What is a Clinical Research Scientist

A clinical research scientist performs medical research for the main purpose of improving health in animals or humans. They designed studies that involve

  • the investigation of particular diseases

  • the development of a medical device

  • the evaluation of a drug's safety or effectiveness

Scientists get the funding for their experiments by periodically writing for grants and proposals for submission to governmental agencies and private organizations. Clinical research scientist can work anywhere, be it a university, private organizations, hospitals, or research institutions.

To be a clinical research scientist and to start earning $95,420 as median salary yearly, you need a minimum degree level of a master’s degree and sometimes a Ph.D. in biological sciences, or medicine.A license is rarely required but many get the optional certification from the Association of Clinical Research Professionals. A work experience of two to five years, and the following key skills are what appeals the most to employers:

  • The ability to use analytical, scientific, graphics software, and user interface.

  • Extensive knowledge of computer processors, chips, hardware, and circuit boards.

  • Knowledge of other electronics and electrical equipment.

  • Knowledge on the usage of laboratory flasks, centrifuges, Petri plates or dishes and many more specifics.

The minimum degree required for a clinical research scientist is bachelor’s, but many get a MD or a Ph.D in Biology. They perform key responsibilities like the publication of research laboratory research and analysis for medical innovations. No license is required if the tests are going to be carried out on animals. However, but if you going to be conducting medical procedures in humans then all states require medical licensing. According to the United States Bureau of labor statistics, the average salary for a clinical medical scientist is $93,730. This ranks it as one of the highest paying clinical research professionals jobs in the clinical research industry.

If you want to stand out, you need go for a doctor of medicine degree or a doctorate’s degree in natural sciences. For you to gain a medical degree, you will have to undergo an admission process by submitting your scores from the medical college admission test (MCAT), letters of recommendation, and copies of all undergraduate transcripts.

The doctor of medicine MD degree spans for 4 years and during this. you will go through a wide range of courses which includes; anatomy, psychiatry, and pathology. Also you'll have to spend a lot of time in the laboratory setting and clinical settings.

A doctorate degree program must sit for departmental oral and written examinations. Many medical schools offer a joint MD and Ph.D. program that last 7 - 8 years. These programs offer a fast-tracked medical and scientific education that specifically cater to the clinical research field.

A clinical research scientist can work in public and private institutions. Job prospects show that there is going to be an 8% increase from 2014 to 2024. Scientists with both credentials have the best job prospects. Check here for some positions near you.

Take courses from CCRPS and learn more on how to become a clinical research scientist.

Discover more from Clinical Research Training | Certified Clinical Research Professionals Course

Previous
Previous

How to Choose a Clinical Research Degree

Next
Next

Everything You Need to Know About CROs