Next Gen PhD: A Guide to Career Paths in Science

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."