If you have always relished the science class in the school and have had great problem solving skills, then the job of a clinical scientist can be for you.
At the lower levels these scientists work as the technologists in the laboratories by using the centrifuge in order to separate the red blood cell from platelets. These clinical scientists at this level perform the experiments to find the effect of new drugs on the specific type of cells. The process right from the beginning to the end involves a lot of precision on the part of the scientists. At the high levels, the clinical scientists are involved in the designing of the experiments for finding out the finest ways to fight a disease.
A clinical scientist contributes to successful implementation of the clinical trials that have been developed by the protocols for preparing the final study reports for the same. As a clinical scientist, you will have to monitor all the ongoing and the early trails for giving the latest updates to the clinical team, facilitate the execution, and also lead the literature research for it. The clinical scientist is also responsible for maintaining the oversight of the timeline, budget, and the quality of the experiments carried out in the lab. Providing the technical support to the staff is done by the clinical scientist that usually involves performing the training of the staff, implementing, and verifying the new applications in the lab and also supervising the staff without a license.
The clinical scientists should be able to cope with the high level of responsibility and ability in science. They should be able to work with the team in an efficient manner, helping the fellow member of the team to work accurately. Great problem solving skills are also a must for a clinical scientist. A high level of precision and accuracy for the details is the pre requisite for all clinical scientists in order to perform the experiments well. A strong background in medicine and science is undoubtedly the base for the clinical scientists. These clinical scientists are expected to have a good hold on chemistry, medicine, and biology. The concern for the well being and health of the people with above mentioned skills can make an individual a successful clinical scientist.
In general, a bachelors and masters degree with relevant experience is required. A lot of the jobs require the MD or PhD with a license to work as a clinical scientist. Great communication skills can be beneficial for the individual aspiring to a clinical scientist as the job requires the clinical scientist to work with the team to carry out the experiments efficiently. Clinical research for an organization before joining is also required in a lot of cases. If the person is trained in hematology, oncology, immunology, microbiology, or gynecology, then he/she is preferred. Organizational skills and long research experience is a must for this precision job. The person should be able to deliver the quality work independently and with the team.
The starting range for the clinical scientist varies in between around $20 to $40 per hour but it increases with the higher levels in the job. The employment outlook for clinical scientists is very good and the need of these scientists is expected to grow in the coming years.
If you aspire to be a clinical scientist then you must make sure that you have the required degree and have a great interest in science. Comfort levels with using computers and lab equipment should be great. You must also be able to handle the stress and long working hours. The efficiency to work with fellow members is needed to be a clinical scientist. Great job opportunities are waiting for you if you have an extensive experience in the same field. The job of a clinical scientist is related to precision and accuracy, so one must take care of accuracy while working as a clinical scientist.
