Basic researchers and translational researchers are involved in the research process within science and medicine through the study of ‘science for science sake’ to determine general scientific principles without involving clinical trials.

Other researchers extend research by applying it directly to medical practice through clinical trials or working with samples taken from patients on clinical trials.

Basic researchers are critical members of research teams.  As a basic researcher, you will work in laboratories, university libraries, and in various medical settings to conduct research within a specific field. You may work on model organisms such as worms, fish or yeast to evaluate a biological problem. As a translational researcher, you will conduct research in similar settings.  You will develop clinical trials or work with a clinician who writes clinical trials to test your findings in medical settings.  From there, your findings will be utilized in medical practice with the expectation of generating real world health outcomes in the form of new medicines and innovative treatments, diagnosis, or prevention. You may work directly with a pharmaceutical company and provide results from the clinical trial for new medications to that company.  As a principal investigator, you may obtain a grant to perform your work and need to abide by specific regulations or guidelines. You may also need to document goals met at specific intervals and be held accountable by the grant issuing agency.  As the principal investigator, you may lead a team of researchers.  You will break down the research project into smaller tasks and assign tasks to researchers.