The Career Field Resource pages describe the more common fields that employ scientists with advanced training, with a short list of websites which will help you understand the field. Each section has:
- at least one or two articles to provide an overview of the field or career paths;
- resources specific to Berkeley (access to opportunities you can pursue while a student or postdoc);
- more general sources of information including professional associations, sites with industry news and career advice, and fellowship/job listings.
Government, Policy, and Advocacy
Working in the federal government provides the opportunity to continue to do scientific research, and also pursue many other types of roles such as research administration and program management, all with the underlying goal of public service. Policy and advocacy involve the promotion and application of science – and generally take place in government or nonprofit settings.
Berkeley Resources
- Graduate Assembly
- Leadership in your department (such as Bioengineering’s BEAST, or MCB’s GSO)
- Berkeley Postdoctoral Association
- Science Policy Group
- Center for Science, Technology, Medicine, & Society (CSTMS)
- Look at our list of trainee led initiatives for more opportunities to offer service to the community and/or roles in group leadership
- Read this article about Berkeley alum Jaime Yassif – an interview that describes her path from Berkeley through government roles, and in philanthropy, and current work with the international nonprofit NTI
General Resources
- Jobs for Scientists in the Federal Government – presented in 2016 by OITE, National Institutes of Health
- USAJOBS – clearinghouse for all federal government jobs (with all agencies). Around 19:19 into this video, there is a step-by-step example of how to apply for a government position.
- National labs in the United States
- ORISE – Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education strengthens the U.S. federal STEM workforce by assessing current science and technology (S&T) labor trends; administering appointments with both research participation programs and Science, Technology and Policy (STP) programs; and measuring program performance.
- NSF – offers an overview of career paths within the agency; NSF INTERN is a program for graduate students to do research internships in non-academic labs
- NIH – job listings and excellent career resources available through the OITE (Office of Intramural Training & Education)
- FDA – in particular the section on career descriptions
- USDA – in particular the “Agricultural Research Service”
- Gateway to Federal Opportunities for Graduate Students – the STEMGradStudents.science.gov site was established to be the primary source for searching federally-sponsored opportunities for graduate students
Careers in Science Policy
- ASBMB Today article, “The Skills You Need for a Career in Science Policy”
- ASCB article, “Nontraditional Careers: Science Policy”
- California Council on Science & Technology alumni created a comprehensive “Guide to Policy Careers for Scientists“
- National Science Policy Network (NSPN) is a great clearinghouse for info on science policy & science communication fellowships, conferences, resources, communities + more
- National Academies of Science Engineering and Medicine – aims “to improve government decision making and public policy, increase public understanding, and promote the acquisition and dissemination of knowledge in matters involving science, engineering, technology, and health”
- Genetics Society of America Policy Fellowship Database – links and information to a variety of fellowships such as the AAAS Science Policy Fellows and the Christine Mirzayan Science and Technology Policy Graduate Fellowship
- CCST – California Council on Science & Technology’s fellowship
- Think tanks such as Rand Corporation and CSPO influence policy through research. The Lauder Institute issues annual rankings of science and technology think tanks (among others)
- Bioethics resources – Science article with an overview of the field of bioethics; the NIH’s National Human Genome Institute has extensive links to resources.
- Journal of Science Policy and Governance (JSPG) enables students, postdocs “of all academic backgrounds to publish on the widest range of topics at the intersection of science, technology, innovation and public policy”
Careers in Advocacy
- Science article, “What Early Career Researchers Can do to Advocate for Science”
- Inside Higher Ed article, “The Grad Activist: Resources for Science Advocacy”
- Science Debate – asks candidates, elected officials, the public and the media to focus more on science policy issues
- AAAS – comprehensive list of links to scientific societies and their advocacy initiatives
- Advocacy for women and identity/affinity groups in STEM – several organizations exist to promote equity and the success of scientists through advocacy, mentorship and career information, including Association for Women in Science, Society of Women Engineers and Women in Technology International, SACNAS, Out in STEM, National Society of Black Engineers. (too many to list!)
- Other kinds of opportunities – working issue-based organizations such as American Association for Cancer Research; industry groups, such as the Biotechnology Innovation Organization; or nonprofits such as Chemists without Borders and the Union of Concerned Scientists which have humanitarian objectives through the application of science.
- Private foundations, such as Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, The Kavli Foundation and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) promote science by funding scientific initiatives and programs.
- Industry advocacy or lobbying groups, such as California Life Sciences