Careers in R&D: Where will your PhD take you? Dr Paige Maguire PhD GAICD CRICOS No. 00213J Queensland University of Technology Career Paths: which way is up? a university for the real world R CRICOS No. 00213J About me • • • • • PhD in biotech/med sci Postdoc / Fellowships at Harvard and MGH (Boston) Scientist for Scientific / R&D company (Silicon Valley) Commercialisation/management exec Principal Academic Consultant – – – – – Worked in multiple unis Extra study Board seats Managed start-ups Industry Committee appts and awards a university for the real world R CRICOS No. 00213J What does a career in R&D involve? • Academia / Institutional – More emphasis on discovery (R) and less on application (D) – Research management and other skills help but are not formally required – Managing budgets and people – Communication and self-motivation skills – “Soft” money – Autonomy • Corporate – Some discovery but emphasis is on developmental research – Management skills required to progress (technical skills will get you in the door but no further) – Corporate culture re: funding, direction, output and benefits – Small vs large companies differ a university for the real world R CRICOS No. 00213J Career Options: sectors Corporate Academic R&D Company University CRO Commercialisation Government Start-up company Technology-based Company Research Institute Professional services a university for the real world R CRICOS No. 00213J Career Options: using your PhD Technical R&D manager Research Scientist (CSO, Team leader, PI, Product development) Patent attorney Venture capitalist Field Applications Non-tech Executive / Board Business development Consulting Tech transfer QC / Regulatory Sales Publishing a university for the real world R CRICOS No. 00213J Leaving academic pursuits: going over to the “dark side” • It is not for everyone • Academia is no the only valid pathway • Leaving does not mean you have wasted your time – a PhD teaches you more than your thesis topic – – – – Shows passion, commitment, drive, autonomy Demonstrates critical/ outside-the-square analysis Can also show focus, and special skills Technical skills can be used in many other jobs • Many reasons for changing directions – don’t get stuck in what is the ‘expected’ path a university for the real world R CRICOS No. 00213J Case Studies: S • • • • • PhD at University of Qld – biotech Management consulting – 2 years UniQuest Technology management for national nfp company Head of Product innovation for multinational company a university for the real world R CRICOS No. 00213J Case Study – D • • • • PhD at a US university Postdoc 1 at a US university Postdoc 2 at a UQ Worked for a biotech company – commercial and science applications • Qualified as a Patent Attorney • Commercialisation professional a university for the real world R CRICOS No. 00213J Case Study - J • • • • • • • PhD at an Australian Uni (plant science) Postdoc in France CSIRO position MBA Management consultant Venture capitalist Biotech Executive (COO) a university for the real world R CRICOS No. 00213J Case Study - D • • • • • Engineering degree PhD at UQ External consultant for aerospace industry O/S Systems engineer for and O/S govt defense Continued education to update skills a university for the real world R CRICOS No. 00213J Finding a path .... • What should I do? – Talk with people who have taken a particular direction – Ask about their typical day – consider how you would like to spend your day and what you enjoy – Identify your key non-scientific skills – Do your homework –hunt around – Find a champion to point you in the right direction – Think outside the box – it is not always about following a straight line – Think about what your key drivers are (be aware of when they change throughout your career) a university for the real world R CRICOS No. 00213J How to get the position • Redefine your skills in terms of activities appropriate to the industry or position – Research the organisation before approaching them – describe what you've done in terms that those in the industry will understand – search for topics/skills/experience common with the industry – Don’t be overly academic in your approach – BE FLEXIBLE • Consider an appropriate educational course • Learn how to speak to your audience a university for the real world R CRICOS No. 00213J My 2c worth • Find a mentor at every stage of the game • Do at least one good stint as a Postdoc – in another country if possible • Don’t be afraid to try something new –take risks • Learn to communicate at all levels • Don’t let poverty drive your decisions • Don’t think obtaining a PhD is the end of the line for education • Learn how to sell yourself • Get involved in professional organisations • Network , network, network..... a university for the real world R CRICOS No. 00213J Questions, advice? [email protected] a university for the real world R CRICOS No. 00213J
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