Research scientists are researchers who are interested in medicine and health.  They study diseases, drugs, microorganisms, genetics, the environment and other areas related to human health.  They have been responsible for the development of new treatments, vaccines to prevent diseases, safe food-handling techniques, environmental safeguards, and diagnostic equipment.

Areas of Specialization
Research scientists may specialize in the following areas: anatomy, bacteriology, biochemistry, biophysics, embryology, genetics, immunology, marine biology, microbiology, molecular biology, parasitology, pharmacology, and virology.

Work Environment
Federal, state and local governments employ almost 40 percent of non-faculty research scientists (scientists that are not at universities).  Some research scientists work in management or administration, as consultants to business firms or to the government, while others test and inspect foods, drugs, and other products or write for technical publications.  Some researchers work with dangerous organisms or toxic substances in the laboratory, so strict safety procedures must be followed to avoid contamination.