In their quest to improve human health, medical scientists study the cause of diseases and test new methods to prevent and treat them. Medical scientists oversee many phases of development for drugs and medical devices. For example, they might develop an experimental combination of drugs to slow the progress of an illness… then design and lead a clinical trial to test its effectiveness… and conclude by writing a report and publishing their findings. When a new medication is developed for mass production, medical scientists are responsible for determining standards for the potency, dosages, and methods of use. They also develop health programs for organizations. Much of their work includes leading teams of technicians or when in university settings students, who perform support tasks. Medical scientists work in private industry on company-approved research projects, and in government and university positions, where they typically write grant proposals to obtain funding for their research. Most medical scientists work full time… both in offices studying data and reports… and in laboratories conducting experiments. Precautions must be taken when they work with dangerous biological samples and chemicals. Medical scientists typically have a Ph.D. in biology or a related life science. Some medical scientists get a medical degree instead of, or in addition to, a Ph.D. Most have a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, or a related field.
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.
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
People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
Analytical Thinking
Innovation
Integrity
Attention to Detail
Achievement/Effort
Cooperation
You might use software like this on the job:
Analytical or scientific software
IBM SPSS Statistics
SAS
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Data base user interface and query software
Database software
Waters Empower 2
doctoral degree or post-doctoral training usually needed
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are very likely in the future.