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Research Scientists study diseases,
drugs, microorganisms, the environment, and other areas related to human
health in an effort to prolong life by helping to prevent and cure
illnesses. They conduct research to determine the action of foods, drugs,
hormones, nutrients, and other substances on the tissues and processes of
living things. They often develop new vaccines and treatments to combat
disease, as well as develop new tests to detect diseases and other
abnormalities that affect human health.
Research scientists may specialize in a
variety of different areas such as anatomy, bacteriology, biochemistry,
biophysics, biostatistics, epidemiology, genetics, immunology, marine
biology, microbiology, molecular biology, pathology, pharmacology,
physics, or virology.
Research scientists may work alone or
as part of a team that may include several laboratory assistants. They are
sometimes called upon to develop and build new laboratory instruments,
space vehicles, or underwater equipment that will assist them in their
research. They usually conclude their research by writing detailed reports
and scientific papers that are submitted to professional journals for
publication. Individuals interested in this profession should have a high
aptitude for math and science, as well as have a high level of motivation
and an inquisitive mind.
Work Environment:
The majority of research scientists
work in a laboratory setting. They are usually employed by hospitals, the
government, colleges and universities, and commercial laboratories. Even
though they work with chemicals, plants, animals, and microorganisms that
can cause disease and illness, the work is usually not dangerous if safety
procedures are followed.
High School Preparation:
Students interested in research science
should concentrate on high school courses in algebra, geometry,
trigonometry, calculus, biology, chemistry, physics, English, literature,
computer skills, and health occupations/medical professions education.
College Requirements:
Individuals interested in becoming a
research scientist must have at least a masters degree in a scientific
field. However, advanced degrees are usually required for most employment
opportunities. A doctoral degree is required for anyone conducting
advanced research and to advance to many management and administrative
jobs.
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 research
scientists is going to be excellent over the next decade with an expected
growth of over 35% 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 masters 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
$67,400
Salary Range
$37,700-$125,000
Professional Organizations:
Federation of American Societies for
Experimental Biology
9650 Rockville Pike
Bethesda, MD 20814
Phone: (301) 634-7000
www.faseb.org
National Academy of Sciences National
Research Council
2101 Constitution
Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20418
Phone: (202) 334-2000
www.national
academies.org/nrc/
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 |
