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Biological and Research Scientists are
involved in a variety of health related fields. They study reproduction,
diseases, drugs, microorganisms, the environment, growth and development,
and other aspects of living organisms in an effort to prolong life and
prevent illness. Some of these scientists study illnesses such as cancer,
heart disease, arthritis, and genetic diseases in order to understand
their causes and prevent them from occurring. Others, however, perform
research to determine the effect of food, drugs, nutrients, hormones, and
other substances on the tissues and processes of living things.
Some specialties in this field include:
Geneticist-study characteristics and inherited traits of humans and
animals; Epidemiologist-study causes and spread of diseases among
populations and ways to prevent or control diseases; Microbiologist-study
bacteria and other microscopic organisms in order to prevent diseases;
Immunologists-study ways in which humans and other organisms resist
illnesses; Pharmacologist-analyzes the effects of drugs on human
and animal tissue.
Research scientists must be highly
proficient in mathematics and science and must also be skilled in a
laboratory setting. These professionals usually have an advanced degree
and often supervise a small staff of laboratory assistants and
technicians. Patient interaction is usually very low but this job requires
a high level of motivation and self-discipline.
Work Environment:
The majority of biological and research
scientists work in a laboratory setting. They may be employed by
pharmaceutical companies, chemical plants, research facilities, hospitals,
government facilities, biomedical industries, or colleges & universities.
High School Preparation:
High school students interested in
becoming a research scientist should concentrate on courses in biology,
chemistry, physics, algebra, calculus, geometry, trigonometry, English,
literature, physical education, computer skills, sociology, and health
occupations/medical professions education.
College Requirements:
Individuals interested in a career in
biological and research science must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree
in a specific specialty. Individuals with this level of education can only
work in non-research positions. Anyone interested in conducting research
must obtain a master’s degree and in most cases a doctoral degree is
required to conduct advanced research. Only individuals with a Ph.D. can
teach at the university level or advance to administrative positions.
Students interested in research science
should contact schools for information on admission and course of study.
For educational institutions in
Mississippi
offering this course of study click here.
Career Outlook:
The career outlook for biological and
research scientists is going to be excellent over the next decade with an
expected growth of 10% - 20% in the job market. Doctoral degree holders
will command the highest salary, but will face considerable competition
for basic research positions as the federal government tightens its budget
in many areas of medical research. Individuals with a bachelor’s or
master’s degree will find excellent opportunities in non-research areas
such as marketing, sales, and research management. Research scientists are
also less likely to lose their jobs during recession than those in many
other occupations because many are employed on long-term research
projects.
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Salary:
Average Annual Salary
$77,800
Salary Range
$39,800-$102,200
Professional Organizations:
American Institute of Biological
Sciences
1444 I St., NW,
Suite 200
Washington, DC 20005
Phone: (202) 628-1500
Fax: (202) 628-1509
www.aibs.org
American Physiology Society
9650 Rockville Pike
Bethesda, MD
20814-3991
Phone: (301) 634-7164
www.the-aps.org
American College of Epidemiology
1500 Sunday Drive, Suite 102
Raleigh, NC 27607
Phone: (919) 861-5573
Fax: (919) 787-4916
www.acepide
http://www.acepide
miology.org
American Society for Biochemistry and
Molecular Biology
9650 Rockville Pike
Bethesda, MD
20814-3996
Phone: (301) 634-7145
Fax: (301) 634-7126
www.asbmb.org |
