How to Be Clinical Scientist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Mar 19, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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When clinical scientists study disease, they are able to identify cause and effect relationships which can lead to the development of therapeutic treatments and improved patient outcomes. By gathering data through clinical trials and laboratory research, they are able to discover the underlying mechanisms behind conditions such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and mental illness. Their findings can influence public health policy and public health education, enabling healthcare professionals to provide better care for their patients.

Clinical scientists also collaborate with colleagues in other disciplines such as epidemiology, biostatistics, and genetics, to gain a better understanding of the complex relationships between the environment, genetics, and health. this collective knowledge can result in life-saving treatments and improved patient outcomes for those suffering from various illnesses.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. To become a clinical scientist, individuals must first earn a bachelor's degree in a scientific field, such as biology, chemistry, or biochemistry. Additionally, some schools offer clinical laboratory science degrees, which are designed to prepare students for a career as a clinical scientist.
Obtain a Master's Degree. Most employers require clinical scientists to hold a master's degree in a scientific field. During their master's degree program, students will study topics such as medical laboratory technology, molecular biology, and biochemistry.
Obtain Certification. After completing their education, clinical scientists must obtain certification from the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science. To be eligible for certification, applicants must pass an examination and have at least one year of experience working in a clinical laboratory.
Obtain Licensure. Some states require clinical scientists to obtain a license before they can practice. Requirements vary by state, but may include passing an examination and completing continuing education courses.
Keep Up-to-Date with Technology. Clinical scientists must stay up-to-date with the latest technology and techniques used in the industry. This may include attending workshops and seminars as well as reading journals and other publications.

As the clinical scientist field rapidly advances, staying ahead and capable requires an individual to continuously invest in their professional development. This means taking courses to stay up-to-date on new treatments, medications, and technologies; attending conferences and seminars to network with other professionals; and reading relevant industry journals to stay informed about the latest research and advancements. Additionally, staying ahead and capable also requires an individual to be organized, have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, be able to multitask and work under pressure, and think critically. By investing in their development and utilizing their skills effectively, clinical scientists can remain ahead and capable in their field.

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Job Description

Develop and implement clinical research protocols in support of drug development programs.
Design, analyze and interpret clinical studies to assess the safety and efficacy of new drug candidates.
Monitor clinical trials to ensure compliance with applicable regulations.
Coordinate data collection, analysis and reporting of clinical trial results.
Review and interpret scientific literature on relevant topics.
Develop clinical study protocols, reports, manuscripts and presentations.
Provide medical and scientific support for regulatory submissions.
Participate in cross-functional teams to develop research strategies and plans.
Interact with external collaborators, such as investigators, vendors and regulatory authorities.
Analyze and interpret clinical data from multiple sources.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Comprehensive knowledge of medical and scientific terminology
Extensive understanding of clinical research protocols and studies
Ability to analyze, interpret, and present data
Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Ability to work independently and collaboratively
Excellent organizational skills
Proficient in the use of computers and current technologies
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
Ability to develop and maintain professional relationships with colleagues, clients, and sponsors

The role of a Clinical Scientist is to provide scientific and technical advice and support in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases. To be successful, a Clinical Scientist must have excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, a solid background in medical research, and an extensive understanding of medical terminology. a Clinical Scientist must have great communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with other healthcare professionals.

These skills allow them to develop innovative treatments and therapies that can help improve the lives of patients. In turn, this helps medical facilities provide better care and ultimately save lives.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in clinical research?
Describe a project you have worked on that required you to use your knowledge of clinical science.
How have you kept up with the latest developments and trends in the field of clinical science?
What challenges have you faced in your work with clinical science?
What strategies have you employed to ensure the accuracy and reliability of your research results?
How do you ensure that your research is compliant with ethical and legal standards?
What have you done to stay current on the latest regulations and guidelines for clinical scientists?
How do you handle time management and prioritize tasks when working on complex projects?
How do you ensure that your research is communicated effectively to non-scientific audiences?
What is your experience developing and implementing strategies to improve patient safety and quality of care?

Common Tools in Industry

Electronic Medical Records (EMR). A computerized system used to store patient data, such as medical histories and test results. (e. g. Epic, Cerner)
Clinical Trials Software. Software used to manage clinical trials, such as patient recruitment and data management. (e. g. Medidata RAVE, Oracle Clinical)
Statistical Analysis Software. Software used to analyze data from clinical trials and other research studies. (e. g. SAS, SPSS)
Data Visualization Software. Software used to create graphs, charts, and other visual representations of data for research and reporting. (e. g. Tableau, QlikView)
Clinical Documentation Software. Software used to create patient records, including medical histories, diagnosis information, and treatment plans. (e. g. DocuTAP, Allscripts)
Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). Software used to collect, store, and analyze laboratory data from tests and experiments. (e. g. LabLynx, StarLIMS)
Drug Design and Modeling Software. Software used to simulate drug molecules and design new ones. (e. g. Schrödinger, Accelrys)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC)
American Board of Clinical Chemistry (ABCC)
Clinical Laboratory Management Association (CLMA)
European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EFLM)
International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC)
Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP)
American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
International Association of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring and Clinical Toxicology (IATDMCT)
Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (SCLS)
British Society for Clinical Cytology (BSCC)

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Common Important Terms

Clinical Trials. Clinical trials are research studies conducted to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of new medical treatments, procedures, and drugs.
Protocols. Protocols are detailed plans that describe how a clinical trial should be conducted. They include information on the eligibility criteria for participants, the design of the trial, and how the data will be collected and analyzed.
Data Analysis. Data analysis is the process of examining, cleaning, transforming, and modeling data with the goal of discovering useful information and supporting decision-making.
Statistical Analysis. Statistical analysis is the use of statistical methods to test hypotheses and make inferences about a population or study sample.
Research Ethics. Research ethics are principles and standards that guide research to ensure it is conducted ethically and responsibly.
Regulatory Affairs. Regulatory affairs are the activities related to obtaining and maintaining approval from regulatory authorities for drugs, medical devices, biologics, and other products.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Clinical Scientist?

A Clinical Scientist is a healthcare professional with advanced training in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases and conditions related to clinical laboratory testing.

How many years of training are required to become a Clinical Scientist?

A minimum of six years of specialized education and training, including a bachelor's degree in a scientific field and a master's degree in Clinical Laboratory Science are required to become a Clinical Scientist.

What type of work does a Clinical Scientist typically do?

A Clinical Scientist typically works in a clinical laboratory setting, performing tests on samples such as blood, urine, and tissue to diagnose, monitor, and treat diseases. They also evaluate the accuracy of test results and use their findings to develop treatments and therapies.

What qualifications do Clinical Scientists need?

Clinical Scientists must be certified by the American Society for Clinical Pathology or another equivalent organization, and they must possess excellent organizational skills and the ability to interpret and analyze complex data.

What is the job outlook for Clinical Scientists?

The job outlook for Clinical Scientists is positive, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting an 11% job growth rate between 2018 and 2028.