Those looking for Houston healthcare jobs with a focus on science should consider a position as a medical scientist.
Medical scientists study various diseases and conditions in order to improve human health. They may participate in lab research, clinical investigation, technical writing, drug development, regulatory review, and other related activities.
These employees mainly conduct research on viruses, bacteria, and other infectious agents. They may specialize in a certain area to become a physician, dentist, public health specialist, pharmacologist, or medical pathologist.
In order to become a medical scientist, you must first obtain a Ph.D. in biological science, and some students choose to earn a medical degree as well so they can perform clinical work. Medical scientists who have medical interactions with patients also must become a licensed physician. Most employers also will conduct employee background checks.
There were about 109,400 medical scientists throughout the nation during 2008, and that number is expected to grow by 40 percent by 2018, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Around 31 percent of medical scientists work for scientific research and development services firms, while 27 percent work in educational services, 13 percent work in pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing, and 10 percent work in hospitals.
Employment of medical scientists in the Houston area is anticipated to increase from 2,650 workers during 2006 to 3,600 workers by 2016, resulting in 950 additional jobs and an overall growth rate of 35.8 percent, according to the Texas Workforce Commission.
Throughout Texas as a whole, employment of medical scientists should grow from 8,050 workers during 2006 to 10,600 workers by 2016, accounting for 2,550 additional jobs and an overall increase of 31.7 percent.
The top industries that employ medical scientists in the Houston area include:
- Colleges, universities, and professional schools - 35.61 percent
- Scientific research and development services - 26.4 percent
- Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing - 11.85 percent
- Specialty hospitals, except psychiatric and substance abuse - 10.4 percent
- Offices of physicians - 3.02 percent
- Federal government, except education - 2.71 percent
- Computer systems design and related services - 2.21 percent
During 2009, the average wage for medical scientists in the Houston area was $26.13 per hour, while the average wage across Texas was $30.95 per hour and the average wage throughout the nation was $40.75 per hour.
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