Career Resources for Graduate Students
Compiled here are job announcements and other resources for current, prospective, or past graduate students that may provide beneficial information before beginning and throughout the duration of your graduate student career. The recourses and articles were compiled keeping in mind that you may be merely considering the idea of exploring careers outside of academia, searching and preparing for the next step (post-doc or career), or in the middle of transitioning to a new career. You may choose to follow resources via Twitter or subscribe for email updates via website links.
Current Job and Fellowship Opportunities
Environmental Program Manager
Smithsonian Great Plains Science Program
National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (Malta, MT)
Deadline to apply: April 10, 2021
To apply, send a single PDF file containing a cover letter, a statement of research interest, CV, and contact information for three references to: application.to.gps@gmail.com
More information here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HFEJon5JcAB9AbiZV_9LzHYOd54oku6A/view?u...
Front-End Developer
Conservation Science Partners
Truckee, CA
Deadline to apply: August 31, 2020
To apply, send an email to hiring@csp-inc.org
Data Engineer
Conservation Science Partnert
Truckee, CA
Deadline to apply: August 31, 2020
To apply, send an email to hiring@csp-inc.org
Assistant Unit Leader in Wildlife Human Dimensions
Washington Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit
University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Deadline to apply: Open until filled
Apply at: https://www.usajobs.gov/, or direct questions to Sarah Converse, Unit Leader and Associate Professor, sconver@uw.edu
Program Officer, Conservation Leadership Programme
Bronx Zoo, New York
Deadline to apply: Open until filled
Apply here: https://sjobs.brassring.com/TGnewUI/Search/Home/Home?partnerid=25965&siteid=5168#jobDetails=499951_5168
Quantitative Landscape Ecologist
US Geological Survey, Oregon Unit
Deadline to apply: March 18, 2020
Apply here: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/560113700
Science Program Director
American Rivers, Washington D.C.
Deadline to apply: Open until filled
Apply here: https://americanrivers.bamboohr.com/jobs
Conservation Specialist: Data Management/Research
Ducks Unlimited, Ridgeland, MS
ta Conservancy, Kenya
Deadline to apply: Open until filled
To request application materials: contact Donna Walters (dwalters@ducks.org; 601-956-1936)
Executive Director
Audubon of Kansas
Deadline to apply: March 1, 2020
Apply by sending an electronic letter of interest and resume to:
Gary Haden, Chair-Elect, Board of Trustees, gary.haden@audubonofkansas.org
Margy Stewart, Chair, Board of Trustees, margystewart785@gmail.com
Beth Schultz, Chair, Search Committee, eschultz@ku.edu
Director of Conservation Programming
Earth Lab, University of Washington
Deadline to apply: Open until filled
Apply here: https://uwhires.admin.washington.edu/eng/candidates/default.cfm?szCategory=jobprofile&szOrderID=174581&szCandidateID=0&szSearchWords=DDCSP&szReturnToSearch=1
Conservation Programs Coordinator
University of California Santa Cruz
Deadline to apply: Open until filled
Apply here: https://jobs.ucsc.edu/applicants/jsp/shared/frameset/Frameset.jsp?time=1576541792140
Campaign Director: Climate Law
Center for Biological Diversity, Oakland, CA
Deadline to apply: Open until filled
Apply here: https://recruiting.myapps.paychex.com/appone/MainInfoReq.asp?R_ID=2737072&B_ID=91&fid=1&Adid=0&ssbgcolor=FFFFFF&SearchScreenID=8077&CountryID=3&LanguageID=2
Citizen Science Monitoring Data Post-doc
College of the Environment: Aquatic and Fisheries Science
University of Washington
Deadline to apply: Open until filled
Apply here: https://apply.interfolio.com/69321
Search for Job and Fellowship Opportunities
PIVOT Funding Opportunity Database
Independent Development Plan
If you haven't done so already, it is strongly recommended that you take a survey in order to begin creating your Independent Development Plan (IDP).
An IDP helps you explore career possibilities and set goals to follow the career path that fits you best.
"myIDP provides:
- Exercises to help you examine your skills, interests, and values
- A list of 20 scientific career paths with a prediction of which ones best fit your skills and interests
- A tool for setting strategic goals for the coming year, with optional reminders to keep you on track
- Articles and resources to guide you through the process"
http://myidp.sciencecareers.org
Curriculum Vitae
- Advice on getting your CV together: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/641/1/
- Converting your CV into a resume: https://www.careereducation.columbia.edu/resources/tipsheets/resumes-and-cvs-converting-your-cv-resume
- Composing your cover letter: http://www.sciencemag.org/careers/2014/08/writing-winning-cover-letter
Not planning to stray too far away from academia?
- Advice on writing your teaching philosophy: http://ucat.osu.edu/professional-development/teaching-portfolio/philosophy
- Advice on writing your research statement: https://studentaffairs.duke.edu/career/graduate-students/academic-career-preparation/research-statement
Vitae
Follow or join Vitae for “advice on how to manage your job search. This peer community offers information about the best jobs and candid advice you need to succeed in higher education.”
https://chroniclevitae.com/account/new?cid=VTNSHOW
The following article may be of particular interest: https://chroniclevitae.com/news/366-what-s-your-favorite-alt-ac-resource
University Affairs
Follow University Affairs for “news, commentary, in-depth articles on a wide range of topics, and career advice for academics. The award-winning magazine is the largest source of career ads for people seeking academic positions in Canada.”
Hello PhD
Follow or subscribe to Hello PhD to “keep up-to-date on the latest news, give you tips for surviving grad school, and shed light on the amazing careers of other scientists. Science is hard work, but making it through a PhD program and into a rewarding career can seem downright impossible. Wouldn't it be nice if someone shared the secrets for success at every stage? Admissions, rotations, classes, prelims, research, dissertations, job-hunting, and more. Avoid the pitfalls and find the career you love!”
Inside Higher Ed
Follow or subscribe to Inside Higher Ed, an “online source for news, opinion and jobs for all of higher education. Whether you're an adjunct or a vice president, a grad student or an eminence grise, we've got what you need to thrive in your job or find a better one.”
Among the books recommended in this article is So What Are You Going to Do With That? Finding Careers Outside Academia, by Susan Basalla and Maggie Debelius. “I can personally recommend this book. I found it only after completing my Independent Development Plan during the end of my third year as a PhD student. The book offers great advice and real world examples of successfully transitioned PhD. I only wish I had took my PhD in my own hands sooner.” - Kaila Colyott, an organizer of the #KUSearch16 symposium
Grad Hacker
Grad Hacker is a blog that can be found on Inside Higher Ed; it is a collaborative blog and digital round table for grad students by grad students.
The following article may be particularly helpful: https://www.insidehighered.com/blogs/gradhacker/going-alt-ac-how-begin
Dr. Jennifer Polk
Follow Jennifer Polk, PhD. “She works as an academic, career, and life coach. Jen speaks on campuses and at conferences throughout North America on issues related to graduate education and career outcomes for PhDs, and her writing has appeared in the Globe and Mail, University Affairs, Vitae, and Academic Matters. Find Jen online at FromPhDtoLife.com, which features resources for PhD career changers, and at her award-winning University Affairs blog. Join her twice a month for #withaPhD chat on Twitter and at the monthly Versatile PhD meetup in Toronto.
Versatile PhD
Follow or join Versatile PhD, “helping graduate students and PhDs envision, prepare for, and excel in non-academic careers.”
Cheeky Scientist
Follow Cheeky Scientist. They teach PhDs how to transition strategically into industry.
http://cheekyscientist.com/guidebook/
Being a Professor at a Small College
In addition to interviews with professors at small teaching universities, here you will find interesting articles on the topic. Interviews will be posted soon.
 |
Dr. Jack Bateman is an Associate Professor at Bowdoin College |
 |
Dr. Muir Eaton is an Associate Professor and Curator of Vertebrates at Drake University |
Articles:
"Life as a professor at a small liberal arts college": http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3814144/
Interviews
We are currently interviewing professionals with diverse science careers. Once the interviews are completed, they will be posted on this page.
 |
Sheena Faherty is finishing her PhD in Biology (focus on genomics and physiology) from Duke University now and will be transitioning into a Science Writing Career for the National Human Genome Research Institute at the NIH. |
 |
Dr. Alisha Holloway got her PhD from the Evolution, Ecology and Behavior program at the University of Texas at Austin. Now she is the Director of Bioinformatics at Phylos Bioscience in Portland Oregan. |
 |
Dr. Elizabeth Long studied ecology, evolution, and genetics for her PhD program, and conservation biology for her MS. She is now the Director of Conservation Science at Mohonk Preserve in New York State. |
 |
Dr. Matthew Thompson got his PhD in Plant Physiology and Computational Fluid Dynamics from Harvard University, and is now an experienced product manager in hardware development, with focus on agricultural and renewable technologies. |
 |
Dr. Daniel Neafsey completed his Ph.D. at Harvard University and is now the associate director of the Broad Institute’s Genomic Center for Infectious Diseases, where he leads a group focusing on the genomics of malaria parasites and mosquito vectors. |
 |
Dr. Yassmine Akkari got her PhD in Genetics from Ohio State University and is a fellow of the American College of Medical Genetics (FACMG). She works as the Scientific Director of Cytogenetics Services and Molecular Pathology FISH Laboratory for Legacy Laboratory Services in Portland, Oregon. |
 |
Dr. Cathy Lake received her PhD in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry and is now a Research Scientist at Stowers Institute for Medical Research. |
 |
Marion Mason has a Bachelor’s and is a Refuge Ranger at US Fish and Wildlife Service in Texas. |
 |
Rhett Register has his Master’s Degree in Marine Resource Management from Oregon State University and is now the Communications Program Leader for Michigan Sea Grant. |
 |
Dr. Jason Gordan got his PhD in chemical engineering and now manages a section of chemists and engineers focused on a variety of chemical analysis, systems engineering, and testing programs. |
 |
Dr. Lindsey Perkin got her PhD (focus: ecological genomics) from Kansas State University and completed a Postdoc at Emory University (focus: transcriptomics). She is now a Research Molecular Biologist at Agricultural Research Service, USDA. |
 |
Anonymous is a Medical Writing Manager. (S)he has a PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. |
