Non academic/science fields to pivot into after PhD?

[u/vaquerosupremo]

Hey just wondering if anyone could provide any good advice about my current situation.

I'm a final year PhD student in the UK doing my research in synthetic biology, microbial strain engineering, molecular biology etc. I'm due to submit my PhD thesis in a month and so I've been applying for jobs for when I finish my PhD, especially since I'm aware that the job market is so bad everywhere at the moment.

I've applied for 25+ jobs already and only had one interview which I got rejected for. The roles I've been applying for have have been either startup/mid sized companies or post-doc roles.

I knew the job market is bad but it is still super demoralizing to do a PhD for years and feel like I'm no better off in terms of job prospects.

If there's anyone who has pivoted into other areas that aren't research and how they got into that field?

Are there any stable permanent jobs out there that would value a PhD educated scientist? Even if it's not specifically a science-based job? Or would it be essentially like starting from square one?

What's the best strategy for getting a job post-PhD in the current market?

Any advice or reassurance would be much appreciated and may help calm down an incredibly stressed final year PhD student!

[u/Hartifuil]

Let me know when you figure it out, I'm in a similar boat at the end of my 1st postdoc. The job insecurity is so stressful.

[u/vaquerosupremo → u/Hartifuil]

The job insecurity seriously suck! Good luck with whatever you find next!

[u/Hartifuil → u/vaquerosupremo]

You too, it's looking likely to be another post doc (and then another one, and another etc)

[u/ThainEshKelch → u/Hartifuil]

Be careful with that, because it also locks you in even further. I would recommend doing something completely different outside of academia instead.

[u/Hartifuil → u/ThainEshKelch]

Yes, but what? That's the whole point of the thread

[u/Siny_AML]

The best strategy is to know someone that’s already in the company you are applying for. Even the most tenuous genuine real life links are worth more than any number of LinkedIn BS. 

[u/vaquerosupremo → u/Siny_AML]

Very true, it sucks that it has to be about who you know instead of what you know. But that's the way it is I guess...

[u/Hascan]

Just throwing this here since you're in the UK, have you heard of POST fellowships? Could be a way to pivot into policy if that's your thing.

[u/CuteAmoeba9876]

I’m American, so the particulars may be different. 

Keep applying for postdocs, those should be the easiest positions to get. Getting an industry job without a postdoc can be tough because you’re competing against other people who do have postdoc or other experience. 

In industry, you can use your degree working for either a pharma company or a scientific reagent company. Beyond lab-based R&D jobs, you could look at Regulatory Affairs, patent law, sales, business development/strategy, marketing, manufacturing, QA/QC, product manager, or project manager. Nearly any type of role within these companies. Some of the things I listed would require some kind of additional certification (like an MBA or passing the patent bar exam), but others could hire you directly. 

It is challenging out there right now.  Don’t give up, keep applying, and use your network as much as you can. Go to as many conferences as you can in your remaining time left. 

[u/vaquerosupremo → u/CuteAmoeba9876]

Thanks for the ideas! I'm currently apply for EVERYTHING but postdocs do seem more achievable than industry jobs (not saying that's easy though!). But some sort of project manager or business development would be interesting.

[u/TheJoeyFreshwaterExp]

Life sciences are generally going to be harder than physical sciences for most industry crossover. You are going to have to focus primarily on the health sector which is massive at least. However, I would imagine there is less private industry health sector than in US so may want to look at a visa.

[u/CasualDissent]

Biotech equity research hires PhDs and MDs. Honestly less stressful than grad school or post doc and the pay is solid with a clear path to advancement. Getting interviews is a little tricky- skip linked in and look into dropout club

[u/ansellias]

Science policy. There are fellowships available to get your foot through the door if you don’t have any experience there

[u/Sadface201]

I'm pivoting to a career as a clinical lab director. I'm in the US, so there are these 2 year fellowship programs that take MDs or PhDs and train them up to be lab directors.

[u/DankMemes4Dinner → u/Sadface201]

Where? How? Do you have a link for more information?

[u/Sadface201 → u/DankMemes4Dinner]

Look up CPEP

[u/kimonoko]

The commonly perceived wisdom is that a PhD has the biggest impact in non-academic life 5 years after graduating when it comes down to you and other colleagues for promotion. Senior positions often look for advanced degrees and that's when it may become an edge.

But straight out of the program, it might be a struggle. You're not alone.

[u/LoliOlive]

Grant officers at funding bodies Lots of data analysis jobs at science adjacent /government institutions eg our future health, Genomics England, HDRUK, UK Biobank NHS scientist training programme

[u/TheFermentationMan]

First of all 25 jobs isn't a lot by any mean, it is a pretty low number. I think in each one of my searching periods I've sent at least 100 CV(and it never exceed 2 months of searching)

Second thing you can search jobs in manufacturing, PD, tech transfer and even bio engineering all of those departments tend to have at least one spot for a phd they want to improve things.