Life As a 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.
What Do Medical Scientists Do On a Daily Basis?
- Standardize drug dosages, methods of immunization, and procedures for manufacture of drugs and medicinal compounds.
- Conduct research to develop methodologies, instrumentation, and procedures for medical application, analyzing data and presenting findings to the scientific audience and general public.
- Use equipment such as atomic absorption spectrometers, electron microscopes, flow cytometers, or chromatography systems.
- Study animal and human health and physiological processes.
- Write and publish articles in scientific journals.
- Consult with and advise physicians, educators, researchers, and others regarding medical applications of physics, biology, and chemistry.
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Skills Needed to be a Medical Scientist
These are the skills Medical Scientists say are the most useful in their careers:
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.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Endocrinologist
- Oral and Maxillofacial Pathologist
- Clinical Analyst
- Good Laboratory Practice In Vitro Study Director (GLP In Vitro Study Director)
- Clinical Research Specialist
Are There Job Opportunities for Medical Scientists?
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.
What is the Average Salary of a Medical Scientist
The average yearly salary of a Medical Scientist ranges between $46,810 and $156,980.
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 |
What Tools 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
- SAS
- Microsoft Dynamics
- Linux
- Microsoft Publisher
- Microsoft Visual Basic
- FileMaker Pro
- IBM SPSS Statistics
- UNIX
- R
How do I Become a Medical Scientist?
Individuals working as a Medical Scientist have obtained the following education levels:
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where Medical Scientists Are Employed
Below are examples of industries where Medical Scientists work:
Similar Careers
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
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