Science & ResearchISCO 2131
Pharmacologist
Pharmacologists study the manner in which drugs and medicaments interact with organisms, living systems, and their parts (i.e. cells, tissues, or organs). Their research aims at identifying substances that can be ingested by humans and that exert adequate biochemical functions for curing illnesses.
Check yourself in a minute: pharmacologist
Rate 5 of the 52 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.
manage research data
interact professionally in research and professional environments
disseminate results to the scientific community
operate open source software
speak different languages
About pharmacologist
As a pharmacologist, you will be a scientist dedicated to understanding how drugs and medicaments interact with living systems to develop new treatments for human diseases. Your work is fundamental to modern medicine—you study the biochemical mechanisms of drug action, test compounds for safety and efficacy, and contribute to the development of novel pharmaceuticals. Your days involve laboratory work, analyzing complex data, conducting experiments with rigorous methodology, and collaborating with other scientists. The impact of your research can be profound: a successful discovery might lead to a life-saving medication for cancer, cardiovascular disease, or other serious conditions. This career combines intellectual challenge with the knowledge that your work directly benefits human health.
Key Work Functions
Core areas of responsibility for a pharmacologist.
1
Pharmaceutical Drug Development
- Conduct research on drug interactions and mechanisms of action at molecular level
- Identify and screen potential pharmaceutical compounds for therapeutic efficacy
- Design and execute pharmacological studies following regulatory guidelines
- Collaborate with chemists and biologists in the drug development pipeline
2
Laboratory Testing and Analysis
- Perform laboratory tests using advanced analytical techniques
- Analyze biochemical and molecular data from experiments
- Manage and interpret research data using scientific methodologies
- Maintain laboratory equipment and ensure quality of analytical procedures
3
Toxicology and Safety Assessment
- Assess toxicity and safety profiles of pharmaceutical compounds
- Conduct research on cancer risks and adverse effects of drugs
- Evaluate potential side effects and determine safe dosage parameters
4
Research Design and Methodology
- Design rigorous research protocols and experimental methodologies
- Select appropriate study designs and statistical approaches
- Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and ethical standards
5
Publication and Scientific Communication
- Draft scientific papers and technical documentation of research findings
- Publish research in peer-reviewed scientific journals and conferences
- Disseminate research results to the scientific and medical community
- Review scientific literature and stay current with pharmacological advances
6
Specialized Domain Expertise
- Apply knowledge of microbiology-bacteriology in drug efficacy testing
- Understand pharmaceutical legislation and regulatory pathways
- Conduct research on communicable diseases and infectious agents
European Skills Framework
Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.
Essential (52)
pharmaceutical legislationpharmaceutical legislationEuropean and national legal framework for the development, distribution, and use of medicinal products for humans.microbiology-bacteriologymicrobiology-bacteriologyMicrobiology-Bacteriology is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.biological chemistrybiological chemistryBiological chemistry is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.pharmaceutical drug developmentpharmaceutical drug developmentDrug manufacturing phases: pre-clinical phase (research and tests on animals), clinical phase (clinical trials on humans) and the sub-phases required to obtain as an end product a pharmaceutical drug.pharmacovigilance legislationpharmacovigilance legislationRegulations used to control and monitor adverse drug reactions at EU level.pharmacologypharmacologyPharmacology is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.communicable diseasescommunicable diseasesCommunicable diseases is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.pharmaceutical technologypharmaceutical technologyPharmaceutical technology is the branch of pharmaceutics which deals with the technological design, development, manufacture, and evaluation of drugs and medicinal products.cancer riskscancer risksThe risk factors related to cancer such as smoking, HIV, radiation, obesity, alcohol, environmental causes and diet.draft scientific or academic papers and technical documentationdraft scientific or academic papers and technical documentationDraft and edit scientific, academic or technical texts on different subjects.manage research datamanage research dataProduce and analyse scientific data originating from qualitative and quantitative research methods. Store and maintain the data in research databases. Support the re-use of scientific data and be fami...interact professionally in research and professional environmentsinteract professionally in research and professional environmentsShow consideration to others as well as collegiality. Listen, give and receive feedback and respond perceptively to others, also involving staff supervision and leadership in a professional setting.disseminate results to the scientific communitydisseminate results to the scientific communityPublicly disclose scientific results by any appropriate means, including conferences, workshops, colloquia and scientific publications.operate open source softwareoperate open source softwareOperate Open Source software, knowing the main Open Source models, licensing schemes, and the coding practices commonly adopted in the production of Open Source software.speak different languagesspeak different languagesMaster foreign languages to be able to communicate in one or more foreign languages.mix chemicalsmix chemicalsMix chemical substances safely according to recipe, using the proper dosages.record test datarecord test dataRecord data which has been identified specifically during preceding tests in order to verify that outputs of the test produce specific results or to review the reaction of the subject under exceptiona...maintain laboratory equipmentmaintain laboratory equipmentClean laboratory glassware and other equipment after use and it for damage or corrosion in order to ensure its proper functioning.increase the impact of science on policy and societyincrease the impact of science on policy and societyInfluence evidence-informed policy and decision making by providing scientific input to and maintaining professional relationships with policymakers and other stakeholders.manage findable accessible interoperable and reusable datamanage findable accessible interoperable and reusable dataProduce, describe, store, preserve and (re) use scientific data based on FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) principles, making data as open as possible, and as closed as necessar...perform scientific researchperform scientific researchGain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.apply for research fundingapply for research fundingIdentify key relevant funding sources and prepare research grant application in order to obtain funds and grants. Write research proposals.run laboratory simulationsrun laboratory simulationsRun simulations on prototypes, systems or newly developed chemical products using laboratory equipment.apply safety procedures in laboratoryapply safety procedures in laboratoryMake sure that laboratory equipment is used in a safe manner and the handling of samples and specimens is correct. Work to ensure the validity of results obtained in research.analyse medication's impact on brainanalyse medication's impact on brainConsult on pharmaceutical drug trials that might impact the central nervous system.perform diagnostic testing for allergiesperform diagnostic testing for allergiesPerform diagnostic testing for allergies to drugs, vaccines, or other substances used in medicinal treatment.apply research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activitiesapply research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activitiesApply fundamental ethical principles and legislation to scientific research, including issues of research integrity. Perform, review, or report research avoiding misconducts such as fabrication, falsi...promote open innovation in researchpromote open innovation in researchApply techniques, models, methods and strategies which contribute to the promotion of steps towards innovation through collaboration with people and organizations outside the organisation.work safely with chemicalswork safely with chemicalsTake the necessary precautions for storing, using and disposing chemical products.promote the transfer of knowledgepromote the transfer of knowledgeDeploy broad awareness of processes of knowledge valorisation aimed to maximise the two–way flow of technology, intellectual property, expertise and capability between the research base and industry o...mentor individualsmentor individualsMentor individuals by providing emotional support, sharing experiences and giving advice to the individual to help them in their personal development, as well as adapting the support to the specific n...manage personal professional developmentmanage personal professional developmentTake responsibility for lifelong learning and continuous professional development. Engage in learning to support and update professional competence. Identify priority areas for professional developmen...develop professional network with researchers and scientistsdevelop professional network with researchers and scientistsDevelop alliances, contacts or partnerships, and exchange information with others. Foster integrated and open collaborations where different stakeholders co-create shared value research and innovation...integrate gender dimension in researchintegrate gender dimension in researchTake into account in the whole research process the biological characteristics and the evolving social and cultural features of women and men (gender).perform project managementperform project managementManage and plan various resources, such as human resources, budget, deadline, results, and quality necessary for a specific project, and monitor the project's progress in order to achieve a specific g...manage open publicationsmanage open publicationsBe familiar with Open Publication strategies, with the use of information technology to support research, and with the development and management of CRIS (current research information systems) and ins...conduct research across disciplinesconduct research across disciplinesWork and use research findings and data across disciplinary and/or functional boundaries.communicate with a non-scientific audiencecommunicate with a non-scientific audienceCommunicate about scientific findings to a non-scientific audience, including the general public. Tailor the communication of scientific concepts, debates, findings to the audience, using a variety of...wear appropriate protective gearwear appropriate protective gearWear relevant and necessary protective gear, such as protective goggles or other eye protection, hard hats, safety gloves.research designresearch designThe set of methods and techniques of research that are used to conduct a study. It includes practical steps in research such as purpose statement, data collection, methodology, and data analysis.synthesise informationsynthesise informationCritically read, interpret, and summarise new and complex information from diverse sources.laboratory techniqueslaboratory techniquesTechniques applied in the different fields of natural science in order to obtain experimental data such as gravimetric analysis, gas chromatography, electronic or thermic methods.demonstrate disciplinary expertisedemonstrate disciplinary expertiseDemonstrate deep knowledge and complex understanding of a specific research area, including responsible research, research ethics and scientific integrity principles, privacy and GDPR requirements, re...evaluate research activitiesevaluate research activitiesReview proposals, progress, impact and outcomes of peer researchers, including through open peer review.think abstractlythink abstractlyDemonstrate the ability to use concepts in order to make and understand generalisations, and relate or connect them to other items, events, or experiences.life scienceslife sciencesThe study of the processes related to cells, molecules and living organisms.publish academic researchpublish academic researchConduct academic research, in universities and research institutions, or on a personal account, publish it in books or academic journals with the aim of contributing to a field of expertise and achiev...toxicologytoxicologyThe negative effects of chemicals on living organisms, their dose and exposure.pharmaceutical chemistrypharmaceutical chemistryThe chemical aspects of identification and synthetic alteration of chemical entities as they relate to therapeutic use. The way various chemicals affect biological systems and how they can be integrat...scientific literaturescientific literatureThe medium of informing the scientific community, including academic researchers, about the results of scientific research. It constitutes a permanent and cumulative collection of all the findings of ...perform laboratory testsperform laboratory testsCarry out tests in a laboratory to produce reliable and precise data to support scientific research and product testing.write scientific publicationswrite scientific publicationsPresent the hypothesis, findings, and conclusions of your scientific research in your field of expertise in a professional publication.
Optional (33) — show
chemical preservationchemical preservationProcess of adding chemical compounds to a product, such as food or pharmaceutical products, to prevent decay caused by chemical changes or microbial activity.nuclear medicinenuclear medicineNuclear medicine is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.medical mycologymedical mycologyThe medical, biochemical and molecular studies of fungi; aspects of pathogenesis, immunology and epidemiology, clinical and laboratory approaches to diagnosis, antifungal therapy and prophylaxis and t...phytotherapyphytotherapyThe characteristics, the effects and the use of herbal medicines.general medicinegeneral medicineGeneral medicine is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.genomicsgenomicsThe field of study in relation to whole genomes of organisms, as well as their genetic or epigenetic sequence of information. It aims to provide knowledge about the downstream of biological products a...pharmaceutical manufacturing quality systemspharmaceutical manufacturing quality systemsThe quality systems model that apply in pharmaceutical manufacturies. The most common system ensures quality in facilities and equipment system, laboratory controls system, materials system, productio...biologybiologyTissues, cells, and functions of plant and animal organisms and their interdependencies and interactions with each other and the environment.multidisciplinary researchmultidisciplinary researchThe research technique where a common issue is investigated using approaches from different disciplines with the aim of finding a comprehensive solution to it.pharmaceutical industrypharmaceutical industryThe main stakeholders, companies and procedures in the pharmaceutical industry and the laws and regulations that govern the patenting, testing, safety and marketing of drugs.industrial research and developmentindustrial research and developmentThe set of activities that companies carry out to do industrial innovation and introduce new engineering products and services or new industrial production processes.write research proposalswrite research proposalsSynthetise and write proposals aiming to solve research problems. Draft the proposal baseline and objectives, the estimated budget, risks and impact. Document the advances and new developments on the ...assist in clinical trialsassist in clinical trialsWork with fellow scientists on clinical trials in order to improve medical methods for preventing, detecting, diagnosing, or treating diseases.improve safety of medicinesimprove safety of medicinesImprove the efficacy and safety of medication by promoting evidence-based medicine, development of guidelines and care protocols.analyse cell culturesanalyse cell culturesAnalyse cell cultures grown from tissue samples, performing also screening of the cervical smear to detect fertility issues.teach in academic or vocational contextsteach in academic or vocational contextsInstruct students in the theory and practice of academic or vocational subjects, transferring the content of own and others' research activities.analyse blood samplesanalyse blood samplesAnalyse blood samples using computer-aided and manual techniques, looking for white or red blood cell abnormalities and other risk factors.develop scientific theoriesdevelop scientific theoriesFormulate scientific theories based on empirical observations, gathered data and theories of other scientists.manufacture medicinesmanufacture medicinesFormulate and compound medicines performing pharmaceutical calculations, selecting the appropriate route of administration and dosage form for the medicine, the appropriate ingredients and excipients ...develop scientific research protocolsdevelop scientific research protocolsDevelop and record the procedural method used for a specific scientific experiment in order to enable its replication.develop vaccinesdevelop vaccinesCreate remedies that provide immunity against particular diseases by doing research and laboratory testing.archive scientific documentationarchive scientific documentationStore documents such as protocols, analysis results and scientific data using archiving systems to enable scientists and engineers to take methods and results from previous studies into account for th...apply blended learningapply blended learningBe familiar with blended learning tools by combining traditional face-to-face and online learning, using digital tools, online technologies, and e-learning methods.recommend product improvementsrecommend product improvementsRecommend product modifications, new features or accessories to keep customers interested.provide specialist pharmaceutical adviceprovide specialist pharmaceutical adviceProvide specialist information and advice on medicinal products such as the appropriate use, the adverse reactions and the interactions with other medications.manage adverse reactions to drugsmanage adverse reactions to drugsAnalyse and manage adverse reactions to drugs such as general and local anaesthetics and antibiotics, describing the principles of drug challenge and desensitisation to the allergic patient and provid...develop pharmaceutical drugsdevelop pharmaceutical drugsDevelop new therapeutic products according to the potential formulas, studies and indications recorded during the research process which involved also collaboration with physicians, biochemists and ph...assess environmental impactassess environmental impactMonitor environmental impacts and carry out assessments in order to identify and to reduce the organisation's environmental risks while taking costs into account.monitor patients during clinical testsmonitor patients during clinical testsPlan and monitor the safety of patients during clinical tests, reviewing the medical history and assessing their eligibility criteria. Perform ongoing medical monitoring of subjects enrolled into stud...contribute to registration of pharmaceutical productscontribute to registration of pharmaceutical productsParticipate in the registration process that allows the sale and distribution of substances that treat or prevent human and animal diseases or enable medical diagnosis.control productioncontrol productionPlan, coordinate, and direct all production activities to insure the goods are made on time, in correct order, of adequate quality and composition, starting from intake goods up to shipping.computational chemistrycomputational chemistryThe branch of chemistry that aims at addressing complex chemical problems through computer simulations.conduct experiments on animalsconduct experiments on animalsTest medicines and other product on animals in order to discover their effects.
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Frequently asked questions
What does a pharmacologist do?
Pharmacologists study the manner in which drugs and medicaments interact with organisms, living systems, and their parts (i.e. cells, tissues, or organs). Their research aims at identifying substances that can be ingested by humans and that exert adequate biochemical functions for curing illnesses.
What skills does a pharmacologist need?
A pharmacologist needs 52 essential skills, including pharmaceutical legislation, microbiology-bacteriology, biological chemistry, pharmaceutical drug development, pharmacovigilance legislation.
Will AI replace pharmacologist jobs?
The AI disruption score for pharmacologist is 59/100 (high risk). Skills most exposed to automation: record test data, archive scientific documentation, draft scientific or academic papers and technical documentation. Most resilient: mentor individuals, interact professionally in research and professional environments, develop professional network with researchers and scientists.
AI Replacement Risk
59/ 100
High Risk
Low riskHigh risk
Skills most at risk from AI
Skills resilient to automation
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