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Careers in Biology: Where Your Degree Will Take You

So, you’ve decided to major in biology. Your degree offers a staggering array of career options.

Pamela Reynolds

Biology (sometimes called the life sciences) is one of the most popular majors on college campuses today. While some students choose a biology degree as preparation for medical school, many students don’t realize that it can also open doors to many other careers.

Food scientists, science writers, nature conservation officers, medical lab technicians, forensic scientists, and even pharmaceutical sales representatives are all professionals who may have started off their careers with a degree in biology.  

The best thing about a biology degree is that it pairs well with so many other passions.

A biology major can be a steppingstone to a specialized career studying the impact of climate change on food crops, developing a cure for Alzheimer’s, learning the root causes of Autism, or working to clean up the world’s polluted oceans.

If you have an interest in the life sciences but are not sure where a degree in biology will lead you, read on to learn more about potential careers in biology. It turns out you can do a lot more with a biology degree than go to medical school.

What are the best careers in biology?

Biology is the study of living organisms, their processes, and their functions. It’s a broad field that encompasses everything from large plants and animals to tiny microorganisms.

Career options in biology are therefore as varied as the living organisms biologists study.

And the field continues to grow, expanding into areas unheard of a few years ago. Astrobiologists, for instance, study the effects of outer space on living organisms and hunt for extraterrestrial life. Bioclimatologists study how climate affects plants, animals, and humans. Cryobiologists study the effects of low temperatures on living organisms. Bioinformaticians apply their computer skills to solving problems in medicine and the life sciences.

Other popular careers in biology include immunobiology, in which biologists study the immune system, and genomics, in which biologists study genomes.

Where can you work with a biology degree?

Biologists can work almost anywhere, including in the worlds of art, law, business, public health, and education.

What career you choose will depend on your interests and whether you opt for a bachelor’s degree, a master’s, or maybe even an MD or PhD.

If you stop at a bachelor’s degree, you might work as a technician at a biotech firm or hospital. You could become a high school biology teacher or use your degree to become a health educator. You could even build a career as a science content writer or move into sales at a medical device company. 

With additional education, you can use your biology degree to become a nurse, physician, veterinarian, engineer, or senior scientist. An advanced degree in biology can allow you to teach biology at a university or become a senior level manager or researcher at a pharmaceutical, environmental, or biotech firm. You might even decide to start your own company.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates there will be almost 114,000 new jobs in the life, physical, and social sciences between 2020 and 2030, meaning that biology and related fields represent a high-growth sector.

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What type of biology is best for your career goals?

Careers in biology can be divided into branches and fields. Each branch offers a different set of career choices. There are dozens of possibilities, but a few broad areas include:

• Biomedical Engineering. This area revolves around applying the problem-solving techniques of engineering to biology and medicine. Someone who has a biology degree might get a graduate degree in engineering to tackle real-world systems that make people healthier. Biomedical engineers design new technologies that include prosthetic devices, imaging systems, medical instruments, diagnostic tools, and biopharmaceuticals. Many biomedical engineers work at biotechnology firms. Some may work for the government to establish safety standards for medical devices. This area is huge and growing and includes a wide range of specialties from biomaterials to stem cell engineering. 
• Chemical and Physical Biology. People working in this area use tools from mathematics, chemistry, and physics to solve problems in the life sciences. Chemists and physical biologists work in research and technical positions in industries like oil, chemicals, food processing, agriculture, biotechnology, and mining. They might work in manufacturing or in diagnostics at a private company, or in quality control, sales, and plant development.
• Ecology and Environmental Biology. Ecologists and environmental biologists study the relationships between living things and their habitats. Within this field, there are many specializations. For instance, aerobiologists study organisms and organic particles in the air. Geobiologists study the interactions between the earth and the biosphere. Many people in this area study specific regional environments to protect wildlife and ecosystems. They might work as a naturalist at a state or national park, or as a consultant or researcher with a government agency, private firm, or non-profit organization.
• Human Evolutionary Biology. Human evolutionary biologists seek to understand how evolutionary forces have shaped our physiology and patterns of behavior. Someone working in this field might work as a researcher in medical science or a professor in medicine, economics, psychology, or the social sciences.
• Molecular and Cellular Biology. Cell biologists study cell structures and their interactions with biological organisms. They usually work in laboratories where they analyze samples, perform experiments, and keep detailed records of their findings. A cell biologist may work for government agencies, in private or public laboratories, as well as teach at colleges or universities.
• Neuroscience.   Neuroscientists study the biology underlying behavior and how our brains process information. They examine the nervous system at every level, from behavior and cognition to cells and molecules. Someone in this area might work in research at a biotech company, become a neuroeconomist, a medical doctor, or a professor at a university.

What careers require an advanced degree in biology?

While it’s possible to find a satisfying career with only a bachelor’s degree in biology, the reality is that as technology and science progresses, there is always more to know.

That makes it increasingly likely that you’ll need a graduate degree in a specific area in the biological sciences. We’ve discussed many of these areas, including cell and molecular biology, biomedical engineering, neurobiology, and chemistry.

An advanced degree is especially necessary for anyone interested in moving into research in academia, private industry or in a government lab. But advanced degrees are also necessary outside of academia and research. Foresters and forensic scientists, environmental scientists, and microbiologists generally have advanced degrees.

Rather than earning a more advanced degree in a specialized area of biology, some students choose to enter a professional school after receiving their bachelor’s degree. They might attend nursing, medical, veterinary, dental or law school. Students who choose this route can find themselves richly rewarded by a fascinating career that offers even more opportunities for specialization.  

Whatever career you choose, the nice thing about getting a degree in biology is that you’ll always have options!

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About the Author

Pamela Reynolds is a Boston-area feature writer and editor whose work appears in numerous publications. She is the author of “Revamp: A Memoir of Travel and Obsessive Renovation.”

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Career Paths for PhD Graduates

New section.

Biomedical scientists can use their knowledge of biomedical research in a wide variety of ways.

What can I be with a PhD?

Biomedical scientists may use their knowledge of biomedical research to:

• Direct a research lab and decide which scientific questions to investigate
• Be part of a team of scientists working together to solve problems of health and disease
• Manage and coordinate large scientific projects (across institutions and/or across the world)
• Teach others about biomedical science including how to do research and how to think about and understand scientific information
• Inform policy makers about scientific matters that impact health and science
• Communicate (by writing and speaking) and disseminate the latest information about scientific and medical discoveries
• Translate discoveries and inventions from the most fundamental level to every day usage

Where do biomedical scientists work?

Academic institutions (research and administration)

• Large research universities
• Small liberal arts colleges
• Medical centers and medical schools
• Dental, veterinary and optometry schools
• Research institutes
• Community colleges
• High schools

Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies

Government agencies at the federal, state, and local levels, including:

• NIH - National Institutes of Health
• FDA - Food and Drug Administration
• CDCP - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• NSF - National Science Foundation
• EPA - Environmental Protection Agency
• NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration
• USDA - Department of Agriculture
• VA - Veterans' Administration
• DOD - Department of Defense
• US Congress
• Executive Branch of the Federal Government
• State and county health departments

Mass communication organizations and businesses

• Newspapers and magazines
• Internet-based communications
• Broadcast media (television, radio, movies)
• Scientific journals and textbooks

Law firms (patent and intellectual property law)

Consulting firms

• Judicial system - scientific evidence in trials
• Financial - advising regarding investments in biotechnology, drug and medical device development
• Educational

Philanthropic and non-profit organizations

• NAS/IOM - National Academies of Science/Institute of Medicine
• Scientific societies and associations
• Private foundations

General information about careers in biomedical science

ScienceCareers.org  - Find a job in science - searchable by location including international, field, keyword, etc.

PhD Jobs  - Includes jobs from across the United States including Biological Science, Business, Education, Engineering, Health & Medicine, Information Science, Law, Science

ScienceCareers.org "Mastering Your Ph.D.: Preparing for Your Post-Ph.D. Career" - Survival and success in the doctoral years and beyond

National Postdoctoral Association  - Providing a national voice and seeking positive change for postdoctoral scholars

Choosing a Postdoctoral Position  - Advice on finding the best postdoc for you

PhDs.org: Science, Math, and Engineering Career Resources  - Information for scientists and would-be scientists at all levels, from high school students through Nobel laureates.

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Helpful tools for those applying to medical PhD programs.

Upcoming short presentations will describe features of PhD training, alumni careers, and detailed logistics of the application process.

Learn about PhD Programs from program leaders.

Graduate schools in the biomedical sciences will generally provide a comprehensive funding package to their students.

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Postbaccalaureate programs begin after an undergraduate degree and are designed to support the transition to professional school.

Jobs You Can Do With a Science Ph.D., Beyond Academia

Policy analyst and museum educator are among jobs outside higher education for people with a Ph.D. in a science field.

Science Ph.D. Jobs Beyond Academia

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Museum scientists may also be responsible for public outreach. Volunteering at a science museum is a good way for STEM Ph.D. recipients to explore this career path. 

While earning a Ph.D. in cellular neuroscience at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Maryland, Rebecca Alvania loved the considerable amount of time she spent working in the lab with her hands to carry out experiments. But after graduating, something in her shifted.

“I did not actually want to have my own lab,” says Alvania, CEO of the American Society for Cell Biology, a Maryland-based international membership organization. “The things that I loved doing in the lab or as a scientist are not necessarily the things that meant I was going to be happy running my own lab.”

Now, she works to serve a population that reflects herself back then in many ways – doctorate of science students looking for guidance on careers outside of academia.

Academia once was the largest employer of science Ph.D. graduates, but that has changed. According to data from the U.S. National Science Foundation's NCSES Survey of Earned Doctorates , academia represented only 26% of the employment sector of research doctorate recipients in science and engineering in 2021, continuing a trend.

From industry-based jobs to career paths outside of industry and academia, experts say nonacademic careers can be just as fulfilling as working within educational institutions.

Industry-Based Careers for Scientists

Industry-based jobs can be positions within laboratories, or non-lab roles such as a business development analyst. Here are a few industry-based careers that experts say science Ph.D. recipients are also hired in.

Business Development Managers

In these careers, science Ph.D. graduates are valued for their ability to understand complex research in business, which can help in decision making, notes Kim Petrie, assistant dean for biomedical career development and associate professor of medical education and administration at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine  in Tennessee.

“Those are people that sometimes do well in their careers," Petrie says. "They can make decisions and act without all the information. Quantitative thinkers often do well in these types of roles, and scientific training often fosters that skill set.”

Key responsibilities for business development managers range from managing existing products and services to developing new ones. These positions also involve devising market strategies using scientific and analytical skills.

The average salary for a business development manager in the U.S. is nearly $71,000 a year, ranging as high as $128,500, according to ZipRecruiter . Experts say there are many opportunities for advancement and increased pay based on skill level, location and years of experience.

Medical Science Liaisons

Medical science liaisons can be employed by pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device and managed care companies. Part of their job is to make sure products are being used efficiently, along with acting as scientific experts who advise on advances in clinical treatments or provide input on relevant science and clinical data. 

The role is “very communication heavy, translating science and sometimes technical science for non-technical people and sort of management of clinical research or clinical research projects,” Petrie says.

According to the 2022 annual salary and compensation survey by the Medical Science Liaison Society, 82% of current MSLs in the U.S. across all company types and therapeutic areas had a doctorate degree, excluding M.D. , with 34% of total respondents having a Ph.D. The average annual salary nationwide for those with a Ph.D. was nearly $182,940.

Data Scientists

Data scientist is one of the fastest growing occupations in the science industry. The employment of data scientists is projected to grow 36% from 2021 to 2031, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, much faster than the average occupation. 

“Everybody, every company and health care companies are using data science, so quite a number of our alumni have transitioned into that,” Petrie says. "Some of them have gone out pretty far from the field and are not necessarily working for scientific companies anymore, because they've been able to parlay that programming ... skill set that way.”

As data scientists , science Ph.D.s typically use their skills for gathering or identifying relevant data to make business recommendations based on their analysis. They often present their findings by using data visualizations.

“Nashville actually has a lot of health care companies, so we've had a couple of alumni transition to those organizations, working with their medical records, just doing some interesting things like looking for anything predictive, for example, in medical records that might suggest an earlier diagnosis of cancer,” Petrie says.

Careers Beyond Academia and Industry-Based Positions

Research findings that led to the Harvard University Press book “Next Gen PhD: A Guide to Career Paths in Science” – written by Melanie Sinche, assistant dean for academic affairs at the University of Saint Joseph in Connecticut – indicate that career paths for science Ph.D. graduates also exist outside of academia and industry positions. Here are some.

Science Publishing

In science communications, you must have excellent written communication skills and a strong understanding of the ethical and regulatory guidelines in the field. Science Ph.D.s develop such skills just by the nature of doctoral training and postdoctoral work , Sinche says.

“One of the key pieces for science Ph.D.s and postdocs," she says, "is to know themselves and to know their skills and to recognize that they have a concrete set of employable skills that are attractive to employers across all industries, across all sectors.”

Science publishing provides many career opportunities such as science journalist or writer, journal editor, medical writer and science illustrator.

Museum Educator

Often, scientists who work at a museum hold a science Ph.D. of some sort, according to the American Society for Cell Biology. Museum scientists may also be responsible for public outreach. Volunteering at a science museum is a good way for STEM Ph.D. recipients to explore this career path. 

“I recommend for all Ph.D.s to experiment, to develop collaborations maybe with industry partners and to go through internships and volunteer in different settings,” Sinche says. “Those activities will generate more information for them in order for them to make an informed career decision.”

Policy Analyst

In this position, science Ph.D.s observe and influence policy at the local, state and national level by working with government offices. Gaining experience through internships or fellowships, combined with the ability to learn quickly that Sinche says they’ve already developed, can help Ph.D.s prepare for a career in policymaking. 

“I think one of the most important skills that you can argue that most Ph.D.s develop over time is the ability to learn quickly, and that skill, you better believe, it's attractive to all employers,” Sinche says.

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Possible careers for phds in biomedical sciences.

Posted by Kim Petrie on Friday, December 11, 2020 in Path to Career Resources .

Sometimes it’s just nice to have a list of possibilities. Here’s a terrific list of career paths for PhDs in the biomedical sciences, compiled by Lauren Easterling at Indiana University School of Medicine. It’s nicely arranged by broad theme. See something you’re not familiar with? Check out our Beyond the Lab video and podcast series to see if we have recorded an episode with an alumnus who has pursued that career.

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Fig 1. Comparative analysis of the population in 2013 vs. 2003. Above solid line. The PhD population increased by ~26% = 35,541 PhDs. Below solid line. Percentage of the new population dedicated to the indicated categories. Data obtained from the NSF Scientists and Engineers Statistical Data System (13). The percent for each category out of the total PhD population in 2013 is indicated on the right. See text for 2013 PhD population numbers for each category.

To further extend these reports, I compared census data on graduate and postgraduate employment between the years 2003 and 2013 (Fig 1).

In the last decade, total number of PhDs increased by ~26% (35,541 PhDs) to a total of 172,139 PhDs (13). If employment increases were to follow the rate of population growth, then all employment sectors should see a ~26% increase. Indeed this was the case for two categories:  out of the workforce PhDs  (stay at home parents and part time employees) with a ~24% increase to a total of ~19,500 PhDs; and  management and administration  with a ~27% increase to a total of ~27,000 PhDs. The only positive change in PhD employment was a ~30% increase in  teaching  to a total of ~25,000 PhDs (including K-12 on up, but excluding research-intensive universities). Troubling changes in PhD employment include a ~50% increase in  non-science related occupations  (e.g., transportation, culinary field, or construction) to a total of ~22,000 PhDs; and a significant ~1.6 fold increase in  unemployment  to a total of ~4,000 PhDs  (Fig 1) .

Importantly, the total number of PhDs engaged in research and development (R&D; all positions in both industry and academia) increased only by ~19% to a total of 72,409 PhDs; which reflects a continued trend in decline (see paragraph preceding Fig 1). Moreover, when looking more in depth at the 2010-2013 transition ) (13) ,  I observed that the number of biological and medical PhDs in science careers decreased by ~4%. These positions include jobs in academia (both faculty and staff scientist) and industry; and the categories include medical scientists, biochemists, biophysicists and biological scientists (e.g., botanists, ecologists, zoologists). This indicates that in recent years PhDs are moving away from research and development positions (Fig 1) .

Indeed, this has been also shown in a couple of recent survey-driven studies examining the career preferences of junior biomedical scientists in more detail. One study followed students during training  in the 2007-2012 period (2), and the other study collected all data in 2009 (6). In both studies, the authors found that the career pathway interests of graduate students changed significantly between starting and finishing their degree. Important changes were observed for a decrease of interest in both teaching-intensive faculty positions (small change), and research-intensive faculty positions (large change). The opposite was found for interest in non-academic research positions (including industry, pharma, biotech, government or startup), and non-research careers (including consulting, policy, scientific writing, technology transfer or business (2,6).

Current estimates indicate that there is approximately only one tenure-track position in the US for every 6.3 PhD graduates (1). This means that 84% of today’s PhD graduates need to pursue careers other than tenure-track faculty positions at research-intensive institutions. Having said that, the employment perspective does not appear to be so gloomy:

A recent study reports a decrease in the biomedical postdoctoral population of ~5% between 2010 and 2013, indicating that PhDs are exploring positions outside of academia, and suggesting we may be reaching the end of the exponential period of biomedical PhD/postdoctoral population expansion (14). However, this could also reflect a decrease in availability of postdoctoral positions due to reduced NIH funding across the board.

And the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects a ~20% increase in total employment in the biomedical sciences for the 2010-2020 decade (15). If the current trends in PhD employment continue, this suggests that by the end of the decade the vast majority of the PhD population would be employed outside of academic/industry research institutions (it was ~40% on 2013).

Clearly the real “alternative career” is pursuing tenure-track faculty positions at research-intensive institutions.

All in all, these statistics are enlightening about the reality PhDs are encountering when trying to find their next position. The challenge we face is to prevent an increase in the unemployment rate and to reduce the shift to non-science related careers paths (e.g., construction, …). Both goals should be attainable in the near future: we should dedicate resources to advertise the reality of employment and remuneration for PhDs in biomedical sciences, we should expose graduate students and postdocs to all employment opportunities beyond academia, and encourage them to engage in internships and make timely and informed employment decisions. Also discussed in (16) and (17) .

As graduate students and postdocs, we should periodically pry ourselves away from the bench, papers and presentations to also attend career development seminars to learn which are other available career paths, and then incorporate this knowledge with our own progress, goals, skills, interests and values when deciding on our next career step (see  Skill Inventory Matrix  and My IDP in following two sections). Engaging in these activities should also benefit those wishing to remain in science. For example, preparing for a career in consulting will give students/postdocs new tools to tackle scientific problems and write better grants (anecdotal).

On transferable skills and self-marketing

Whether you are staying in academia or not, it is very useful to determine what your skill set is. This can also help you identify skills you should improve on or acquire, e.g., management skills to effectively run a laboratory (including conflict resolution and budget managing among many).

Because we are immersed in our research, we often do not realize the valuable skills we have developed. In the book  Networking for Nerds  (18), Alaina Levine describes the use of the  Skill Inventory Matrix  to identify strengths and weaknesses, as well as its use to help define which career path to pursue. To help identify what these seemly intangible transferable skills are, below I assembled a list to help guide you to identify your own set. The credit goes to the sources I used (18-22).

•    experience:
• jobs, research/teaching assistantships, committee assignments,
• College and University academic societies, competitions,
• extracurricular activities: fund raising/management, newspapers, policy, family commitments
• computer literacy: office packages, presentation software, programming skills (e.g., C++, java, perl, mySQL)
•    personal characteristics that define how you operate:
• your values
• detail-oriented vs. results-driven
• disciplined and self-reliant
• ability to work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines
• ability to quickly learn/acquire new skills (quick study)
• ability to work with limited supervision (independence)
•    technical skills:
• scientific:  research methodologies; experimental design; data collection, management and analysis; …
• use of laboratory equipment: confocal microscopy, analytical centrifugation, …
• knowledge of statistics
• specialized packages for data management: SPSS, Ingenuity Pathway Analysis, FiJi, Imaris, …
•    analysis and problem solving skills:
• critical appraisal of literature, critical thinker
• problem solver:   define a problem, postulate and test hypotheses, and summarize conclusions
• identify sources of information/experiments to address problems
• design, apply and analyze surveys
• ability to manage large datasets, including sorting and evaluating data
• ability to defend independent conclusions
• application of basic principles in a wider context
•    business skills:
• project management:  manage (a) project(s) from beginning to end, ability to maintain flexibility
• identify and prioritize tasks, determine realistic timeline for completion of tasks
• teamwork, ability to delegate, negotiation skills, and diplomacy
• inventory control, risk management and safety assessment
• effective grant writing
• event planning and management (e.g., Gordon Research Conference/Seminar, local scientific meeting)
•    leadership:
• conduct meetings or facilitate group discussions, motivate others to complete projects
• collaborate on projects, mentor and train lab-mates, respond well to feedback
• conflict resolution, creative problem solving, team building, strategic thinking
•    soft skills:
• organize and orally communicate ideas clearly and to peers and lay people
• ability to prepare concise and logically-written materials: specify the length (abstract, book,…)
• ability to debate issues in a collegiate manner with peers and supervisors
• ability to use logical argument to persuade others
• ability to speak/translate other languages (e.g., careers in law, education, or mass communication)

The next thing to do is to assign love/hate qualifiers to each one (18-22). This is crucial when tailoring your resume and cover letter, and when preparing for job interviews. These tools will help effectively market yourself as the best possible job candidate, as well as help categorize (from best to worst match) all potential job opportunities. Once you have defined the position(s) you are interested in you have to market and sell yourself. For most of us PhDs, self-marketing is distressing; yet, you should become comfortable talking about yourself and asking/accepting networking favors that may push your applications to the top of the pile.

When applying, it is important to research the position(s) you are interested in, not just reading the original posting(s). This also applies to when you are planning to create your own job. You have to read about the company, its financial data (especially when going into finance or consulting), its history (if relevant), its values, the people in the work group you might join, any videos published on YouTube or elsewhere (e.g., interviews with CEOs, TED talks), and any publication coming out from the group and company. Also, rely on your network, LinkedIn, Facebook and Google.

In addition, you have to research the market and identify the competition. This is easier when applied to a product, but a bit harder when applied to your vision. For example, I am interested in commercialization of science. Briefly my options are: 1) offices of technology development; 2) family office, angel network, or venture capital firm needing expertise in biomedical field to make informed decisions; 3) officer at a US Patent and Trademark Office; 4) law firm working on patenting and intellectual property; or 5) create my own job. I lean toward options 1, 2 and 5. Not many options are open in family offices, angel network/venture capital firms and the competition is fierce. There are 5 offices of technology development in the area and I need an internship to support my application (working on it) and there are few openings.

I decided that creating a consulting service to aid university technology transfer offices, private investment offices and startups would be the way to go. This idea is not novel(3), but has not been put into effect in the area, there is a clear demand (determined during many networking interactions), and we have a trained/in-training group that should deliver. Also, this idea is very appealing to me for many reasons: it includes what I want to do, it allows me to be involved in student and postdoc training, and gives me experience in creating and leading a new organization. Still, I keep looking and categorizing options using my  Skill Inventory Matrix  (18).

And finally, when applying make sure to include keywords related to the posting, look at your  Skill Inventory Matrix  and pull the relevant information out. And in your cover letter be sure to briefly describe examples. This is best done by intentionally leaving questions for the interviewer to ask you. In short, sell your best qualities and experiences fitting the job.

Learning about other career paths

I think this could be divided in three subsections: know yourself, do your research, and plan your path.

To get to know yourself I have three suggestions. The first one I read on LinkedIn and lost the reference (sorry); the author suggested asking different people to describe you in 20 words. The second one is to take the  Gallup Strengths  and Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® (MBTI®)  assessments. And the last one is to use the  My IDP website  (see below). Together these tools should help identify abilities, qualities, strengths and weaknesses to populate the  Skill Inventory Matrix (18). There is plenty of information on both tests online so I will not further describe them or their outputs. The 20 questions approach is self explanatory and both insightful and humbling.

Next, the research. This part should come easy to us PhDs, it involves reading A LOT about different career paths. There are plenty of websites and books published on the subject. I enjoyed the book  Career Options for Biomedical Scientists (23), and I have also extensively used LinkedIn’s PhD Careers Outside of Academia,  The Versatile PhD ,  Inside Higher Ed ,  BioCareers blog ,  My IDP website  (see below), and –of course– Google. What matters is to compare the employment paths you think you may like with your values, the lifestyle you expect to lead, and with your  Skill Inventory Matrix .

The last part in this section is planning your trajectory. Here, the best advice I have is to follow an IDP,  Individual Development Plan (24), and I suggest using the  Science Careers My IDP website . This great resource takes into consideration your skills, your interests, your values, and your expected-lifestyle to suggest a list of options categorized by probability match, along with several links to informational resources. In addition, the website helps you set goals, implement your plan, and encourages you to go out and gain first hand experience at suggested jobs to sort them into “ good idea ” or “ bad idea .”  The problem is, however, that the website does not help find where and how to gain such experience. This is why mentors and networking are so important.

Network, network and network to find new opportunities and mentors

We do not accomplish anything in a void. We need to assemble our job-search team. Mine is composed of:

• my wife and family, who provide support, guidance and encouragement;
• my postdoctoral mentor, who has been supportive and helpful both at the bench and away from it;
• my contact at the Graduate Career Development office who helped me focus on my goals and interests, inspired me to network to find/create my dream position, and pointed out new opportunities;
• and my business mentor whom I met through networking and has been helping me by pointing out opportunities, introducing me to new contacts and being a sounding board for ideas.

Why is networking important?  It can open the door to unknown opportunities both in making new contacts and finding positions. Alaina Levine, author of  Networking for Nerds  (a suggested read), estimates that about 90% of the “ job market is clandestine,”  meaning that  “it is accessed only through networking and reputation management activities ” (18).

So, what is networking?  In Levine’s words: “ Networking entails providing authentic and genuine information for and between both parties so that you both can contribute value to each other’s projects and interests […] you have to tell people about what you do and the value you can provide them so they understand how an alliance could be mutually beneficial […]  Remember, everyone has problems that need solutions .“  You should “ offer to be of assistance even if you don’t immediately see a potential return on investment ” (18). Such assistance could be a collaboration, direct contribution, suggest a contact they do not know or have not thought of, introducing people, other… This strategy should also be useful when you are applying/interviewing for a position: ask yourself “what can I bring to the company” and emphasize it. In other words, demonstrate value and knowledge about the company while marketing your relevant qualities.

The initial mistake most people make (I made) is to approach people in a one-sided manner. The communication cannot be only about your interests. “ If you approach networking expecting your contact to offer you a job, you will likely be disappointed—most contacts will not know of current or planned openings “ (25). In addition, this may cause potential contacts to shy away from interacting with you again because you are only interested in yourself. “ Instead, try to meet people who can offer advice for your search, answer questions about career choices and provide you with the names of more contacts who may be able to help you get further along in the process of finding a job. They can give you a closer look at the practical aspects of their own jobs and provide details that you may find critical when deciding where to apply “ (25). Once you make a close contact, you may ask for suggestions on how to improve your resume, how to fill any voids your application, and who else to contact to further pursue your interests. Among these close contacts you may find new mentors.

How to network?  This is the topic covered by whole books (18), and several online blog posts and articles. I will summarize what I understand to be most important, but caution the reader that I am by no means an expert.

Craft brief and powerful introductions

The  elevator pitch  is used to effectively and concisely introduce yourself (26-28). Crafting one requires self-evaluation and concisely writing and practicing (over and over) how to deliver this speech in a short period of time (typically 30 seconds), and to do it in a way that interests people and avoids jargon. This pitch should stick to the big picture and hopefully contain a memorable story.

Most times, however, pitches are not appropriate. Therefore, it is important to craft different versions of your introductions to match different audiences , CEO vs. CFO vs. Nobel Laureate), different situations (e.g., elevator, airplane, dinning table, church, playground), different individuals (depending background and common interests), or to fit available time (elevator vs. networking event vs. airplane).

I do not have an elevator pitch; I am wordy (have you noticed?). I wrote the following examples on the fly based on past networking experiences. They need perfecting; yet, I hope they provide an idea of how to tailor introductions depending on your target audience.

When introducing myself to  scientists at Conferences  I would say: “ Hi, my name is Andrés Lorente, and I am a postdoctoral fellow in the laboratory of Dr. Melanie Cobb, where we study protein signaling networks. I work on elucidating the crosstalk between calcium and with no lysine [K] WNK signaling pathways, and the role of the WNK pathway in non-canonical pathways, namely cancer. To this end, I am also characterizing novel WNK kinase inhibitors for use in the clinic. What you mentioned in your talk about [ add here ] interests me because [ add here ] “… and then go from there. This introduction did not explain my findings, leading to an easy question. This can be shortened to fit context, time, common research goals, …

When addressing  middle-school students  at an outreach event, I would say: “ Hi, my name is Andrés Lorente, and I am a scientist at UT Southwestern Medical Center. My goal here today is to show you how important lipids are for life. Lipids are fatty molecules that cells use to define themselves: what is in and what is out, it is like your skin. But lipids do much more than that, and understanding [ briefly go into disease, lab findings and drug discovery ].”   Here, my goal is to go to task, not spend much time on myself.

When addressing  adults at family events or at the playground , I would say: [begin here chatting about the kids, easy in, then] “ Hi, my name is Andrés Lorente, and I am a cell biologist. My research goal is to gain a better understanding of how cells operate in health and disease. Currently, I am working on identifying the role of a molecular switch, called kinases, in progression of different cancer phenotypes. At present, I am also characterizing kinase inhibitors, one of which shows promise for potential use in the clinic. ”  Again, I tailor to fit my audience.

And lastly, when addressing a  CEO at a networking event  I would say: “ Hi, my name is Andrés Lorente, and I am a cancer biologist at UT Southwestern Medical Center. I am currently involved in the characterization of novel kinase inhibitors, some of which have shown promise for potential use in the clinic. Toward the future, however, I am looking to transition to the business of science because I want to have a more direct/immediate impact on human health. To this effect I am currently leading the foundation of a new graduate student and postdoc driven consulting group to provide low cost consulting services to universities and the startup community in the Dallas / Fort Worth area. I approached you because [option 1: I am interested in learning how you got to be where you are; option 2: I believe our consulting group could bring value to your company], [ and then add more here ].“   Here I have two hooks: what I am doing in research and my involvement with this new consulting group. Again, there are variations that depend on whether the CEO has scientific background, whether the company is working on cancer drug development, or whether instead of a CEO I am approaching an Angel Investor. Tailoring is always necessary.

• Identify people you are interested in meeting and who may either provide relevant information on your job search or refer you to others who can. Look at your inner circle first: family, outside friends, church and career development offices; and use LinkedIn to identify people in universities and societies you belong to.
• Ask your network for help reaching out to people: introductions work better than sending cold emails.
• Research the background of the people you are interested in meeting. This helps in many ways: it provides an easier way to establish initial contact and shows both knowledge of their environment and sincere interest in who they are and what they do. Not surprisingly, people respond really well to this approach.
• Be honest about who you are and what your value is: “ Your productivity in your field and profession must be sustained at high levels in order to “ (18) be valuable to your contacts.
• When making connections be sure to show “ sincere interest in his or her work and advice ” (24). Here a listener may do better than a talker, but participating in monologues does not lead to establishment of connections.
• Questions to ask. Again, the credit goes to the sources I used (18, 29-30).
• What do you like/dislike most about your work?
• What are your primary job responsibilities?
• What are the toughest problems and decisions you handle?
• Can you tell me about your career path and how it led you where you are?
• What experience did you have to gain in order to get your job?
• What do you wish you had known about your position/field before you started?
• What type of professional and personal skills does it take to succeed at this type of work?

Just as importantly as making new contacts, you should nurture your network by sending thank you notes (better if handwritten), following up with your contacts to update them on your progress, and continually showing sincere interest in their work and advice.

In conclusion

Get to know yourself through 20 questions and/or  Gallup Strengths  and/or  MBTI®  assessments; identify your transferable skills using a  Skill Inventory Matrix  (18) or similar tool; self-evaluate using tools like the  Science Careers My IDP website ; and keep learning about different career paths by reading books/online resources and attending career development seminars.

Whether your goal is to stay in academia to pursue a tenure track position, become a (staff) research scientist in academia or industry, or branch out into a non-academic career, these tools should help identify where you are and what you need to learn or improve, trace a path to follow, and help market yourself effectively to a prospective employer. Also irrespective of the path you want to follow, network, network, and network. The more you network, the better off you will be in terms of available options and mentoring relationships.

And most importantly, persevere, keep plugging away, do not give up, and always, like at the bench, have a backup plan in place.

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Hiring: Office of Graduate Career Development Masters-Level Graduate Assistantship 2024-2025

Master's Students

The Office of Graduate Career Development is housed in the MSU Graduate School and affiliated with the Career Services Network . Career Services aims to support graduate and professional students before, during, and after their job search process, with a focus on facilitating their exposure to expanded careers in industry, non-profits, government, entrepreneurship, academic administration, and more. Alongside the MSU Career Services Network, the office focuses on fostering connections between current graduate and professional students and alumni and employers, offering programs and resources to support professional readiness, and broadening MSU students’ awareness of the value and versatility of their graduate or professional degree in the marketplace. See the Graduate Career Services website for more information: https://grad.msu.edu/phdcareers .

Appointment

The graduate assistantship (GA) will be a half-time position (20 hours/week) for the 2023-24 academic year. Start date August 15, 2024 and conclude May 15, 2025. Level and stipend based on previous experience and determined by MSU stipend range, found here .

Job summary

The Office of Graduate Career Development is hiring a masters-level GA for the 2024-25 academic year to support career development of graduate and professional students through offering one-on-one advising appointments, leading workshops, curating online resources, helping with evaluation and needs assessments, and other duties as assigned. The GA will develop a deep understanding of graduate career paths, share that knowledge with broad audiences, and support graduate students in pursuing their career goals. In addition, the GA will manage communication for relevant events and resources via social media, newsletters, and other communication strategies. Training in career advising and presenting workshops will be provided, though relevant previous experience is valued.

Position Responsibilities

• Develop a deep understanding of the variety of career pathways available to graduate students and communicating the value of a graduate degree
• Advise graduate and professional students on job search fundamentals, including writing application materials (e.g., resumes/CVs, cover letters, diversity/teaching/research statements), networking (e.g., attending job fairs, contacting employers online), and interviewing
• Assist in planning and delivering workshops and other career-related events
• Co-manage office social media accounts, newsletters, and other communication mediums as directed
• Provide general administrative support for the office
• Work closely with other programs, Graduate School staff, and Career Services staff to collaborate, build programs, and enhance capacity for work in these areas

Required qualifications

• Demonstrated interest in graduate/professional student career and professional development
• Currently a student in good standing and enrolled in a master’s degree program at MSU
• Ability to communicate and collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds within and outside academia (in person, over email, and over the phone)
• Understanding of issues of diversity, inclusion, and equity in higher education (including at MSU)
• Strong writing skills; an ability to draft email correspondence, newsletter and social media text as needed, and other communications for audiences of graduate and/or professional students and community partners
• Public speaking and presentation skills
• Available up to 20 hours a week for advising graduate and/or professional students in one-on-one consultations (both in-person and virtual). This position will primarily be in-person, though some virtual work is involved. Candidates must have access to technology that allows them to work remotely as needed.

Preferred qualifications

• Awareness of best practices in the job search process, including application writing (e.g., creation and updating of resume/CV and cover letter), interviewing, and networking
• Familiarity with MSU Graduate School programs, resources, and priorities
• Working knowledge of issues in graduate and professional education, especially around professional and career development
• Appreciation of (and an ability to effectively navigate) interdisciplinary university environments
• Basic web skills and familiarity with Zoom, LinkedIn and Handshake platforms (or, in the case of limited experience on those platforms, an interest in learning more about them)
• Experience and willingness to contribute to the social media presence of the Office of Graduate Career Development
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Application Information

• Submit a cover letter and a resume/CV via Handshake no later than May 15, 2024. The job posting (8872269). Students can log into Handshake and find the job posting here: https://app.joinhandshake.com/edu/jobs/8872269
• Contact Dr. Julie Rojewski , Director of Graduate Career Development with questions if needed.
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Associate or Senior Editor (clinical microbiology and infectious diseases)

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Job Title: Associate or Senior Editor (clinical microbiology and infectious diseases) Nature Communications

Locations: London, New York, Pune – Hybrid working model. 

Closing date: 24th April. Candidates will be considered as they apply.

Nature Communications is the leading multidisciplinary Open Access journal, publishing high-quality scientific research. To help us to build on the success of this journal, we’re seeking an editor who has a critical eye, a deep understanding of their subject and interests beyond, and who can think on their feet.

About the role

Do you love science but feel that a career at the bench isn’t enough to sate your desire to learn more about the natural world? Do you enjoy reading papers outside your chosen area of research? If the answer is ‘yes’ to any or all of these questions, you could be the person we’re looking for to join the editorial team of Nature Communications.

The successful candidate will report to the Chief Editor for microbiology and infectious diseases in the health and clinical science division. This demanding and intellectually stimulating role is located in one of our offices in London, New York, or Pune. All applicants must be able to demonstrate the right to live and work in the respective country to be considered for the position. The position is offered on a full-time, permanent basis and its starting date is envisaged as soon as possible within the next few months.

Role Responsibilities:

• Handling original research papers, and working closely with other editors on all aspects of the editorial process, including manuscript selection and overseeing peer review. Making well-reasoned editorial decisions on submitted manuscripts in the light of expert advice. Determining the representation of their subject in the journal. Liaising extensively with editors at other journals in the Nature family and with experts in the international scientific community. Attending conferences and visiting research institutions. Commission and edit Reviews, and write Editorials

Experience, Skills & Qualifications:

• A PhD (or equivalent) in a field related to clinical microbiology, infectious diseases, epidemiology of infectious diseases, or public health. Significant research experience is preferred but not essential. A thorough understanding of recent trends and developments in the field is essential. A passion for science and a thirst to learn more. You must be able to demonstrate the breadth of your interest in scientific research, both within and beyond your speciality. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and be fluent in English (written and spoken). The ability to read and assess the novelty, context and implications of research submitted to the journal from different areas of this discipline. Be eager to travel and meet scientists worldwide, learn more about them and their research, and help them learn more about us and what we are looking for in the papers we seek to publish. Editorial experience is not required, although applicants with significant editorial experience are encouraged to apply and will potentially be considered for Senior Editor positions.

To apply:  Applicants should include a CV, a covering letter explaining their interest in the post and their preferred office of employment, and a separate concise (300-400 words) discussion of a recent scientific development that they found particularly exciting (stating why).

Springer Nature is a Disability Confident Committed Employer and we encourage applications from candidates with disabilities. If you consider yourself to have a disability or learning difficulty and wish to submit your application in an alternative format or would like to discuss reasonable adjustments during the application and interview process, please get in touch either by phone on +44 (0)207 014 4020 or by email [email protected] so we can make any necessary arrangements.

If you have any access needs related to disability, neurodivergence or a chronic condition, please contact us so we can make all necessary accommodation.

At Springer Nature we value the diversity of our teams. We recognize the many benefits of a diverse workforce with equitable opportunities for everyone. We strive for an inclusive workplace that empowers all our colleagues to thrive. Our search for the best talent fully encompasses and embraces these values and principles. Springer Nature was awarded Diversity Team of the Year at the 2022 British Diversity Awards. Find out more about our DEI work here  https://group.springernature.com/gp/group/taking-responsibility/diversity-equity-inclusion

For more information about career opportunities in Springer Nature please visit  https://careers.springernature.com/

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Does graduate school gpa matter.

Senior Associate, JPMorgan Chase

As a former college student, you may remember the long nights, stress, and anticipation you had in your undergraduate days when it came to maintaining your grade point average (GPA) . If you’re a graduate student or considering that path , you may be wondering, will your GPA matter as much?

Like in your undergraduate days, your GPA matters to pass and ultimately obtain a graduate degree, but depending on your situation, getting a high GPA may or may not be impactful.

In this article, we’ll cover what’s considered a “good” GPA, and the circumstances when your GPA may matter during grad school and when it may not matter as much.

What does GPA mean?

First, let’s go over what GPA means. GPA, an acronym for grade point average, is a metric high school, colleges, and graduate schools use to measure academic performance.

To find your GPA for a school term, you multiply each grade you received by its corresponding credit hours to find the “grade points” for that course. Then, add up all the grade points from all the courses you took in a term to find your total grade points for that term. Next, add up all the credit hours you completed in a term. Finally, divide the total grade points by the total credit hours for a term.

If you want to look at your cumulative GPA — your GPA for all the terms you’ve completed — you multiply each grade you’ve received to its corresponding credit hours to find the “grade points” for that course. Next, add up all the grade points from all the courses you've taken to find your total grade points. Then, add up all the credit hours you completed. Finally, divide the total grade points by the total credit hours to look at your cumulative GPA.

The basic formula for GPA is as follows:

(Grade Points × Credits) ÷ Credits = GPA

What’s considered a good GPA in grad school?

There’s no one right answer to what’s considered a good GPA in grad school. There are a few ways you can assess what a good GPA may be to you, though.

One way is to find out what GPA you need to receive to remain in good academic standing in your graduate degree program. Another way is to find out the average GPA in your graduate program to benchmark yourself against.

Lastly, what a “good GPA” in grad school means to you may depend on your goals after graduation. For instance, if you’re in a master’s degree program and are looking to apply to Ph.D programs, finding out what GPA you need to maintain to be a competitive applicant may be helpful.

When your GPA matters in grad school (and when it may not)

In some cases, your grad school gpa will impact your ability to get a job.

The National Association of Colleges and Employers' 2024 Job Outlook Report found that 38.3% of employers screen candidates by GPA .

In some cases, employers will require that job applicants have maintained a specific GPA in both their undergraduate and graduate careers. In other instances, job applications will ask for your undergraduate and graduate school GPAs, or prospective employers will ask for these numbers in job interviews.

Even if you’re required to supply your GPA to prospective employers, how much it’s ultimately weighed in the application process may vary quite a bit. Some employers may look highly on a high grad school GPA, while others may value work experience and other factors more strongly.

Your grad school GPA may impact your ability to be accepted into other grad school programs, including Ph.D programs

If you’re pursuing a graduate degree with your eyes set on entering another graduate degree program after, know that maintaining a strong GPA in your current program may matter to admissions committees.

As an example, the University of Washington recommends at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA and 3.5 GPA specific to your area of study to be a competitive applicant to the school’s Ph.D programs. Again, this is just one example, but many universities will provide these recommendations.

If you visit the admission page of the graduate school program you have in mind, typically, you’ll find a list of requirements, including GPA requirements.

Your grad school GPA may matter in terms of retaining financial aid

Maintaining a certain GPA does matter for retaining financial aid. The office of Federal Student Aid states that “you need satisfactory academic progress ” to keep your federal student aid package.

Exact satisfactory academic progress requirements will vary from school to school, so you may need to check with your graduate program to determine the GPA requirement. At many schools, students need to maintain a 2.0, if not a 3.0 GPA, to maintain eligibility.

Your grad school GPA may matter in terms of retaining employer tuition assistance

If you’re paying your grad school tuition with help from an employer tuition assistance program —  MBA tuition assistance programs as an example  — you may need to maintain a certain GPA to continue receiving this assistance. This expectation, if there’s one, is usually laid out when you sign up with your employer for this assistance. If you’re unsure of whether there is a requirement, contact your employer.

Grad school GPA may be less significant to some students

Some students may find that they don’t necessarily need to receive a high GPA in grad school to achieve their post grad school objectives. Many employers don’t factor students’ grad school GPAs into hiring decisions. Students who feel confident that they won’t be seeking another advanced degree won’t have to worry about their grad school GPA impacting future grad school applications.

Final thoughts

The importance of receiving a high GPA in graduate school is going to matter to different students at varying degrees. All that said, the personal satisfaction that comes from mastering the material and receiving a high GPA (especially if you’re making the commitment to go to grad school) shouldn’t be ignored.

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Matthew John Petrella

Matthew John Petrella, age 36, passed away after a brief illness on April 12, 2024 at Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla, NY with his family by his side.

He was born on May 11, 1987, in Dunkirk, NY, to Dan and Peggy Petrella. He was a 2006 graduate of Brocton High School and earned an associate degree in Conservation Law from Finger Lakes Community College and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Virginia College. Matt, known as Hughie, to his father, had a love for hockey that began at age 4. He played throughout high school where he was coached by his father, and joined a men’s team while in Canandaigua, NY, where he resided for several years. As an adult, he was a die-hard Washington Capitals/Alex Ovechkin fan. In addition to hockey, Matt loved the outdoors (particularly the Adirondacks), photography, playing video games with his friends and most of all his beloved dogs Mya and Louie.

Besides his parents he is survived by his brother Danny (Lina) Petrella and his sister Nicole Petrella, two nieces, Sonia and Amara, and countless aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He is predeceased by his maternal grandparents Alvin and Doris Colt, paternal grandparents George and Marlene Petrella, an uncle Harry Petsch and aunt Lynne Gomez.

Memorials may be given in Matt’s honor to Chautauqua County Humane Society 2825 Strunk Road Jamestown, NY 14701.

A Celebration of Life will be held April 28, 2024 at the Brocton American Legion 110 West Main Street Brocton, NY at 12 PM.

A private burial will be at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements entrusted to Morse Funeral Home Brocton, NY Online condolences may be made at www.themorsefuneralhome.com.

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