What Should I Expect from a Neuroscience Job?

An individual who works at a neuroscience job can expect to study the brain's nervous system in an attempt to gain a better understanding of how the brain works. Those who work in neuroscience desire to understand how the nervous system functions, and have the interesting task of studying how the brain develops human thought and emotion. A neuroscience job deals with a lot abstract research that involves studying things like intuition, instinct, and various emotions.

Working in the neuroscience field requires that a person have an interest in both psychology and science. Neuroscience uses a combination of molecular biology and psychological theories to understand the brain and behavior. These fields collaborate together to provide solutions for repairing damaged neurons and restoring cognitive functions in the brain.

Commonly, a neuroscience job involves using computer systems that are able to scan the brain. Brain scanners give researchers the ability to view the electrical activity that is happening in the brain. The most common technology used by neuroscientists are 3-D mapping devices that give surgeons better precision with operating. A professional in neuroscience can expect to manage equipment like MRI, CTA, and DTI machines.

One of the main employment areas for individuals in neuroscience is research. Neuroscience research has been used to better understand how to treat many illnesses such as Alzheimer's Disease and schizophrenia. Millions of people are relying on the neuroscience industry to eventually provide cures for devastating mental disorders.

Professionals in neuroscience can also expect to spend significant amounts of time working in a laboratory setting. A neuroscience job requires a great deal of time to be spent on research efforts that examine chemicals, cells, and pathogens. Working productively in a laboratory is an essential duty of many neuroscientists.

According to the Society for Neuroscience, obtaining a doctoral degree is often necessary before an individual can secure a neuroscience job. Many universities offer PhD programs for students interested in neuroscience. Studying for a doctorate degree is time consuming, intellectually challenging, and can take up to nine years, however, a career in neuroscience can be very rewarding.

Those who work in neuroscience are employed in top healthcare facilities, universities, and are often able to secure employment with the government. Working in the neuroscience field opens the doors for other occupations in healthcare industries because of the vast knowledge that neuroscience professionals accumulate.