Becoming a Biomedical Scientist
University
of Kansas and Haskell Indian Nations University
Bridge/RISE students and professors: Standing left to
right C. Russell Middaugh, PhD; Marigold Linton, PhD;
Jason Rexwood, Claude M. Laird, PhD. Seated: Talia
Martin.
Bachelor's
Degree
A bachelor’s
degree enables people to get jobs in testing and inspection
or in the sale of medicine and biomedical equipment and
supplies. Additionally, many people with bachelor degrees
work as technologists and technicians in laboratories in
hospitals, universities, government facilities, and
industry.
Master's Degree
A master’s degree in the biomedical sciences is sufficient
for some jobs in applied research or product development
and for jobs in management, inspection, sales, and service.
PhD
Typically a PhD is required for independent research. A PhD
qualifies scientists to do research on basic life processes
and diseases. PhD scientists can be involved in designing
studies that involve patients, and they can analyze and
interpret the results of these experiments. However, in
order to excise tissue, perform other invasive procedures,
or administer drug and other therapies to human patients,
biomedical scientists must have a medical degree in
addition to their PhD.
Typically, doctoral students only take classes the first
one or two years of their graduate education. The rest of
the time the students usually devote themselves to
identifying a research project, finding a mentor and a lab,
and doing their research, while also participating in
research seminars. To earn their PhD, students must write
up their research, defend it in front of an academic
committee, and publish it. On average, graduate students
take 5 years to earn their PhD. However, many students need
more time.
Postdoctoral
Work
Before new PhD scientists move into permanent positions,
they are expected to spend several years in postdoctoral
positions that typically include research and some
teaching. Postdoctoral work provides opportunities for
young scientists to develop more capabilities and begin
research projects that can launch their careers. Research
is more independent than in graduate school. “Postdocs”
don’t have to write a thesis or attend classes. They are
expected to develop their own research directions in the
context of the lab in which they are working. Often
postdocs are required to raise their own salary.
Fellowships are available.
Broad
background
Many people still get their degree in a single field, but
with the recognition of the complexity of cells and human
disease, a growing number of scientists argue that
successful scientists need to make use of knowledge,
technologies, and strategies that go beyond the boundaries
of scientific fields, as defined by traditional university
departments. They say that students need exposure to a
wider breadth and depth of knowledge and experience and so
urge students to consider interdisciplinary degrees.
PhD Clinicians
Many students who want to pursue careers in the health
professions earn undergraduate or even graduate level
degrees in the biomedical sciences before going to one of
the schools in the health professions. In a growing number
of schools, medical students who want to be both a medical
doctor and a research scientist can pursue the combined
MD/PhD programs in biomedical science.
This
article was originally published in the Summer 2005 issue
of
Winds of Change.
(The cover
artist is the late Roy Thomas, Ojibwa
(1949-2004).