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Medical Scientist

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What You Need to Know About Medical Scientist

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.

Daily Life Of a Medical Scientist

  • Evaluate effects of drugs, gases, pesticides, parasites, and microorganisms at various levels.
  • 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.
  • Study animal and human health and physiological processes.
  • Plan and direct studies to investigate human or animal disease, preventive methods, and treatments for disease.
  • Use equipment such as atomic absorption spectrometers, electron microscopes, flow cytometers, or chromatography systems.

Qualities of 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

  • Clinical Research Director
  • Clinical Director
  • Pharmacovigilance Safety Expert
  • Senior Scientist
  • Clinical Analyst

Medical Scientist Job Outlook

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.

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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 typical yearly salary for Medical Scientists is somewhere between $46,810 and $156,980.

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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

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
  • 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:

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How many years of work experience do I need?

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Where Medical Scientists Work

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The table below shows the approximate number of Medical Scientists employed by various industries.

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Those interested in being a Medical Scientist may also be interested in:

Are you already one of the many Medical Scientist in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:

References:

Image Credit: Shrout, Bill via Public domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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