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Science

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.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
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Median pay

$100,590
Median annual pay for Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

8.7%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

9,600
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

165,300
Estimated U.S. employment for Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+14,300
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

Doctoral or professional degree
Typical education needed to enter Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Writing
  2. 2Active Learning
  3. 3Science
  4. 4Speaking
  5. 5Active Listening
  6. 6Critical Thinking

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Biology
  2. 2English Language
  3. 3Medicine and Dentistry
  4. 4Chemistry
  5. 5Mathematics
  6. 6Computers and Electronics

Abilities

  1. 1Inductive Reasoning
  2. 2Oral Expression
  3. 3Written Expression
  4. 4Category Flexibility
  5. 5Deductive Reasoning
  6. 6Information Ordering

Career interests

  1. 1Investigative
  2. 2Realistic
  3. 3Conventional
  4. 4Social
  5. 5Artistic
  6. 6Enterprising

Work styles

  1. 1Attention to Detail
  2. 2Intellectual Curiosity
  3. 3Dependability
  4. 4Cautiousness
  5. 5Innovation
  6. 6Integrity

Work activities

  1. 1Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
  2. 2Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  3. 3Thinking Creatively
  4. 4Getting Information
  5. 5Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  6. 6Working with Computers

Work context

  1. 1E-Mail
  2. 2Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  3. 3Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  4. 4Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
  5. 5Contact With Others
  6. 6Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

Representative tasks

  • 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.

Software and tools

Microsoft Office software · in demandMicrosoft Excel · in demandR · in demandAdobe Photoshop · hot technologyMicrosoft Visual Basic · hot technologyPython · hot technologyESRI ArcGIS software · hot technologyUNIX · hot technologyMicrosoft Project · hot technologyIBM SPSS Statistics · hot technologyMicrosoft PowerPoint · hot technologyThe MathWorks MATLAB · hot technology

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

ChooseField compares fields using public labor-market and professional sources.