Medical Scientist III

Summary

Senior medical scientist.  Conduct research aimed at improving overall human health.  Utilize clinical trials and other investigative methods to reach findings.  Work under general supervision.  Rely on significant experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals.  Define goals for a given research project in conjunction with faculty and/or other staff.  Exercise a wide degree of creativity and latitude.  Very familiar with a variety of the field’s concepts, practices, and procedures.  Analyze existing methodologies, formulate hypotheses, modify existing procedures, and develop novel procedures for biological and/or other supporting scientific disciplines.  Perform a variety of complicated tasks.  Typically report to a supervisor or manager.  May coordinate, supervise, manage, and/or train others.  Spend less than 80% of work time on supervisory/managerial duties.

This broad occupation includes the following two detailed occupations: SOC 19-1041.00 Epidemiologists and SOC 19-1042.00 Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists.

• Epidemiologists.  Investigate and describe the determinants and distribution of disease, disability, or health outcomes.  May develop the means for prevention and control.
• Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists.  Conduct research dealing with the understanding of human diseases and the improvement of human health.  Engage in clinical investigation, research and development, or other related activities.  Includes physicians, dentists, public health specialists, pharmacologists, and medical pathologists who primarily conduct research.

Examples of Work

Job functions are specific duties that would be included in the essential functions of the job description.  These functions are not all-inclusive nor do they cover the full extent of the duties performed.

• Develop novel methods and procedures for studying animal and human health and physiological processes
• Apply for funding from government agencies and private funding sources; write research grant proposals
• Plan and direct studies to investigate human or animal disease, preventive methods, and treatments for disease; develop new protocols and quality and safety standards
• Conduct research to develop methodologies, instrumentation, and procedures for medical application, analyzing data and presenting findings
• Investigate diseases or parasites to determine cause and risk factors, progress, life cycle, or mode of transmission
• Identify and analyze public health issues related to foodborne parasitic diseases and their impact on public policies or scientific studies or surveys
• Prepare and analyze samples to study and evaluate the effects of drugs, gases, pesticides, or microorganisms at various levels (including on cell structure and tissue); prepare and analyze organ, tissue, and cell samples to identify toxicity, bacteria, or microorganisms or to study cell structure
• Prepare and analyze medical samples and data to investigate causes and treatment of toxicity, pathogens, or chronic diseases
• Use equipment such as atomic absorption spectrometers, electron microscopes, flow cytometers, and chromatography systems
• Develop and follow strict procedures when handling toxic materials to avoid contamination and maintain safety
• Standardize drug potency, dosages, methods of immunization, and procedures for the mass manufacture and distribution of drugs and medicinal compounds
• Write and publish articles in scientific journals; communicate research findings on various types of diseases to health practitioners, policy makers, and the public
• Monitor and report incidents of infectious diseases to local and state health agencies
• Oversee public health programs, including statistical analysis, health care planning, surveillance systems, and public health improvement
• Confer with health departments, industry personnel, physicians, and others to develop health safety standards and public health improvement programs; plan, administer, and evaluate health safety standards and programs to improve public health
• Consult with and advise physicians, educators, researchers, government health officials and others regarding medical applications of sciences, such as physics, biology, and chemistry
• Teach principles of medicine and medical and laboratory procedures to physicians, residents, students, and technicians
• Provide expertise in the design, management, and evaluation of study protocols and health status questionnaires, sample selection, and analysis
• Educate healthcare workers, patients, and the public about infectious and communicable diseases, including disease transmission and prevention
• Supervise professional, technical, and clerical personnel

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in health sciences, medical engineering, biology or a closely related field and seven (7) years of experience in the field or in a related area
• Master’s degree in health sciences, medical engineering, biology or a closely related field and five (5) years of experience in the field or in a related area
• Doctor’s degree in health sciences, medical engineering, biology or a closely related field and two (2) years of experience in the field or in a related area

Licensure and Certification

N/A

Supervision

This position may include supervisory responsibility.

To see common career pathways for each position at the University of Florida please visit the Career Paths section of the UFHR website.