This field affords the opportunity to specialize in subfields. A pharmacologist’s subfield can significantly influence what a normal day looks like. In general, however, a pharmacologist may expect to perform some of the following tasks:
- Researching chemical compounds and other substances to evaluate them for potential use in new drug therapies
- Developing new drug therapies and studying how the body’s systems first break down and absorb the chemical compounds, then transfer them throughout the body
- Studying the potential for side effects and complications, including interactions between drugs
- Developing treatment plans, including standardized drug doses
- Writing proposals for new developmental tests and clinical trials
Pharmacologists also write scientific papers describing their research and findings. To maintain and share their expertise, they may attend scientific conferences, sometimes presenting their own original research. In this career field, it is particularly important to stay on top of the latest developments and research.
These professionals may work both individually and collaboratively. They typically work in labs and office settings.