Plant science is an exciting field where many students opt for a PhD. While working in academic positions can be fulfilling, there are also many other career paths to explore. Statistics show that only about 15% of postdoctoral scientists land a tenure-track position (McConnell et al., 2018), leaving a lot of terrain to explore.
American Society of Plant Biologists: "In this article, we aim to help you answer the question, "What do I like to do for work?" as suggested by career strategist and coach Ashley Ruba. We will explore several career options and hear from experts in various fields to give you a better sense of what different roles involve."
Industry Jobs: Research and Development
Job titles: R&D Scientist, Associate Scientist, Junior Scientist
Just like in academia, companies also hire scientists to research and develop new products (R&D). Many researchers think of transitioning to industry roles because of these similarities. However, there are major differences between academic and industrial research. In industry, research is often fast-paced due to larger teams and bigger budgets that focus on specific goals. Projects are also more flexible, and if something is not working out, it might be adjusted or even terminated. The organizational structure is also different, with multiple layers of management overseeing projects. There is a strong emphasis on performance evaluation and goal setting compared to Academia. Because the global market size of the biotechnology sector is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 13.95% in the next ten years (Nova One Advisor, 2023), there will be plenty of employment opportunities for interested scientists.
What do you need?
A strong background in molecular biology or bioinformatics, as well as data analysis can open doors in these sectors. Industry is often more interested in your critical thinking and technical skills rather than what organism(s) you worked on in the past.
Read more at plantae.org