Job Profiles

Scientist

All things medical research, from A to Z.

Education: Master’s degree at least, Ph.D. preferred

Average salary: varies depending on education and experience

From testing a drug formula to optimizing its shelf-life, scientists at clinical research organizations are responsible for improving medical research — which often means overseeing the steps in drug development that lead up to clinical trials. Clinical scientists can work in a variety of fields, from pharmaceuticals to healthcare to government facilities, so the exact work they do is largely dependent on their location.

Regardless, a scientist will likely need to used special equipment to sample and analyze materials, documenting and recording any results along the way.

Main responsibilities of a scientist include:

• Designing studies of specific drugs or treatments
• Analyzing a drug’s effectiveness
• Conducting laboratory research and documenting findings

While some scientist roles only require a master’s degree in science or medicine, most will need a Ph.D. and several years of relevant experience.