immunologist

An immunologist is a scientist or clinician who studies the immune system, including its cells, tissues, and molecular pathways, and how it defends the body against infections, cancer, and other threats. Immunologists work in academic research, hospitals, and industry, contributing to basic science, translational research, and clinical care.

Education: In most countries, careers in immunology begin with a bachelor's degree in a related field. A PhD is typical for research-focused roles, while clinical immunologists may complete medical training (MD or DO) and a residency or fellowship in allergy and immunology or clinical immunology. Certification or board eligibility is common in some regions.

Areas of focus: Basic immunology (innate and adaptive immunity, immunogenetics, signaling), translational immunology (vaccines, immunotherapies, monoclonal antibodies), and clinical immunology (diagnosis and management of immune disorders such as primary immunodeficiencies, autoimmune diseases, allergies, and inflammatory conditions). Subfields include vaccinology, transplant immunology, and cancer immunology.

Techniques and duties: Designing and conducting experiments, analyzing immune responses, and applying genomic and proteomic approaches. Laboratory work may involve flow cytometry, ELISA, ELISPOT, PCR, and cell culture. Clinically oriented immunologists may assess patients, order tests for immune function, interpret results, and guide treatment with immunotherapies and biologics.

Career context: Immunologists collaborate with clinicians, epidemiologists, and industry scientists to advance understanding of immunity and to develop vaccines, therapies, and diagnostic tools. The field is interdisciplinary, bridging molecular biology, medicine, genetics, and bioinformatics.