Occupation AtlasMedical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
O*NET · 19-1042.00
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.
Also called Anatomist · Cancer Researcher · Chemotherapist · Clinical Analyst · Clinical Lab Scientist · Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Clinical Lab Scientist) · Clinical Pharmacologist · Clinical Research Analyst
37 more
Clinical Research Scientist · Clinical Research Specialist · Clinical Researcher · Clinical Scientist · Cytologist · Endocrinologist · Gerontologist · Histologist · Histopathologist · Immunochemist · Lab Scientist · Laboratory Scientist (Lab Scientist) · Medical Health Researcher · Medical Lab Scientist · Medical Laboratory Scientist (Medical Lab Scientist) · Medical Physicist · Medical Research Scientist · Medical Researcher · Medical Science Liaison (MSL) · Medical Scientist · MSL · Neurophysiologist · Neuroscientist · Oncology Medical Science Liaison (Oncology MSL) · Oncology MSL · Parasitologist · Pharmaceutical Botanist · Pharmacognosist · Pharmacologist · Physician Scientist · Research Scientist · Research Specialist · Researcher · Scientist · Serologist · Study Director · Toxicologist
Compare with another occupationCompare with Animal Scientists
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 5: Extensive Preparation Needed
Extensive preparation. Usually a graduate degree, with extensive skill, knowledge and experience — many of these occupations expect more than five years of experience.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
IRCInvestigative · Realistic · Conventional — the three strongest interests, in order
- I Investigative7.00
- R Realistic4.27
- C Conventional3.70
- S Social3.29
- A Artistic2.42
- E Enterprising2.22
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years (31%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (39%)
- On-the-job training
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (34%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- WritingbasicImportance 4.3Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
- Active LearningbasicImportance 4.1Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
- SciencebasicImportance 4.1Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Conduct product tests to ensure safety standards are met
- SpeakingbasicImportance 4.1Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 4.0Level 5.3Level 6 looks like: Read a scientific journal article describing surgical procedures
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 4.0Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.9Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
- Systems AnalysisImportance 3.8Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Determine how a new piece of equipment will affect production rates
- MathematicsbasicImportance 3.6Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Calculate the square footage of a new home under construction
- MonitoringbasicImportance 3.6Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
Show the other 23
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 3.4Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
- Systems EvaluationImportance 3.3Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Identify the reasons why a client might be unhappy with a product
- InstructingImportance 3.3Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
- Time ManagementImportance 3.1Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Allocate the time of subordinates to projects for the coming week
- Service OrientationImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.0Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
- CoordinationImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
- Operations AnalysisImportance 2.9Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Suggest changes in software to make a system more user friendly
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.9Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Direct the activities of a road repair crew with minimal disruption of traffic flow
- PersuasionImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
- NegotiationImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
- Operations MonitoringImportance 2.8Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 2.3Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
- ProgrammingImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Write a program to sort objects in a database
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 1.9Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
- Operation and ControlImportance 1.9Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 1.8Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
- Technology DesignImportance 1.8Level 0.8
- TroubleshootingImportance 1.8Level 0.8
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.6Level 0.8
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.0Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- RepairingImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
8 core · 6 supplementalWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Follow strict safety procedures when handling toxic materials to avoid contamination.Importance 4.7
- Evaluate effects of drugs, gases, pesticides, parasites, and microorganisms at various levels.Importance 4.6
- Plan and direct studies to investigate human or animal disease, preventive methods, and treatments for disease.Importance 4.5
- Prepare and analyze organ, tissue, and cell samples to identify toxicity, bacteria, or microorganisms or to study cell structure.Importance 4.5
- Teach principles of medicine and medical and laboratory procedures to physicians, residents, students, and technicians.Importance 4.1
- Conduct research to develop methodologies, instrumentation, and procedures for medical application, analyzing data and presenting findings to the scientific audience and general public.Importance 4.1
- Write and publish articles in scientific journals.Importance 4.0
- Write applications for research grants.Importance 4.0
Show the other 6
- Standardize drug dosages, methods of immunization, and procedures for manufacture of drugs and medicinal compounds.Importance 4.3
- Study animal and human health and physiological processes.Importance 4.1
- Investigate cause, progress, life cycle, or mode of transmission of diseases or parasites.Importance 3.9
- Use equipment such as atomic absorption spectrometers, electron microscopes, flow cytometers, or chromatography systems.Importance 3.8
- Confer with health departments, industry personnel, physicians, and others to develop health safety standards and public health improvement programs.Importance 3.7
- Consult with and advise physicians, educators, researchers, and others regarding medical applications of physics, biology, and chemistry.Importance 3.4
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- BiologyImportance 4.7Level 6.4Level 7 looks like: Isolate and identify a new virus
- English LanguageImportance 4.1Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 3.7Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Fill a tooth cavity
- ChemistryImportance 3.4Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Use the proper concentration of chlorine to purify a water source
- MathematicsImportance 3.2Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 3.0Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
- Education and TrainingImportance 2.9Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
- Administration and ManagementImportance 2.8Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
Show all 33
- AdministrativeImportance 2.1Level 2.6
- Communications and MediaImportance 2.1Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
- PhysicsImportance 2.1Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 2.0Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
- TransportationImportance 1.9Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 1.8Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 1.7Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Process a customer's dry-cleaning drop off
- Economics and AccountingImportance 1.7Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
- Law and GovernmentImportance 1.7Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
- PsychologyImportance 1.7Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
- TelecommunicationsImportance 1.7Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- Production and ProcessingImportance 1.6Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 1.6Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.6Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
- DesignImportance 1.5Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
- Sales and MarketingImportance 1.5Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
- GeographyImportance 1.4Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
- MechanicalImportance 1.4Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.3Level —
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.2Level —
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.2Level —
- Foreign LanguageImportance 1.1Level —
- Food ProductionImportance 1.0Level —
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.0Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 4.1Level 5.3Level 6 looks like: Diagnose a disease using results of many different lab tests
- Oral ExpressionImportance 4.1Level 5.1Level 6 looks like: Explain advanced principles of genetics to college freshmen
- Written ExpressionImportance 4.1Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
- Category FlexibilityImportance 4.0Level 4.3Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 4.0Level 4.9Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
- Information OrderingImportance 4.0Level 4.3
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 5.1Level 6 looks like: Understand a lecture on advanced physics
- Speech ClarityImportance 4.0Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
Show all 52
- Written ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 5.1Level 6 looks like: Understand an instruction book on repairing Artificial Intelligence systems
- Problem SensitivityImportance 3.9Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
- Near VisionImportance 3.8Level 3.9
- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.8Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 3.4Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Decide how to calculate profits to determine the amounts of yearly bonuses
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 3.3Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 3.3Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
- OriginalityImportance 3.3Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
- Number FacilityImportance 3.1Level 3.8Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
- Selective AttentionImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Watch security monitors for intruders throughout the night shift
- MemorizationImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Recite the first names of the five people you just met
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- Speed of ClosureImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- Far VisionImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
- Time SharingImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Trace electrical circuits marked by various colored wires
- Finger DexterityImportance 2.8Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 2.5Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
- VisualizationImportance 2.5Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
- Manual DexterityImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
- Control PrecisionImportance 2.1Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
- Auditory AttentionImportance 1.9Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 1.9Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
- Depth PerceptionImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
- Trunk StrengthImportance 1.5Level 0.9
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.5Level 0.8
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.3Level —
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.1Level —
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 1.1Level —
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.0Level —
- Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Rate ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- Reaction TimeImportance 1.0Level —
- Response OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.0Level —
- StaminaImportance 1.0Level —
- Static StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 4.6Level 6.1Level 7 looks like: Learn information related to a complex and rapidly changing technology
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.5Level 5.7
- Getting InformationImportance 4.3Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 4.3Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 4.3Level 6.4Level 7 looks like: Create new computer software
- Working with ComputersImportance 4.3Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 4.1Level 6.0Level 7 looks like: Analyze the cost of medical care services for all hospitals in the country
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 4.1Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
Show all 41
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 4.1Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 4.1Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
- Processing InformationImportance 4.1Level 6.0Level 7 looks like: Compile data for a complex scientific report
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 4.0Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 3.8Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.7Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 3.6Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.6Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 3.5Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 3.3Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 3.3Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.3Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 3.3Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 3.1Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 2.9Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 2.9Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 2.8Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 2.7Level 2.6
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 2.5Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 2.4Level 2.6
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 2.4Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 2.2Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.2Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 2.1Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 2.1Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.9Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 1.9Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Apologize to a customer who complains about waiting too long
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 1.9Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.8Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 1.8Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Change settings on copy machines
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 1.8Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 1.4Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Check tickets at a concert
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
37 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
In demand (3)
- Microsoft Excelhot
- Microsoft Office softwarehot
- Rhot
Hot (12; 3 more marked hot above)
- Adobe Photoshop
- ESRI ArcGIS software
- IBM SPSS Statistics
- Linux
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Project
- Microsoft Visual Basic
- Microsoft Word
- Python
- SAS
- The MathWorks MATLAB
- UNIX
Other tools (22)
- BioArray Software Environment BASE
- Database software
- FileMaker Pro
- IBM Notes
- Integrated development environment IDE software
- LexisNexis
- Medical Scientists HybridAI
- Medical Scientists MediSave
- Microsoft Dynamics
- Microsoft Exchange
- Microsoft Publisher
- Minitab
- National Instruments LabVIEW
- PerkinElmer TurboMass
- StataCorp Stata
- Statistical software
- Thermo ToxLab
- Triple G ULTRA Laboratory Information System
- Waters Empower 2
- Waters MassLynx
- Waters Millennium32
- Waters Q-DIS/QM LIMS
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Animal Scientists
Average difference 0.1 points · Equipment Selection −0.5, Quality Control Analysis +0.5
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Soil and Plant Scientists
Average difference 0.1 points · Quality Control Analysis +0.7, Equipment Selection −0.6
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Geneticists
Average difference 0.2 points · Operations Analysis −0.8, Equipment Selection −0.5
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar
Average difference 0.2 points · Systems Evaluation +0.6, Equipment Selection −0.5
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Food Scientists and Technologists
Average difference 0.2 points · Quality Control Analysis +1.1, Mathematics −0.5
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
Average difference 0.2 points · Systems Analysis −0.8, Judgment and Decision Making −0.7
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists
Average difference 0.2 points · Programming +0.9, Active Learning −0.7
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Microbiologists
Average difference 0.2 points · Systems Analysis −0.8, Operation and Control +0.6
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Use this in your own job architecture
BlissPoint Organization Viewer can link a role directly to this occupation and suggest these skills as that role's starting requirements.
This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.