Education:
36%
Doctoral Degree
25%
Post-Doctoral Training
Medical Scientist
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Job Outlook:
Much faster than average
Education:
Doctoral or professional degree
Salary
High:
$170,260.00
Average:
$110,670.00
Hourly
Average:
$53.21
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.
Important Qualities
Communication skills. Medical scientists must be able to explain their research in nontechnical ways. In addition, they may write grant proposals in order to get funding for their research.
Critical-thinking skills. Medical scientists must use their expertise to determine the best method for approaching research questions.
Data-analysis skills. Medical scientists use statistics to evaluate research questions and information from clinical trials.
Decision-making skills. Medical scientists must determine what research questions to ask, how to investigate the questions, and which data answer the questions.
Observation skills. Medical scientists conduct experiments that require monitoring samples and other health-related data.
Personality
| A3 | Your Strengths | Importance |
Characteristics of this Career |
|---|---|---|---|
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88% | Analytical Thinking - Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems. | |
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86% | Innovation - Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems. | |
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84% | Integrity - Job requires being honest and ethical. | |
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82% | Attention to Detail - Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. | |
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79% | Achievement/Effort - Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks. | |
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78% | Initiative - Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges. | |
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78% | Cooperation - Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude. | |
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77% | Dependability - Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations. | |
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75% | Persistence - Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles. | |
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73% | Adaptability/Flexibility - Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace. | |
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73% | Self-Control - Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations. | |
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72% | Independence - Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done. | |
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71% | Stress Tolerance - Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations. | |
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71% | Leadership - Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction. | |
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67% | Social Orientation - Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job. |
| A3 | Your Strengths | Importance |
Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|
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100% | Investigative - Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service. |
| A3 | Your Strengths | Importance |
Values of the Work Environment |
|---|---|---|---|
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78% | Achievement - Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement. | |
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78% | Recognition - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status. | |
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78% | Independence - Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy. | |
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75% | Working Conditions - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions. |
Aptitude
| A3 | Your Strengths | Importance |
Abilities | Cognitive, Physical, Personality |
|---|---|---|---|
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78% | Written Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand. | |
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78% | Inductive Reasoning - The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events). | |
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78% | Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand. | |
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75% | Speech Clarity - The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you. | |
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75% | Written Comprehension - The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing. | |
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75% | Deductive Reasoning - The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense. | |
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75% | Information Ordering - The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations). | |
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75% | Category Flexibility - The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways. | |
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75% | Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. | |
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72% | Problem Sensitivity - The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem. | |
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69% | Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer). | |
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69% | Speech Recognition - The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person. |
| A3 | Your Strengths | Importance |
Skills | Cognitive, Physical, Personality |
|---|---|---|---|
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75% | Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents. | |
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71% | Science - Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems. | |
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71% | Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making. | |
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70% | Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience. | |
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68% | Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems. | |
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66% | Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions. |
Job Details
Responsibilities
Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
Write grant proposals.
Prepare proposals or grant applications to obtain project funding.
Plan biological research.
Direct medical science or healthcare programs.
Monitor operational procedures in technical environments to ensure conformance to standards.
Research diseases or parasites.
Instruct college students in physical or life sciences.
Analyze biological samples.
Establish standards for medical care.
Research diseases or parasites.
Establish standards for products, processes, or procedures.
Advise others on healthcare matters.
Operate laboratory or field equipment.
| A3 | Your Strengths | Importance |
Attributes & Percentage of Time Spent |
|---|---|---|---|
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99% | Electronic Mail - How often do you use electronic mail in this job? | |
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96% | Face-to-Face Discussions - How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job? | |
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95% | Indoors, Environmentally Controlled - How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions? | |
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95% | Work With Work Group or Team - How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job? | |
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92% | Contact With Others - How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it? | |
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89% | Importance of Being Exact or Accurate - How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job? | |
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85% | Freedom to Make Decisions - How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer? | |
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79% | Structured versus Unstructured Work - To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals? | |
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78% | Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets - How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets? | |
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75% | Level of Competition - To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures? | |
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74% | Importance of Repeating Same Tasks - How important is repeating the same physical activities (e.g., key entry) or mental activities (e.g., checking entries in a ledger) over and over, without stopping, to performing this job? | |
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73% | Telephone - How often do you have telephone conversations in this job? | |
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72% | Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results - What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer? | |
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71% | Coordinate or Lead Others - How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job? | |
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68% | Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls - How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls? | |
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68% | Responsible for Others' Health and Safety - How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job? | |
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67% | Time Pressure - How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines? | |
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71% | Duration of Typical Work Week - Number of hours typically worked in one week. |
| A3 | Your Strengths | Importance |
Tasks & Values |
|---|---|---|---|
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90% | Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job. | |
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87% | Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person. | |
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83% | Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions. | |
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82% | Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. | |
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82% | Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems. | |
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81% | Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information. | |
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78% | Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts. | |
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77% | Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work. | |
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77% | Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form. | |
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77% | Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events. | |
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76% | Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data. | |
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76% | Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity. | |
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71% | Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time. | |
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67% | Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others. | |
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66% | Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used. |
What Medical Scientists Do
Medical scientists study human diseases in a variety of ways, such as by analyzing data from clinical trials.
Medical scientists conduct research aimed at improving overall human health. They often use clinical trials and other investigative methods to reach their findings.
Duties
Medical scientists typically do the following:
- Design and conduct studies to investigate human diseases and methods to prevent and treat diseases
- Prepare and analyze data from medical samples and investigate causes and treatment of toxicity, pathogens, or chronic diseases
- Standardize drugs' potency, doses, and methods of administering to allow for their mass manufacturing and distribution
- Create and test medical devices
- Follow safety procedures, such as decontaminating workspaces
- Write research grant proposals and apply for funding from government agencies, private funding, and other sources
- Write articles for publication and present research findings
Medical scientists form hypotheses and develop experiments. They study the causes of diseases and other health problems in a variety of ways. For example, they may conduct clinical trials, working with licensed physicians to test treatments on patients who have agreed to participate in the study. They analyze data from the trial to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment.
Some medical scientists choose to write about and publish their findings in scientific journals after completion of the clinical trial. They also may have to present their findings in ways that nonscientist audiences understand.
Medical scientists often lead teams of technicians or students who perform support tasks. For example, a medical scientist may have assistants take measurements and make observations for the scientist’s research.
Medical scientists usually specialize in an area of research, with the goal of understanding and improving human health outcomes. The following are examples of types of medical scientists:
Clinical pharmacologists research new drug therapies for health problems, such as seizure disorders and Alzheimer’s disease.
Medical pathologists research the human body and tissues, such as how cancer progresses or how certain issues relate to genetics.
Toxicologists study the negative impacts of chemicals and pollutants on human health.
Medical scientists conduct research to better understand disease or to develop breakthroughs in treatment. For information about an occupation that tracks and develops methods to prevent the spread of diseases, see the profile on epidemiologists.
Work Environment
Medical scientists held about 119,000 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of medical scientists were as follows:
| Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences | 36% |
| Hospitals; state, local, and private | 19 |
| Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state, local, and private | 19 |
| Medical and diagnostic laboratories | 5 |
| Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing | 4 |
Medical scientists typically work in offices and laboratories. In the lab, they sometimes work with dangerous biological samples and chemicals. They must take precautions in the lab to ensure safety, such as by wearing protective gloves, knowing the location of safety equipment, and keeping work areas neat.
Work Schedules
Most medical scientists work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week.
Getting Started
How to Become a Medical Scientist
Medical scientists typically have a Ph.D. and sometimes are certified medical doctors as well.
Medical scientists typically have a Ph.D., usually in biology or a related life science. Some get a medical degree instead of, or in addition to, a Ph.D.
Education
Medical scientists typically need a Ph.D. or medical degree. Candidates sometimes qualify for positions with a master’s degree and experience. Applicants to master’s or doctoral programs typically have a bachelor's degree in biology or a related physical science field, such as chemistry.
Ph.D. programs for medical scientists typically focus on research in a particular field, such as immunology, neurology, or cancer. Through laboratory work, Ph.D. students develop experiments related to their research.
Medical degree programs include Medical Doctor (M.D.), Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.), Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.), Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.), Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.), and advanced nursing degrees. In medical school, students usually spend the first phase of their education in labs and classrooms, taking courses such as anatomy, biochemistry, and medical ethics. During their second phase, medical students typically participate in residency programs.
Some medical scientist training programs offer dual degrees that pair a Ph.D. with a medical degree. Students in dual-degree programs learn both the research skills needed to be a scientist and the clinical skills needed to be a healthcare practitioner.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
Medical scientists primarily conduct research and typically do not need licenses or certifications. However, those who practice medicine, such as by treating patients in clinical trials or in private practice, must be licensed as physicians or other healthcare practitioners.
Training
Medical scientists with a Ph.D. may begin their careers in postdoctoral research positions; those with a medical degree often complete a residency. During postdoctoral appointments, Ph.D.s work with experienced scientists to learn more about their specialty area and improve their research skills. Medical school graduates who enter a residency program in their specialty generally spend several years working in a hospital or doctor’s office.
Job Outlook
Employment of medical scientists is projected to grow 10 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 7,500 openings for medical scientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Employment
Demand for medical scientists will stem from greater demand for a variety of healthcare services as the population continues to age and rates of chronic disease continue to increase. These scientists will be needed for research into treating diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease and cancer, and problems related to treatment, such as resistance to antibiotics. In addition, medical scientists will continue to be needed for medical research as a growing population travels globally and facilitates the spread of diseases.
The availability of federal funds for medical research grants also may affect opportunities for these scientists.
Contacts for More Information
For more information about research specialties and opportunities within specialized fields for medical scientists, visit
American Association for Cancer Research
American Physician Scientists Association
American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
The American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science
American Society for Clinical Pathology
American Society for Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics
The American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics
The Gerontological Society of America
Infectious Diseases Society of America
Similar Occupations
This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of medical scientists.
| Occupation | Job Duties | Entry-Level Education | Median Annual Pay, May 2022 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Agricultural and Food Scientists |
Agricultural and food scientists research ways to improve the efficiency and safety of agricultural establishments and products. |
Bachelor's degree | $74,940 |
|
Biochemists and Biophysicists |
Biochemists and biophysicists study the chemical and physical principles of living things and of biological processes. |
Doctoral or professional degree | $103,810 |
|
Epidemiologists |
Epidemiologists are public health workers who investigate patterns and causes of disease and injury. |
Master's degree | $78,520 |
|
Health Education Specialists |
Health education specialists develop programs to teach people about conditions affecting well-being. |
Bachelor's degree | $59,990 |
|
Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians |
Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians perform medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. |
Bachelor's degree | $57,380 |
|
Microbiologists |
Microbiologists study microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, algae, fungi, and some types of parasites. |
Bachelor's degree | $81,990 |
|
Physicians and Surgeons |
Physicians and surgeons diagnose and treat injuries or illnesses and address health maintenance. |
Doctoral or professional degree | $229,300 |
|
Postsecondary Teachers |
Postsecondary teachers instruct students in a variety of academic subjects beyond the high school level. |
See How to Become One | $80,840 |
|
Veterinarians |
Veterinarians care for the health of animals and work to protect public health. |
Doctoral or professional degree | $103,260 |