The question of which direction your career will take following the completion of your PhD should arise early. It is never too early to consider career options. Students receiving a PhD usually take a postdoctoral research position to acquire additional techniques and expertise to further prepare for an independent research career. Such postdoctoral training is usually essential for a career in academic research. Some students take permanent positions in industrial or government laboratories such as ARUP immediately after receiving the PhD degree. Others enter additional advanced degree programs such as medical school, or seek careers in teaching, administration of science funding, policy or editorial positions in scientific journals. Career objectives can best be realized through careful planning. All members of the faculty are happy to advise students on career options, and students are encouraged to seek this advice at any time during their training.
Opportunities to gain experience in Teaching and Mentoring
Take a Center for Teaching Excellence Course (CTLE)
https://ctle.utah.edu/courses/index.php
Recruit an undergraduate to mentor
Ask your PI to post a Research Opportunity
Post a project for the OUR Summer Program for Undergraduate Research (SPUR). For more information email our@utah.edu
Opportunities for science communication and outreach
Apply for the Natural History Museum of Utah Science Communication Fellows Program
Apply to participate in the Diversity and Science Lecture series workshops.
Opportunities for science communication and outreach
Apply for the Natural History Museum of Utah Science Communication Fellows Program
Apply to participate in the Diversity and Science Lecture series workshops.
Opportunities for Service
Serve as a Student representative for the M&I program. For more information email Kim Springer.
Serve on the Career Development Training Series (CaDeTs) student committee. For more information email bioscience@genetics.utah.edu
Serve on SACNAS (Utah Chapter).
UNIVERSITY OF UTAH CAREER RESOURCES
Career and Professional Development Center
Whether you're just starting out or getting ready to take your final steps, the Career Center offers plenty of resources to help you succeed at any stage. You can also meet with your Graduate Career Coach who has specific expertise to provide you with individualized support to help you in your professional transition.
Meet with a Graduate Career Coach. Make an appointment.
Alumnifire
A grassroots networking community where alumni share their valuable experience and mentor U students ready to start their career.
Alumni Career Coaches Referral Network
Not sure what the next step of your career will be? The University Alumni Office provides a list of professional career coaches that offer consultations at reduced rates to U alumni.
Fellowships for work in Public Health Laboratories
American Society for Microbiology Committee for Postgraduate Educational Programs Clinical Fellowship
https://asm.org/Fellowships/CPEP
Transition fellowships from Academia to Industry
Lilly 1-year visiting scientist Fellowship Program https://careers.lilly.com/us/en/visiting-scientist
Roche Postdoctoral Fellowship Program
GENERAL CAREER RESOURCES
NATIONAL INSTITUTES FOR HEALTH
- Careers in Science Policy
- Careers in Global Health: Fifth in the “How To” Series
- Careers in Science Writing: Sixth in the “How To” Series
NATIONAL POSTDOC ASSOCIATION
Grants available for postdoctoral researchers:
- https://professional.heart.org/en/research-programs/application-information/postdoctoral-fellowship
- https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-20-242.html
- https://www.hhmi.org/programs/hanna-h-gray-fellows-program#Eligibility (need a degree from a research institution in USA)
- https://commonfund.nih.gov/earlyindependence
PhD Careers – What to Do After a PhD by FindAPhD
PhD Career Stories - A Podcast for people interested in career possibilities after a PhD.