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PhD holders have various career opportunities outside academia, such as medical science liaisons, policy analysts, business development leaders, etc. This article explores some of these options for PhDs and postdocs who are struggling to find a tenure-track position in US academia.
Scientific business development leader
How do PhD holders find jobs outside academia?
Do PhD holders need a different CV if looking at jobs outside academia?
How can PhD students prepare for their job search while still in graduate school?
Medical science liaison
What does a medical science liaison do?
A medical science liaison (MSL) is a scientific expert in pharmaceutical, medical device, and other healthcare-related industries, and their role is to establish peer-to-peer relationships between their employer and the medical community. MSLs are not salespersons. Their primary responsibility is communicating complex scientific information to healthcare practitioners. They answer those practitioners’ technical questions and clarify clinical concerns. MSLs focus on key opinion leader engagement, understanding on-the-ground physician and patient needs, and also support clinical trials.
Who hires medical science liaisons?
Pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, healthcare-related companies, clinical research organizations
Why are PhD holders preferred for medical science liaison jobs?
Many pharma and biomedical companies hire PhDs as MSLs because of their in-depth knowledge and superior scientific communication skills.
Policy analyst
What does a policy analyst do?
A policy analyst’s primary role is to research, develop, and analyze policies, usually those with significant social, economic, industrial, or healthcare impact.
Who hires policy analysts?
Policy analysts are employed by think tanks, nonprofits, as well as government bodies. Many consulting firms, especially those in public sector consulting, also hire policy analysts.
Why hire PhD holders as policy analysts?
PhD holders excel at this role because they already have experience in collecting and analyzing different kinds of data, using different methodologies. They are also skilled at collating their insights and presenting them to different audiences.
Medical writer
What do medical writers do?
Medical writers create scientific communication of all kinds, ranging from regulatory reports to journal articles to continuing medical education material. They also create slide decks for presentations and patient education leaflets.
Who hires medical writers?
Medical writers work at pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, clinical research organizations, medical device manufacturers, and even high-end healthcare websites, medical education platforms, and specialized agencies like Thermo Fisher Scientific.
Why hire PhDs as medical writers?
PhD holders are preferred for medical writer roles because the role demands in-depth technical and medical knowledge, strong writing skills, and experience with the scientific publication and communication ecosystem.
Science Communicator
What does a science communicator do?
A science communicator is essentially a storyteller who translates complex scientific research into easy-to-understand and engaging material for laypersons. Science communicators create text, audio, and video-based materials.
Who hires science communicators?
Science communicators are often hired by universities to help communicate their research to the public, funders, and other stakeholders. They are also hired by museums, academic publishers, research societies, and scientific companies in the fields of pharma, chemistry, biotechnology, and life sciences.
Why hire PhDs as science communicators?
A science communicator has to be a technical expert, capable of thoroughly understanding the content concerned before simplifying and communicating it. PhD holders have in-depth scientific knowledge and often have experience in communicating science in a variety of formats (e.g., posters, presentations, research papers).
Scientific Business Development Leader
What does a scientific business development leader do?
In companies closely related to research, such as pharma or biotechnology companies, a business development leader is responsible for increasing company growth by bridging complex science with commercial/market needs. They help identify opportunities for growth such as university tech transfers, new technologies or research insights. They often develop relationships with key opinion leaders such as leading researchers or policymakers.
Who hires scientific business development leaders?
Companies in the science fields, such as biotechnology and scientific equipment manufacturers
Why hire PhDs as scientific business development leaders?
Having a PhD gives scientific business development leaders an edge because they need to work closely with internal R&D teams as well as network with industry experts and thought leaders. Their specialized knowledge helps them better understand their product, market needs, and to develop marketing plans accordingly.
Curriculum Leader
What does a curriculum leader do?
A curriculum leader designs and shapes educational programs and curriculum by understanding student needs, state standards, and current scientific advances. They oversee the development of learning materials and courseware and often conduct professional development activities for teachers.
Who hires curriculum leaders?
Curriculum leaders are hired by public school districts, edtech companies, charter school management organizations, etc.
Why hire PhDs as curriculum leaders?
PhDs have in-depth insights on how curriculum impacts learning and understanding of science. They also possess rich technical knowledge and are up-to-date about latest advances and developments in the field, which makes them capable of identifying obsolete, irrelevant, or unnecessary educational content.
How do PhD holders find jobs outside academia?
PhD holders can find jobs outside academia listed on job portals like Indeed and ZipRecruiter, as well as by networking on industry-focused social medial platforms like LinkedIn, trade and industry publications, and professional organizations.
Do PhD holders need a different CV if looking at jobs outside academia?
Yes, if you’re applying for a job outside academia, your CV should be less about your publication history and more about what skills you are bringing to the role. Some of the key PhD skills that are in demand outside academia are
- Experience in designing, planning, and executing long-term projects
- Data analysis, management, and interpretation
- Ability to manage resources efficiently
- Writing and communication skills
Pro Tip: Always highlight what aspects of your PhD work directly relate to the job you’re applying for. For example, if you’re applying for a science communicator job, highlight the graphical abstracts or posters you’ve prepared. If you’re applying for a scientific business leader position, highlight your ability to secure funding, manage budgets, utilize resources efficiently, network with other researchers, etc.
How can PhD students prepare for their job search while still in graduate school?
PhD students can take several steps to make themselves “hireable” while still in graduate school, such as
- Network with vendors and industry reps at conferences, as well as researchers
- Attend workshops or courses in a variety of data analysis and management techniques
- Intern if possible in the industry you’re attracted to
- Follow industry-focused blogs or content creators that can give you an idea of what working outside academia is like and tips to ace job interviews, such as AskAManager
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