Medical research is part of a rapidly growing market with endless applications, for example, creating and testing new cancer-fighting drugs, developing vaccines, devising new procedures, and grafting human tissues to heal third-degree burns. This is a global market and new careers open up frequently as advances are made in medical science. A variety of jobs are available in the public and private sectors. If you are looking to enter the field of medical research, here are some careers to consider.
Cell Tissue Engineer
Cutting-edge research takes place in cell tissue engineering. This is a wide field with multiple uses for the products produced. For example, biologics are used to treat autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE, more commonly known as lupus) when NSAIDs, steroids, and immunosuppressants have failed to provide pain relief and protect organs from damage. Another avenue is cell line development which entails some of the most prominent research being carried out and that also acts as a basis for further research.
Clinical Researcher
Clinical research involves conducting clinical trials to test new drugs, treatments, methods, and devices for their effectiveness and safety. Human participants are recruited and agree to have these tests carried out on them. For instance, a new cancer treatment might have been developed. Before it can be approved for use, it must undergo trials on subsets of patients. Often patients with aggressive cancers will opt to participate in new clinical trials when current treatments are not helping them.
A clinical trial of a new medication will undergo several phases. Initially, a handful of participants will be involved. The next phase will increase this to much larger numbers. Good Clinical Practice guides clinical researchers in adhering to the stipulated ethical procedures.
Biomedical Scientist
This field is split into four specialties: genetics and molecular pathology, cell sciences, blood sciences, and infection sciences. Most of the work of a biomedical scientist is confined to a laboratory. It involves testing various bodily fluids and biopsy samples according to tests ordered by doctors for their patients. The results enable the practitioner to diagnose or rule out certain diseases or conditions.
The biomedical scientist must be proficient in math, microbiology, and physiology. Protective wear is used at all times to protect the scientist from harmful substances. The job generally entails normal working hours with the possibility of shifts or being called in to cope with large volumes of specimens.
Microbiologist
Microbiologists examine single-cell or cluster microorganisms. Not all of these are responsible for causing disease and some have useful practical applications. Nevertheless, the work does involve the examination of viruses, bacteria, and fungi, as well as many other organisms.
The field includes several options, such as bacteriology, microbial genetics, mycology, parasitology, and virology and the microbiologist can specialize. There are also different levels of study. Microbes can be examined using cellular biology or molecular biology. Other microbiologists work with epidemiology, ecology, or in the public health sphere.
Most students only determine their specialty as they progress in their studies and get to know what appeals to them the most and what they are good at.
