Scientific Curator - Career Profile |
Career OverviewThe scientific curator works to identify, classify, analyze and index information about the various biological samples that are used in the research project. The scientific curator enters information into the appropriate databases and keeps written information, reports, case files and necessary documentation on all sample tissues or types of living organisms used during the research project.
The scientific curator may work in medical laboratories or any other type of biotechnology research facilities including pharmaceutical companies. The scientific curator may work directly with the research staff or may work remotely from another location by having information from the research provided via an internet link with the research facility. Often one scientific curator acts as the database manager and other scientific curators or associates or research staff do the actually gathering of the data.
The scientific curator should be proficient in working with the various biotech databases as well as have some background in computing and computer programming. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required, especially for those scientific curators that are working off-site.
|
Career RequirementsA scientific curator position requires at least a Masters and often a Doctoral degree in a life science including biogenetics, molecular biology, biotechnology or genetics. Since the position does require classification and analysis a strong work experience in genetic issues such as comparative genetics and developmental genetics is an asset in most fields.
For pharmaceutical research a scientific curator may be required to have a PharmD education rather than a PhD in one of the life sciences.
|
Advertisement
|
Job OutlookThe demand for scientific curator is predicted to continue to increase at steady rate as the biotechnology industry booms. The aging population and the desire for genetic research to cure and correct hereditary and other disease has lead to this increase in the number of jobs available in the field.
Since the requirements for a scientific curator include a PhD or PharmD there are limited numbers of candidates for the positions. Job opportunities both in the United States and internationally exist for individuals that meet the job criteria.
|
Career TrackA scientific curator can move into supervisor, management and independent research jobs within a research or industry with relative ease. Their overall background in life sciences combined with an understanding of database management and data analysis makes them particularly good candidates for management and supervisory roles.
In addition scientific curator can work on a contract bases and even work off-site or internationally with many companies. It is possible to hire by contract for specific research projects of interest or even work at a University research facility and begin working as an instructor or professor.
|
CompensationThe median income for a scientific curator in the United States is $100,000 per year. Less experienced or entry level PhD scientific curator often earn between $70,000 and $75,000 whereas senior and very experienced scientific curator can earn in excess of $120,000 per year, including bonuses and other incentives.
|