Investigate and describe the determinants and distribution of disease, disability, and other health outcomes and develop the means for prevention and control.

Plans, directs, and conducts studies concerned with incidence of disease and effects of genetics, environment, lifestyle, chemicals, and other factors on health. Gathers and analyzes such information as the race, gender and age of the people with the disease; their... [+] More

Plans, directs, and conducts studies concerned with incidence of disease and effects of genetics, environment, lifestyle, chemicals, and other factors on health. Gathers and analyzes such information as the race, gender and age of the people with the disease; their shared biological characteristics, such as a family history of the disease or common blood types; shared personal habits, such as tobacco and drug use and diet and exercise patterns; and social and economic factors. Analyzes data collected to determine probable effects on disease and mortality rates, using valid statistical techniques and knowledge of epidemiology. Usual requirement is a minimum of a master's degree in a program of environmental health or health management sciences.

Plans methods of conducting epidemiological studies, and provides detailed specifications for collecting data to personnel participating in studies. Selects occupational groups for study and to arrange for collection of data concerning work history of individuals and disease concentration and mortality rates among groups. Studies many different diseases that may include outbreaks of diseases. Conducts studies to find risk factors for diseases such as something in a person's lifestyle that makes it more likely that a disease will develop. Develops codes to facilitate computer input of demographic and epidemiological data for use by data processing personnel engaged in programming epidemiological statistics. Compares statistics on causes of death among members of selected working populations with those among general population, using life-table analyses. Presents data in designated statistical format to illustrate common patterns among workers in selected occupations. Initiates and maintains contacts with statistical and data processing managers in other agencies to maintain access to epidemiological source materials. Evaluates materials from all sources for addition to or amendment of epidemiological data bank. May conduct studies to find viruses or bacteria. May plan and direct activities of clerical and statistical personnel engaged in tabulation and analysis of epidemiological information to ensure accomplishment of objectives. [-] Less

Studies factors influencing existence and spread of diseases among humans and animals, particularly those diseases transmissible from animals to humans. Required to hold degree of doctor of veterinary medicine.

Researches and runs various laboratory tests and experiments on a wide range of subject matter, including organs, bodily fluids, cells, human tissues, and the immune system and viruses, and analyzes results to help clinicians diagnose, cure, or treat diseases. Develops... [+] More

Researches and runs various laboratory tests and experiments on a wide range of subject matter, including organs, bodily fluids, cells, human tissues, and the immune system and viruses, and analyzes results to help clinicians diagnose, cure, or treat diseases. Develops advanced diagnostic tools or therapeutic strategies, often focusing on disease-causing micro-organisms and the possible drugs and treatments for their effects. Aids in evaluating the effectiveness of treatments. Specializes in one or more area such as medical microbiology, clinical chemistry, transfusion science, hematology, histopathology, cytology, immunology, and virology.

Tests human samples such as blood, tissue, urine, cerebrospinal fluid or tissue, and fecal material for enzymes, hormones, and other constituents. Grows, tests, and analyzes cell cultures grown from affected tissue samples and identifying blood groups. Studies the effects of various drugs and treatments on lab cultures. Works with computers, sophisticated automated machinery, microscopes and other hi-tech laboratory equipment. Assures that the necessary turnaround times for reporting results are achieved. Records test and analysis results and communicates the results and recommendations to medical staff, who use the information to diagnose and treat the patient’s illness. Monitors the effects of medication and other programs of treatment by carrying out further tests. Assists in the production of laboratory documentation relating to policies and standard operating procedures. Develops new methods of investigation and keeps up to date with diagnostic innovations. Implements quality control procedures (both internal and external) to maintain accurate results. [-] Less

Plans, organizes, and researches various assignments to increase scientific knowledge on medical-related topics. Specifies and researches complex problems.

Defines the scope of assigned project, investigating subject area. Determines feasibility of projects in terms of staff, time, and resources to ensure that... [+] More

Plans, organizes, and researches various assignments to increase scientific knowledge on medical-related topics. Specifies and researches complex problems.

Defines the scope of assigned project, investigating subject area. Determines feasibility of projects in terms of staff, time, and resources to ensure that results effective results. Plans and performs quantitative and qualitative research procedures in various areas of biology, chemistry, physics, and other biomedical, dental, or related scientific areas. Plans and conducts experiments and analyzes the results of studies. Draws conclusions and makes recommendations that typically have a major impact on scientific research activities. Communicates findings through presentations at conferences and publication in specialist scientific and medical journals. Maintains detailed records of work. Remains informed of other research begin conducted related to field of study. Scientists who work within a university setting are typically involved in the teaching of students. May be concerned with gaining research funding to continue with work or to extend studies. [-] Less

Develops better, more efficient ways of producing and processing meat, poultry, eggs, and milk through the study of genetics, nutrition, reproduction, growth, and development of animals. Develops improved practices in feeding, housing, sanitation, and parasite and disease control. Positions covered... [+] More

Develops better, more efficient ways of producing and processing meat, poultry, eggs, and milk through the study of genetics, nutrition, reproduction, growth, and development of animals. Develops improved practices in feeding, housing, sanitation, and parasite and disease control. Positions covered by this definition are characterized by the inclusion of work that requires an understanding of both theories and principles. Typically requires a minimum of a bachelor's degree in field of specialty. Excludes paraprofessional positions.

Conducts research in selection, breeding, feeding, management, and marketing of beef and dual-purpose cattle, horses, mules, sheep, dogs, goats, and pet animals. Controls breeding practices to improve strains of animals. May specialize in animal nutritional research. May be designated according to animal specialty. [-] Less

Designs computer information systems to provide management or clients with specific data. Plans and develops methods and procedures for collecting, organizing, interpreting, and classifying information for input and retrieval to and from computer. Utilizes knowledge of electronic data processing principles,... [+] More

Designs computer information systems to provide management or clients with specific data. Plans and develops methods and procedures for collecting, organizing, interpreting, and classifying information for input and retrieval to and from computer. Utilizes knowledge of electronic data processing principles, system and computer capabilities, mathematics, symbolic language, and optical or pattern recognition principles.

Resolves problems in input, storage, and retrieval of information, and develops alternate designs. May specialize in specific field of information science, such as scientific or engineering research, or in specific discipline, such as business, medicine, education, aerospace, or library science. [-] Less

Researches to identify... [+] More

Researches to identify and abate or eliminate sources of pollutants that affect people, wildlife, and their environments. Analyzes and documents measurements and observations of air, water, soil, and other sources to make recommendations on how best to clean and preserve the environment. Designs and evaluates waste disposal sites, preserves water supplies, and reclaims contaminated land and water. Excludes paraprofessional positions.

Plans and conducts environmental research studies to develop methods or theories of abating or controlling sources of environmental pollutants, utilizing knowledge of principles and concepts of various scientific and engineering disciplines. Requires advanced study in the field of research in environmental sciences. Determines data collection methods to be employed in research projects and surveys. Plans and develops research models, using knowledge of mathematical, statistical, and physical science concepts and approaches. Identifies and analyzes sources of pollution to determine their effects. Collects and synthesizes data derived from pollution emission measurements, atmospheric monitoring, meteorological and mineralogical information, and soil or water samples. Prepares graphs, charts, and statistical models from synthesized data, using knowledge of mathematical, statistical, and engineering analysis techniques. Analyzes data to assess pollution problems, establishes standards, and develops approaches for control of pollution. [-] Less

Researches and... [+] More

Researches and studies the structures and chemical properties of materials to develop new products or enhance existing products. Heads scientific studies for understanding, characterizing, and developing materials leading to potential uses for the benefit of science and emerging technologies. Excludes paraprofessional positions.

Oversees programs for studying structures and properties of various materials, such as metals, alloys, ceramics, semiconductors, and polymers to obtain research data. Plans experimental laboratory production of materials having special characteristics to confirm feasibility of processes and techniques for potential users. Prepares reports of materials studies for information of other scientists and requesters. May guide technical staff engaged in developing materials for specific use in projected product or device. [-] Less

Studies proposed legislation to determine possible effect on an organization, alternatively, the interest of a client, who may be a person, specific group, or the general public. Plans and runs campaigns towards attaining an organization's or client's goals.

Evaluates phenomena of... [+] More

Studies proposed legislation to determine possible effect on an organization, alternatively, the interest of a client, who may be a person, specific group, or the general public. Plans and runs campaigns towards attaining an organization's or client's goals.

Evaluates phenomena of political behavior, such as origin, development, operation, and interrelationships of political institutions, to formulate and develop political understandings. Consults with government officials, civic bodies, research agencies, and political parties. Analyzes and interprets results of studies, and prepares reports detailing findings, recommendations, or conclusions. May monitor proposed legislation and regulations for possible impact and effect on client or organization. May conduct research into political philosophy and theories of political systems, utilizing information available on political phenomena, such as governmental institutions, public laws and administration, political party systems, and international law. May organize and conduct public opinion surveys and interpret results. May specialize in specific geographical, political, or philosophical aspect of political behavior. [-] Less