Career Paths


There are career opportunities for PhD-trained scientists in a wide variety of fields. Check out some of the most popular fields below and click on the links to learn more about different career options, the nature of the work, and ways to gain more training.

Academic Research

Careers in academia and government that lead research programs with no or some teaching responsibilities.
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Administration

Administrative heavy roles in either education or research like faculty affairs, graduate program administrators, human resources, academic admissions, career development offices, grant and contracts management, lab core managers, research development and PhD-level program development.
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Business

Careers that involves the development, execution, management, or analysis of a business. Role may include relationship management, refinement of operational efficiency, or fee-based advisory services like management consultant, business development professional, sales and marketing, medical science liaison, field application scientist, market researcher, investment analyst, venture capitalist. Click here to learn more.
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Clinical Research

Career that is responsible for the oversight, management, or design of clinical research trials like clinical research project/trials manager or coordinator.
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Industry Research

Careers include scientific roles in industry whether in R&D, preclinical development, manufacturing or data science.
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Intellectual Property

Careers that involves the curation, management, implementation or protection of intelligence and creation, including trademarks, copyrights, patents, or trade secrets like patent agents, patent examiners and technology transfer specialists.
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JHSPH Alumni Profiles

The JHSPH Alumni Profiles highlight alumni and their careers from JHSPH. Check back regularly for new profiles.
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Regulatory Affairs

Careers that involve controlling or evaluating the safety and efficacy of products in areas including pharmaceuticals, medicines, and devices like regulatory affairs professional, quality control specialist and compliance officers.
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Science Policy and Advocacy

Careers that involves policy or program development and review, including analysis, advisory, or advocacy at scientific societies, government and think tanks or foundations.
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Science Communication

Careers that involves the communication of science-related topics such as science writers, editors, journalists or publishers.
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Teaching

Full-time institutionalized teaching position with no research responsibilities like instructor, lecturer and instructional design.
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