmission of diseases or parasites.
- Standardize drug dosages, methods of immunization, and procedures for manufacture of drugs and medicinal compounds.
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What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Medical Scientist?
Medical Scientists state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
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.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Types of Medical Scientist Jobs
- Cytologist
- Pharmaceutical Botanist
- Nanotechnologist
- Toxicologist
- Medical Physicist
Medical Scientist Employment Estimates
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 120,000 jobs in the United States for Medical Scientist. 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.
Medical Scientist Average Salary
The typical yearly salary for Medical Scientists is somewhere between $46,810 and $156,980.
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 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Medical Scientists
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
- SAS
- Microsoft Dynamics
- Linux
- Microsoft Publisher
- Microsoft Visual Basic
- FileMaker Pro
- IBM SPSS Statistics
- UNIX
- R
How do I Become a Medical Scientist?
Education needed to be a Medical Scientist:
What work experience do I need to become a Medical Scientist?
Where do Medical Scientists Work?
Below are examples of industries where Medical Scientists work:
Related Careers
Those interested in being a Medical Scientist may also be interested in:
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.
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