Medical Researcher



Please click the related links :

Medical researchers plan and conduct experiments and analyse results, with the aim of increasing scientific knowledge on topics related to medicine. They may also use this knowledge to develop new drugs or medical products.


They can be employed in:


  • industry

  • higher education institutions

  • research institutes

  • medical research charities

  • hospital laboratories


Taken from NHS



How do I gain a career in this field?

Taken from : Target Careers


To get into medical research a typical path is to take:


  • science/maths A levels, Scottish Highers or IB options

  • an undergraduate (first) degree – medicine is a good bet, or you might choose to study something related such as pharmacology, immunology, genetics or biochemistry

  • sometimes, a masters degree – a higher level degree typically lasting one year, possibly two

  • a PhD – the top level of degree you can get, lasting at least three years and involving your own original research

relevant qualifications

A good honours degree in a medical or life science subject is required.

Relevant subjects include:


  • biochemistry

  • biomedical sciences

  • genetics

  • immunology

  • medical microbiology

  • molecular biology

  • pharmacology

  • physiology.

Many areas of medical research now also look for graduates in chemistry, physics or statistics/bioinformatics, so you can be successful if you have a degree in one of these subjects.


Taken from Prospects

For some graduate level roles, you'll be able to enter with your degree if you also have some laboratory experience, however for others, particularly at a higher level, you'll need to have an MSc or PhD, or be working towards one. Career progression without a PhD (particularly in academia) is likely to be limited.


Direct entry to a research scientist role with an HND or foundation degree only is not possible. With either of these qualifications, you may be able to enter at technician level, but you'll need to take further qualifications to become a medical researcher. Some employers allow you to study while working part time.


Funding is made available to research institutions via the Medical Research Council (MRC). This is then passed on to students in the form of scholarships, bursaries and studentships. Contact the individual institution to find out more about the funding options.

Further reading & Job prospects

Please click the buttons for more information.

Career Videos