Occupation · SOC 19-1042
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 wage
—
Projected growth
—
—
Annual openings
—
per year
Employed (US)
—
Job Zone 5
Typical preparation
Extensive preparation
Stackable credential programs
1,366 mapped
Core skills
WritingScienceActive LearningSpeakingCritical ThinkingReading ComprehensionActive ListeningJudgment and Decision Making
Knowledge areas
BiologyEnglish LanguageMedicine and DentistryChemistryMathematics
Technology & tools
Graphics or photo imaging softwareAnalytical or scientific softwareData base user interface and query softwareGeographic information systemElectronic mail software
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 f
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Standard bench techniques (PCR, Western blot, ELISA) — perform under a senior scientist's mentorship in a research lab.Lab notebooks (paper or electronic) — maintain to FDA-readiness standards during early-stage projects.Biosafety and chemical hygiene — apply consistently at BSL-2 in a translational research setting.Reagents and assay kits — prepare and validate against manufacturer protocols on routine experiments.Cell culture (aseptic technique, passaging) — maintain standard lines under a postdoc's review.Standard imaging (light, fluorescence) — acquire and annotate per a defined SOP.Animal-handling certifications and IACUC protocols — follow on assigned rodent studies.Routine statistical comparisons (t-tests, ANOVA) — produce in a standard pipeline for review.Lab-meeting presentations — deliver clearly on assigned topics with a PI's coaching.Manuscript and reference managers — maintain bibliographies for an active project.
developing
Multi-step assays and protocol optimization — design and execute independently in an active research group.Flow cytometry, qPCR, and proteomics workflows — run end-to-end on translational study samples.Animal models and dosing studies — lead under an approved IACUC protocol with veterinary partners.Statistical analyses with R or Python — produce reproducible notebooks for project data.Quality control and reproducibility checks — institute across the group's recurring assays.Authorship of peer-reviewed papers — contribute first- or middle-author sections for high-impact journals.Junior staff and rotation students — train on core methods in a wet-lab setting.Project management across parallel experiments — sequence and prioritize on a 6–12-month horizon.Grant aim development and pilot results — contribute substantively to an R-series application.Conference posters and short talks — prepare and defend at national meetings.
proficient
Independent research programs — design, run, and publish across a 3–5-year arc at an academic or industry site.Translational studies from bench to first-in-human — design and shepherd through IND-enabling work.Biostatistical strategy and sample-size planning — author for trials and grant proposals.Manuscripts in top-tier journals — lead through revision cycles, including responses to reviewers.External collaborations with clinical partners and biotech — structure with MTAs and data-sharing terms.R01-class grants and contract proposals — lead through award and renewal.Postdoctoral fellows and senior staff scientists — mentor on independent project ownership.Regulatory dossiers (pre-IND, IND amendments) — contribute scientific narrative and supporting data.Lab-wide SOPs and QA culture — set and audit across a multi-room facility.Scientific advisory boards and editorial duties — contribute as a recognized subject expert.
advanced
Research direction for an institute or company portfolio — set scientific strategy across multiple groups.Translational platforms (e.g., gene therapy, immuno-oncology) — build from concept to clinical readiness.Major program grants and center awards — architect and lead as PI across consortia.External partnerships with industry, foundations, and government — negotiate at the institutional level.Scientific talent pipeline — recruit, retain, and develop independent investigators.Disciplinary norms and reform priorities — advance through major society roles and policy work.Translational pipelines and IND/BLA progression — govern in close partnership with regulatory teams.Public-health and biomedical workforce strategy — advise legislators, agencies, and trustees.Crisis-response programs (e.g., pandemic preparedness) — stand up rapidly across academia–industry lines.Legacy mentorship and field-shaping standards — institutionalize through training programs and journals.
Also known as
41 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Clinical AnalystHistologistClinical Research ScientistMedical Health ResearcherCytologistSerologistClinical Laboratory Scientist (Clinical Lab Scientist)AnatomistGerontologistToxicologistLaboratory Scientist (Lab Scientist)ChemotherapistNeurophysiologistClinical ScientistPhysician ScientistPharmacologistMedical Coordinator, Pesticide UseResearch SpecialistResearch ScientistClinical PharmacologistMedical Science Liaison (MSL)Medical Laboratory Scientist (Medical Lab Scientist)Pharmaceutical BotanistScientistPharmacognosistEndocrinologistClinical Research AnalystStudy DirectorClinical Research SpecialistResearcherOncology Medical Science Liaison (Oncology MSL)Medical ScientistClinical ResearcherNeuroscientistMedical PhysicistImmunochemistParasitologistMedical Research ScientistMedical ResearcherHistopathologist