What Does a Neuroscientist Do?

Do you have an interest in the nervous system? Perhaps you'd like to help discover scientific breakthroughs that could help people with neurological disorders.

You might want to consider becoming a neuroscientist.

But what do neuroscientists do exactly? Keep reading as we discuss a neuroscientist's job description, necessary skills, and educational requirements.

What Is a Neuroscientist?

Neuroscience is a field of science that has to do with the brain and nervous system. Neuroscientists are researchers within this field.

Neuroscience is often associated with biological functions, but it is broader than this. Neuroscientists can specialize in a wide variety of areas, studying various components of the highly complex nervous system.

A few of the many neuroscientist specializations include:

• behavioral neuroscience
• molecular neuroscience
• paleoneurology
• neurolinguistics
• cultural neuroscience

With so many options, neuroscientists have many opportunities to find what interests them and focus on that area of specialization.

Any research topic is fair game as long as it has the potential to affect the brain or nervous system in some way.

What Does a Neuroscientist Do?

Neuroscientists spend much of their time in a lab, conducting various types of research. This job may also take them into an office, out into the field, into a library, or online.

Some specific job duties a neuroscientist may perform include:

• monitoring nervous system activity during clinical trials
• studying existing research regarding the brain and nerves
• preparing tissue samples for experiments
• creating brain diagrams used for educational purposes
• writing and publishing original research findings

Some neuroscientists also work in a clinical setting, where they work with patients who have neurological conditions. They are sometimes called upon to diagnose certain conditions.

Many neuroscientists work for colleges and universities, teaching neuroscientists and conducting campus-based research.

Still others work for government agencies or private research laboratories as well as pharmaceutical companies.

Neuroscientists may be exposed to harmful chemicals or instruments in the lab; therefore, taking precautions by wearing personal protective equipment is essential.

Neuroscientists typically work full-time hours. Depending on the requirements of their employer or specific projects, they may have to work overtime on some occasions.

What Qualities and Skills Does a Neuroscientist Have?

Neuroscientists must have advanced education in the brain and nervous system, as well as their particular specialty.

They should have an analytical mind and be skillful at making decisions. They should have a natural curiosity, as well as a willingness to ask questions and search out the correct answers.

Neuroscience is a fascinating field, but the day to day activities of the job can often be tedious and repetitive. Neuroscientists must have a passion for their line of work that will help keep them motivated.

They should be observant and pay close attention to detail. They also must be skilled at interpreting data and thinking critically to come up with solutions.

Finally, they must be excellent communicators to be able to teach others, talk about complex topics in layman's terms, and write reports and research findings.

What Education Is Required To Become a Neuroscientist?

Neuroscientists are highly educated individuals. They must go through several education-related steps on their career path. Let's take a closer look at each of these steps.

Bachelor's Degree

Obtaining a bachelor's degree is a prerequisite for being accepted into graduate and medical school, so this is an important first step.

Most aspiring neuroscientists obtain their bachelor's degree in biology or a related scientific field. Some schools offer a program concentration in neurobiology that may be beneficial.

A few colleges and universities offer neuroscience degree programs that teach math skills and allow students to participate in research.

Regardless of the program you choose to enroll in, it will likely take you about four years to graduate with your bachelor's degree.

Master's Degree

Next, you will need to obtain a master's degree. At this point in your educational journey, you will begin to study neuroscience in greater depth and explore possible specializations.

You'll want to earn your master's degree in neuroscience. Your school may even offer more specialized programs, such as developmental or cognitive neuroscience.

Your master's program will include advanced education in data analysis and nervous system disorders. It will also introduce you to various areas of specialization.

Depending on the degree program you choose and whether you study full or part time, it will take you at least one to three years to complete your master's degree.

Doctoral Degree and Doctor of Medicine

Many neuroscientists are required to obtain a doctoral degree, usually a Doctor of Philosophy. Some may choose this route in order to perform more advanced research or to teach neuroscience.

Clinical neuroscientists, those who work with patients, must also obtain a Doctor of Medicine degree.

Some universities offer combined programs that allow students to obtain a Ph.D. and M.D. concurrently. This type of program will include both advanced research opportunities and clinical rotations.

Regardless of the path you choose, it will take at least five or six years to obtain your doctoral degree. Depending on the type and amount of research, it may take seven years or more.

Consider a Career as a Neuroscientist

It takes many years to become a neuroscientist, but it can be a highly rewarding career for someone interested in the nervous system and in conducting research.