Industry Job For PhD: 14 Industry Positions & Jobs For PhDs

If you’re a PhD looking to transition into an industry job, you’re not alone. The job market for PhDs has exploded in recent years, and there’s no shortage of opportunities if you know where to look. What are the industry job for PhD holders available today?

Some of the industry jobs available for PhDs today are:

• Medical writer
• Research associate
• Enterpreneur
• Consultant
• Regulatory affairs specialist, and
• more.

In this post, we explore opportunities for PhDs looking to transition to industry. You might be surprised at the types of jobs available that make use of your skills.

Medical Writer

Medical writing is one of the most popular industry jobs for PhDs. Companies in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices hire PhDs to:

• produce clinical trial reports,
• regulatory documents, and
• scientific marketing materials.

As a medical writer, your ability to communicate complex data clearly is essential. Having a strong LinkedIn profile with relevant writing samples can aid you in finding positions.

This role often offers flexibility, including remote options, and can be a lucrative starting point for someone looking to leverage their PhD expertise.

Medical writers often collaborate closely with scientists, marketing teams, and regulatory bodies. They’re responsible for translating dense scientific information into accessible language.

If you’ve published papers or written grants during your PhD, you’ve already honed many of the skills required for this role. Salaries are competitive, and there’s significant room for growth.

Medical Science Liaison (MSL)

MSLs bridge the gap between pharmaceutical companies and healthcare professionals. This role involves discussing clinical data with key opinion leaders and supporting product launches.

Unlike a postdoc, you’ll travel frequently and often serve as a subject matter expert for new therapies.

Many MSLs work with human subjects indirectly, making it a great choice for those transitioning from academia to industry.

If you have experience presenting your research or teaching, this role could be an excellent fit.

An MSL’s day-to-day work includes giving presentations, attending conferences, and building relationships with healthcare providers.

Pharmaceutical companies value the ability to clearly explain scientific data, a skill most PhDs have mastered.

Many PhDs find the travel and networking aspects of this job exciting, as it allows them to stay connected to cutting-edge research without being confined to a lab.

Research Associate

Research associates are responsible for producing and analyzing data in industry labs. Whether in biotechnology, contract research organizations, or medical devices, this role emphasizes hands-on experience.

It’s a perfect transition for PhDs who enjoyed the laboratory work during their doctorate.

Having industry experience gives you an edge, but showing your ability to solve problems in academia can also help.

The pay is competitive, and the opportunity to contribute to tangible projects is highly rewarding.

Research associate roles often focus on applying your expertise to real-world problems. For example, you might work on:

• developing new drugs,
• optimizing manufacturing processes, or
• creating diagnostic tools.

These positions often offer clear career advancement paths, such as moving into senior scientist or team lead roles. Networking within your field and attending industry-specific events can help you secure these positions.

Regulatory Affairs Specialist

If you enjoy detail-oriented work, regulatory affairs might be for you. Specialists ensure that products meet health and safety standards.

Transitioning into this role requires knowledge of clinical trials and regulatory guidelines, which many PhDs acquire during graduate school. Certifications like the Regulatory Affairs Certification (RAC) can make you stand out.

Regulatory affairs roles often lead to leadership opportunities, as this function is critical in product development and compliance.

In regulatory affairs, you’ll work closely with research and development teams, legal departments, and government agencies. This role requires meticulous attention to detail and excellent communication skills.

PhDs transitioning into this field often appreciate the structured, impactful nature of the work. The demand for regulatory affairs specialists is high, especially in the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors.

Field Application Scientist (FAS)

FAS roles are perfect for PhDs who enjoy teaching and technology. Field application scientists train customers on how to use laboratory instruments and troubleshoot problems.

You’ll be on the front lines of customer interactions, combining your technical skills with a knack for communication. These positions often involve travel and offer the chance to work on cutting-edge technologies.

If you like problem-solving and engaging with people, this role is a great way to start a career in the industry.

Field application scientists often work for companies that produce scientific instruments or software. Their role includes:

• demonstrating products at conferences,
• providing technical support, and
• gathering customer feedback for product improvements.

If you’re passionate about sharing your knowledge and helping others solve problems, this job offers a fulfilling career path.

Consultant

Consulting firms actively hire PhDs for their analytical abilities. As a consultant, you’ll work with companies to solve problems in:

• market research,
• product development, or
• strategy.

Highlight your data analysis experience on your resume to attract hiring managers in this field.

While consulting can be high-pressure, the fast-paced environment and variety of projects keep it exciting. Many PhDs enjoy the challenge of applying their expertise to diverse industries.

Management consulting, life science consulting, and technical consulting are all areas where PhDs can thrive. These roles require a mix of critical thinking, teamwork, and adaptability.

Consultants often describe their work as intellectually stimulating, with opportunities to make a measurable impact on businesses.

Developing a strong LinkedIn presence and networking with industry professionals are key to breaking into this field.

User Experience (UX) Researcher

UX researchers apply scientific methods to improve software and technology design. If your PhD involved designing and conducting experiments, you already have transferable skills.

This role is especially popular among STEM PhDs with an interest in industry research. Companies value researchers who can make products more intuitive and user-friendly.

Courses in UX design and human-computer interaction can strengthen your application. The field offers excellent growth potential and competitive salaries.

In this role, you’ll conduct usability tests, analyze user behavior, and collaborate with designers and engineers. UX researchers play a crucial role in shaping products that meet user needs.

For PhDs transitioning from academia, this role provides a chance to apply research skills in a creative and impactful way.

Building a portfolio of UX projects can help you stand out to employers.

Clinical Research Associate (CRA)

CRAs monitor clinical trials and ensure compliance with protocols. This position is a common path for PhDs interested in life science and working in industry.

Clinical trial experience, even from academia, is a valuable asset for CRAs. You’ll often collaborate with medical teams and oversee trial operations.

This role offers a mix of office work and site visits, making it dynamic and engaging. It’s a role where attention to detail and organizational skills are crucial.

Many CRAs enjoy the opportunity to work on groundbreaking therapies and interact with healthcare professionals. The job often involves coordinating with:

• multiple stakeholders,
• including researchers,
• patients, and
• regulatory agencies. 

Strong project management skills and a deep understanding of clinical protocols are essential for success in this role.

Enterpreneur

PhD holders are exceptionally well-suited to transition into entrepreneurship due to their unique skill sets, deep expertise, and ability to tackle complex challenges.

Their training equips them with traits that align closely with the demands of entrepreneurship.

PhD programs cultivate advanced analytical skills, enabling graduates to approach problems systematically and develop innovative solutions. 

Entrepreneurs must identify gaps in the market and create value, a task well within a PhD holder’s capabilities.

The rigors of completing a PhD, including managing setbacks and navigating uncertainty, mirror the challenges faced by entrepreneurs. This resilience helps PhDs adapt to the ups and downs of starting and running a business.

A PhD also lends credibility to entrepreneurial ventures, particularly in high-tech, biotech, or specialized fields. Investors and collaborators value the authority and insight a PhD brings.

Data Scientist

PhDs with expertise in statistics, machine learning, or coding are in high demand as data scientists. Companies across industries hire PhDs to analyze trends and build predictive models.

Python and R are keywords that should be on your resume if you’re aiming for this role. Data science is one of the fastest-growing fields, with opportunities in:

• finance,
• healthcare, and
• tech. 

Many companies provide on-the-job training for specific tools, so don’t hesitate to apply even if you’re transitioning from academia.

As a data scientist, you’ll work on projects such as predictive analytics, natural language processing, and data visualization. This field rewards creativity and problem-solving, making it ideal for PhDs who enjoy tackling complex challenges.

Many data scientists report high job satisfaction due to the intellectual stimulation and the impact of their work.

Research and Development (R&D) Scientist

R&D scientists work on creating new products and technologies. Whether in biotech, pharma, or medical devices, you’ll focus on innovation.

Your ability to get published during your PhD demonstrates the research skills companies look for in this role.

R&D positions often allow you to see the direct impact of your work, which can be incredibly fulfilling. Networking at industry conferences can open doors to these roles.

Biotech Startup Founder

Starting a new business isn’t for everyone, but many PhDs thrive in entrepreneurial roles.

Founders like Isaiah Hankel have shown how academic expertise can translate into business success. Look for programs or incubators that support PhDs in launching startups.

Being a founder allows you to have complete control over your projects, but it also requires resilience and resourcefulness.

If you’ve ever dreamed of creating something groundbreaking, this could be your path.

Medical Device Specialist

Medical device companies need PhDs to design and improve products. From surgical tools to diagnostic equipment, these positions combine engineering and life sciences.

You’ll likely collaborate with cross-functional teams, making strong communication skills vital. Regulatory knowledge is often a plus, as these devices must comply with strict guidelines.

This field offers both stability and the chance to innovate, making it a compelling option for PhDs.

Science Policy Advisor

For those interested in shaping public policy, advisory roles in government or nonprofits can be fulfilling. Science policy advisors use their expertise to inform decision-making on issues related to:

• health,
• environment, and
• technology. 

Networking and writing policy briefs can set you apart. Positions in science policy often require strong communication skills and the ability to synthesize information quickly.

This career path can also lead to roles in international organizations or think tanks.

How To Transition From Academia To Industry?

Moving from academia to industry can feel like starting over. But with the right strategies, you can land an industry job that values your PhD skills.

Industry Job For PhD: PhDs Are In Demand

Transitioning to an industry job after earning a PhD can be an exciting and rewarding journey. Industry positions offer opportunities to apply your expertise, collaborate on impactful projects, and enjoy diverse career growth pathways.

Success in this transition requires clear career goals, strategic networking, and effective communication of your skills to non-academic audiences.

By aligning your strengths with industry needs, you can unlock fulfilling roles in fields such as technology, healthcare, data science, and consulting.

Embrace the challenge, adapt to new environments, and leverage your PhD to thrive in a career that matches your aspirations and contributes to meaningful advancements.

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