A clinical research scientist is type of medical scientist that is responsible for researching human diseases. Although a clinical research scientist typically works in the area of biomedical research and development, it is possible for him or her to work in other areas of science as well.
The clinical research scientist spends a great deal of his or her time working in the laboratory performing research and conducting clinical investigations. For those focusing on biomedical research, the laboratory work typically involves studying the life process of living organisms. Typically, these organisms include bacteria, viruses, and other infectious agents. By studying these organisms, the clinical research scientist hopes to gain an understanding of what causes specific health problems.
In addition to researching living organisms, the clinical research scientist may also study cells and chromosomes in order to determine how they may trigger the development of certain medical conditions. While conducting research, the clinical research scientist must engage in technical writing in order to share the results of the research. He or she may also be called upon to complete drug application reviews and other similar activities.
Based on the data the clinical research scientist gathers, he or she may then try to develop treatments for the illness. Some research scientists may also work as physicians, in which case they may administer drugs to patients who participate in clinical trials. In this case, the clinical research scientist will also monitor the patients’ reactions to the medication while also monitoring results of the medication.
While observing patients in medical trials, the clinical research scientist may need to excise tissue, draw blood, and perform a number of other procedures. For those that are not physicians, however, the clinical research scientist may have to work closely with physicians in order to conduct clinical trials. In this case, the clinical research scientist will make adjustments to the dosage levels of those participating in the trials and will continue to develop treatment plans based on these results.
Anyone interested in becoming a clinical research scientist needs to acquire at least a PhD. in biological science. In some cases, a clinical research scientist may first obtain a medical degree before working in a clinical capacity. Those wishing to become employed in a senior researcher capacity, on the other hand, generally need to have completed some postdoctoral work within a laboratory setting.
Those that choose to pursue a medical degree do not necessarily work as a physician, as they would need to obtain additional licensure in order to pursue a medical practice. Nonetheless, those with both a PhD. and a medical degree will enjoy the greatest employment opportunities. It is also beneficial to have a bachelor’s degree in the biological sciences. Additionally, postdoctoral laboratory experience is beneficial when it comes to obtaining employment, as lab experience can provide the clinical research scientist with experience in gene splicing and other specific lab processes.