Science & ResearchISCO 2131
Physiologist
A physiologist is a person who studies how living organisms work: their parts, the processes inside them and the interactions between them.
Check yourself in a minute: physiologist
Rate 5 of the 39 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 physiologist
What does a physiologist do day to day? They research how a living system responds to disease, to physical activity and to stress, and develop methods and solutions meant to protect the organism from those factors. Where the subject is people, human physiology is the foundation: circulation, respiration, muscle, metabolism and the nervous system.
The physiologist synthesises information, setting new results against what the literature already shows, drafts scientific papers and technical documentation, and disseminates results to the scientific community. Applications for research funding are part of the job. Knowledge transfer belongs here as well: handing findings to the people meant to use them, in medicine, in sport or in industry.
Research ethics and scientific integrity govern the work, and the gender dimension is taken into account when research is planned. How to become a physiologist: the route runs through a degree in biology or medicine and then research under an experienced scientist.
Key Work Functions
Core areas of responsibility for a physiologist.
1
Scientific Research Design and Execution
- Design and plan physiological research experiments and studies
- Develop research hypotheses based on existing scientific literature
- Execute complex laboratory protocols and scientific methodologies
- Perform specialized laboratory tests and measurements
- Maintain detailed records of experimental procedures and outcomes
2
Laboratory Work and Technical Operations
- Operate and maintain sophisticated laboratory equipment and instruments
- Prepare specimens and samples according to scientific standards
- Perform histological analyses and microscopic examinations
- Handle hazardous materials and biological specimens safely
- Troubleshoot equipment malfunctions and implement corrective measures
3
Data Analysis and Scientific Interpretation
- Analyze physiological data using statistical and computational methods
- Manage research data using FAIR principles for accessibility and reusability
- Interpret experimental results in context of existing scientific knowledge
- Operate open source software and specialized research tools
- Identify patterns and draw meaningful conclusions from complex datasets
4
Scientific Communication and Publication
- Draft scientific and academic papers for peer-reviewed journals
- Create technical documentation and research reports
- Present research findings at scientific conferences and seminars
- Disseminate results to the scientific community through publications
- Interact professionally with peers and collaborate on research projects
5
Research Leadership and Grant Management
- Apply for and secure research funding from various sources
- Manage research budgets and allocate resources efficiently
- Supervise and mentor junior researchers and graduate students
- Evaluate research activities and outcomes against objectives
- Demonstrate disciplinary expertise and contribute to scientific advancement
6
Knowledge Integration and Impact
- Synthesize knowledge across physiological disciplines and related fields
- Increase the impact of science on policy and society
- Engage in scientific committees and professional associations
- Stay current with scientific advances and emerging research areas
- Translate research findings into practical applications for healthcare
European Skills Framework
Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.
Essential (39)
human physiologyhuman physiologyThe science that studies the human organs and its interactions and mechanisms.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.histologyhistologyThe microscopic analysis of cells and tissues.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.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...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.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.calibrate laboratory equipmentcalibrate laboratory equipmentCalibrate laboratory equipment by comparing between measurements: one of known magnitude or correctness, made with a trusted device and a second measurement from another piece of laboratory equipment....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.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 on faunaconduct research on faunaCollect and analyse data about animal life in order to discover the basic aspects such as origin, anatomy, and function.synthesise informationsynthesise informationCritically read, interpret, and summarise new and complex information from diverse sources.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...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.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...biologybiologyTissues, cells, and functions of plant and animal organisms and their interdependencies and interactions with each other and the environment.human anatomyhuman anatomyThe dynamic relationship of human structure and function and the muscosceletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, endocrine, urinary, reproductive, integumentary and nervous systems; normal and ...write scientific publicationswrite scientific publicationsPresent the hypothesis, findings, and conclusions of your scientific research in your field of expertise in a professional publication.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...scientific research methodologyscientific research methodologyThe theoretical methodology used in scientific research involving doing background research, constructing an hypothesis, testing it, analysing data and concluding the results.apply scientific methodsapply scientific methodsApply scientific methods and techniques to investigate phenomena, by acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.perform laboratory testsperform laboratory testsCarry out tests in a laboratory to produce reliable and precise data to support scientific research and product testing.perform scientific researchperform scientific researchGain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.
Optional (40) — show
life scienceslife sciencesThe study of the processes related to cells, molecules and living organisms.neoplasianeoplasiaThe characteristics of tumour formation, genetics, growth, cellular transformation and clonality.occupational physiologyoccupational physiologyThe complex physiology of specific jobs and its relation to disorders and medical conditions and the way to optimize health, work ability, and productivity.nuclear medicinenuclear medicineNuclear medicine is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.exercise physiologyexercise physiologyThe effect of exercise on pathology and how the exercise can mitigate or reverse disease progression.neuroscienceneuroscienceThe field of study related to the structure, the development and the functions of the nervous system. It focuses on the normal functions of the nervous system, and to what happens in presence of neuro...dermapathologydermapathologyThe cutaneous diseases at a microscopic and molecular level and the methods to analyse the potential causes of skin diseases at a basic level.intracranial hypertensionintracranial hypertensionThe pathophysiology of elevated intracranial pressure and cerebral perfusion, the influence of blood gases, blood pressure, fluid and electrolyte balance.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.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 ...rehabilitationrehabilitationThe methods and procedures used to help an ill or injured person restore lost skills and regain self-sufficiency and control.proteomicsproteomicsThe study of proteomes (i.e., the complements of proteins within cells, tissues or organisms), and their interactions and behaviours, under specific conditions.hepatologyhepatologyThe characteristics of the liver, biliary tree, gallbladder, and pancreas, as well as management of their disorders.scientific modellingscientific modellingScientific activity consisting in selecting the relevant aspects of a situation and aiming to represent physical processes, empirical objects and phenomena to allow a better understanding, visualisati...ergonomicsergonomicsThe science of designing systems, processes and products that complement the strengths of people so that they can use them easily and safely.urolithiasis in the urinary tracturolithiasis in the urinary tractThe causes of stone formation in the urinary tract, the different types of stone composition and the treatment methods for urolithiasis and different methods for voiding the upper urinary tract in the...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 ...explain types of coagulation disordersexplain types of coagulation disordersExplain to patients the types of coagulation disorders and the risks involved, such as thrombosis, strokes, and hemorrhage.prepare lesson contentprepare lesson contentPrepare content to be taught in class in accordance with curriculum objectives by drafting exercises, researching up-to-date examples etc.assist patients with rehabilitationassist patients with rehabilitationAssist to develop and restore patient`s body systems, their neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and respiratory systems, helping them in the rehabilitation process.assist in performing physical exercisesassist in performing physical exercisesPrescribe and assist physical exercises to help increase strength and dexterity.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.perform lecturesperform lecturesPresent lectures to various groups.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.conduct preoperative investigationsconduct preoperative investigationsConduct tests before a planned surgical operation, taking into consideration possible risk factors apparent from the clinical assessment, the likelihood of asymptomatic abnormalities and the severity ...interpret electromyogramsinterpret electromyogramsAnalyse and interpret electromyograms or EMGs to detect the electrical potential generated by muscle cells when these cells are electrically or neurologically activated.develop scientific theoriesdevelop scientific theoriesFormulate scientific theories based on empirical observations, gathered data and theories of other scientists.gather experimental datagather experimental dataCollect data resulting from the application of scientific methods such as test methods, experimental design or measurements.explain the molecular basis of a disease to patientsexplain the molecular basis of a disease to patientsExplain to patients the basis of their disease from the molecular and metabolic points of view and how therapies can affect their lifestyles.develop scientific research protocolsdevelop scientific research protocolsDevelop and record the procedural method used for a specific scientific experiment in order to enable its replication.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.conduct polysomnographyconduct polysomnographyPerform a sleep study in order to diagnose sleep disorders, recording measures of the sleep cycles and stages, including air flow in and out of the lungs, the level of oxygen in the blood, brain waves...advise on rehabilitation exercisesadvise on rehabilitation exercisesEducate and advise on rehabilitation exercises to aid long-term recovery, teaching the appropriate techniques to ensure health is maintained.conduct experiments on animalsconduct experiments on animalsTest medicines and other product on animals in order to discover their effects.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.develop patient treatment strategiesdevelop patient treatment strategiesConsult with fellow doctors and scientists in order to find the appropriate and most effective treatment for each individual patient.offer advice on diet-related concernsoffer advice on diet-related concernsOffer advice on dietary concerns such as overweight or elevated cholesterol levels.clinical immunopathologyclinical immunopathologyThe pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of disorders associated with an excessive, defective or unwarranted immune response. The difference between the pathogenesis of disorders of the immune system...
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Frequently asked questions
What does a physiologist do?
Physiologists study and exert research on the functioning of different living organisms, the parts they are composed of, and their interactions. They understand the fashion in which living systems react to factors such as diseases, physical activity, and stress, and use that information to develop methods and solutions to even out the effect that those stimuli have in living bodies.
What skills does a physiologist need?
A physiologist needs 39 essential skills, including human physiology, laboratory techniques, histology, draft scientific or academic papers and technical documentation, manage research data.
Will AI replace physiologist jobs?
The AI disruption score for physiologist is 18/100 (low risk). Skills most exposed to automation: archive scientific documentation, draft scientific or academic papers and technical documentation, write scientific publications. Most resilient: mentor individuals, assist patients with rehabilitation, human anatomy.
AI Replacement Risk
18/ 100
Low Risk
Low riskHigh risk
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