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What You Need to Know About Medical Scientist

Example of Medical Scientist Job 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.

What Do Medical Scientists Do On a Daily Basis?

  • Follow strict safety procedures when handling toxic materials to avoid contamination.
  • Conduct research to develop methodologies, instrumentation, and procedures for medical application, analyzing data and presenting findings to the scientific audience and general public.
  • Confer with health departments, industry personnel, physicians, and others to develop health safety standards and public health improvement programs.
  • Use equipment such as atomic absorption spectrometers, electron microscopes, flow cytometers, or chromatography systems.
  • Prepare and analyze organ, tissue, and cell samples to identify toxicity, bacteria, or microorganisms or to study cell structure.
  • Standardize drug dosages, methods of immunization, and procedures for manufacture of drugs and medicinal compounds.

Medical Scientist Skills

Below is a list of the skills most Medical Scientists say are important on the job.

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.

  • Neurosurgery Research Director
  • Director of Preclinical Research
  • Clinical Analyst
  • Clinical Research Director
  • Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Is There Job Demand for Medical Scientists?

There were about 120,000 jobs for Medical Scientist in 2016 (in the United States). 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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 12,100 job openings in this field each year.

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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.

What is the Average Salary of a Medical Scientist

The average yearly salary of a Medical Scientist ranges between $46,810 and $156,980.

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Medical Scientists who work in New Jersey, Connecticut, or Delaware, make the highest salaries.

How much do Medical Scientists make in each U.S. state?

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

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Medical Scientists may use on a daily basis:

  • 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

Becoming a Medical Scientist

Are there Medical Scientists education requirements?

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How Long Does it Take to Become a Medical Scientist?

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Medical Scientists Sector

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The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

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Similar Careers

Those thinking about becoming a Medical Scientist might also be interested in the following careers:

Those who work as a Medical Scientist sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:

References:

Image Credit: Shrout, Bill via Public domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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