Next Gen PhD: A Guide to Career Paths in Science

by Melanie V. Sinche

Overview

For decades, top scientists in colleges and universities pursued a clear path to success: enroll in a prestigious graduate program, conduct research, publish papers, complete the PhD, pursue postdoctoral work. With perseverance and a bit of luck, a tenure-track professorship awaited at the end. In today’s academic job market, this scenario represents the exception. As the number of newly conferred science PhDs keeps rising, the number of tenured professorships remains stubbornly stagnant.

“Next Gen PhD: A Guide to Career Paths in Science is a practical and thorough manual for the entire career transition process, from defining personal interests and deciding on a career path all the way to day one of a new job. Written by experienced career counselor Melanie Sinche, it is geared toward postdocs and graduate students who may not have access to effective career counseling or mentorship or are not satisfied with what they have received thus far.”
—Teegan A. Dellibovi-Ragheb, Science

“With its focus on PhD level scientists, this book fills a gap in job search and career information literature. It’s a must-read for those contemplating or actively pursuing studies in the subject area, as well as those who provide guidance to undergraduates, graduate students, and postdoctoral scholars.”
—Alan Farber, Library Journal (starred review)

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780674986794
Publisher:	Harvard University Press
Publication date:	09/10/2018
Pages:	272
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.20(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Melanie V. Sinche is Director of Career and Professional Development, Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs, University of Virginia.

Table of Contents

Cover
Title
Copyright
Contents
Preface
Introduction
Part One: Getting to Know Yourself
Chapter 1. How to Connect Your Interests to Careers
Chapter 2. But I Have No Skills! (and Other Myths)
Chapter 3. How to Identify Your Personal Values
Part Two: Getting to Know the World of Work
Chapter 4. To Postdoc or Not to Postdoc?
Chapter 5. Career Options for PhDs in Science
Chapter 6. Strategies for Exploring Careers and Building Experience
Chapter 7. How to Network Effectively
Part Three: Getting Started on Your Job Search
Chapter 8. How to Craft Your Individual Development Plan
Chapter 9. How to Apply for Jobs
Chapter 10. How to Interview and Negotiate
Conclusion: Making a Successful Transition
Appendix A. Identifying Career Pathways for PhDs in Science
Appendix B. Resources for PhDs
Notes
References
Acknowledgments
Index

Editorial Reviews

Next Gen PhD: A Guide to Career Paths in Science is a practical and thorough manual for the entire career transition process, from defining personal interests and deciding on a career path all the way to day one of a new job. Written by experienced career counselor Melanie Sinche, it is geared toward postdocs and graduate students who may not have access to effective career counseling or mentorship or are not satisfied with what they have received thus far.

Science - Teegan A. Dellibovi-Ragheb

This book is an essential guide to exploring and pursuing science career options, both within and beyond the academy, for graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and all who work with them, including faculty and university administrators. Next Gen PhD brings together all that is needed for a scientist to embark on his or her career journey, whether in academia or beyond.

Laura Stark

An excellent resource and timely companion for scientists learning to take on one of the most important questions of all: how to build a happy, productive career and a satisfying life. Melanie Sinche presents data, tools, and ways of thinking about the future that will be helpful for anyone considering what’s next after formal training as a researcher is complete. Readers who follow the book’s exercises and put thought into building their own career notebook will find themselves on a rational path through all the stages of moving from trainee to working professional, whether at the lab bench or in other work environments. With advice for self-reflection, career exploration, job search, negotiation of terms, and future growth, Next Gen PhD will be welcome reading for those thinking about their next career move and for those mentoring and training new scientists.

Victoria McGovern

An important book that is long overdue. Next Gen PhD displays broad experience and command of the most critical steps in the transition from academic researcher to working professional. A state-of-the-art, go-to book for science PhDs and those thinking of pursuing one.

Andrew Green

This book is an essential guide to exploring and pursuing science career options, both within and beyond the academy, for graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and all who work with them, including faculty and university administrators. Next Gen PhD brings together all that is needed for a scientist to embark on his or her career journey, whether in academia or beyond.
— Laura Stark, Harvard University

An important book that is long overdue. Next Gen PhD displays broad experience and command of the most critical steps in the transition from academic researcher to working professional. A state-of-the-art, go-to book for science PhDs and those thinking of pursuing one.
— Andrew Green, University of California, Berkeley

An excellent resource and timely companion for scientists learning to take on one of the most important questions of all: how to build a happy, productive career and a satisfying life. Melanie Sinche presents data, tools, and ways of thinking about the future that will be helpful for anyone considering what’s next after formal training as a researcher is complete. Readers who follow the book’s exercises and put thought into building their own career notebook will find themselves on a rational path through all the stages of moving from trainee to working professional, whether at the lab bench or in other work environments. With advice for self-reflection, career exploration, job search, negotiation of terms, and future growth, Next Gen PhD will be welcome reading for those thinking about their next career move and for those mentoring and training new scientists.
— Victoria McGovern, Burroughs Wellcome Fund

With its focus on PhD level scientists, this book fills a gap in job search and career information literature. It’s a must-read for those contemplating or actively pursuing studies in the subject area, as well as those who provide guidance to undergraduates, graduate students, and postdoctoral scholars.
— Alan Farber Library Journal (starred review)

Next Gen PhD: A Guide to Career Paths in Science is a practical and thorough manual for the entire career transition process, from defining personal interests and deciding on a career path all the way to day one of a new job. Written by experienced career counselor Melanie Sinche, it is geared toward postdocs and graduate students who may not have access to effective career counseling or mentorship or are not satisfied with what they have received thus far.
— Teegan A. Dellibovi-Ragheb Science

From the Publisher

★ 08/01/2016
The career landscape for PhD level scientists is undergoing a sea change. Data collected by the National Science Foundation on life science PhD recipients shows that the percentage of candidates in tenure-track positions five years after completion of a PhD is seven percent. With the dwindling availability of faculty positions, paired with a national push toward STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) careers, it is critical that aspiring scientists familiarize themselves with nonfaculty options in the industry. Sinche, the director of education at the Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, wrote this book for three audiences: the 600,000-plus students currently enrolled in U.S. doctoral programs, the nation's 60,000-plus postdoctoral scholars, and the counselors and faculty members who advise them. She addresses three necessary components to career preparation in the sciences—"Getting to Know Yourself," "Getting to Know the World of Work," and "Getting Started on Your Job Search." VERDICT With its focus on PhD level scientists, this book fills a gap in job search and career information literature. It's a must-read for those contemplating or actively pursuing studies in the subject area, as well as those who provide guidance to undergraduates, graduate students, and postdoctoral scholars.—Alan Farber, Univ, of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Library Journal