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Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists

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.

Median pay: $100,590; per year
10-year outlook: +8.7%; Growing
Typical entry: Doctoral or professional degree

Key skills

Writing
Speaking
Science
Active Learning
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Judgment and Decision Making

What they do

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.
Prepare and analyze organ, tissue, and cell samples to identify toxicity, bacteria, or microorganisms or to study cell structure.
Conduct research to develop methodologies, instrumentation, and procedures for medical application, analyzing data and presenting findings to the scientific audience and general public.
Teach principles of medicine and medical and laboratory procedures to physicians, residents, students, and technicians.
Write and publish articles in scientific journals.
Write applications for research grants.
Standardize drug dosages, methods of immunization, and procedures for manufacture of drugs and medicinal compounds.
Study animal and human health and physiological processes.

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS, Employment Projections) and O*NET, used under CC BY 4.0.

Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists

Key skills

What they do

Majors that lead here