Medical Scientist
O*NET-SOC: 19-1042.00
Conducts biomedical research to advance knowledge of life processes and diseases, designing clinical trials, analyzing biological data, and developing new treatments, drugs, or medical devices.
About this Role
Medical scientists conduct research to understand how diseases develop and to find new ways to prevent, diagnose, or treat them. They spend much of their time in laboratories running experiments: growing cells in controlled environments, testing how those cells respond to potential drugs, and analysing the results using specialised instruments and software. A typical morning might involve preparing samples, setting up an experiment to test whether a compound slows the growth of cancer cells, and monitoring equipment, while the afternoon is spent analysing data, reading published studies to stay current, and writing up findings.
A Day in the Life
8:00 AM
Lab setup and quality checks
Calibrate instruments, prepare chemical solutions, and run diagnostic checks on equipment to ensure accurate results.
8:30 AM
Cell culture maintenance
Check on cells growing in the incubator, divide healthy cultures into new containers, and count samples to track growth.
10:00 AM
Run experiments
Set up test plates, apply drug compounds to cell samples at different doses, and place them in the incubator to observe effects.
12:00 PM
Lunch and data review
Take a break, then begin importing results from the morning's experiments into analysis software to check initial trends.
1:00 PM
Data analysis
Use statistical software to look for patterns in the data, create charts showing how cells responded to different treatments.
3:00 PM
Plan next experiments
Design the next round of tests based on today's results, select the right materials, and place orders for supplies.
4:30 PM
Team meeting
Present preliminary findings to the research group, discuss unexpected results, and brainstorm solutions together.
6:00 PM
Clean up and log results
Collect final samples, record all procedures and observations in the lab notebook, and secure equipment before leaving.
Tools & Technologies
Analytics & Science
- IBM SPSS Statistics
- SAS
- The MathWorks MATLAB
- BioArray Software Environment BASE
- Medical Scientists HybridAI
Programming Languages
- R
- Python
Operating Systems
- Linux
- UNIX
Spreadsheets
- Microsoft Excel
Office Suites
- Microsoft Office
Development Tools
- Microsoft Visual Basic
- Integrated development environment IDE software
- National Instruments LabVIEW
Salary Details
Salary Distribution
Most professionals earn between $77K and $134K
| Percentile | Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th | $62K |
| 25th | $77K |
| 50th (Median) | $101K |
| 75th | $134K |
| 90th | $168K |
Certifications, Training & Memberships
Recommended
Medical Laboratory Scientist MLS (ASCP)
American Society for Clinical Pathology
Certifies competency in lab techniques for medical research and diagnostics.
Professional Memberships
Professional Membership
American Association for the Advancement of Science
Provides access to journals, conferences, and networking in biomedical sciences.
Work Environment
- Remote Work
- Hybrid (Remote + Office)
- Work Setting
- Traditional office / indoor
- Physical Activity
- Moderate physical activity
- Social Interaction
- Highly collaborative — frequent team interaction
- Schedule
- Extended hours common
Your Skills & Attributes
Skills & Competencies Matches (40)
- SpeakingStrong Match
- ScienceStrong Match
- Active LearningStrong Match
- Reading ComprehensionStrong Match
- Active ListeningStrong Match
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Medical Scientist a good career?
Medical Scientist can be a rewarding career choice. Based on current data, the median salary is $101K and job outlook is growing (10% projected growth). Whether it's a good fit depends on your skills, interests, and values — take our quiz to find out how well you match.
What degree do you need to become a Medical Scientist?
The typical education requirement for a Medical Scientist is a Doctoral Degree. However, requirements can vary by employer and specialization. Some professionals enter the field with alternative credentials or relevant work experience.
How long does it take to become a Medical Scientist?
Becoming a Medical Scientist typically requires about 8-10 years of higher education (including undergraduate and graduate studies). Additional time may be needed for certifications, internships, or on-the-job training depending on the specific role and employer requirements.
What is the work-life balance like for a Medical Scientist?
The work-life balance for a Medical Scientist is moderate, with some periods requiring extended hours or flexibility. Individual experiences vary based on employer, specialization, seniority level, and geographic location.
What is the job outlook for Medical Scientist?
The job outlook for Medical Scientist is growing. Employment is projected to grow by 10% over the coming decade. Labor market conditions can vary by region and specialization.