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Navigating the path to a biomedical science career

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  • Andrea M Zimmerman

Abstract

The number of biomedical PhD scientists undergoing training and graduating far exceeds the number of academic faculty positions and academic research jobs. This trend compels biomedical PhD scientists to increasingly seek career paths outside of academia. Prior studies have used quantitative methodology to determine trends and outcomes of single factors contributing to this shift, but there is a literature gap in studies considering multiple factors and in qualitative work focusing on biomedical PhD scientists’ experiences and their processes of career navigation. This paper draws on a social cognitive career theory (SCCT) framework and incorporates case study data from a southeastern Tier 1 research university to explore a nexus of factors influencing PhD scientists’ employment sector preferences and job search processes. It simultaneously concludes that relationships with faculty, particularly the mentor advisor, are essential to the opportunities available to these professionals and to the career paths they choose.

Suggested Citation

  • Andrea M Zimmerman, 2018. "Navigating the path to a biomedical science career," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 13(9), pages 1-24, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0203783
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0203783
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Christine V Wood & Remi F Jones & Robin G Remich & Anne E Caliendo & Nicole C Langford & Jill L Keller & Patricia B Campbell & Richard McGee, 2020. "The National Longitudinal Study of Young Life Scientists: Career differentiation among a diverse group of biomedical PhD students," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 15(6), pages 1-14, June.
    2. Shmatko, Natalia & Katchanov, Yurij & Volkova, Galina, 2020. "The value of PhD in the changing world of work: Traditional and alternative research careers," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 152(C).

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