Research in Industry
Conduct scientific research or lead a research program in an industrial laboratory
Example job titles
Scientist* | Senior/process scientist | Data analyst* | Preclinical researcher | Division/Research Program Director/Manager* | Postdoctoral fellow/associate* | Consulting scientist/engineer* | Senior Research Associate
*These job titles appear in other career pathways
Additional keywords to find more information or job postings
Discovery/preclinical research | Biotechnology | Drug Development | Medical Devices | Pharmaceutical | Contract research organization
Related career paths you might be interested in learning more about
Research in Academia or Government | Business & Commercial Development | Policy, Legal, Regulatory Affairs | Public Health, Medical Testing, & Patient Care
Get up-to-speed
- Access resources in the "Read About Careers" section of myIDP, including currated articles, lists of professional societies, etc.
Look for the corresponding myIDP category: Research in Industry
- Build your knowledge of the industry sector and industry lingo by reading books and articles, attending workshops and seminars featuring industry scientists (e.g. Careers in Industry: Spotlight on MassBiologics, MassTERi eClub),
- Begin to follow trade magazines and e-newsletters (e.g. BioSpace news subscriptions and career resources) to get a better sense of current industry news and landscape
Build your network
- Attend events with local industry scientists at events hosted by organizations like MassBio, MASS AWIS, WEST, etc.
- Talk to scientists who have recently transitioned into industry, as well as from those who have made hiring decisions. Find UMass Chan alumni through the Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences LinkedIn group.
- Ask your research advisor and colleagues in the laboratory whether they either have industry experience or know some who does who they could help you connect with
Get experience
- RSVP to attend the Careers in Industry: Spotlight on MassBiologics series
- Attend a company site visit organized by the Industry Exploration (IndEx) program at UMass Chan
- Demostrate success in your research; e.g. apply for a predoctoral or postdoctoral fellowship, attend and present your work at national conferences, etc.
- Consider how you can build a record of working on projects in collaborative, cross-functional teams within your current research experience.
- Take a leadership role by supervising others in the lab. Mentor a student in your research group, applying best practices in leadership and management (see HHMI leadership resources and the leadership skills section of our library collection)
Additional training opportunities
- Use your network to find out about local shadowing or internship opportunities
- Apply to attend the Keck Graduate Institute Summer Intensive Program in bioscience management for advanced graduate students & postdocs
- Have a suggestion? Know of a great local opportunity?....Let us know!
Nearing a transition into this career pathway?
Check out job search tips for research positions in industry.