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Behavioral Researcher
Overview
Description
A behavioral researcher studies how to effectively disseminate the findings of genomic research and how best to use the information to promote healthcare and disease prevention. They take information from new genomic research and develop strategies for communicating the social, ethical, legal, and policy implications.
Behavioral research addresses basic questions concerning the average citizen, including matters of how genetic disorders will affect their lives and how society will react to infected individuals. A behavioral researcher conducts studies to understand health issues and how they relate to general society.
Career Outlook
Advances in the fields of genomics and genetics point to a growing need for behavioral researchers, especially those with technical writing skills and marketing and sales expertise. Positions are available in many fields, including industry, medicine, academia, and research.
Working Conditions & Context
Most behavioral researchers work in offices or laboratories, though they may occasionally travel to conduct research or attend conferences. Working conditions vary with a project's demands, but typically a researcher will work an average 40-hour week in a routine setting.
Salary Information
A typical Salary Range for this career is $35,620 - $101,030 annually.
The Median Income for this career is about $65,080 annually.
Education Information
Education
Students with an interest in behavioral research should pursue a program in the social sciences or related fields. Behavioral research covers a wide range of disciplines, so a solid general curriculum is important.
The minimal education for a behavioral researcher is a Bachelor's degree. Those wishing to conduct independent research will need a higher degree, often a Ph.D.
Certification & Licensing:
N/A
Other Resources
Related Careers
Bioethicist Using Genomics, Health Educator, Policy Maker/Analyst, Public Health Geneticist
More Information
The Behavioral Sciences and Health Educators
http://www.whatispublichealth.org/careers/PfizerGuide/behavsci.pdf
"Genomics in Action "
http://www.genome.gov/12010878
The American College of Medical Genetics
http://www.acmg.net
The American Board of Medical Genetics
http://www.abmg.org
The Journal of Medical Genetics
http://jmg.bmj.com/
The Medical Genetics Institute
http://www.csmc.edu/3992.html
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics
http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes191029.htm
The University of Wisconsin-Madison, College of Agricultural & Life Sciences: Genetics Program
http://www.cals.wisc.edu/students/majors/Genetics.php
The American Society of Human Genetics
http://www.ashg.org
The Palo Alto Institute for Research and Education
http://www.paire.org
** More than a minimum degree may be required for some careers.
