A clinical pharmacologist is an excellent asset to any medical research team. Clinical pharmacologists are educated in the field of pharmaceutical products, but their knowledge runs much deeper than that of a pharmacist. Clinical pharmacologists apply the knowledge to research and real-life aspects. They are helpful to any research team, bridging the gap between medical professionals and pharmacists. In most cases, they work on projects to test and discover new drugs. They study the side effects of each medication and are then able to work with others on the team to modify or change anything necessary.

Without these valuable professionals, many medications available today may not be as safe as they are. When commercials appear on television stating that one drug may not be safe and those who took it are encouraged to call a number, these advertisements are the result of clinical pharmacologists. They are well educated in all of the aspects of anatomy and physiology. These workers study how each substance is distributed, stored or discharged by the body. Schooling is much more intensive than that of pharmacists. Pharmacologists must earn their PhD to be considered for the high-paying science-based jobs. Although they are normally part of a team, working alone must be something that is possible if needed. Not all employers use an entire team; some may only require one or two researchers, each of which who work independently.

A typical day in the life of one of these medical professionals includes long hours in a laboratory. The working conditions are not as pleasant as one might assume. Hours of standing, stooping and bending are all part of the job description. Contact with chemicals, some of which may be dangerous, are also a frequent possibility. Accidents with chemical spills can cause long-term and permanent damage. In some conditions, these workers may be exposed to extreme heat or cold, if their laboratory requires a temperature-controlled environment for research. Depending on where they are employed, these scientists may work in labs at a hospital, research center or a university.

Earnings vary greatly between one individual to the next. Those who worked at dispensaries actually earned more on average than those who were employed in scientific studies. When working in scientific research, the average annual salary was about $80,000, according to reports from the federal Bureau of Labor & Statistics in 2008. One benefit enjoyed by people in this profession was the excellent average health benefits. Being employed by a university or other school was the least beneficial job reported, in respect to salary. The average annual pay was about $52,000.