Also called: Vaccinologist
Develops vaccines that train the immune system to fight viruses and bacteria.
Designs an mRNA sequence for a new flu strain, then tests whether it makes immune cells respond in a dish. Later reviews data from animal studies with the clinical team planning a human trial.
Estimate within medical scientists.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Doctorate (PhD), about 10 years after high school. PhD in immunology, virology, or microbiology.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Immunology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology.
Growing much faster than average (about 9% over 10 years). Follows medical scientists; pandemic preparedness boosted funding.
Low risk in 5 years, medium in 10. AI speeds antigen design and immune-data analysis; animal and human studies, safety and trust keep the work largely human.
Classes: AP Biology, Chemistry, Statistics.
Official data: O*NET occupation 19-1042.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.