Breaking Into Industry

For many PhD graduates in analytical sciences, the next step after their doctorate is often a career in industry. This transition, while promising, can sometimes be daunting due to the wide range of possible roles and a limited understanding of what those roles entail. Analytical sciences PhDs can target diverse industry sectors, including pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, chemical industries, contract research organizations (CROs), and technology companies specializing in analytical instrumentation. The challenge is not the lack of opportunities but the lack of clarity about which roles align with the skills acquired during a PhD. This often makes it difficult for new graduates to find suitable positions, as you may not know which keywords to use during your job search.

What Type of Industry Roles are Available for PhD Graduates?

As a PhD graduate in analytical science, there are a variety of domains you can be involved in, each offering specific job titles and tasks. Table I provides an overview of the primary sectors and where your expertise will be valued.

These roles reflect the broad spectrum of activities in the industry, ranging from hands-on experimental work to high‑level strategic planning and compliance.

Entry-level Jobs vs. Senior Roles

PhD students often struggle to identify the right entry-level roles. You may feel underqualified for high-impact positions such as senior scientist or principal scientist, which typically require 5–10 years of experience, while simultaneously feel overqualified for roles aimed at bachelor’s or master’s graduates, such as associate scientist or lab technician.

For PhD graduates entering the industry (0–3 years post-PhD), the following job titles are more accessible and well-suited to your level of expertise:

• research scientist
• analytical scientist
• R&D scientist

In contrast, roles like project manager can sometimes be accessible right after a PhD, depending on the organization, but they often require 3–5 years of experience. Understanding the distinction between entry‑level and senior positions helps graduates target the right opportunities from the start.

How to Find the Right Entry-level Job?

Finding the right job goes beyond just knowing the titles, it’s about strategic searching and leveraging the tools available to you. Here are four practical steps to increase your chances of landing the right role.

1. Use LinkedIn Strategically

LinkedIn is not only a platform for networking but also a powerful search engine for job roles and industry trends.
Use it to:

• Search job titles and companies you are interested in.
• Explore the profiles of people currently in those roles to understand their
  career path.
• Take note of the keywords and skills they highlight, and reflect them in your own profile.

For example, searching for “[job role] at [company]” (e.g., “Scientist at Johnson & Johnson”) provides not only job descriptions but also insights into the career paths of those in that role.

2. Leverage Large Language Models (LLMs) as Job Coaches

Tools like ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini can act as personalized career advisors. Based on the previous example, you can for instance ask: “I’m a PhD graduate exploring careers in the pharmaceutical industry. Can you explain the role of a ‘senior scientist at Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine’? What are five typical daily tasks in this role? Is it considered entry‑level? What technical and transferable skills should I highlight when applying?”

The detailed answers can help demystify job descriptions and clarify expectations.

3. Combine LinkedIn and LLMs for Deeper Insights

Once you have a list of potential roles, cross-reference them:

• Look up the role on LinkedIn.
• Ask an LLM to analyze the tasks and skills needed.
• Assess whether your experience and interests match the position.

If it fits, move forward. If not, cross it off and move on. This iterative process refines your search, saving time and avoiding missteps.

4. Network, Both Online and Offline

Networking remains one of the most effective ways to break into industry roles:

Online: Message professionals with roles that interest you and request informal chats. Not everyone will respond, but persistence pays off.

In-person: Conferences are excellent opportunities to meet industry professionals. Spend time in vendor exhibition areas and vendor-sponsored lunch breaks. At your host institute, approach professors with industry experience or collaborative projects—they often have useful connections.

Conclusion

The industry offers countless career opportunities for PhD graduates in analytical sciences, but finding the right position requires strategic searching, proactive networking, and clarity about the roles available. Unlike academic pathways, industry careers demand a tailored approach—one that supervisors in academia may not always be able to guide.

When preparing for your next conference, do your homework: look
for participating companies, research their roles, and leverage LLMs to understand them better. Show up prepared, engage with people, and make the most of the chance to explore your future in the industry. Take ownership of your career path and start connecting with the opportunities that align with your expertise.

Isabelle Kohler is an assistant professor in the Division of Bioanalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands. She is also the CEO and Founder of NextMinds, Netherlands.