Researcher, medicine

What does a researcher in medicine do? – Tasks and work environment

A researcher in medicine primarily works on planning, conducting, and analyzing scientific studies to increase knowledge about human health, diseases, and treatments. Tasks may include laboratory experiments, clinical trials, data collection, and advanced statistical analysis. The work often takes place in interdisciplinary teams with other researchers, doctors, and technicians. The work environment is usually research institutions, university hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, or government agencies, where high standards of accuracy, ethics, and documentation are required.

Salary development over time

The salary for researchers in medicine has shown a clear upward trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 59,400 SEK per month. In 2023, there was a slight temporary decrease to 56 100, but already in 2024, the average salary increased significantly to 65 600. This corresponds to an increase of about 10.5% from 2023 to 2024 and a total increase of over 10% over the three-year period. The salary development can be explained by increased demand for medical research, especially within biomedicine and pharmacology, as well as a higher valuation of advanced education and specialized skills in the field. The market for researchers in medicine is dynamic and influenced by factors such as research funding, private investments, and societal challenges related to health and innovation.

Researcher in medicine salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 65 600 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 40,500 SEK/month (female, private sector worker)
• Highest salary: 76,400 SEK/month (male, private sector employee)
• Hourly wage (average): 395 SEK
• Women earn: 63 600 SEK/month (88% of men's salary)
• Men earn: 72 200 SEK/month
• Regional differences: Data not available

Education and qualifications

To work as a researcher in medicine, a long and advanced educational path is required, usually with a doctoral degree as the goal. Basic requirements often include a master's degree in medicine, biomedicine, or related natural sciences. In addition to formal degrees, experience from research projects, publication of scientific articles, and participation in international collaborations or conferences are often demanded.

• Formal degrees: Master's degree (5 years) + Doctorate (PhD, approx. 4 years)
• Certifications: Research ethics, laboratory safety, GCP (Good Clinical Practice)
• Internships/trainee positions: Research internships or assistant roles during education
• Prerequisites: Science-oriented education at high school level
• Tips for choosing: Select a subject area with a strong research environment and supervision expertise

Common benefits and compensations

Researchers in medicine are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, flexible working hours, professional development, and opportunities for international exchanges. Occupational pensions and generous vacation policies are common, especially in employment within the public sector or academic institutions. Some employers also provide support for further education or participation in international conferences.

Competition and challenges

The competition for research positions in medicine is high, especially at major universities and leading research centers. The number of available positions is limited compared to the number of research graduates, which means many have to look for opportunities in international projects or in the industry to find attractive roles. Funding is a recurring challenge, as many research projects depend on external grants and stipends. Changes in political priorities and fluctuations in research funding can affect long-term employment opportunities. Despite this, the demand for specialized skills within biomedicine and pharmacology remains stable, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry and healthcare sector.

Tips for aspiring researchers in medicine

To succeed as a researcher in medicine, it is beneficial to have a strong curiosity and scientific rigor, which helps in asking the right questions and conducting reliable studies. Persistent effort and the ability to work independently are crucial, especially when research results take time or projects face setbacks. It is also important to be communicative and collaborative, as research often occurs in teams and requires international contacts. Actively seeking mentorship and building networks can open doors to new research opportunities and funding. Finally, good organizational skills and an interest in continuous professional development facilitate daily work and future career paths.

Key facts about Researchers in medicine

• Education level: Master's degree + Doctorate (PhD)
• Work environment: Research, laboratories, and university hospitals
• Work form: Full-time, often project-based
• Gender distribution: Women earn 88% of men's salaries
• Available jobs: 143 within the group of pharmacologists and biomedicine specialists

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a researcher in medicine, there are opportunities to advance to leading roles such as research manager, project director, or senior researcher. Many go on to supervise doctoral students or take responsibility for larger research programs. Some choose to work within the pharmaceutical industry, medical technology companies, or government agencies focusing on regulatory issues. According to the Employment Service, there is no specific forecast for this profession, but there are 143 available jobs in pharmacologists and biomedicine specialists, indicating stable demand. The future for researchers in medicine is influenced by access to research funding, political priorities, and global developments in health.

Common questions about Researchers in medicine

• What is the salary of a researcher in medicine?
  - The average salary is 65 600 SEK per month, with variations between 40,500 SEK and 76,400 SEK depending on experience, gender, and employer.
• What education is required to become a researcher in medicine?
  - A master's degree and usually a doctoral degree (PhD) in medicine, biomedicine, or related field are required.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn on average 88% of what men do in the profession.
• What does the job market look like for researchers in medicine?
  - There are 143 available jobs, but competition for attractive positions is high.
• Which workplaces hire researchers in medicine?
  - Universities, research institutes, pharmaceutical companies, and government agencies are common employers.
• What are common job tasks?
  - Planning and conducting research projects, data collection, analysis, and publishing scientific studies.
• How has the salary development looked over time?
  - Salaries have increased by over 10% in the last three years, with a particularly large increase between 2023 and 2024.