Which industry job is right for you?

Information Business, Sales & Research & Clinical &

Aggregation Finance, & Policy Marketing Development Medical Affairs
& Patents “I want to liaise and “I want to “I want to conduct and “I want to liaise with
“I want to learn about, solve classical business communicate product manage research, test, medical staff and be
write about, edit, problems, understand information, build analyze, and develop involved in the
analyze, and patent the numbers, and influence professional concepts, products, regulation and
latest innovations and scientific and business relationships, and systems, and development of
information related to policy.” engage in client-facing treatments.” medical drugs,
these innovations.” activities.” treatments, implants,
and devices.”

Application Product User R&D Project Medical Epidemiologists

Intellectual Property Financial Services Scientist Manager Experience Manager Affairs
Researcher

IP Lawyer Patent Agent Quantitative Equity

or Scientific Analyst Research
Consultant Analyst Market Capital R&D Senior Medical Clinical Trial
Research Equipment Scientist Scientist/ Science Project
Analyst Specialist Engineer Liaison Manager

Technology Patent Financial

Transfer Examiner Analyst
Officer Technical Marketing Principal Quality / Clinical Clinical
Sales Communication Scientist Process Research Research
Specialist Specialist /Engineer Professional Associate Scientist

Communication Business and Strategy

Post-Market Application Computer Technology Regulatory Clinical Data
Surveillance Support Scientist Assessment Affairs Manager
Scientific Scientific Management Research Specialist Engineer & Alliance
Journalism / Writer / Consulting Analyst in a Manager
Publishing Technical VC Firm
Editor

Technology Health Clinical Clinical

Economics & Research
Development Research
Medical Academic Competitive Business Outcome Organization
Scientist Coordinator
Writer Publisher Intelligence Analyst Research
Analyst Professional

Informatics
Secondary Business Scientific Software
School Teacher Development Consultant Specialist
/Learning Manager
Consultant

Not-for- Diversity &

Information and Data Profit Officer Inclusion
Management (D&I) Officer
COLOR KEY

Salary in top 10%

Healthcare Business
Informatics Intelligence
Technologist Analyst Higher Travel >50% often required
Education
Adminstrator
Remote/Hybrid position
Data Operations
Scientist Research In-house position
Analyst
Research Policy, Funding
and Government Innovation position

Statistician/ Economist
Policy Grants
Commercial position
Mathematician
Officer Facilitator
Numbers heavy position

Writing intensive position

Energy Artifical
Science Public
Analyst Intelligence
Specialist
Ethicist Program / Management
Agency
Officer
Entry-Level

International Program / Customer Facing Position

Development Project
Professional Manager
Highly Technical Position
Information Aggregation &
Patents Career Track
Intellectual Property
1. Intellectual Property Lawyer

2. Patent Agent

3. Technology Transfer Officer

4. Patent Examiner

Communication
5. Journalist

6. Technical Writer/Editor

7. Medical Writer/Editor

8. Academic Publisher

9. Secondary School Teacher/Learning Consultant

Information and Data Management

10. Healthcare/Clinical Informatics Specialist

PhD Industry Position Guide

11. Business Intelligence Analyst

12. Data Science Professional

13. Operations Research Analyst

14. Statistician/Mathematician

15. Economist

16. Energy Analyst

17. Artificial Intelligence Specialist

Sales and Marketing

Career Track
18. Application Specialist

19. Product Manager

20. Market Research Analyst

21. Capitol Equipment Specialist

22. Technical Sales Specialist

23. Marketing Communications Specialist

24. Post-Market Surveillance Specialist

25. Application Support Engineer

PhD Industry Position Guide

Research and Development
Career Track
26. User Experience Researcher

27. R&D Project Manager

28. Scientist/Researcher

29. Engineer

30. Senior Scientist/Engineer

31. Principal Scientist/Engineer

32. Quality/Process Professional

33. Technology Assessment & Alliance Manager

34. Health Economics and Outcomes Research Professional

35. Informatics Software Specialist

36. Technology Development Specialist

37. Computer Scientist

PhD Industry Position Guide

Clinical and Medical Affairs
Career Track
38. Medical Affairs Manager

39. Epidemiologist

40. Medical Science Liaison

41. Clinical Trial Project Manager

42. Clinical Research Associate

43. Clinical Research Scientist

44. Regulatory Affairs

45. Clinical Data Manager

Business, Finance & Policy

Career Track
Financial Services
46. Quantitative Analyst

47. Equity Research Analyst

48. Financial Analyst

PhD Industry Position Guide

Business and Strategy
49. Management Consultant

50. Research Analyst in Venture Capital

51. Competitive Intelligence Analyst

52. Business Analyst

53. Business Developer

54. Scientific Consultant

55. Not-for-Profit Officer

56. Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) Officer

57. Higher Education Administrator

Policy, Funding, and Public Service

58. Policy Officer

59. Grants Facilitator

60. Science Ethicist

61. Public Program/Agency Officer

62. International Development Professional

63. Program/Project Manager

PhD Industry Position Guide

Information Aggregation &
Patents Career Track
The careers in the Information Aggregation & Patents Career Track are best for PhDs who want their

professional lives to focus on information synthesis, data analysis, and communication. This Track

is subdivided into three fields: Intellectual Property, Communication, and Information and Data

Management.

Intellectual Property (IP)

1. Intellectual Property Lawyer
Other Names For This Role: Intellectual Property Attorney, Patent Lawyer, Patent Attorney

Intellectual property lawyers practice patent law, the branch of IP law that deals with new scientific

or technical inventions. They are responsible for all activities associated with patent law including

filing patents and providing legal counsel on IP matters. Most of their time is spent conducting

research to support the preparation of legal documents and interpreting laws and regulations for the

individual inventors and companies that are their clients. IP lawyers also provide legal representation

in IP cases when needed.

This role is ideal for those with a technical background who don’t mind a lot of reading and writing

and want to serve as defenders of innovation. One of its perks is that it provides access to confidential

information about recent inventions. IP lawyers are also very well compensated.

PhDs wishing to become patent lawyers will need to learn patent law, earn a JD, and pass the

patent bar exam. Look for a role as an IP lawyer at IP law firms, technology-based organizations

that are large enough to have their own legal teams, government agencies, and some major research

institutions. A few examples of entities that hire these professionals include Foley and Lardner, LLP,

PhD Industry Position Guide

Cummins Inc., and the NIH. To transition, leverage your technical knowledge and attention to detail

along with the research and technical writing skills you gained during your PhD.

2. Patent Agent
Other Names For This Role: Scientific Consultant, Technical Advisor, Patent Associate

Patent agents help clients obtain patents to protect their inventions. These professionals leverage their

technical expertise and research skills to evaluate the patentability of new innovations. They also

draft patent applications and respond to patent-granting agency actions. They cannot legally represent

their clients; this function can only be performed by an IP lawyer.

The patent agent role is a good fit for PhDs with a technical background and strong writing skills who

are interested in IP. It can also be a great career step for those who wish to become an IP lawyer but

want to gain experience before going to law school.

PhDs wishing to become patent agents often start out as scientific consultants or technical advisors

who support IP law firms by searching patents and conducting scientific or technical due diligence.

This work provides practical experience in the legal field and preparation for the patent bar exam.

PhDs must pass this exam in order to officially function as a patent agent. Once they become a patent

agent, they may work for the same institutions that employ IP lawyers: IP law firms, technology-based

organizations that are large enough to have their own legal teams, government agencies, and some

major research institutions. A few examples of entities that hire these professionals include Kilpatrick

Townsend and Stockton, Apple Inc., and Johnson & Johnson. PhDs wishing to secure a patent agent

position should emphasize their technical expertise, writing skills, and research skills.

3. Technology Transfer Officer

Other Names For This Role: Technology Transfer Specialist, Licensing and Patenting Associate, Licensing
Officer, Royalties Assistant, Monitoring and Enforcement Officer

PhD Industry Position Guide

Technology transfer officers manage IP and facilitate the commercialization of technologies created

through research at universities and research centers to help these institutions receive a return

on their investment in research. Their work often involves building relationships with researchers

and potential commercial partners. Technology transfer officers help these parties understand

the potential commercial applications of research. They work with patent lawyers to file patent

applications and negotiate contracts for the commercial development of IP. They may also help

establish start-up companies and maintain existing license compliance.

A technology transfer officer role is a great fit for PhDs with a technical background who are

interested in working at the intersection of IP and business. The position offers PhDs the opportunity

to develop experience in IP law and business strategy in a university or research institute setting. It

can also provide an excellent path to transition into a career in IP law or business development.

PhDs can look for technology transfer officer roles at universities, research institutes, research

hospitals, and federal laboratories. Examples include the University of Cambridge, Veterans Affairs

(VA) Medical Centers, and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. There are also a few stand-alone

technology transfer firms that employ technology transfer officers. PhDs aiming for a technology

transfer officer position should have strong project management, communication, and negotiation

skills. They may also need to complete a technology transfer internship or a program such as the NIH

Technology Transfer Fellowship.

4. Patent Examiner
Other Names For This Role: Patent Analyst

Patent examiners evaluate patent applications. They decide whether an invention is novel enough to be

granted a patent and communicate their decision with the applicant. To make their evaluations, patent

examiners search patent databases to gather information on existing patents to compare with a new

submission. They also draw on their technical and legal knowledge. Meanwhile, the communication

portion of the patent examiner role consists of writing a report about their decision. It may also

PhD Industry Position Guide

involve negotiating with inventors or their legal representatives to make changes to the patent.

PhDs with technical backgrounds who enjoy writing, legal duties, and research may find the patent

examiner role a good fit. Like other IP roles, it provides access to information on new inventions,

which can be a great benefit to those who enjoy working with emerging technologies.

PhDs wishing to transition into a patent examiner role should look for employment with government

agencies such as the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) or European Patent Office

(EPO). They will need to be comfortable working alone and being restricted to one of the few cities

where one of these patent offices are located. They will also need to leverage their research, writing,

and critical thinking skills. Knowing multiple languages can be helpful as well since patent work

increasingly involves communication with international parties.

Communication
5. Journalist
Other Names For This Role: Subject Matter Writer (eg. Health Writer, Economics Writer, Religion Writer,
etc.), Subject Matter Journalist (e.g. Scientific Journalist, Business Journalist)

Journalists research and write news articles or stories about real events. Many cover a specific subject

area such as science, economics, medicine, religion, or politics. Research activities for journalists

include gathering previously published information on the relevant topics, interviewing eyewitnesses

and subject matter experts, and fact-checking. Based on this research, journalists prepare a news story

that presents the facts in a way that is balanced and accessible to a lay audience.

PhDs who have a passion for communication and strong writing skills may want to consider working

as journalists specializing in the coverage of their particular subject. Many PhDs who work as

journalists appreciate the opportunity to reach a broad audience that their role provides. Some even

consider their work a form of public education.

PhD Industry Position Guide

Journalists can find employment in new channels, journals that focus on a specific subject area,

and news magazines. Examples include ABC News, National Geographic, and The Atlantic. PhDs

wishing to transition into the journalism industry should emphasize their research and writing skills.

Additionally, their advanced training in their respective field can be an advantage because it comes

with in-depth knowledge that can help ensure valuable accuracy in reporting. Starting a blog can

provide a way for these PhDs to show that they can write for a lay audience rather than just other

PhDs. In doing so, this activity helps open doors into the field of journalism.

6. Technical Writer/Editor
Other Names For This Role: Scientific Writer/Editor, Science Writer

Technical writers/editors are responsible for producing documents to communicate with investors,

provide information to the general public, deliver instruction to an audience, advertise products, and

maintain a social media presence. Such documents might include instruction manuals, journal articles,

how-to guides, and technical reports. The document production process for technical writers/editors

involves developing ideas for content, gathering information, writing, and editing. Technical writers’

and editors’ work also involves distributing documents through an organization’s communications

channels.

PhDs who really like researching information and content production tend to enjoy technical writing

or editing careers. These careers may allow them to stay close to their field without requiring

direct participation in the research process. They also offer the opportunity to work on content on

a wide range of technical or scientific topics. PhDs from both the humanities and technical fields

are qualified for these careers because they require a combination of exceptional English skills and

technical knowledge. In general, technical writing roles are best for PhDs who prefer content creation

while technical editing roles are better for those who would rather shape a piece of content’s direction

and provide quality control.

PhDs may find employment as technical writers or editors at companies in technology-based

PhD Industry Position Guide

industries such as IT, pharmaceuticals, and biotech. Examples include Abbott Laboratories, Amazon,

and Planet Pharma. Some market research firms and governmental organizations also employ

technical writers and editors. To secure one of these roles, PhDs will need to showcase their research

skills, writing/editing skills, project management skills, and attention to detail.

7. Medical Writer/Editor
Other Names For This Role: Medical Communicator, Technical Writer/Editor, Medical Copywriter

Medical writers/editors are responsible for producing documents to communicate medical information.

Medical writing is very specialized and most medical writers/editors focus on a specific type of

medical writing. Possibilities include regulatory writing, marketing, medical communications, and

medical education (CME). Sometimes, medical journalism is also considered a type of medical writing.

Daily activities for medical writers typically consist of conducting literature research, working on

documents, and communicating with clients and/or team members.

Medical writing/editing careers are best for Life Science PhDs who want to use their written

communication skills to help create and disseminate medical information. They can also be a

possibility for humanities PhDs who have strong writing skills and can gain experience working with

medical topics.

Look for medical writing/editing roles at pharmaceutical or medical device companies, clinical

research organizations (CROs), and specialized medical education or publishing organizations.

Examples of such organizations include Eli Lilly and Company, Parexel, and Syneos Health

Communications. Freelancing is also a possibility. PhDs wishing to become medical writers or medical

editors should possess strong writing, editing, and project management skills. They should also be able

to pay attention to detail. They may also wish to acquire a certification from a professional medical

writing organization such as the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA), European Medical

Writers Association (EMWA), or the Drug Information Association (DIA).

PhD Industry Position Guide

8. Academic Publisher
Other Names For This Role: Journal Editor, Content Publisher, Education Publisher, Consumer Publisher,
Trade Book Publisher, Content Acquisition Specialist, Content Strategist

Academic publishers direct the publishing process for academic books and journals in a wide range

of humanities and STEM fields. This process may involve managing peer review and selecting

manuscripts that are suitable for the publisher you represent. It also involves all activities required

to process physical and electronic content into its final format and distribute that content. Some

academic publishing positions also play a role in managing the publishing organization’s finances.

An academic publisher position may be a great fit for PhDs of any background who enjoy working

with content in their field and possess strong communication skills. Such positions can also be helpful

for PhDs who are looking for a position that can help them transition from academia into a career in

marketing, management, sales, and information technology.

Academic publishers and academic publishing-related positions can be found at publishing companies

and major journals. Elsevier, Yale University Press, and Cell Press are examples of the types of

organizations that employ academic publishers. To transition into an academic publishing role,

leverage your experience with the academic publishing process along with your project management,

organization, communication, negotiation, and leadership skills.

9. Secondary School Teacher/Learning

Consultant
Other Names For This Role: Secondary Teacher, High School Teacher, Education Consultant

Secondary school teachers’ and learning consultants’ work focuses on training. This instruction can

be on a wide variety of subjects including the arts, history, math, literature, and social sciences.

Secondary school teachers work directly with students in a classroom setting. They create lesson

plans, deliver instructional activities, grade student work, and manage their classrooms. Meanwhile,

PhD Industry Position Guide

learning consultants help organizations devise training programs to improve learner performance.

This work involves collaborating with organization administrators, identifying resources, analyzing

performance metrics, and training instructors.

These roles are best for PhDs of any background who are passionate about education, have excellent

communication skills, and enjoy teaching. Such PhDs find these roles rewarding because they allow

them to contribute to the intellectual growth and skill development of youth and/or adults.

PhDs wishing to work as secondary school teachers can find employment at private, public, or charter

schools. While a PhD will be enough to allow you to start teaching at some schools, other schools

will require you to earn a teaching license first. Learning consultant roles can be found in consulting

firms such as L.E.K. Consulting or Neovation; learning consultants can also be self-employed. Key

transferable skills for these careers include organization, critical thinking, project management, and

relationship building in addition to communication.

Information and Data Management

10. Healthcare/Clinical Informatics Specialist
Other Names For This Role: Healthcare Information Technology (HIT) Specialist

Healthcare/clinical informatics specialists manage electronic health information systems to help

optimize the delivery of healthcare services. These professionals process electronic records and

implement medical coding procedures. Specific activities include organizing patients’ medical records

in electronic databases, verifying medical charts, regularly communicating with physicians to ensure

the accuracy of the recorded diagnoses, and supplying providers with access to the data. Healthcare/

clinical informatics specialists are also responsible for maintaining compliance with the laws

governing electronic medical records and ensuring data privacy.

A healthcare/clinical informatics specialist position is ideal for PhDs with knowledge and experience

working with computers and databases such as Computer Science PhDs or Life Science PhDs who

PhD Industry Position Guide

specialize in genomics or bioinformatics. Such PhDs should have an interest in healthcare information

systems, be detail-oriented, and possess strong organizational skills. They will also need to be willing

to pass an exam to certify that they are qualified to handle medical data and maintain regulatory

compliance.

PhDs interested in transitioning into a healthcare/clinical informatics specialist role can seek

employment with hospitals, ambulatory healthcare services, clinical research centers, academic

research institutions, health insurance providers, and health-focused government agencies. Examples

of healthcare/clinical informatics specialist employers include HCA Healthcare, the Blue Cross Blue

Shield Association, and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). To transition, these

PhDs should leverage their database management and organization skills along with their attention

to detail. They may also need to develop their knowledge of healthcare, medical coding, information

technology, and medical billing.

11. Business Intelligence Analyst

Other Names For This Role: Business Intelligence Specialist

Business intelligence analysts focus on applying insights from analyzed data towards improving

business operations. These professionals deal with a variety of data, including client, consumer, and

financial data from their own company and competitors in the field. They employ their knowledge

of data analytics to identify trends that will help leaders, managers, and executives to implement

decisions that will improve their company’s position in the market. Business intelligence analysts

support their company’s growth by using their analytical skills to identify practical ways to reduce

revenue loss and increase profits.

PhDs with technical backgrounds such as computer science, engineering, mathematics, or physics are

qualified to work as business intelligence analysts. Life Science PhDs who specialized in genomics

or bioinformatics are also qualified due to their experience with databases. A business intelligence

analyst role may be a particularly good fit for such PhDs who are interested in working at the

PhD Industry Position Guide

interface of analytics and business.

PhDs can work as business intelligence analysts in a wide variety of industries, government, and

nonprofits. A few examples of companies that hire business intelligence analysts include Amazon,

J.P. Morgan Chase & Co., and CVS Health. Working as an independent consultant or contractor is

also a possibility for those who have gained experience in the field. To transition into one of these

roles, leverage your database management skills, experience in analytics, communication skills, and

attention to detail.

12. Data Science Professional

Other Names For This Role: Data Scientist, Data Engineer, Data Architect, Data Analyst

Data science professionals work to make complex data sets more accessible to managers and

executives. They work on different stages of data processing including data acquisition, data entry,

data cleaning, data transformation, and data modeling. In the end, data science professionals are

responsible for identifying trends and building algorithms to inform multiple actions in a company.

In small companies, a data scientist may cover all of the activities necessary to achieve this goal.

Larger companies may divide these functions among a data science team consisting of data architects,

data engineers, data analysts, and data scientists. Data architects design the digital framework for a

company’s strategy for data collection, management, storage, and processing. Data engineers build the

infrastructure conceptualized by the data architects. Data scientists harvest, model, and present the

data. Finally, data analysts may draw insights from the data to inform business and administrative

actions.

PhDs from technical backgrounds who enjoy working with data and have extensive knowledge

of mathematics, statistics, and programming languages are qualified to work as data science

professionals. These roles are a great fit for PhDs who enjoy working with numbers and want to use

their skills to extract actionable insights.

Data science roles can be found in government and companies within every industry sector. A few

PhD Industry Position Guide

examples of companies that hire data scientists include Walmart, Cloudera, Booz Allen Hamilton,

and Meta. PhDs wishing to transition into a data science role should leverage their in-depth research,

trouble-shooting skills, and communication skills along with their business acumen. It is possible to

transition into any data science role straight from a PhD program, although some PhDs work their

way up from an entry-level data analyst position into data scientist or data engineer roles.

13. Operations Research Analyst

Other Names For This Role: N/A

Operations research analysts use advanced analytical techniques to help organizations improve their

performance by identifying and solving problems. These professionals work across departments within

an organization to optimize resource allocation, production schedules, supply chain management,

and price setting. In this work, they gather and organize information about the issue from multiple

sources such as computer databases, sales histories, customer feedback, and other employees.

They then examine and analyze the available information to create a recommended action plan for

managers and executives.

Engineering PhDs are qualified to work as operations research analysts. PhDs from other disciplines,

including the social sciences, with extensive experience in statistics, data analysis, mathematics, and

computer science are also qualified. These PhDs may find success as operations research analysts if

they enjoy working with numbers and are comfortable making difficult decisions under pressure.

PhDs can look for employment as operations research analysts in the government and in a variety

of industry sectors, especially finance and technical services. Examples of organizations that hire

operations research analysts include the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), Apple Inc.,and J.P.

Morgan Chase & Co. To transition, leverage the analytical, critical thinking, problem-solving, and

interpersonal skills you gained during your PhD.

PhD Industry Position Guide

14. Statistician/Mathematician
Other Names For This Role: N/A

Statisticians/mathematicians help organizations make sense of data to inform decision-making. These

professionals gather, analyze, and interpret data. They identify trends in data and design processes for

data collection. They create and maintain databases of the information with which they work. Their

responsibilities may also include instructing other professionals on data submission requirements,

communicating finds to stakeholders and advising organizational strategy or policy. In their work,

statisticians and mathematicians often collaborate across multiple sectors and provide statistical

support for various agencies or units.

PhDs who like to explore and interpret data may enjoy a career as a statistician or mathematician.

Such PhDs should have a statistics or mathematics background or be able to demonstrate that they

gained experience with statistical analyses in their work in economics, computer science, or biology.

The government, policy think tanks, healthcare companies, and research and development companies

are the top employers of statisticians and mathematicians. Specific examples of employers of

staticians/mathematicians include the US Department of the Treasury, the RAND Corporation,

and Amgen. PhDs wishing to transition into a statistician/mathematician role should leverage their

research, data analysis, and record-keeping skills along with their experience in statistics and/or

mathematics.

15. Economist
Other Names For This Role: N/A

Economists study the production and distribution of goods and services to understand the economy

and its potential opportunities. In their work, economists analyze large amounts of data. They

extensively use statistical and modeling methods to interrogate this data and produce financial and

economic forecasts. They can then use this data to create reports and help solve problems. They also

PhD Industry Position Guide

often help develop policy. For example, economists may assess the economic performance of a country

and give advice to governments and their bodies on how to manage the taxpayers’ money.

Economist positions are a good fit for Economics PhDs and PhDs from other quantitative disciplines

such as mathematics who want to work with numbers. Other characteristics that make for a good

economist include a desire to extract actionable insights from data and the ability to communicate

complex data to non-technical audiences.

Federal and local governments employ many economists. PhDs desiring an economist position can

also find employment with some technical and financial companies, international organizations,

research firms, and think tanks. Examples of economist employers include government departments

of commerce, government departments of transportation, Fannie Mae, and the RAND Corporation. To

transition, leverage the analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills that you gained during

your PhD.

16. Energy Analyst

Other Names For This Role: N/A

Energy analysts support the move to sustainable and renewable energy. One of their work

responsibilities is to identify areas of improvement in current energy systems. They accomplish

this task by measuring energy efficiency and analyzing data on energy usage. Energy analysts use

the results of their analyses to develop an energy model for buildings, recommend improvements

to current infrastructure, and provide technical support for the contractors who implement the

improvements.

Energy analyst roles can be a great fit for Engineering PhDs or PhDs from highly quantitative

disciplines who have a passion for sustainable energy and enjoy conducting tests and performing

analyses. Having a love of learning is also a plus for this role since the most successful energy analysts

are usually interested in the world of energy beyond their work environments.

PhD Industry Position Guide

Energy analysts may focus on specific sectors of the energy industry such as gas, electricity, wind,

solar, and conservation. They can find employment with large energy consumers, utility companies,

or the government. Examples or organizations that hire energy analysts include Tesla, Inc., Schneider

Electric, and government departments of energy. PhDs wishing to become energy analysts should

leverage their mathematical, statistical, analytical, and communication skills to transition.

17. Artificial Intelligence Specialist

Other Names For This Role: Artificial Intelligence Engineer, Machine Learning Engineer

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a new career field that focuses on replicating human intelligence in

machines. AI technology underlies the development of products that process human language, respond

to voice commands, answer questions, learn instructions, solve problems, and even perform actions.

AI specialists develop and train these products. This work involves building, testing, and launching

AI models. It plays a significant role in business success because companies often turn to these

technologies for recommendations and insights into issues and decisions.

Engineering PhDs, Computer Science PhDs, and PhDs from other quantitative disciplines who seek an

innovative career with a direct impact on society may find success as AI specialists. These careers are

well-paying because the ratio of qualified candidates to available positions is low.

PhDs wishing to become AI specialists can look for jobs in a wide variety of industries including

finance, healthcare, and manufacturing. A few examples of the types of companies that hire AI

specialists include Lockheed Martin Corporation, Target Corporation, Bloomberg L.P., and IQVIA,

Inc. These PhDs should leverage their experience in mathematics, statistics, data science, computer

science, and cognitive neuroscience to transition. Communication, collaboration, and critical thinking

skills are also important for AI specialist roles.

PhD Industry Position Guide

Sales and Marketing
Career Track
The careers in the Sales and Marketing track are best for PhDs who want a role that focuses on

communicating product information, building professional relationships, and engaging in client-facing

activities.

18. Application Specialist

Other Names For This Role: Application Scientist, Application Engineer, Field Application Scientist,

Field Support Scientist, Technical Support Scientist, Application Support Engineer

Application specialists serve as liaisons between a company that produces technical products and

its customers. They help customers use these products to solve problems while gathering actionable

insights into customer needs. Application specialists typically represent a particular medical device,

piece of equipment, or software. Customers they work with include biotechnology companies,

pharmaceutical companies, research institutes, hospitals, and individual clinics or labs. Many (but not

all) of these positions have travel requirements to allow for on-site meetings.

This role is ideal for those with a technical background who want to leverage their technical expertise

and soft skills to help others’ projects advance. It can also provide a path for those interested

in moving away from a research-heavy role towards a business-oriented role such as business

development or project management.

Look for application specialist positions at any company that specializes in technical products. A

few examples of major companies that hire these professionals include Thermo Fisher Scientific,

Medtronic, and Mathworks. To transition, leverage your technical knowledge along with the

communication, interpersonal, presentation, and teaching skills you gained during your PhD.

PhD Industry Position Guide

19. Product Manager
Other Names For This Role: N/A

Product Managers align company products with the company’s target market. Their work spans the

entire product lifecycle from conception and production to the first contact with the customer. They

identify unmet needs in the real world and possible solutions for them. Product managers also advise

product creators on where to focus their expertise to create the necessary solutions. They collaborate

across divisions within a company to develop the ideal go to-market strategy, identify target customer

demographics, and plan product branding. They also oversee the management of a product after its

launch, analyze market performance, look for possible commercialization partnerships, determine

ways to boost commercial success, and help determine how to terminate any previous versions of a

product.

PhDs from any background who can combine product knowledge with business acumen, leadership,

communication, and innovative thinking can transition into a product manager role. Product

managers lead at a very high level in business, and the work can be very demanding. However, these

roles can also be very fulfilling because bringing a new product to the market can substantially impact

people’s lives.

PhDs can find product management career opportunities in almost all major organizations.

Examples include Google, Johnson & Johnson, Baxter International, and AT&T. PhDs aiming for

product manager positions should highlight their product and market knowledge, business acumen,

communication skills, and creative thinking.

PhD Industry Position Guide

20. Market Research Analyst
Other Names For This Role: N/A

Market research analysts employ analytical skills to determine what products or services the market

wants, identify potential market niches, and set prices. These professionals thoroughly understand

the commercial landscape associated with their specific sector. They leverage this knowledge in their

market analyses to identify current gaps or needs and predict potential sales of a product or service.

This work involves evaluating the key advantages and disadvantages of a product compared to existing

comparable products in the market. Market research analysts create reports outlining this information

and how it impacts key niches for commercialization, market size, and market competition. They also

evaluate the effectiveness of marketing and sales strategies and use market data to drive change.

A market research analyst position may be right for you if you are a PhD who enjoys processing large

volumes of information to devise an optimal approach and wants to influence business strategies.

Because this role involves constant communication with business decision makers, it can open up

doors to higher management.

Companies across all industries and market research firms employ market research analysts. Examples

of companies to target for a market research analyst role include IBM, the Nielsen Corporation,

Oracle, and McDonald’s. As a PhD, you can access these positions regardless of your background. Key

skills for market analysts include mathematical and analytical skills, research skills, communication

skills, and critical-thinking skills.

PhD Industry Position Guide

21. Capitol Equipment Specialist
Other Names For This Role: Technical Sales Specialist* (*= some Technical Sales Specialist roles focus on
capital equipment)

A capital equipment specialist primarily deals in capital equipment, items with an individual cost

of over $5,000 and a useful lifespan of at least one year. These professionals sell capital equipment

and are responsible for all activities associated with major sales accounts. One of these activities

is demonstrating equipment to customers. Capital equipment specialists train customers to use

equipment at the customers’ site and raise awareness about any new upgrades. They also give such

presentations to newly recruited sales staff to support sales and help execute regional training

workshops and tradeshows. Finally, capital equipment specialists can serve as the account manager

for a region or territory. In such cases, they are responsible for territory penetration, boosting sales

to existing customers, planning to increase the customer base, scheduling training workshops, and

managing a team.

The capital equipment specialist position can be ideal for PhDs with technical backgrounds who are

looking for their first step into industry from academia. The role utilizes PhDs’ technical knowledge

while allowing them to further develop valuable transferable skills, learn about industry, and build an

extensive network. This experience can lead to higher positions within equipment sales or a position

in an entirely different department.

PhDs seeking employment as capital equipment specialists can work for any company that

manufactures capital equipment. Examples include Roche, Sartorius AG, and Beckman Coulter, Inc.

In addition to knowledge about the technology they will represent, PhDs wanting to become capital

equipment specialists need sales, presentation, and teaching skills. Market knowledge of related

products is also a significant advantage.

PhD Industry Position Guide

22. Technical Sales Specialist
Other Names For This Role: Technical Sales Representative, Sales Engineers

Technical sales specialists use their technical knowledge to support the sales team and customers.

As a technical sales specialist, you will need to find out what potential customers need and suggest

equipment or products for meeting those needs. Other activities associated with the position depend

on the specific role and the company. Some technical sales specialists initiate contact with customers

and handle everything from assisting with product selection to closing the sale. Others provide

technical expertise to support several different sales team members in answering customers’ technical

questions, identifying leads, and closing sales. Technical sales specialists may also serve as ongoing

account managers who help existing customers troubleshoot and learn about new products that may

solve their problems.

A technical sales specialist position may be a good fit for PhDs with technical backgrounds who

want to use their knowledge to properly explain the value of technical products to prospective

customers. Such PhDs should be comfortable with some travel to represent their employer at scientific

conferences or help a customer customize or upgrade a product they purchased. A lack of sales

expertise is not usually a problem. Most companies do not expect new technical sales specialists to

have prior sales experience and will provide sales training.

PhDs wishing to transition into technical sales can seek employment at any technology-based

company. Examples include the International Business Machines Corporation (IBM), Microsoft, and

Nikon Corporation. Emphasize the interpersonal, teching, problem-solving, and technical skills you

gained during your PhD in your application.

PhD Industry Position Guide

23. Marketing Communications Specialist
Other Names For This Role: Marketing Consultant, Marketing Associate

Marketing communication specialists produce internal and external marketing communication

material. These professionals often work and interact with people in almost every department

within their organization, especially marketing (particularly advertising) and public relations.

Their responsibilities can be wide-ranging. Many marketing communication specialists create

advertisements, write technical product brochures, and manage an organization’s online content,

including its website and social media accounts. They may also work with leaders of the marketing

division to produce technical material that will be used to train newly hired technical sales staff.

PhDs who enjoy writing for a broad audience should consider pursuing a career as a marketing

communication specialist. The transition may be easier for PhDs from technical backgrounds who

want to write about the technology or technologies they worked with during their PhDs. However, a

career as a marketing communication specialist may also be a possibility for humanities PhDs who

have acquired experience writing technical information due to their strong communication skills.

The most likely places to find a marketing communication specialist opportunity where a PhD will

be an advantage are companies in technology-based sectors such as IT/ software, biotech, healthcare,

and electronics. Another option would be to seek employment in a specialized marketing and

communications firm that offers marketing communication services to various clients, including

those in technology-based sectors. A few examples of companies that hire marketing communication

specialists include Intel Corporation, Siemens AG, and Novo Nordisk. To transition, leverage your PhD

writing, editing, and presentation skills along with your relevant technical knowledge.

PhD Industry Position Guide

24. Post-Market Surveillance Specialist
Other Names For This Role: N/A

Post-market surveillance specialists help companies that release new medical devices and

pharmaceutical drugs monitor their products’ safety once it has entered the market. They are

responsible for implementing data collection systems to track consumer complaints, analyzing the

data, and generating reports about the safety of drugs and medical devices in the large population

that may use the product once it has received agency approval. They conduct all of these activities in

accordance with standards set forth by relevant regulatory authorities. This critical work helps further

refine, confirm, or deny the findings made about the product during clinical trials. For example,

post-market surveillance specialists may identify adverse reactions that have gone undetected during

clinical trials due to limited sample size or variables that may not have been present in the carefully

controlled clinical trial environment.

PhDs with a technical background who want to use their analysis skills to help serve consumers

should consider a role in post-market surveillance. These PhDs should also have a passion for

regulation since compliance is an integral part of the role.

Look for post-market surveillance specialist jobs at pharmaceutical and medical device companies.

A few examples of such companies include Philips, Smith & Nephew, and Pfizer. Leverage your

regulatory knowledge along with the communication and data analysis skills you gained during your

PhD to transition into one of these positions.

PhD Industry Position Guide

25. Application Support Engineer
Other Names For This Role: Software Support Engineer, App Support Engineer, Helpdesk Analyst,
Helpdesk Engineer, Technical Support Engineer

Application support engineers are part of companies’ Information Technology (IT) teams. These

professionals provide technical support on installing and maintaining software applications to

optimize business performance and strategy. They work with cross-functional teams to identify and

solve various IT problems. This work involves responding to questions, troubleshooting problems with

the software applications that a company uses, and maintaining service reports. It may also involve

leveraging these experiences to devise potential software product enhancements.

An application support engineer position may be a good fit for Engineering or Computer Science PhDs

who have expertise in database management, different operating systems, and different programming

languages. Aspiring application support engineers should also possess strong interpersonal skills since

their work is an essential part of customer service.

Any company that relies on software to do business may employ application support engineers or

hire freelance application support engineers on an as-needed basis. A few examples of companies that

have full-time application support engineers working as part of their IT departments include Verizon

Communications Inc., Thomson Reuters Corporation, and Belk, Inc. In addition to emphasizing

their experience with software and interpersonal skills, PhDs who are targeting application

support engineer roles should highlight their attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and records

management skills.

PhD Industry Position Guide

Research and Development
Career Track
The careers in the Research and Development track are best for PhDs who want their main job duties

to focus on research. Professionals who work in roles in this track conduct and manage research as

well as test, analyze, and develop products, systems, and treatments.

26. User Experience Researcher

Other Names For This Role: N/A

User experience researchers focus on creating an appealing experience for the users of a company’s

websites, apps, and other pieces of technology. To do so, these professionals gather information about

the product, its competitors, and the market’s needs using surveys and expert interviews. They may

build prototypes and models to test different variations of a product. They then analyze this data

to determine how best to achieve the desired consumer experience. Finally, they work with user

experience designers, engineers, and product managers to turn the insights obtained through their

analyses into a final product that resonates with its target audience. This work plays a critical role in

the success of internet-based technologies.

PhDs who can combine their skills in quantitative and qualitative data analysis with an understanding

of human behavior can find success as user experience researchers. One of the main advantages of a

career as a user experience researcher is that it comes with both high pay and work-life balance.

PhDs who wish to become user experience researchers should look for positions with companies

that specialize in internet-based technologies or rely on internet-based technologies to serve their

consumers. Salesforce, Inc., The Home Depot, Inc., and FedEx Corporation are examples. Key

transferable skills for aspiring user experience researchers include research, data analysis, and people-

management.

PhD Industry Position Guide

27. R&D Project Manager
Other Names For This Role: N/A

R&D project managers oversee rather than conduct research. These professionals control

expenditures, ensure the timely completion of projects, and achieve the required project results.

To succeed in these tasks, R&D project managers must understand market needs and decide which

new projects to initiate and which existing projects should be prioritized in collaboration with

product managers and a marketing team. To help projects stay on track, they set project timelines

and milestones with the product development team to help projects. They also meet regularly with

oversight committees and financial teams to manage costs and provide updates on project progress.

PhDs from technical backgrounds who enjoy research but would prefer a role focusing on managing

a product or a portfolio of products from conception to market entry would be the perfect fit for

R&D project manager positions. These positions can be stressful because they come with a lot of

responsibility. However, they can also be rewarding because they allow professionals to collaborate

across company departments to bring innovations to the market. Additionally, success as an R&D

project manager is the ideal gateway to some of the highest-level executive positions in the industry.

PhDs can look for R&D project manager roles at any company that has an R&D department. A few of

the major companies that hire R&D project managers include AT&T Inc., Cisco, and GlaxoSmithKline

(GSK). To transition, PhDs should leverage their people, resource, and budget management skills along

with their interpersonal skills and technical knowledge.

28. Scientist/Researcher
Other Names For This Role: Industry Researcher, R&D Scientist

Scientists/researchers conduct research, make discoveries, and report their findings. These activities

are like those PhDs conduct to complete their dissertations in academia with one key distinction.

While academic research is often exploratory, research outside academia is outcomes driven. The

PhD Industry Position Guide

specific outcome desired depends on the sector in which the scientist/researcher works. For example,

scientists/researchers in the pharmaceutical industry work to cure diseases or create new medical

products. Those in the technology sector may focus on developing a new advanced electronic product.

Meanwhile, scientists/researchers in government aim to improve public sentiment, create new

programs, and more.

A scientist/researcher role is a good fit for PhDs who want to use their research skills to impact

society. There are plenty of opportunities outside of academia for scientists/researchers to innovate

and help solve problems, and PhDs can find one that matches their background. For instance, Life

Science PhDs can leverage their backgrounds to find a position where the goal is to find a new therapy

while Humanities PhDs may focus on improving fundraising.

Scientist/researcher positions are available in almost every industrial sector as well as in government,

think tanks, research centers, and private organizations. A few examples that highlight the diversity of

organizations that hire scientists/researchers include Bristol Meyer Squibb, Meta, the Environmental

Protections Agency (EPA), the Council on Foreign Relations, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital,

and Pearson. In addition to research and information analysis skills, PhDs wishing to transition into a

scientist/research role need good communication, interpersonal, and documentation skills.

29. Engineer
Other Names For This Role: R&D Engineer, Analytical Chemical Engineer, Biomedical Engineer,
Computer Software Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Microbial Engineer, R&D Scientist, R&D Researcher

Engineers are integral members of teams responsible for conducting research to create or develop

new products. Unlike academia, research in industry focuses on the development of new products

and technology with the goal of achieving a specific application. Engineers may work on one of

several different types of products, and their specific job titles often reflect the type of work

that they do. For instance, analytical chemical engineers investigate the chemical properties of

substances in different conditions. Biomedical engineers integrate medical and engineering knowledge

PhD Industry Position Guide

to develop new diagnostic and therapeutic medical devices. Computer software engineers apply

knowledge of programming and coding to develop new software, operating systems, games, business

applications, and network control systems. Electrical engineers apply the knowledge of electricity,

electromagnetism, and electronics to develop new equipment and technologies. Finally, microbial

engineers optimize the metabolism of microorganisms used in various applications.

A career as an engineer is an excellent fit for Engineering PhDs interested in doing research that

directly impacts people’s lives and advances knowledge and technology. Some R&D scientists and R&D

researchers have responsibilities similar to those of engineers and may be a good fit for such PhDs as

well.

A wide variety of industry sectors including pharma, biotech, tech, food, agriculture, and cosmetics

hire PhDs as engineers. A few examples of companies that hire engineers include Dow Inc., Bayer AG,

Toyota Motor Corporation, and L’Oréal Groupe. PhDs wishing to transition into an engineer position

should emphasize their relevant subject matter expertise, research skills, and data analysis skills.

30. Senior Scientist/Engineer

Other Names For This Role: N/A

Senior scientists/engineers are subject matter and technical experts that serve as senior professionals

within a research team. These professionals drive discovery and technology development. They

do so by conducting research aimed at achieving specific outcomes, reporting their findings,

and collaborating with other scientists and/or engineers. They are project leaders who report to

department leadership and advise junior team members.

A senior scientist/engineer position can be a good fit for PhDs with science and engineering

backgrounds who want to use their research skills to make discoveries and develop technologies

that will impact society. Even though these positions involve some leadership, most senior scientist/

engineer roles do not absolutely require experience beyond the PhD.

PhD Industry Position Guide

Look for senior scientist/engineer roles in the pharma, biotech, tech, food, agriculture, and cosmetics

industries. Merck & Co, Inc., Microsoft, Cargill, Inc., and the Ford Motor Company are examples of

companies that employ senior scientists/engineers. Some national labs such as the Oak Ridge National

Laboratory also employ senior scientists/engineers. PhDs working to transition into one of these roles

should leverage their technical experience along with their interpersonal skills, problem-solving skills,

leadership skills, and communication skills.

31. Principal Scientist/Engineer

Other Names For This Role: N/A

Principal scientists/engineers are subject matter and technical experts that lead large research

teams working across several different labs on multiple projects. Their work focuses on leadership.

They plan research strategies, set goals, and create implementation plans. They help ensure projects

are completed on time and within budget. These professionals report to senior leadership at their

company and also provide expert advice to junior staff members.

PhDs with science and engineering backgrounds who want to direct research in industry should

consider principal scientist/engineer roles. These positions provide the opportunity to shape research

that helps solve the problems that people face in daily life and in society. In fact, PhDs working

as principal scientists/engineers determine the long-term success and credibility of the company

department that they lead.

Principal scientist/engineer roles can be found in the same industries that employ senior scientists/

engineers: pharma, biotech, tech, food, agriculture, and cosmetics. Genentech, Google, PepsiCo,

Inc., and the Exxon Mobil Corporation are examples of companies that employ principal scientists/

engineers. PhDs wanting to secure a principal scientist/engineer position will need leadership skills,

interpersonal skills, problem-solving skills, and communication skills in addition to their technical

expertise.

PhD Industry Position Guide

32. Quality/Process Professional
Other Names For This Role: Quality Assurance Manager, Quality Control Manager, Quality Engineer,
Quality Assurance Engineer, Quality Control Engineer, Senior Quality Specialist, Quality Control
Analyst, Process Engineer

Quality/process professionals are responsible for the processes that turn raw material into finished

products across various industry sectors including chemical, petrochemical, agriculture, mineral

processing, food, pharmaceutical, and biotechnological. Quality professionals such as quality engineers

and quality control managers ensure that manufactured products are safe, reliable, cost-effective, and

compliant with regulations. They establish the criteria a product should meet and conduct testing

to assess product performance. When problems arise, quality engineers play a critical role in fixing

the issue. Meanwhile, process professionals such as process engineers focus on process development.

This work requires extensive modeling, simulation, testing, and direct application of mathematical,

analytical, and computer science skills. It also involves interacting with many stakeholders during all

stages of the manufacturing process.

PhDs with technical backgrounds who enjoy standardization, optimization, troubleshooting, and

managing details will find these positions a great fit. These PhDs should also work well in a team

environment because they will have to interact regularly with managers and other professionals.

Companies that require carefully controlled processes to reliably manufacture their products employ

quality/process professionals. Quality/process professionals can also work for governmental agencies.

Amgen Inc., The Boeing Company, and The European Medicines Agency (EMA) are all examples

of organizations where PhDs seeking a role in quality/process control can look for employment. To

transition, these PhDs should leverage their research skills, attention to detail, communication skills,

and interpersonal skills.

PhD Industry Position Guide

33. Technology Assessment & Alliance Manager
Other Names For This Role: N/A

Technology assessment and alliance managers work as a bridge between industry and academia.

By doing so, they help academia secure funding from industry and help industry access top-quality

cutting-edge innovations resulting from academic research in return. Their key responsibilities

are to assess new technologies and facilitate academia/industry collaboration leading to the

commercialization of new inventions. In this work, they compare several research projects and

identify which have potential for commercial success. They communicate about the technologies they

identify with academic researchers and licensing managers in the university technology transfer office.

These professionals also collaborate with the university legal team for the purpose of finalizing license

agreements, material transfer, and confidential disclosure agreements.

The technology assessment and alliance manager profession is one of the most collaborative and

multifunctional roles available to PhDs from technical backgrounds. It is a great role for PhDs who

wish to remain associated with academic research while developing valuable business skills. It is also

ideal for those who thrive on interpersonal interaction and on a highly varied day-to-day.

PhDs who wish to find work as technology assessment and alliance managers can seek employment at

major research universities with technology transfer offices. To transition, PhDs will need technical

knowledge, interpersonal skills, and communication skills. They will also need to be prepared to

develop knowledge of intellectual property and financial management skills on the job.

PhD Industry Position Guide

34. Health Economics and Outcomes Research
Professional
Other Names For This Role: Health Economist

Health economics and outcomes research (HEOR) professionals are responsible for the efficient

economic management of healthcare. In general, they perform research using economic evaluation

tools and then use the results of their research to advise healthcare organizations on how to best

utilize resources. More specific work activities vary depending on the type of organization for which

they work. For example, HEOR professionals that work in the public sector may serve on advisory

boards that support and provide guidance to policymakers for cost-effective planning of public health

initiatives. They may also help their employers understand the economic impact of major epidemics.

PhDs from a wide range of academic backgrounds, including epidemiology, public health, policy

management, economics, international relations, or biostatistics, are qualified to work as HEOR

professionals. HEOR positions are financially rewarding and are ideal for those interested in serving

others and solving health issues.

PhDs can work as HEOR professionals in either the private or public sector. The types of

organizations that employ HEOR professionals include hospitals, health insurance companies,

pharmaceutical companies, government health agencies, and intergovernmental organizations. Specific

examples include Anthem, Inc., Novartis, HCA Healthcare, and the United Nations. To transition,

PhDs should leverage their scientific/medical knowledge, business acumen, research skills, data

analysis skills, and communication skills.

PhD Industry Position Guide

35. Informatics Software Specialist
Other Names For This Role: Health Informatics Specialist, Clinical Informatics Specialist, Informatics
Specialist

Informatics software specialists use information technology to improve patient care. These

professionals are responsible for managing the collection and analysis of data for healthcare

organizations. They often act as mediators between clinical staff and the informatics team. In this

work, they may modify and design information technology systems, oversee the installation of new

systems, and troubleshoot system problems. They educate others on how to use health information

technology systems. They help identify opportunities to enhance care and are responsible for making

sure that all regulations governing healthcare information management are followed.

PhDs with computer science, genomics, or informatics backgrounds are qualified to work as

informatics software specialists. These roles are a particularly good fit for PhDs who want to use their

experience doing research with databases to make a difference in the healthcare industry.

Informatics software specialists can work in a variety of settings including hospitals, private practices,

and care facilities. A few examples of places that PhDs can seek employment as informatics software

specialists include the Department of Veterans Affairs and Genesis Healthcare. Key skills for this

position include an exceptional understanding of database management, knowledge of programming

languages, organization, time management, communication, and problem-solving.

36. Technology Development Specialist

Other Names For This Role: Technology Research & Development Specialist, Technology Specialist

Technology development specialists serve as internal subject matter experts who lead the creation

and development of technological systems, programs, and networks. In this work, they direct other

members of the technology development team, identify opportunities to improve the technology with

which they work, set goals for team progress, and manage the team’s budget. Additionally, they write

PhD Industry Position Guide

reports to share their findings and liaise with third-party technology vendors to support their teams

when necessary. In some organizations, technology development specialists also assist with sales

duties and help develop and administer technology help guides.

A role as a technology development specialist may be a good fit for PhDs with technical backgrounds

such as computer science, informatics, engineering, or physics. Such PhDs should seek a role as a

technology development specialist if they are interested in using their expertise to plan and implement

new information technology applications.

Information technology companies are the main employers of technology development specialists. A

few examples of such companies include Booz Allen Hamilton, Accenture, and Deloitte Consulting. To

transition into a technology development specialist role, PhDs will need to emphasize the technical

knowledge, programming skills, leadership skills, data analysis skills, communication skills, and

project management skills they built through their PhD work.

37. Computer Scientist

Other Names For This Role: N/A

Computer scientists research how computers function with the aim of finding new ways for

technology to solve problems. They work to understand, develop, and test new computer systems and

softwares. Depending on their particular specialty, computer scientists’ duties may include writing

new programming languages, designing models to solve computer problems, and conducting research

to test new theories. Computer scientists also design new software, communicate their theories and

findings, and collaborate with computer engineers and software developers to create new technology.

PhDs with computer science, physics, or engineering backgrounds who want a job centered on

computer science research activities should consider a role as a computer scientist. Due to the

increasing role that technology plays in people’s lives, computer scientists have excellent job

possibilities. These professionals get to enjoy the satisfaction of contributing to the use of technology

and are well-compensated.

PhD Industry Position Guide

Computer scientists can work in the healthcare technology, social media, software, financial, and

manufacturing industries. There are also employment opportunities for computer scientists in the

government and at research institutes. Examples of computer scientist employers include Adobe, Meta,

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, and the US Air Force. PhDs interested in computer scientist

positions will need programming skills, research skills, data analysis skills, knowledge of computer

systems, and problem-solving skills.

PhD Industry Position Guide

Clinical and Medical Affairs
Career Track
The careers in the Clinical and Medical Affairs Career track influence the practice of medicine. These

careers may be a great fit for PhDs who want to liaise with medical staff and/or play a role in the

development and regulation of medical treatments.

38. Medical Affairs Manager

Other Names For This Role: Medical Affairs Leader

Medical affairs managers lead and supervise medical affairs teams. These teams act as a bridge

between the research and development department and other commercialization-oriented divisions

such as business development. They are responsible for clinical development, medical marketing,

and relationship development with key stakeholders. Medical affairs managers oversee all of these

activities, providing strategic direction, training for team members, and oversight of marketing

material as needed. Additionally, they interact with the regulatory team to ensure that all regulations

are followed.

Science PhDs with expertise in a therapeutic area who want a role that encompasses scientific,

informational, communications, and interpersonal activities may consider a career as a medical affairs

manager. Success in this role depends on building relationships both within your organization and

with external partners. As a result, only PhDs who are good at and enjoy working with people should

target a medical affairs manager role.

Most medical affairs managers work for pharma or biotech companies. Merck & Co., Inc., Abbvie, and

Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc., are examples of major companies that hire medical affairs managers.

PhDs aiming for a medical affairs manager role will need knowledge of at least one therapeutic area,

great people skills, and business acumen.

PhD Industry Position Guide

39. Epidemiologist
Other Names For This Role: N/A

Epidemiologists devise strategies for stopping and preventing the spread of public health hazards.

These professionals are responsible for determining the cause of diseases, identifying the population

or region that is at risk, evaluating risk factors, and designing a plan for the prevention of further

incidences. If there is already an outbreak, the primary task of an epidemiologist is to detect and

contain the epidemic as soon as possible. To complete this work, these professionals collect and

analyze large volumes of data. They communicate their findings to policymakers or healthcare

professionals who can design a plan to prevent or stop the disease outbreak. They also provide

management and guidelines for healthcare programs to improve the prevention of disease.

An epidemiologist role may be a good fit for PhDs with backgrounds in epidemiology or related fields

such as microbiology who want a job that involves data collection and analysis. One advantage of this

career path is that it provides the opportunity to have an impact on public health.

Epidemiologists can work at universities, research centers, biopharmaceutical companies, and

federal agencies. Examples of epidemiologist employers include the Center for Disease Control and

Prevention (CDC), GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), and state departments of public health. To transition into

an epidemiologist role, PhDs will need to leverage their knowledge of disease, data analysis skills,and

communication skills.

40. Medical Science Liaison

Other Names For This Role: N/A

Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs) are scientifically trained field personnel who are officially considered

part of the medical staff. These professionals possess in-depth knowledge of therapeutic areas of

research, and they discuss the scientific aspects of medicines and other products with physicians. One

of their key responsibilities is to build rapport with Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) in their therapeutic

PhD Industry Position Guide

area who may be physicians and/or researchers at academic institutions, hospitals, and pharmaceutical

companies. By investing in these relationships and sharing updates on advancements in their

therapeutic area, MSLs help ensure that medical products are used effectively. Although MSLs may

work with the marketing team to maintain consistent and accurate messaging on medical products,

they are not sales professionals.

An MSL role can be a great fit for Life Science PhDs with therapeutic expertise who thrive on

interpersonal interaction. That said, PhDs should be aware that the MSL role requires extensive travel.

Up to 75% of an MSL’s time may be spent on travel depending on the territory for which they are

responsible.

MSL positions can be found in various healthcare-oriented sectors such as pharmaceutical,

biotechnology, contract research organizations (CROs), and medical device organizations. A few

examples of companies that hire MSLs include Sanofi, IQVIA, and Medtronic. PhDs wishing to become

MSLs should emphasize the relationship building, communication, and teaching skills along with

their therapeutic expertise. Experience as a clinical research associate (CRA) can also facilitate the

transition into an MSL role.

41. Clinical Trial Project Manager

Other Names For This Role: Clinical Trial Manager, Clinical Research Coordinator

Clinical trial project managers are responsible for the overall management and successful

completion of clinical trials. They ensure the smooth functioning and monitoring of clinical trials

while maintaining compliance with regulatory guidelines. To do so, these professionals recruit an

appropriate number of participants for clinical trials and secure the required approval from the proper

ethics boards. They write protocols for studies, create clinical research forms (CRF), and prepare

other key documents that are used to collect clinical data. They also train the clinical research

associates (CRAs) and data management professionals involved in clinical trials.

Science PhDs who want the opportunity to impact clinical research should consider a role as a

PhD Industry Position Guide

clinical trial project manager. Because most major clinical trials are multi-site (or even multinational),

those aspiring to become clinical trial project managers should be comfortable with travel as well as

interacting with people belonging to diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds.

PhDs can find this specific role in three different kinds of organizations: Clinical Research

Organizations (CROs), research hospitals, and major pharmaceutical companies that conduct trials

for their own drugs. Examples of companies that hire clinical trial project managers include Parexel

International, ICON plc, and Johnson & Johnson. To successfully transition into a clinical trial

project manager position, PhDs will need regulatory acumen, writing skills, data interpretation skills,

interpersonal skills, time management skills, and teaching skills.

42. Clinical Research Associate

Other Names For This Role: N/A

A clinical research associate (CRA) is a clinical trial professional who oversees, monitors, and provides

guidance on clinical trials. They usually conduct this work on behalf of a sponsoring organization,

which could be a major life science-oriented company (for a drug or medical device) or a contract

research organization (CRO) employed to carry out a trial on another company’s behalf. Their

everyday duties consist of assessing the regulatory compliance of study plans, ensuring that clinical

trial data is properly collected and maintained, and coordinating between trial sponsors and CROs

where necessary. These duties involve communication with medical professionals and hospital staff,

the establishment of collaborations with new clinical trial sites, clinical trial staff training, and
explaining protocols to clinical trial participants.

PhDs with life science, chemistry, and medicine backgrounds are qualified to work as CRAs. PhDs who

want a regulatory-intensive role in clinical trials may wish to consider a CRA role. The role can also

provide a helpful career step for those aspiring to an MSL or clinical trials project manager position.

Look for CRA roles at pharmaceutical and medical device companies as well as CROs. Abbott,

Medtronic, PRA Health Sciences, and Medpace are examples. PhDs should emphasize their scientific

PhD Industry Position Guide

expertise along with their proven ability to document and analyze data since CRA employers favor

PhDs over other applicants due to these aspects. Knowledge of clinical trial regulations and clinical

trial certifications like those offered through the Association of Clinical Trial Professionals (ACRP)

can also aid PhDs in their transition into a CRA role.

43. Clinical Research Scientist

Other Names For This Role: Clinical Researcher

Clinical research scientists conduct research through clinical trials. These professionals are

responsible for all aspects of clinical trial design. They determine clinical trial protocols, the most

appropriate trial population, and inclusion criteria. They set up trial study centers, train other

professionals on clinical trial procedures, and authenticate case report forms. Additionally, they handle

and analyze the data obtained from clinical trials. They also ensure that all of their activities are

conducted in compliance with regulatory guidelines.

A clinical research scientist role may be suitable for PhDs with backgrounds in the life sciences or

medicine who want to play a research-intensive role in clinical trials. Because clinical research is

highly regulated, PhDs aiming for this role will need to be comfortable paying careful attention to

detail and taking very precise notes.

Hospitals, academic research institutions, contract research organizations (CROs), site management

organizations, pharmaceutical companies, and medical device companies hire clinical research

scientists. A few specific examples of organizations that employ clinical research scientists include

HCA Healthcare, IQVIA, Novartis International AG, and Baxter International Inc. PhDs wanting to

become clinical research scientists will need research skills, data analysis skills, attention to detail,

written and oral communication skills, and leadership skills.

PhD Industry Position Guide

44. Regulatory Affairs Specialist
Other Names For This Role: Regulatory Affairs Administrator, Clinical Quality Specialist, Product Safety
Specialist, Quality Assurance Documentation Coordinator, Regulatory Affairs Associate

Regulatory affairs specialists are responsible for executing the regulatory approval processes for drugs,

medical devices, and other medical products. Their work centers on the preparation, organization,

and review of regulatory paperwork such as FDA NDAs (New Drug Applications). Often, regulatory

affairs specialists coordinate across multiple departments such as clinical affairs and research and

development to execute these tasks and ensure that regulations are followed. Other functions of

regulatory affairs specialists can include ensuring the compliance of product labeling and promotional

material, advising departments or facilities on upholding regulatory guidelines, and providing training

on medical product regulations to other professionals. Overall, they seek to achieve a balance between

regulatory concerns, compliance, and costs.

A role as a regulatory affairs specialist may be a good fit for PhDs from the life sciences or chemistry

who are interested in medical regulations and want a stable well-paying job. Since regulations

are a key feature of regulatory affairs positions, PhDs interested in them need to be comfortable

maintaining compliance even when they don’t agree with the rules.

PhDs can find regulatory affairs specialist roles at pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device

companies. The government and contract research organizations (CRO) also employ regulatory

affairs specialists. Sanofi, Amgen, Syneos Health, and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) are a

few examples of organizations that hire regulatory affairs specialists. To transition and succeed as a

regulatory affairs specialist, PhDs will need to be detail-oriented and have good time management

skills in addition to possessing regulatory acumen. They will also need to be prepared to continue

learning so they can keep up with changing regulations.

PhD Industry Position Guide

45. Clinical Data Manager
Other Names For This Role: Clinical Informatics Manager, Data Deliverables Manager

Clinical data managers handle the recording of clinical trial data and its submission to regulatory

bodies. They develop and execute data testing and analysis plans as well as devise ways to improve

the data collection process. They are responsible for ensuring every detail associated with the clinical

trial is entered in a database and checked for any possible error. Clinical data managers also have

to maintain records for and be knowledgeable about a range of factors such as any adverse effect

associated with a medication, data from regular patient medical evaluations, and the demography

of the patient populations. Finally, these professionals deliver the data and related reports to

biostatisticians and other appropriate reviewers for further evaluation and submission to regulatory

authorities. They ensure this whole process is conducted in compliance with regulatory guidelines.

A clinical data manager position can be an ideal career opportunity for those with advanced science

degrees in disciplines such as medicine, life science, pharmacy, or nursing. It provides an outlet for

combining a passion for clinical trials with information technology.

Most clinical data manager jobs are found in pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, and

contract research organizations (CROs). Clinical data manager opportunities are also available

in hospitals or medical research institutions that serve as sites for clinical trials. ICON plc, the

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, and City of Hope National Medical Center are a few examples

of organizations that hire clinical data managers. PhDs will need regulatory knowledge, project

management skills, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail to succeed as clinical data managers.

PhD Industry Position Guide

Business, Finance & Policy
Career Track
The careers in the Business, Finance & Policy are ideal for PhDs who are interested in business and

policy. The work in these roles focuses on solving classical business problems and influencing business

policy or government policy.

Financial Services
46. Quantitative Analyst
Other Names For This Role: N/A

Quantitative analysts or “quants” use mathematical approaches to help firms make financial decisions.

Their work involves quantitative data analysis, financial research, statistical modeling, and pattern

recognition related to predicting trades. They have to quickly become proficient with customized

software packages designed to make forecasts, predict market trends, and analyze data because the

investment information they work with is very time-sensitive. Those new to the profession tend

to specialize in one industry sector within a particular geographic region. With more experience,

quantitative analysts can take on more diverse projects, often by progressing to the role of a portfolio

manager overseeing multiple entry-level analysts.

PhD from disciplines like Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, Engineering, or certain areas in Computer

Science are well qualified to work as quantitative analysts. The role provides one of the most lucrative

career options for PhDs.

Opportunities for quantitative analysts are often found in major trading-heavy financial institutions.

A few examples of organizations that employ quantitative analyses include JP Morgan Chase & Co.,

Bank of America, and TD Bank Financial Group. To succeed in this career, PhDs will need the ability

PhD Industry Position Guide

to work under pressure with minimal supervision is a desirable trait among quantitative analysts,

financial knowledge, a grasp of mathematical concepts, and competency in specific computer

programs.

47. Equity Research Analyst

Other Names For This Role: N/A

Equity research analysts make research-based recommendations to investors about what to do with

stocks. Their goal is to help investors make informed trade decisions. Firms rely on equity research

analysts to answer inquiries from clients, other firm personnel, and the general public about the

risks and benefits of investing in a particular stock. To achieve their goals, equity research analysts

research companies and analyze the latest developments within those companies and the industry

sector overall. They spend most of their time searching the internet, attending meetings, and speaking

with investors to perform this research. They combine their findings with scientific knowledge to

conduct evaluations and risk assessments for companies. They also create reports that explain how

business and market developments potentially impact a company’s stock value.

An equity research analyst role may be a good fit for PhDs who want to use their quantitative skills

in the financial sector. The job is high-pressure in terms of producing timely results and working long

hours. However, it is a financially rewarding job, and there are ample opportunities for growth for

those who are good at forecasting.

Look for equity research analyst positions at financial institutions and equity research firms. Morgan

Stanley, Evercore Inc., Bank of America Corporation, and Merrill are a few examples. Quantitative

and analytical abilities represent key transferable skills for this role. Other essential skills include the

ability to parse large volumes of information and write reports.

PhD Industry Position Guide

48. Financial Analyst
Other Names For This Role: Financial Risk Specialists, Fund Managers, Investment Analysts, Portfolio
Managers, Ratings Analyst, Securities Analyst

The main responsibility of a financial analyst is to provide advice to businesses and individuals

on how to invest their money to make a profit. Financial analysts may work in one of a variety of

financial service sectors including analytics, risk monitoring, equity and trend research, product

development, and trading. Regardless of the sector in which they operate, a standard day for

a financial analyst typically consists of analyzing large sets of data, preparing trend forecasts,

presenting findings in meetings, or writing recommendations or policy documents based on their

research.

PhD graduates from any background are suitable for financial analyst roles. A great benefit of these

positions is that once you have entered the industry, it’s easy to move around with your skills and

you’ll have a wide variety of career options from which to choose.

Look for financial analyst positions in the financial industry. Companies that specialize in securities,

credit intermediation, management, and insurance are the largest employers of financial analysts.

A few examples of such companies include Bank of America, Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., and

Nationwide. The key skills necessary for a successful transition into a financial analyst job include

business acumen, analytical skills, communication skills, strategic thinking, and attention to detail.

Business and Strategy

49. Management Consultant
Other Names For This Role: Management Analyst

Management consultants help businesses come up with a strategy or strategies for achieving a desired

outcome such as increasing profits or maximizing growth. To do so, these professionals conduct

PhD Industry Position Guide

research to understand the organization they are working with and the issues it is facing. In this

work, they often interview the organization’s employees, management team, and other stakeholders.

They also perform analyses, identify possible solutions, and prepare presentations to share their

recommendations with their clients.

PhDs are qualified to work as management consultants regardless of background, and they do not

need prior business knowledge to transition. The role gives PhDs the opportunity to travel and

solve important business problems. It requires a demanding schedule. However, it pays well and

provides the opportunity to see results in a relatively short amount of time. It also creates a path to

management, entrepreneurship, and other business careers.

PhDs wishing to transition into a management consultant position should seek employment with

consulting firms. A few examples of major firms that PhDs could target include McKinsey & Company,

Deloitte, Boston Consulting Group, and L.E.K Consulting. Key transferable skills to emphasize when

applying for management consulting roles include problem-solving, strategic thinking, data analysis,

leadership, and communication.

50. Research Analyst in Venture Capital

Other Names For This Role: N/A

Some research analyst roles can be found in venture capital (VC) firms, organizations that use capital

provided by a group of investors to finance startups or small businesses in exchange for a share in the

benefits of these businesses’ success. These analysts help VC firms decide whether or not investing

in a particular business is likely to return a profit. Their main responsibilities are to identify new

investment opportunities, evaluate them, and determine if they will be worthy of investment. This

work usually requires deep analyses of a new technology or product the business will create to identify

its competitive advantages and predict its chances of being successful.

A role as a research analyst in a VC firm can be a good fit for PhDs who are good at evaluating the

potential success of a new product or technology. It offers a great learning opportunity for those who

PhD Industry Position Guide

have entrepreneurial aspirations. It can also provide a sense of satisfaction because it contributes to

job creation and bringing beneficial new innovations to the market. The role involves meeting lots of

new people and is definitely not for those who wish to work alone.

VC firms and some large private companies who are involved in corporate venture capital are the

best places for PhDs to seek a role as a research analyst in VC. A few examples of such organizations

include H.I.G. Capital, GV, Sequoia Capital, and Next47. To transition, PhDs will need research skills,

market knowledge, and presentation skills in addition to being good at networking.

51. Competitive Intelligence Analyst

Other Names For This Role: N/A

Competitive intelligence (CI) refers to the collection and analysis of information about a company’s

industry and competitors with the goal of helping the company devise a sound business strategy. It is

the domain of competitive intelligence analysts. The key responsibilities of these analysts are to gather

information about competitors’ products (or inventions in the pipeline) and analyze how these might

affect their organization. They acquire their information from key opinion leaders (KOLs) in the field,

scientific conferences, and online resources. They then use it to support management in identifying

threats, pinpointing opportunities, and making strategic decisions.

PhDs from any background who are interested in business strategy may wish to consider a CI role.

These positions do not require business credentials, and they provide the opportunity to learn how an

entire industry sector operates. They can also be a gateway to higher executive positions because they

provide a connection to the top strategic decisions made by a company.

CI analyst roles can be found in companies in the software, healthcare (including

pharmaceuticals), financial, energy, and manufacturing sectors. PhDs can also find employment as CI

analysts in specialized CI firms. IQVIA, Sedulo Group, Deallus, and Fuld & Company are all examples

of organizations where PhDs may find CI analyst jobs. PhDs wishing to become CI analysts should

PhD Industry Position Guide

emphasize their relevant domain knowledge, research skills, data analysis skills, and communication

skills.

52. Business Analyst

Other Names For This Role: N/A

A business analyst’s primary role is to find ways to improve business processes. To achieve this

goal, business analysts consider business goals and analyze large data sets to help prioritize an

organization’s needs. They create charts and tables to visualize their findings. They then use their

findings to create financial models, forecast business performance, plan the structure of a business,

and support business decisions. In doing so, they serve as liaisons between advanced analytics and an

organization’s stakeholders.

A business analyst role is a good fit for PhDs with quantitative backgrounds who want a role in

business that involves extracting actionable insights from data. The role provides the opportunity to

help people, solve problems, and work independently. It is also critical to the success of organizations;

outcomes often depend on the support that business analysts can provide through data-driven

insights.

Opportunities to work as a business analyst exist in both industry and government. A few examples

of prominent organizations that hire business analysts are Wells Fargo, Accenture, UnitedHealth

Group Incorporated, The Home Depot, Inc., the US Department of Energy, and the Veterans Health

Administration. Key skills needed for a business analyst role include business acumen, communication,

data analysis, and industry domain knowledge.

PhD Industry Position Guide

53. Business Developer
Other Names For This Role: Business Development Manager, Business Development Associate, Business
Development Analyst

Business developers focus on achieving new business and increasing revenue. Their overall goal is to

ensure long-term business growth. The key responsibilities of these professionals include developing

new business opportunities, managing existing products, devising market strategy, and building new

business partnerships. Business developers help decide which new innovation or product among those

in the pipeline should be given priority based on market needs and the positioning of competitors.

They also meet with the marketing and sales teams to review sales goals, cold-call leads to talk to

them about their company and its products, and discuss successful leads and potential new projects

with company executives.

A business developer position may be ideal for PhDs who want a multifunctional business role and

are willing to build business skills if necessary through courses, certifications, or internships with

startups. They are a great opportunity for those that have a passion for a particular industry and are

willing to work to keep abreast of current trends.

Companies in every industry sector employ business developers. A couple examples that demonstrate

the variety of organizations where business developers may work include Staples Inc., AT&T IncWells

Fargo & Company, Siemens AG, Groupon, and UnitedHealth group. PhDs will likely be more successful

in their transition into a business developer role if they target a company where their background

is relevant. They will need the right combination of domain knowledge, analytical skills, and

interpersonal skills along with business knowledge.

PhD Industry Position Guide

54. Scientific Consultant
Other Names For This Role: N/A

Scientific consultants leverage their subject matter expertise to help organizations strategize solutions

for their scientific projects. These professionals are often brought in to provide a fresh perspective

to clients; these clients are typically companies in the healthcare, pharmaceutical, technology, or

environmental industries. Scientific consultants will work with their clients to define the problem

that the client is facing. Once the problem is defined, scientific consultants help address the problem

by leading experiments, analyzing data, and presenting information to the client or its employees.

Typically, they will work with each client to complete one project before moving on to the next client.

Science PhDs who want to use their subject matter expertise to solve scientific problems for

businesses may enjoy working as scientific consultants. The role is an intense one that often requires

long hours and travel. At the same time, it enables great personal development and the opportunity to

tackle a variety of different problems. The pay is also excellent.

PhDs can find scientific consultant opportunities in consulting firms. A few examples include RAND

Corporation, Bain and Company, and Cambridge Healthcare and Biotech. To transition, PhDs should

highlight their business acumen, experimental design skills, leadership skills, data analysis skills, and

communication skills.

55. Not-for-Profit Officer

Other Names For This Role: Nonprofit Officer

Not-for-profit officers carry out the duties necessary for the daily activities and affairs of a not-for-

profit organization. Specific responsibilities may vary widely because there are organizations that

cover every area including education, health, religion, arts, and more. There are also several different

kinds of not-for-profit organizations. For example, a not-for-profit could be a lobby group, charity,

foundation, or institute. A not-for-profit officer’s duties may also depend on the specific role. Some

PhD Industry Position Guide

officers write grants and conduct research. Others fundraise and develop programs. They often

help determine the direction of an organization through strategic advice and expert insight into the

challenges it will face in the future.

PhDs from any background who want to use their expertise and skills for the greater good may wish

to consider a role as a not-for-profit officer. These roles can provide a strong sense of satisfaction

for those PhDs who are passionate about the cause that serves as the focus for their not-for-profit

organization.

PhDs considering a role as a not-for-profit officer should apply to those organizations that have a

mission they value. The American Heart Association (AHA), United Way, the American Civil Liberties

Union (ACLU), and The Nature Conservancy are just a few examples that highlight the diversity

of organizations in the not-for-profit sector. To transition, PhDs will need to highlight how their

background, experience, problem-solving, strategic thinking, and communication skills can add value

to their target organization.

56. Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) Officer

Other Names For This Role: People Officer

Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) officers are responsible for creating and maintaining an organizational

culture that is fair and respectful to all employees and customers. Their role encompasses business

strategy, recruiting and retention of skilled employees, marketing, communications, external relations,

business partnerships, events, sponsorships, global diversity, and inclusion. Skilled D&I professionals

who are able to integrate all these elements in business can be profound change-makers in their

organizations. In fact, their work is considered so important to success in a competitive business

environment that many Chief D&I Officers are considered part of the C-suite and report directly to

company CEOs and presidents.

PhDs who are passionate about creating safe and productive environments for everyone and thrive in

highly interpersonal roles should consider a D&I officer position. Such PhDs may need to earn a D&I

PhD Industry Position Guide

certification to qualify.

D&I officer roles can be found in government, universities, not-for-profit organizations, and most

major companies across all industry sectors. The Clorox Company, The Trevor Project, Google, and

public school systems are just a few examples of places PhDs can look for D&I jobs. PhDs will need

strategic planning skills, problem-solving skills, consensus-building skills, and knowledge of public

policy to transition into a D&I job.

57. Higher Education Administrator

Other Names For This Role: Program Director, Academic Advisor, Career Development Specialist, Provost,
Dean, Chief Communications Officer

The term “higher education administrator” encompasses hundreds of different professional roles

that contribute towards the overall success of colleges and universities as well as the training they

offer. The general roles administrators may cover include academic advising, admissions, residential

life, outreach, volunteering, financial aid, and student activities. Some of these roles involve working

directly with undergraduate or graduate students. Others require managing institutional processes or

communications. Some types of higher education administrators work with external business leaders

to raise funding or garner support for the institution and/or its programs.

A career as a higher education administrator is ideal for PhDs from any discipline who are passionate

about education and the university or college experience. These roles can be very satisfactory for those

who want to meaningfully impact student development.

PhDs interested in this career path can seek opportunities at a variety of institutions including

large public and private universities, small liberal arts colleges, and community colleges. Key skills

for success as a higher education administrator include preparing and analyzing data, project

management, the ability to identify future issues before they arise, and proficiency working with high

volumes of information.

PhD Industry Position Guide

Policy, Funding, and Public Service
58. Policy Officer
Other Names For This Role: Public Policy Advisor (e.g. Science Public Policy Advisory)

Policy officers act as a bridge between a specialized domain and policymakers. Their duties involve

conducting research and performing analyses. They then advise government departments, bureaus,

and agencies on best practices based on their findings and expertise. The work involves a lot of

negotiating, explaining, and communicating with people who don’t have the depth of subject matter

knowledge that the policy officer does. In some cases, it may require organizing conferences to foster

communication between policymakers and other subject matter experts. Policy officers must also keep

up with continuously changing regulations and ensure everyone involved in decision-making is made

aware of these changes.

A policy officer role may be a good fit for PhDs from any discipline who desire to be catalysts for

change. The skills gained in these roles are beneficial in administrative roles should a PhD decide

to move on from public policy. Indeed, professionals with public policy experience are highly sought

after for administrative roles in both academia and in industries that regularly deal with government

agencies.

The main places to find science public policy career opportunities are local government, central

government, and government agencies. Examples include the US Environmental Protection Agency

(EPA), the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), and the European Commission.

PhDs wanting to become policy officers should look for roles that are a match for their subject

matter expertise. These PhDs should emphasize their knowledge along with their interpersonal,

communication, and problem skills. They may also need to or wish to complete a fellowship or public

policy training program.

PhD Industry Position Guide

59. Grants Facilitator
Other Names For This Role: N/A

Grants facilitators work with academic faculty members to develop successful grant submission to

various funding agencies. These professionals search and identify suitable funding opportunities

for their organization. They communicate about these opportunities with researchers, government

officials, and members of research ethics review boards. They conduct grant-writing workshops and

training programs to help researchers create competitive applications. They also check applications to

ensure all the various accompanying documents (e.g., IRB approval, consortium, etc.) are in place.

PhDs that want to be involved in academic research but do not like the idea of conducting the

research themselves or dealing with the research faculty tenure process may wish to consider a role

as a grants facilitator. Any PhDs who has applied for funding is qualified for this position. Many PhDs

find the role satisfying because it allows them to contribute to the success of a variety of important

research projects.

Look for grants facilitator roles at universities that have robust research programs such as the

University of California San Diego (UCSD), Baylor University, and Ludwig Maximilian University

of Munich. Key transferable skills for grants facilitator roles include grant writing, communication,

collaboration, attention to detail and time management.

60. Science Ethicist

Other Names For This Role: Clinical Ethicist, Research Ethicist, Bioethicist

Science ethicists can be broadly divided into the following three categories: clinical ethics, research

ethics, and bioethics. Professionals working in clinical ethics review medical research and clinical

trial-related proposals for ethical conduct and ensure that the rights of subjects are protected. They

may also be called upon for court hearings involving ethical conflicts. Those in research ethics act

as members of IRB or IACUC committees that review academic research proposals to ensure they

PhD Industry Position Guide

meet proper ethical guidelines of research, including safeguarding the rights of animal subjects used

for biomedical research. Finally, those in bioethics provide advice on policies related to research,

medicine, agriculture, and several other fields where technology may have significant social and

economic consequences.

Science PhDs who can blend their scientific knowledge with an appreciation for ethics should consider

a career in science ethics. This career path can be very engaging for those who enjoy keeping abreast

of social issues, new technological developments, and policy changes. It can also be satisfying for

those who want to influence the social and ethical outcomes of scientific advancements.

Science ethicists can work in a variety of settings depending on their focus. Typically, clinical ethicists

are based in hospitals or other major medical facilities, research ethicists are employed in universities

and research institutes, and bioethicists are in government agencies and healthcare companies.

Scientific knowledge, leadership, integrity, and critical thinking are critical characteristics for those

desiring to work in this field.

61. Public Program/Agency Officer

Other Names For This Role: N/A

The overall goal of a public program/agency officer is to align the activities of a public organization

or program with its mission. These professionals concentrate on functions unique to the operations

of the public sector. A few examples of such functions include international relations, federal-state

affairs, and the public funding of research. To achieve their goals, public program/agency officers

oversee development, seek grants and proposals, and manage projects and budgets. They also

form relationships with other organizations and generate reports to provide information on their

organization’s operations.

PhDs who want to serve the public may enjoy a role as a public program/agency officer. Because of the

variety of functions that public programs and agencies perform, it is possible to find a position that is

a good fit for a PhD’s expertise regardless of his or her background.

PhD Industry Position Guide

As the name of the role implies, public program/agency officer jobs can be found in the public sector.

This sector includes governmental, intergovernmental, and nongovernmental organizations. The

National Science Foundation (NSF), the World Trade Organization (WTO), the African Development

Bank (ADB), and the Disability Rights Fund (DRF) are all examples of such organizations. In addition

to subject matter expertise that aligns with the function of a particular agency or mission, PhDs

will need excellent communication, collaboration, organization, project management, analytical, and

strategic thinking skills.

62. International Development Professionals

Other Names For This Role: International Development Consultants, International Development Advisors,
Lobbyist, Diplomat, Political Analyst, International Lawyer, Intelligence Specialist

International development professionals work to create a safer and healthier world for everyone,

implement social change, and help the world move forward. They can do so within one of a wide

variety of roles. International development consultants, diplomats, lobbyists, political analysts,

international lawyers, and intelligence specialists can all be considered international development

professionals. There are also many areas to which international development professionals can

contribute. Options include policy development and analysis, communications, sponsorship,

international relations, and more.

PhDs who possess a deep understanding of cultural nuances, history, and languages are competitive

candidates for international development roles. International development can be a good fit for

PhDs who want to have a social impact and aren’t concerned about earning a high salary. The role

may require overseas travel, and advancing to a mid- or upper-level role often requires a significant

amount of time in a lower-level role.

International organizations, nongovernmental organizations, and national governments are the main

types of organizations that employ international development professionals. A few examples include

PhD Industry Position Guide

the United Nations (UN), Oxfam, the World Bank, and the US Agency for International Development.

To transition, PhDs will need organization skills, interpersonal skills, and strong ethics in addition to

knowledge of the people group or groups with which they want to work.

63. Program/Project Manager

Other Names For This Role: N/A

Program and project managers make sure government programs and projects are effective, can be

sustained, and have deliverables. These programs and projects may have a wide variety of aims. A few

examples of goals that program and project managers may work toward include developing strategies

for funding research and procuring medical devices during emergencies. The daily duties of these

professionals are similar: coordinate activities, devise strategy, manage the budget and resources,

address any problems that arise, and monitor progress. The difference between the two roles is in

terms of scope. While project managers focus on just one project, program managers coordinate the

series of projects that make up their program.

A program or project manager role may be a good fit for PhDs who enjoy overseeing people and

resources to meet goals in the most effective way. A major advantage offered by these roles is that

they offer the satisfaction of doing work that serves the public.

Jobs in program or project management can be found at all levels of government as well as in

intergovernmental organizations. The National Park Service, Federal Communications Commission,

and the World Health Organization (WHO) are a few examples of departments and organizations that

employ program and project managers. Time management, strategic thinking, analytical thinking,

interpersonal skills, and business acumen are the key skills PhDs targeting these careers should

showcase.

PhD Industry Position Guide

 Information Aggregation Intellectual Property Information & Data Management Communication
& Patents
“I want to learn about, write about, IP Lawyer Patent Agent Healthcare Business Statistician Artifical Scientific Scientific Writer / Secondary School
edit, analyze, and patent the latest or Scientific Informatics Intelligence /Mathematician Intelligence Journalism / Technical Editor Teacher/Learning
Consultant Technologist Analyst Specialist Publishing Consultant
innovations and information related
to these innovations.”
Technology Patent Examiner Data Scientist Operations Energy Analyst Economist Medical Writer Academic
Transfer Officer Research Analyst Publisher

Financial Services Business & Strategy Research Policy, Funding & Government
Quantitative Equity Research Management Research Analyst Business Analyst Competitive Policy Officer Grants Facilitator Science Ethicist
Analyst Analyst Consulting in a VC Firm Intelligence
Business, Finance, & Policy Analyst

“I want to liaise and solve classical

business problems, understand Diversity & Public Program / International Program/Project
Financial Analyst Higher Education Not-for-Profit Business Scientific
numbers, and influence scientific Adminstrator Officer Development Consultant Inclusion (D&!) Agency Officer Development Manager
and business policy.” Manager Officer Professional

Which
industry Sales and Marketing
Application Product Manager Market Research Capital Technical Sales Marketing Post-Market Application

job is right “I want to communicate product

information, build professional
Scientist Analyst Equipment
Specialist
Specialist Communication
Specialist
Surveillance
Specialist
Support
Engineer

for you? relationships, and engage in

client-facing activities.”

User Experience R&D Project R&D Scientist Senior Scientist/ Principal Scientist Quality / Process COLOR KEY
Research and Development Researcher Manager Engineer /Engineer Professional
Salary in top 10%

“I want to conduct and manage Travel >50% often required

research, test, analyze, and develop
concepts, products, systems, and Computer Technology Technology Health Economics & Informatics Remote/Hybrid position
Development Outcome Research Software
treatments.” Scientist Assessment & Professional
Alliance Manager Scientist Specialist In-house position

Innovation position

Commercial position
Medical Affairs Epidemiologists Medical Science Regulatory Clinical Data
Clinical and Medical Affairs Liaison Affairs Manager Numbers heavy position

“I want to liaise with medical staff Writing intensive position

and be involved in the regulation
and development of medical drugs, Management
Clinical Trial Clinical Research Clinical Research Clinical Research Clinical Research
treatments, implants, and devices” Project Manager Associate Scientist Coordinator Organization
Entry-Level

Customer Facing Position

Highly Technical Position

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