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Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists

SOC 19-1042.00Job Zone 5 · Extensive Preparation

Conduct research dealing with the understanding of human diseases and the improvement of human health. Engage in clinical investigation, research and development, or other related activities.

Context coveredWet-lab research, translational and clinical studies, IND/IRB workflows, grant-funded laboratories, biotech and academic medical centers.

Sources:O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.SkillsCrosswalkSkillsCrosswalk — O*NET enrichment + adjacency index. Opens in new tab.
Emerging
Entry / Apprentice
  1. Standard bench techniques (PCR, Western blot, ELISA) — perform under a senior scientist's mentorship in a research lab.
  2. Lab notebooks (paper or electronic) — maintain to FDA-readiness standards during early-stage projects.
  3. Biosafety and chemical hygiene — apply consistently at BSL-2 in a translational research setting.
  4. Reagents and assay kits — prepare and validate against manufacturer protocols on routine experiments.
  5. Cell culture (aseptic technique, passaging) — maintain standard lines under a postdoc's review.
  6. Standard imaging (light, fluorescence) — acquire and annotate per a defined SOP.
  7. Animal-handling certifications and IACUC protocols — follow on assigned rodent studies.
  8. Routine statistical comparisons (t-tests, ANOVA) — produce in a standard pipeline for review.
  9. Lab-meeting presentations — deliver clearly on assigned topics with a PI's coaching.
  10. Manuscript and reference managers — maintain bibliographies for an active project.
Developing
Mid-level / Established
  1. Multi-step assays and protocol optimization — design and execute independently in an active research group.
  2. Flow cytometry, qPCR, and proteomics workflows — run end-to-end on translational study samples.
  3. Animal models and dosing studies — lead under an approved IACUC protocol with veterinary partners.
  4. Statistical analyses with R or Python — produce reproducible notebooks for project data.
  5. Quality control and reproducibility checks — institute across the group's recurring assays.
  6. Authorship of peer-reviewed papers — contribute first- or middle-author sections for high-impact journals.
  7. Junior staff and rotation students — train on core methods in a wet-lab setting.
  8. Project management across parallel experiments — sequence and prioritize on a 6–12-month horizon.
  9. Grant aim development and pilot results — contribute substantively to an R-series application.
  10. Conference posters and short talks — prepare and defend at national meetings.
Proficient
Senior / Expert IC
  1. Independent research programs — design, run, and publish across a 3–5-year arc at an academic or industry site.
  2. Translational studies from bench to first-in-human — design and shepherd through IND-enabling work.
  3. Biostatistical strategy and sample-size planning — author for trials and grant proposals.
  4. Manuscripts in top-tier journals — lead through revision cycles, including responses to reviewers.
  5. External collaborations with clinical partners and biotech — structure with MTAs and data-sharing terms.
  6. R01-class grants and contract proposals — lead through award and renewal.
  7. Postdoctoral fellows and senior staff scientists — mentor on independent project ownership.
  8. Regulatory dossiers (pre-IND, IND amendments) — contribute scientific narrative and supporting data.
  9. Lab-wide SOPs and QA culture — set and audit across a multi-room facility.
  10. Scientific advisory boards and editorial duties — contribute as a recognized subject expert.
Advanced
Lead / Principal / Executive
  1. Research direction for an institute or company portfolio — set scientific strategy across multiple groups.
  2. Translational platforms (e.g., gene therapy, immuno-oncology) — build from concept to clinical readiness.
  3. Major program grants and center awards — architect and lead as PI across consortia.
  4. External partnerships with industry, foundations, and government — negotiate at the institutional level.
  5. Scientific talent pipeline — recruit, retain, and develop independent investigators.
  6. Disciplinary norms and reform priorities — advance through major society roles and policy work.
  7. Translational pipelines and IND/BLA progression — govern in close partnership with regulatory teams.
  8. Public-health and biomedical workforce strategy — advise legislators, agencies, and trustees.
  9. Crisis-response programs (e.g., pandemic preparedness) — stand up rapidly across academia–industry lines.
  10. Legacy mentorship and field-shaping standards — institutionalize through training programs and journals.

AI-at-Work Competency Framework

Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Authoritative source data identified for 998 occupations

How a worker at each mastery level uses, directs, and evaluates AI tools in this occupation. Each statement cites its evidence inline; click a citation chip to verify the source.

Emerging
  1. AI-assisted literature synthesis — uses an LLM to summarize published studies and surface relevant citations, manually cross-checking key claims against primary sources before incorporating them into research notes Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
  2. Scientific writing support — accepts AI-generated drafts of methods sections and boilerplate procedural text, then rewrites for accuracy and discipline-specific precision Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
Developing
  1. Data pattern recognition — submits cleaned experimental datasets to an AI tool for preliminary statistical summaries and visualizations, retaining full interpretive authority over biological significance Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  2. Protocol documentation assistance — directs an AI assistant to draft standard operating procedures and safety protocols for laboratory workflows, then verifies every step against regulatory and institutional requirements Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
  3. Grant and manuscript drafting — uses AI to generate first-draft introductions and discussion sections, editing heavily to ensure scientific rigor, appropriate hedging, and accurate citation of primary evidence Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
Proficient
  1. Research hypothesis refinement — engages an AI interactively to stress-test experimental designs and identify confounds, while owning all decisions about study direction and methodology Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  2. Multi-source data integration — orchestrates AI tools to merge outputs from cell-sample analyses, toxicology assays, and published literature, then applies domain expertise to reconcile contradictions and draw conclusions Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  3. Findings communication — delegates initial drafting of conference abstracts and public-facing summaries to an AI assistant, then edits for scientific accuracy and audience appropriateness before submission Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
  4. Routine analysis delegation — hands off well-specified computational tasks such as sequence alignment, dose-response curve fitting, or cell-count tabulation to an AI pipeline, validating outputs against expected biological ranges Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
Advanced
  1. AI autonomy governance — sets the boundaries and validation checkpoints under which AI agents operate within the research workflow, ensuring that autonomous AI actions never exceed 0.27-scale autonomy on safety-critical or interpretive tasks Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
  2. Methodology innovation — designs novel AI-assisted experimental frameworks for investigating disease mechanisms, directing model selection, feature engineering, and result interpretation while publishing the methodology for the broader scientific community Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  3. Cross-disciplinary AI orchestration — coordinates AI tools spanning genomics, pharmacology, and pathology data streams to plan and execute large-scale studies, retaining scientific leadership over hypotheses, ethical oversight, and final conclusions Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
Evidence pack
AEI usage
Task observations: 18
Augment share: 79%
Time saved: 50%
AI autonomy: 0.27
SAFI positioning
Top skill: Writing
Score: 51 / 100
Quadrant: Q2_ai_augmented
precision: exact
WEF cluster
Data Science and Analysis
data_science_and_analysis
Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.

Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework

Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Ten durable-skill domains mapped to four proficiency/role levels for each occupation. Each statement is aligned to the Pathsmith taxonomy, derived from trusted grounding data and mapped to occupation-specific O*NET tasks and skills.

1Communication10 statements
Emerging
  1. Research summary drafts — composes introductory sections of laboratory reports using standard scientific conventions to communicate preliminary findings to supervisors Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Lab meeting participation — presents experimental progress updates verbally to small research team audiences using basic scientific terminology Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Scientific manuscript sections — writes methods and results sections for peer-reviewed journal submissions with accurate technical detail and logical structure Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Grant narrative construction — drafts specific aims and background sections of research grant applications using evidence-based argumentation aligned to funding agency priorities O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Conference poster presentation — communicates research findings to interdisciplinary scientific audiences through structured visual and verbal explanation at academic meetings Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Full manuscript authorship — writes and submits complete research articles to peer-reviewed scientific journals, integrating introduction, methods, results, and discussion into a coherent scientific argument O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Grant application leadership — authors and coordinates multi-section research grant applications, translating complex biomedical hypotheses into compelling funding narratives for review panels O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Lay audience translation — presents complex findings on drug effects, disease mechanisms, or toxicological outcomes to non-specialist stakeholders including clinicians, regulators, and the general public Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Scientific communication mentorship — coaches junior scientists and graduate students in manuscript preparation, grant writing, and conference presentation through structured feedback and modeling Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Cross-sector science communication — synthesizes research on disease prevention, treatment efficacy, or microbial pathogenesis into policy briefs, public health communications, and media engagements that influence practice Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
2Leadership9 statements
Emerging
  1. Laboratory task ownership — takes initiative to complete assigned experimental protocols independently and reports outcomes to principal investigators without prompting Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Peer support in lab — assists fellow researchers in locating protocols, operating standard equipment, and interpreting basic results within the laboratory environment Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Research project coordination — organizes timelines, reagent inventories, and personnel schedules for defined experimental projects under the direction of senior scientists Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Student and technician guidance — directs the daily laboratory activities of research technicians and graduate students, providing task-level instruction and corrective feedback O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Research program direction — plans, initiates, and oversees multi-year studies investigating disease mechanisms, preventive methods, or treatment efficacy, managing personnel and resources throughout O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Teaching responsibilities — instructs physicians, residents, and graduate students in principles of medicine, laboratory procedures, and experimental methodology as the primary instructional authority O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Safety culture leadership — enforces and models strict safety procedures for handling toxic materials, pathogens, and hazardous agents, establishing laboratory standards adopted by the full team O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Scientific program vision — establishes the strategic research agenda for a laboratory or institutional division, securing funding, recruiting talent, and directing long-term inquiry into human or animal disease Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Cross-institutional collaboration leadership — leads multi-site research consortia, coordinating scientific objectives, data-sharing protocols, and publication strategies across independent research teams Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
3Metacognition8 statements
Emerging
  1. Experimental self-assessment — identifies gaps in personal understanding of biological or chemical principles before initiating laboratory procedures and seeks clarification proactively Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Protocol reflection — reviews outcomes of completed experiments to distinguish errors attributable to personal technique from those arising from design flaws Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Learning strategy selection — chooses targeted literature review, consultation with domain experts, or formal coursework to address identified knowledge gaps in chemistry, biology, or medical science Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Research skill monitoring — tracks the development of specialized techniques such as cell culture, tissue preparation, or instrumentation use and adjusts practice based on performance accuracy Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Hypothesis revision awareness — recognizes when accumulated experimental data contradicts initial assumptions about disease mechanisms or drug effects and systematically revises theoretical frameworks Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Grant and publication self-evaluation — critically assesses the logical coherence and evidentiary strength of own scientific writing before submission, applying reviewer-perspective thinking Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Research paradigm reflection — evaluates the broader assumptions and methodological limitations embedded in an entire program of research and reorients investigative strategy based on that evaluation Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Mentee metacognition development — teaches junior scientists explicit strategies for monitoring their own experimental reasoning, identifying cognitive biases in data interpretation, and planning adaptive learning Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
4Critical Thinking9 statements
Emerging
  1. Literature evaluation — assesses the methodological quality of published studies on disease mechanisms or drug efficacy using structured criteria from scientific training Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Data anomaly identification — flags unexpected results in cell or tissue sample analyses and distinguishes likely technical artifacts from potentially significant biological signals Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Experimental design critique — evaluates proposed study designs for confounds, inadequate controls, and sampling limitations before data collection begins in investigations of human or animal disease Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Competing hypothesis analysis — compares alternative mechanistic explanations for observed drug, pathogen, or toxin effects using available evidence and identifies the most parsimonious interpretation Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Multi-dataset synthesis — integrates findings across biological, chemical, and clinical datasets to form evidence-based conclusions about disease etiology, treatment efficacy, or toxicological risk Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Grant review judgment — evaluates the scientific merit, feasibility, and significance of research proposals with the analytical rigor expected of peer review panels Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Regulatory and safety reasoning — applies critical analysis to determine whether experimental data on pesticides, microorganisms, or pharmaceuticals meets thresholds for safety or efficacy claims O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Field-level assumption challenging — identifies and publicly challenges foundational assumptions in a biomedical subfield through rigorous counter-evidence, redirecting collective scientific inquiry Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Methodological innovation justification — constructs and defends the logical case for novel instrumentation or procedural approaches against established methodologies in peer and regulatory forums Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
5Collaboration9 statements
Emerging
  1. Laboratory team integration — fulfills assigned roles within multi-person research teams, sharing equipment, reagents, and data according to established laboratory agreements Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Interdisciplinary orientation — engages productively with collaborators from adjacent fields such as clinical medicine, pharmacology, or bioinformatics by learning their foundational vocabularies Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Co-authorship contribution — contributes substantively to shared manuscript preparation, coordinating methods sections, data visualization, and revision cycles with co-investigators Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Clinical-research interface collaboration — works with physicians and clinical staff to design studies that align laboratory capabilities with patient population access and clinical data requirements O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Multi-disciplinary research team coordination — integrates contributions from biologists, chemists, biostatisticians, and clinicians toward unified research objectives investigating disease or treatment outcomes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Cross-functional grant team participation — collaborates with administrators, sponsored research officers, and co-investigators to assemble and submit complex multi-PI grant applications O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Teaching collaboration — partners with medical educators to embed laboratory science instruction within clinical training curricula for physicians, residents, and technicians O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Consortium-level research governance — establishes shared protocols, data governance agreements, and publication norms across multi-institutional research collaborations involving diverse scientific disciplines Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Community-engaged research design — collaborates with patient communities, public health agencies, and advocacy organizations to shape research questions and dissemination strategies for human disease studies Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
6Character9 statements
Emerging
  1. Research integrity baseline — records experimental data accurately and completely in laboratory notebooks without omission or alteration, even when results are unexpected or unfavorable Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Safety protocol adherence — follows established procedures for handling toxic, infectious, and hazardous materials consistently, recognizing personal accountability for laboratory safety O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Authorship ethics — correctly attributes intellectual contributions to manuscripts and grant applications, avoiding misrepresentation of others' or own scientific work Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Conflict of interest transparency — discloses relevant financial or professional relationships when submitting manuscripts, grant applications, or peer review assignments Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Research misconduct prevention — identifies and addresses data fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism risks within research teams through proactive policy reinforcement and documentation standards Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Ethical treatment of research subjects — designs and conducts studies on human tissue, animal models, or clinical populations in full compliance with IRB, IACUC, and regulatory requirements O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Professional accountability — accepts responsibility for the accuracy of published findings and issues corrections or retractions when errors are identified post-publication Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Research ethics leadership — establishes and institutionalizes research integrity standards, training programs, and accountability mechanisms across a laboratory, department, or professional organization Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Ethical advocacy in science policy — publicly advocates for responsible conduct of research, equitable access to findings, and ethical standards in emerging biomedical technologies through professional and public forums Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
7Creativity9 statements
Emerging
  1. Alternative protocol exploration — proposes modifications to established laboratory procedures when standard approaches yield inconclusive results in tissue or cell sample analyses Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Novel research question formulation — generates testable hypotheses about unexplored aspects of disease mechanisms or drug interactions based on literature synthesis Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Experimental design innovation — constructs original study designs that combine established methodologies in new configurations to investigate disease, toxicity, or treatment response Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Instrumentation adaptation — modifies or repurposes laboratory instrumentation to measure biological phenomena not addressable by commercially available configurations O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Methodology development — creates novel analytical procedures, instrumentation approaches, or assay systems for medical application that advance measurement capability in a scientific subdomain O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Interdisciplinary research synthesis — combines conceptual frameworks from biology, chemistry, mathematics, and clinical medicine to generate research approaches that no single discipline would produce independently Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Grant conceptualization — develops original research programs with distinctive scientific premises compelling enough to secure competitive extramural funding O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Paradigm-shifting research design — conceives and executes research programs that redefine understanding of disease etiology, drug mechanisms, or diagnostic methodology, generating citation-defining scientific contributions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Translational innovation leadership — bridges basic science discovery and clinical application by inventing diagnostic tools, therapeutic approaches, or preventive strategies that transition from laboratory to medical practice Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
8Growth Mindset8 statements
Emerging
  1. Failed experiment reframing — treats negative or null experimental results as informative data about disease or drug mechanisms rather than as personal failures requiring concealment Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Feedback integration — incorporates supervisor and peer critique of laboratory technique and scientific writing into revised practice without defensiveness Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Skill domain expansion — voluntarily acquires competence in unfamiliar laboratory techniques, software tools, or scientific subdisciplines required by evolving research demands Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Manuscript rejection response — uses peer reviewer feedback from journal rejections to strengthen scientific arguments and methodological rigor in resubmitted manuscripts Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Research pivot execution — redirects an entire experimental program in response to contradictory data or emergent scientific findings, applying lessons from prior work to the new direction Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Continuous literature engagement — maintains current awareness of rapidly evolving fields such as genomics, immunology, or pharmacology through systematic active learning practices Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Learning culture cultivation — establishes laboratory norms in which experimental failure, intellectual risk-taking, and iterative revision are institutionalized as core scientific practices rather than exceptions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Career-long scientific evolution — demonstrates sustained intellectual development across multiple research programs, paradigm shifts, and technological transitions spanning a full scientific career Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
9Mindfulness8 statements
Emerging
  1. Procedural attention calibration — maintains focused concentration during precision-dependent tasks such as tissue sectioning, pipetting, or microscopy to prevent contamination and measurement error Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Safety situational awareness — sustains moment-to-moment awareness of hazardous material status, equipment state, and colleague proximity during toxic substance handling procedures Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Stress regulation during high-stakes experiments — manages cognitive and emotional responses during time-sensitive experimental windows, maintaining procedural accuracy under pressure Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Intentional literature review — approaches reading of scientific publications with disciplined attention to methodology, statistical reasoning, and claim scope rather than surface-level scanning Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Deliberate data interpretation — pauses to examine assumptions and alternative explanations before drawing conclusions from experimental results on drug effects, pathogens, or toxins Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Structured peer and clinical interaction — enters teaching and consultation encounters with physicians, residents, and technicians with full attentional presence, adapting communication based on real-time comprehension signals Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Research team emotional climate stewardship — monitors and intentionally shapes the psychological environment of the laboratory to support sustained scientific performance, managing collective stress during grant cycles and publication pressure Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Mindful scientific judgment under uncertainty — applies sustained intentionality and emotional regulation when making consequential decisions about human health implications of research findings in ambiguous evidentiary contexts Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
10Fortitude8 statements
Emerging
  1. Experimental persistence — repeats technically demanding laboratory procedures such as cell culture preparation or organ sample analysis through multiple failed iterations without abandoning the protocol Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Rejection tolerance — continues scientific work productively following grant application rejections or manuscript refusals without sustained performance disruption Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Long-cycle research endurance — sustains motivation and productivity across multi-year research projects with extended periods between observable results or publication milestones Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Scientific controversy navigation — maintains scientific positions supported by evidence under peer criticism and professional disagreement without capitulating to social pressure Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Resource-constrained research execution — continues to advance research programs through funding gaps, equipment failures, and personnel turnover by adapting scope and strategy without abandoning scientific objectives Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. High-stakes deadline performance — delivers complete, high-quality grant applications and manuscript submissions under compressed timelines and competing institutional demands Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Career adversity resilience — rebuilds research programs after major setbacks including funding loss, laboratory disasters, or negative clinical trial outcomes, translating failure into redirected scientific inquiry Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Courageous scientific dissent — publicly challenges prevailing scientific consensus when evidence warrants it, sustaining that position through professional resistance, replications, and extended peer scrutiny Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
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Source anchors that ground each statement

Related titles
Anatomist · Cancer Researcher · Chemotherapist · Clinical Analyst · Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Clinical Lab Scientist) · Clinical Pharmacologist · Clinical Research Analyst · Clinical Research Scientist · Clinical Research Specialist · Clinical Researcher · Clinical Scientist · Cytologist
RAPIDS apprenticeships
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O*NET skills
WritingScienceActive LearningSpeakingCritical ThinkingReading ComprehensionActive ListeningJudgment and Decision MakingComplex Problem SolvingSystems AnalysisMonitoringMathematicsLearning StrategiesSystems EvaluationInstructingService OrientationTime ManagementSocial PerceptivenessCoordination
Knowledge domains
BiologyEnglish LanguageMedicine and DentistryChemistryMathematics
Abilities
Inductive ReasoningWritten ExpressionOral ExpressionSpeech ClarityCategory FlexibilityInformation OrderingDeductive ReasoningWritten ComprehensionOral ComprehensionProblem Sensitivity
Work styles
Intellectual CuriosityAttention to DetailDependabilityCautiousnessInnovationIntegrity
Technology
Graphics or photo imaging softwareAnalytical or scientific softwareData base user interface and query softwareGeographic information systemElectronic mail softwareDevelopment environment softwareInformation retrieval or search softwareOperating system softwareEnterprise resource planning ERP softwareSpreadsheet software
Tasks · seed anchors for statements
  1. Follow strict safety procedures when handling toxic materials to avoid contamination.
  2. Evaluate effects of drugs, gases, pesticides, parasites, and microorganisms at various levels.
  3. Plan and direct studies to investigate human or animal disease, preventive methods, and treatments for disease.
  4. Prepare and analyze organ, tissue, and cell samples to identify toxicity, bacteria, or microorganisms or to study cell structure.
  5. Conduct research to develop methodologies, instrumentation, and procedures for medical application, analyzing data and presenting findings to the scientific audience and general public.
  6. Teach principles of medicine and medical and laboratory procedures to physicians, residents, students, and technicians.
  7. Write and publish articles in scientific journals.
  8. Write applications for research grants.
CIP education codes
26.010226.020226.020326.020426.020526.040126.040326.040426.040626.040726.050326.050426.050526.050726.050826.050926.080626.090126.090226.090326.090426.090526.090726.090826.090926.091026.091126.091226.091326.099926.100126.100226.100326.100426.100526.100626.100726.109926.110226.130926.140126.150226.150326.150426.159930.100130.110142.270945.020551.140151.140251.140551.149951.200351.200451.200551.201051.220261.010161.010261.010361.010461.010561.010661.010761.010861.010961.011061.011161.011261.011361.011461.011561.011661.011761.011861.011961.012061.012161.012261.012361.012461.012561.019961.020261.020361.020561.020661.020861.020961.021061.021261.021361.021461.021561.021661.021761.021861.029961.030161.039961.049961.050261.050361.059961.060261.060361.069961.079961.080461.080561.080661.080761.080861.080961.081061.081161.081261.081361.081461.081661.081861.089961.090161.090261.090361.090461.099961.109961.110361.110461.110561.110661.110761.119961.129961.130261.130361.130461.139961.149961.150261.150361.150461.150561.159961.169961.170261.170361.179961.180461.180561.180661.180761.180861.180961.181061.181161.181261.181361.181461.181561.189961.190261.190361.190461.190561.190661.190761.190861.190961.191061.191161.191261.191361.191461.191561.191761.199961.200261.200361.209961.210361.219961.229961.239961.240261.240361.240461.240561.240661.249961.259961.260361.260661.260761.260861.260961.261261.269961.270361.270461.270561.270661.270761.270861.279961.280261.289961.9999

Sources: O*NET v30.2 (CC BY 4.0), SkillsCrosswalk.com, LER.me, Anthropic Economic Index, SAFI (Jadhav & Danve, 2026), WEF Skills Taxonomy 2021, Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework. © 2026 EBSCOed.