Before deciding on a major or a graduate school plan, it is a good idea to learn about a typical day for a medical laboratory scientist. A medical laboratory scientist typically has several experiments or projects going on at the same time, and they may work long hours during certain portions of those experiments. However, doing experiments in a laboratory is not the only task that a medical scientist does on a daily basis.
Design and Conduct Experiments
On most days, a medical laboratory scientist will spend some time in their research lab either designing or conducting a step of an experiment. Different experiments require the use of different reagents, supplies and equipment. On one day, they might be preparing a cell growth culture, and on another day, they might be looking at a sample under a microscope. They may also test samples for contaminants and check the laboratory to ensure that all safety and cleanliness measures are in use.
Teach Laboratory Researchers, Assistants and Students
A medical scientist may also spend some time teaching specific laboratory techniques to the other researchers, assistants or students in the lab. They might show a person how to use a piece of equipment or how to collect a sample and prepare it. Some medical scientists spend part of their time teaching in the university environment. If the medical scientist is a licensed doctor, they may see patients during part of their work day or on a particular day of the week. In order to learn new techniques or become familiar with new tools or technologies used in laboratories, the scientists might attend training seminars or meetings.
Write Grant Proposals for Funding
Medical scientists may spend part of their days finding and writing grant proposals in order to secure funding for their research, explains the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In the university environment, the ability to secure research funding is generally required for those who are on a tenure track as well as those who have received tenure. The medical scientist may collaborate with the others in their lab on such grant proposals. They may also work with administrators in order to get information about payroll or supply expenses to include in the grant proposal.
Read, Edit, and Publish Original Research
In order to keep up with new information and developments in their particular area of expertise, a medical scientist may spend part of their day reading journal articles. If they are working on publishing their own research, they may spend some time doing that or editing what others in their lab have already written. Some experienced medical laboratory scientists are on the peer review boards of their universities or professional journals. They may review the submissions of other scientists and recommend updates, additions or revisions.
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Understanding a typical day for a medical scientist gives a person a clearer picture of what to expect in this type of career. A college or graduate student who likes to work independently and enjoy occasional collaboration and meetings could be well-suited to this type of work. Knowing what a typical day is for a medical laboratory scientist also sets realistic expectations for a person who has not yet decided if this career is the best one for their personality, skills and preferences.