Non-academic research careers: A PhD’s guide to standing out from the crowd
Just finished your PhD. or a postdoctoral position? Considering making a move out of academia? We’ve put together some essential content with practical advice to help you take the next steps.
In this summary article, we discuss the research opportunities available in the industry and the public sector and weigh up the pros and cons of academia. We’ve also included key application tips, to make sure you stand out from the competition.
Introduction
After finishing a doctorate, the traditional academic career route entails taking on a succession of short-term postdoctoral contracts of two to three years. The main aim being — to bolster your reputation, experience and publication record, so you can apply for tenure. This academic career path does not appeal to everyone. If you don’t feel strongly motivated about gaining a lectureship, but do enjoy your research, the good news is, there are many other career paths available.
Non-academic research careers: Pros, cons and skills required
As an early career researcher, having completed your PhD., or first postdoctoral position, you may be passionate about working in a research environment. After all, this is precisely what your training has geared you towards to date. However, what if you’re not convinced that academia is the right career setting for you? In this article, we will give you a practical insight into the diverse research opportunities available outside of academia, discussing the skills needed alongside the pros and cons of making the move.
Beyond academia: Improving employment prospects and versatility as a PhD
With a shortfall of entry-level positions in academia, many doctorate holders may choose to, or need to look elsewhere for employment after completing their studies. There is often a disparity seen between the amount of faculty career support given to making undergraduates ready for the wider job market versus their postgraduates counterparts. This leaves PhD’s asking — how do you make yourself stand out from the crowd for employment beyond the academy?
Research in Academia or Industry? How to transition both ways and succeed
In a continuation of our recent article series on research outside academia, we talk to Dr. Chris Langmead about his diverse and successful career in drug discovery. Dr. Langmead has transitioned between roles in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry — with a recent move back to academia. He compares and contrasts his experiences, offering guidance to those wanting to move between these sectors. His career journey serves to emphasise — it’s not a stark unalterable career choice between the two sectors, you can move both ways.
What to expect from research roles in the public sector
Public sector research positions are available in a wide range of institutes that are sponsored or owned by the government and run on a not-for-profit basis. If you’re looking to transition to this sector from academia you may have questions that need answering. Where do you work? How does working in the public sector differ from research in academia? What are the advantages and disadvantages over university positions? We spoke to researchers employed in the sector, to get their viewpoint and insights.
Video: How to Prepare for a Job Interview in Industry
Dr Sheba Agarwal-Jans explains how early career researchers can best prepare for a job interview for a role in the industry.
Summary
There is a clear disparity between the number of people seeking permanent academic research positions versus the available roles. The good news is that there are are many non-academic research opportunities available for early-stage researchers to consider. Opportunities are predominantly found in industry and the public sector. Many researchers cite obtaining a permanent position or gaining a more diverse employment experience as a motivation factor for leaving academia. If you decide to transition, it’s important to prepare yourself for the different recruitment techniques employed, and educate yourself about your new environment and role. The academic research skill set you have acquired is a valuable asset to your industry or public sector employer, but additional requirements and qualities are needed.