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Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
Also called : Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Clinical Lab Scientist), Clinical Pharmacologist, Clinical Research Scientist, Medical Researcher, Physician Scientist, Research Scientist, Researcher, Scientist, Study
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, one 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.
- 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.
KNOWLEDGE
- Biology
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
- English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
- Medicine and Dentistry
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
- Chemistry
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
SKILLS
- Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
- Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
- Science
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
- Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
- 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.
ABILITIES
- Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
- Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
- Written Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
- Category Flexibility
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
- Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
PERSONALITY
People interested in this work, will do well at jobs that need;
- Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
- Innovation
Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
- Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
- Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
- Achievement/Effort
Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
- Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
- Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
- Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
- Persistence
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
- Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
TECHNOLOGY
- Analytical or scientific software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Desktop publishing software
- Development environment software
- Electronic mail software
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software
- Geographic information system
- Graphics or photo imaging software
- Information retrieval or search software
- Object or component oriented development software
- Office suite software
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
- Preparation
Extensive Preparation Needed
- Education
Graduate Degree or higher.
- Experience
Extensive skills, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations.
- Jobtraining
Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.