Pharmacologist job description

The purpose of the research and analysis performed by pharmacologists is to determine how medications, chemicals, and other substances influence biological systems and to determine how these substances may be used safely.

What does a pharmacologist do? Common employers | Education and experience requirements | Essential skill sets

The goal of pharmacology is to comprehend how the interactions of chemical compounds with the body work. They are a member of a research team that is responsible for the screening of substances, the development of pharmaceuticals, as well as the carrying out of controlled tests and clinical trials in labs. Their goal is to increase their knowledge of illnesses, create novel medicines that may treat certain disorders, and encourage the responsible use of already available medicines. Pharmacologists study a wide variety of other compounds, including poisons and toxins, in an effort to comprehend the mechanisms by which these substances might do damage to the body.

It is standard practice for pharmacologists to develop an expertise in a specific area of research, such as toxicology (the study of how harmful chemicals impact living creatures), neurology (the study of the brain and nervous system), or pharmacokinetics (the study of how medications work in the body) (the movement of drugs within the body). It is also a viable option to concentrate only on the treatment of animals.

The following are examples of typical responsibilities:

conceiving of and engaging in scientific investigations

developing theories and putting them to the test

testing pharmaceuticals on living cells or conducting clinical trials on human subjects

evaluating and interpreting data (often using specialist computer applications)

developing suggestions by drawing on the results of research and experiments

administration of the laboratory and its employees

studying relevant literature

composing academic papers and reports.

cooperating with affiliated employees in order to share knowledge and research discoveries, as well as working with them

Participating in gatherings such as meetings and conferences

The typical types of companies that hire pharmacologists

Pharmaceutical firms

Universities

That organization's name is the National Health Service.

The Medical Research Council of the United Kingdom

Other government organizations that do research

Careers services, specialized recruiting agencies, national newspapers, Times Higher Education, and pertinent scientific magazines such as The Pharmaceutical Journal, New Scientist, Science, and Nature, as well as their own websites, all promote job openings.

It is probable that there will be a technical interview as part of the recruiting process. Learn more about what to expect from technical interviews and how to prepare for them by reading the post we've written on the topic.

Qualifications and experience are expected of applicants.

If you want to work in the pharmaceutical industry, you will need to have a degree in one of the necessary scientific fields. The following topics also qualify as applicable, however pharmacology is the most pertinent:

biology

biochemistry

biomedical/biochemical sciences

microbiology

chemistry

A postgraduate research degree or a PhD may be advantageous, and it may even be compulsory; furthermore, earning one often results in better beginning salary. Read our article about postgraduate education in the sciences to learn about the many possibilities available to you.

Work done in research and expertise obtained through the use of pertinent scientific and analytical methods might also be valuable.

Competencies that are essential for pharmacologists

A mind that is both rational and curious

Superior ability to communicate both orally and in writing.

Abilities to operate well in a group setting

Accuracy and careful attention to the specifics

Analytical talents