Medical Scientist/Pharmacologist Job Description
Medical Scientist/Pharmacologist Job Profile and Description
The Medical Scientist, more specifically the Pharmacologist, conducts research in medical and pharmaceutical laboratories with the purpose of understanding human and animal diseases, their reaction to natural and synthetic formulations and the general improvement of human and animal health. The profession is responsible in preparing vaccines and serums for prevention of diseases.
Medical Scientist/Pharmacologist Duties and Responsibilities
- Plan and direct research studies to investigate human or animal disease and their preventive and corrective treatments.
- Comply with environmental and safety procedures when handling toxic chemicals to avoid contamination and accidents.
- Evaluate effects of new drug formulation, delivery methods of treatment on laboratory animals.
- Assess effects of parasites, pesticides, and microorganisms at different levels.
- Prepare tissue samples for in vitro and in vivo tests, extract blood and tissue samples, and execute laboratory tests using current research technologies
- Clean and sterilize instruments and materials and maintain proper hygiene, sanitary, environmental and safety standards.
- Conduct academic lectures and seminars on the principles of medicine and medical and laboratory procedures to physicians, students, and technicians.
- Standardize drug dosages, immunization methods, and drug manufacturing processes.
Medical Scientist/Pharmacologist Skills and Specifications
- Must have an analytical and observation skills to identify unique biochemical reaction to specific drug formulation
- Must have a good foundation in statistical laboratory testing methodologies
- Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills
Medical Scientist/Pharmacologist Education and Qualifications
- A PhD is biological science is basic for research work while some are medical doctors who did not get a state’s physician’s license and prefer to do research work in labs than treat people.
- 3-5 years of experience in laboratory or research work in a university or hospital is an advantage.
Medical Scientist/Pharmacologist Salary
The median annual salary of medical scientists and pharmacologists, except epidemiologists, was $72,590 in 2008. The middle 50% earned between $51,600 and $101,300 with the lowest 10% earning about $39,900 and the highest 10% earning around $134,700. The highest median at $90,640 annually were in Drugs and druggists’ sundries merchant wholesalers