Researchers find all sorts of rewarding careers – smart people work everywhere!
Such diversity in potential roles can prove challenging when exploring your options. This collection of career profiles enables you to see what others in your position chose to do, why and how they made the move, and what they most enjoy about their job. You will get a feel for their daily activities, workplace culture and work-life balance.Top tip: Look out for authors’ insights into which skills developed during or after their PhD proved helpful in getting their job, and performing well there. You’ll be encouraged to see how people are building on their research expertise to thrive in newer roles.And don’t miss the “employer bio” at the end of each career profile for careers opportunities in each organisation.
Recent profiles
Kerry McLaughlin
Grants Manager at NiumOnce you start looking, you’ll be amazed by the huge variety of opportunities outside of academia where your skills as an academic researcher will be valued.
Robert Naughton
Key Account Manager at Sino BiologicalI’d recommend reflecting on your long-term career goals. If you’re considering further education, ask yourself if you need that deeper technical expertise or if you’d rather get started in the industry now.
Ujang Purnama
joined Goglobal graduate program Merck Inhouse Consulting as Associate Consultant (recently offered a role as Senior Manager in Healthcare Strategy Realization Office of Merck KGaA) at Merck KGaAI enjoy applying my scientific background and business acumen to real-world scenarios, bridging the gap between research and practical implementation.
John Ankers
Director, specialist tutor and developmental coach at Woolton Tutors and Woolton CoachingDon’t limit yourself to searching in one sector, your skills are useful in lots of surprising places.
Philippe Mozzanega
co-founder, CSO at FutureAlgae ltd (est. 2024), formerly Future By Insects Ltd (est. 2021). Previously also co-founder and CSO at start up Liberty Produce Ltd (2018-2023).I had some of the skills, at least scientifically; but was at the start a bit shy about the business side of things. Luckily, I had a great and experienced co-founder.
Lourdes Valencia-Torres
Behavioural Scientist at NestaMy favorite parts of my job include developing behavioral solutions and running trials
George Miller
Student Engagement Manager at Henry Royce InstituteChhavi Mathur
Consultant at Independent/FreelanceI wanted to be a bridge between science and society. I wanted a better balance between scholarly and artistic work in my life.
Ipsa Jain
Visual Science Communicator at IpsawondersYou can contribute to science even if you are not on the bench!