Research Physician Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the evolving world of medical research, the role of a research physician is becoming increasingly pivotal.

As medical science progresses, there is a mounting demand for proficient individuals who can conduct, refine, and safeguard our health research efforts.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a research physician?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the nuances of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the ideal candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricate world of medical research,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable research physician job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Research Physician Duties and Responsibilities

Research Physicians are medical doctors who engage in extensive study and experimentation in order to broaden the medical community’s understanding of health, wellness, and treatment methods.

Their focus is less on patient care and more on the scientific and research aspects of medicine.

They have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Develop, design, and conduct medical research studies in both laboratory and clinical settings
• Monitor and analyze data from these studies
• Evaluate new medical procedures and drugs
• Write reports and papers presenting findings and advancements
• Apply for funding and grants to support research
• Collaborate with other scientists, physicians, and researchers to share findings and get feedback
• Ensure all research is conducted in accordance with ethical and safety guidelines
• Stay up-to-date on latest medical research and advancements
• Present research findings at scientific conferences and seminars
• Guide and supervise medical students, residents, or other junior staff involved in research

 

Research Physician Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for an experienced and dedicated Research Physician to join our team.

In this role, you will conduct, support, and supervise clinical research to further our understanding of medical conditions and treatments.

The Research Physician is responsible for the design, implementation, and analysis of research studies.

They will collaborate with other healthcare professionals, researchers, and medical experts to develop protocols, collect and analyze data, and publish research findings.

Our ideal candidate has a strong scientific acumen, impeccable research skills, and a deep commitment to patient care.

 

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct medical research studies and clinical trials
• Develop research methodologies and protocols
• Analyze and interpret research data
• Collaborate with other researchers and clinicians to conduct research
• Ensure the safety and wellbeing of research participants
• Secure funding and resources for research activities
• Present research findings at scientific meetings and conferences
• Publish research findings in scientific journals
• Stay informed about latest medical research and advancements
• Ensure compliance with ethical, legal, and regulatory standards

 

Qualifications

• Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree
• Board certification in a relevant specialty
• Proven experience as a Research Physician or similar role
• Strong knowledge of clinical research methodologies and ethical guidelines
• Experience designing and implementing research studies and clinical trials
• Proficient in statistical analysis and research software
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Detail-oriented and organized

 

Benefits

• 401(k) retirement plan
• Comprehensive health insurance
• Dental and vision insurance
• Paid time off
• Life insurance
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Research Physician
• Work Environment: Hospital or Research Facility
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Medical Research
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $158,000 minimum to $245,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Research Physician Do?

A Research Physician, also known as a Physician Scientist, primarily functions within the medical research field.

They straddle the worlds of both clinical practice and research.

These professionals contribute to the advancement of medical science by conducting biomedical research, performing clinical trials, or developing new drugs or procedures.

They often specialize in a specific area, such as oncology or cardiology, and aim to discover innovative approaches to improve health outcomes in these areas.

Research Physicians typically collaborate with a team of scientists, researchers, and healthcare professionals.

They are responsible for designing and conducting studies, analyzing data, and publishing results in scientific journals.

They also play a crucial role in ensuring the ethical conduct of studies and the safety of participants, by adhering to strict ethical guidelines and regulations.

While they may continue to see patients and practice medicine, their primary focus is on the advancement of medical knowledge and the development of novel treatments or therapies.

Their work can be conducted in various settings, such as hospitals, universities, pharmaceutical companies, or government agencies.

They often secure funding for their research through grants or other sources.

 

Research Physician Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Research Physician should have the skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:

• Extensive knowledge and understanding of medical principles and techniques, with a particular emphasis on the area of research focus.
• Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills to accurately interpret research data and draw valid conclusions.
• Strong written and oral communication skills to effectively relay research findings to colleagues, medical professionals, or the public.
• Proven experience in clinical trials and research methodology to conduct research in a safe, ethical, and rigorous manner.
• High attention to detail and organizational skills for conducting and managing multiple research studies simultaneously.
• Ability to collaborate with a diverse team of professionals, including other physicians, scientists, statisticians, and research assistants.
• Strong problem-solving skills to identify and address any issues that may arise during the research process.
• Knowledge of medical software and technology used in research settings, as well as data analysis tools.
• Physical stamina and dexterity for procedures related to research or patient care.

 

Research Physician Experience Requirements

Research Physicians typically require several years of experience, often gained through extensive education and specialized training.

Entry-level candidates typically have a medical degree (MD or DO) and have completed a residency program in their area of specialty, which provides them with relevant clinical experience.

These individuals may also have some exposure to clinical research during their education or residency.

Candidates with 2 to 5 years of experience often have additional experience in medical research, possibly through a fellowship program.

During this time, they typically gain experience in designing and conducting clinical trials, interpreting study results, and writing research reports.

Research Physicians with more than 5 years of experience often have a significant track record of independent research, including published research papers in peer-reviewed journals.

They may also have experience in securing funding for research projects and have established a network of research collaborators.

Those with more than 10 years of experience are usually highly specialized in their field and may have held leadership roles in research projects.

They may be ready for a position as a Principal Investigator or Director of Research.

In addition to the above, any Research Physician should also possess a valid medical license and board certification in their specialty.

Some roles may also require a Ph.D. in a related field.

 

Research Physician Education and Training Requirements

Research Physicians are required to have a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree.

This requires a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as biology or chemistry, followed by four years of medical school.

During medical school, students learn about topics such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and medical law and ethics.

They also complete rotations in various specialties, including research, to gain practical experience.

After graduating from medical school, potential Research Physicians must complete a residency program.

This is a period of specialized training in a specific field of medicine.

Depending on the area of interest, this can take anywhere from 3 to 7 years.

Many Research Physicians then choose to complete a fellowship in a specific area of research.

This is an additional 1-3 years of training in a specific research area, under the guidance of experienced mentors.

In addition to these formal education requirements, Research Physicians must be licensed to practice medicine.

Requirements for licensure typically include passing a series of exams, and completing a certain number of years in a residency program.

Some Research Physicians also choose to complete a Master’s or PhD in a research-related field.

This can provide them with a deeper understanding of research methodology and statistics, and can improve their ability to design and conduct high-quality research.

Continuing education is also important for Research Physicians, as it helps them stay up to date with the latest advancements in their field.

This can involve attending conferences, workshops, and seminars, as well as reading scientific journals.

 

Research Physician Salary Expectations

A Research Physician earns an average salary of $196,490 (USD) per year.

This salary can greatly vary depending on the individual’s years of experience, the region in which they are based, and the type of research institution or company they work for.

 

Research Physician Job Description FAQs

What is the educational requirement for a Research Physician?

Research Physicians must have a medical degree from a recognized university.

They must have completed residency training and be licensed to practice medicine.

Additionally, a background in research methods or a PhD in a related field is highly beneficial.

They might also need to have board certification in their specialty.

 

What are the daily duties of a Research Physician?

Research Physicians spend their time conducting and overseeing clinical trials, analyzing and interpreting data, and publishing findings in medical journals.

They may also attend medical conferences to present their findings, collaborate with other researchers, and stay updated with the latest advancements.

They often work in hospitals, universities, or pharmaceutical companies, balancing their time between research and patient care.

 

What qualities make a good Research Physician?

Good Research Physicians have a strong scientific curiosity, excellent attention to detail, and a persistent nature.

They should have strong analytical skills to interpret complex research data.

They must also have excellent written and verbal communication skills to present their findings effectively to both a medical and non-medical audience.

They should also be able to work well in a team, as research often involves multidisciplinary collaboration.

 

What should I look for in a Research Physician resume?

Look for a strong educational background with a medical degree and possible further study in a research-related field.

Ensure they have a valid license to practice medicine.

Look for experience in conducting and participating in clinical trials, data analysis, and scientific writing.

Publications in reputed medical journals would be a significant plus.

Also, pay attention to their specialty area; it should align with the type of research your organization conducts.

 

Is it challenging to hire a Research Physician?

Hiring a Research Physician can be challenging due to the high level of expertise and the specific skill set required.

The candidate must have a solid background in both medicine and research, making the pool of potential applicants smaller.

However, offering competitive salaries, opportunities for continuous learning, and the chance to contribute significantly to the medical field can attract top talent.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve dissected the intricacies of what it truly means to be a research physician.

Surprised?

It’s not just about conducting experiments or trials.

It’s about shaping the future of healthcare, one research study at a time.

Armed with our comprehensive research physician job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to step forward.

But why halt your journey here?

Plunge further with our job description generator. It’s your go-to tool for creating detailed job listings or fine-tuning your resume to excellence.

Remember:

Every research study contributes to the larger body of medical knowledge.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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