If You’re A PhD Seeking An Industry Position, See If You Answer YES To These Questions…

Do you want a high-quality industry position, but want to stay involved with innovative research – either at the bench or away from it?

Do you struggle translating your PhD into industry-relevant results beyond publications?

Have you found it challenging to get noticed by employers because there are so many PhDs and postdocs trying to get into industry now?

Do you have little information on what an R&D position would entail, making you wonder if you’re prepared for an interview…much less a new role?

Are you wondering how the skills you developed in academia translate into the skills you need to break into an R&D position?

PhDs Working In Industry Are Drivers Of Innovation

Innovation is the introduction of new ideas, products or methods, and it allows companies to penetrate new markets and access new opportunities.

R&D directly supports the development of knowledge and technology, both of which are crucial components of innovation. All companies need to innovate to stay relevant, and that is especially true during tough economic times like the current recession.

As a PhD, you have been trained on how to push the boundaries of knowledge and innovate within your field. Less than 2% of the global population has this kind of knowledge. This makes you an outstanding candidate for companies looking to innovate in an unpredictable market environment.

These companies will keep investing in R&D this year, even during the recession.

During the 2008 recession, 70% of companies invested in R&D despite decreased revenue, and executives credit this decision for their companies’ growth when the economy recovered (RVmagnetics).

Imagine receiving targeted, structured, and personalized advice from R&D Professionals.

Imagine joining a targeted and personalized program run by R&D professionals who want to help you break into the R&D position you’ve always wanted.

Imagine having a practicing research scientist provide step-by-step mentorship on what you need to know about R&D jobs as well as the knowledge you’ll need to gain to land those jobs.

The field of Research And Development offers varied opportunities to PhDs.

The R&D Career Track will give you access to a community of over 1,200 PhDs currently working in R&D positions in industries or looking to transition into this field.

The career track will provide targeted advice from practicing R&D Professionals and personalized guidance in a private group setting.

If you want to narrow your job hunt to the R&D field, demystify what you can expect from an R&D position, and gain advice from industry R&D professionals, then the R&D Career Track can provide the advanced guidance you need.

Whether You Have Postdoc Experience Or Are About To Get Your PhD,

It Isn’t Too Early Or Too Late To Become An Industry R&D Professional.

No matter where you are in your research career, the time to transition into industry is now.

Don’t do a postdoc if you haven’t done one yet.

Instead, transition NOW.

If you’ve already done a postdoc, don’t stay in your postdoc.

Instead, transition NOW.

Realize that industry employers do NOT want you to gain more academic experience before hiring you.

Instead, they want you to gain on-the-job experience.

That’s right – they want to give you company-specific, on-the-job training …and they would prefer this training to start NOW.

As Soon As You Join The Cheeky Scientist Association Diamond Program, You Will Also Get Immediate Access To The Following…

A crash course that reveals an insider’s perspective on what it’s like to work as an R&D professional so you know what niche to pursue, what you could expect in a normal day, and where career opportunities are available.

• The R&D Career Track will help you understand what you could expect in a typical day, how you should interact with coworkers, and what your tasks and responsibilities would be based on your position.
• You’ll get information that quickly clarifies which niche is best given your background and interests—whether that’s working at a large pharmaceutical company, such as Bristol-Myers Squibb, or a small biotechnological startup – or even a whole different industry such as tourism or gaming.
• You’ll gain insight into the work environment, what to expect when it comes to attending conferences and meetings, and other details that will help you transition from an academic mindset to the mindset that’s prepared for an R&D position.

Critical information for those make-or-break moments you’ll encounter in your job search so you don’t make a mistake that lowers your chances of securing a job. With this mentorship, you’ll avoid being caught off guard by HR, a hiring manager, or an interview panel.

• You’ll understand industry etiquette to help you transition from academic norms to behaviors that showcase how smoothly you can transition into a prospective company. R&D professionals will explain pitfalls to avoid during the interview process.
• You’ll see why your current networking routine may be harming your job search and what you need to change to increase your chances of gaining referrals.
• You’ll know the critical angles and approaches you should take during your job search to ace your HR phone call, successfully interact with the hiring manager, portray your professionalism during a video interview, and use the on-site visit to your best advantage.

Access to an intimate, private online group where you can ask questions, connect with other individuals, request referrals, and enjoy feedback from R&D professionals in the field. This group is for aspiring R&D professionals only, which means you can expect conversations to be focused around goals, experiences, and advice specific to your job search.

• Connect with R&D professionals who’ve landed industry jobs to ask their feedback on which positions are rising, which companies are promising, who’s hiring, and what industry trends to expect.
• Connect with other PhDs to share tips, ideas, and experiences. Those in your group are those interested in R&D jobs, which means you have an instant community of PhDs with similar career aspirations.

A step-by-step plan that covers transitioning from academia into industry, navigating the hiring process, and what you can expect in the future. The R&D Career Track helps to remove the guesswork so you tailor your efforts for breaking into your target R&D position.

• Over the course of six modules, containing workbooks, slides, transcripts, exams, and videos, you’ll understand the process you need to follow to successfully apply at R&D companies and land your first job. Each module builds on the previous one and guides you through your job search step by step.
• Gain detailed information on creating a targeted resume and a presentation that takes you one step closer to a job offer. The RDS helps you avoid the pitfalls associated with marketing your skills to potential employers as well as success strategies you can employ.
• Explore all the career options available in the R&D field. The R&D Career Track puts a finger on the most on-demand PhD-level positions that shape the landscape of R&D in several industries. You’ll also understand which career paths you can take once you secure your first position.

Targeted and personalized support from R&D professionals based on your unique transition and career goals. The R&D Career Track is dedicated to helping PhDs like you break into a research and development position.

• Get the feedback of R&D professionals for your resume and other pressing questions you have. The smaller, targeted group ensures swift feedback and timely answers.
• Access materials written by a practicing R&D professional who understands current industry expectations and trends, which gives you important information on the positions you’re applying for.

A variety of tools to cement your learning and help you put each module into action so you’re one step closer to your R&D job.

• When you join the Association’s Diamond Program, you’ll gain instant access to our video series with closed captioning, accompanying workbooks, slides transcripts, as well as two R&D resume templates you can use.
• You’ll also gain access to exams that will help you retain the knowledge you’ve gained as well as monthly webinars that keep you up to date on important topics for your job search.

Why Industry R&D Holds So Much Opportunity For PhDs

1. Research & Development is a massive part of industry.

According to UNESCO, the world spends $2 TRILLION on R&D every year, and the US alone spends $581 billion on R&D annually. This is a huge amount of money and this large spend creates many, many opportunities for PhDs in in different industries.

2. R&D is always changing always advancing – and maintaining a culture of innovation was one of the top concerns for R&D employers.

As a PhD you are well suited to help companies maintain and build an innovative culture, and this is something you should communicate when you are talking with potential employers. According to the Innovation Research Interchange, more than 40% of the employers surveyed said that one of their top innovation tactics is to hire new people. They are looking for new, fresh people who can bring innovative ideas to their companies.

3. Companies in all sectors invest heavily in R&D

As PhDs, we tend to think that R&D is a subject that only pertains to pharma companies. Yet, companies in over 10 industries invest heavily on Research & Development. This means that you can find a fulfilling career in R&D no matter your PhD background and whether or not you want to do bench work.

3 Biggest Advantages Of Working As An Industry Research Scientist Versus An Academic Research Scientist…

1. Your Progress Is Measured Accurately And Consistently Based On Performance.

In industry, your performance on assigned work and shared goals is used to accurately measure your progress. Your performance is also used for determining promotions, salary increases, and bonuses. Not only this, but there are specific people designated for measuring your progress and they are actually held accountable to it.

The important takeaway here is that you know exactly how you are doing at all times. Your goals, your manager’s goals, and the company’s goals are aligned, which helps manage expectations. Don’t underestimate the motivational power of this kind of clarity and feedback.

It’s powerful and it leads to a much happier personal and professional lifestyle.

2. You Are Rewarded For Being A Leader And Showing Initiative.

In industry, you will work at a very fast work pace and be expected to deliver accurate results quickly. This is a good thing. It’s even enjoyable. Working at a faster pace is enjoyable is because you are working with a team whose goals are aligned with your goals. It’s also enjoyable because you are rewarded for finding better ways of doing things. If you take the initiative to improve the workflow of a system, improve a product, or make any part of the company better—you’re rewarded. The more confidently you take initiative, the more you are rewarded.

This is very difficult for most academics to understand. How can initiative be so valuable? How can confidence be valuable? The answer, in short, is—time is money. Not only that—relieving pain is money and boosting team morale is money. The more time you give back to your boss, like by making a particular workflow more efficient, the more you are rewarded. Likewise, the easier you make your boss’s life and the happier you make your team, the more you are rewarded. True leaders are promoted quickly in industry. This isn’t always the case in academia.

3. You Are Part Of A Supportive And Structured Work Environment.

In industry, every scientist has their own project. At the same time, every scientist helps each other with their projects. Everyone is trained to support each other. In fact, the ability to work well independently AND as part of a team is the main requirement of getting a job as a research scientist in industry. Industry teams are not only very supportive, they are highly structured.

Overall, there is a clear and defined corporate ladder in industry. The key to climbing this ladder is to take initiative and show leadership skills whenever possible. This means going out of your way, without being asked, to improve company systems and to relieve your boss and the company in general of tedious work.

By achieving your goals and staying aligned with the company goals, you can move your career forward past the research scientist position and on to bigger and better roles.