Nathan Vanderford joined us for a great seminar on navigating the world of alternative careers in Academia!  

Follow Nathan on Twitter (@nlvanderford) 

Read his commentaries in Science 

Connect with him on LinkedIn

Where do current US Biology, Agricultural and Environmental PhD Grads work post-defense?

• 52% in Academia

• 48% in Industry

It’s OK to not pursue a tenure track position!

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Percent of Doctorate Recipients With Job or Postdoc Commitments, by Field of Study

Field	2004	2009	2014
All	70.0%	69.5%	61.4%
Life sciences	71.2%	66.8%	57.9%
Physical sciences	71.5%	72.1%	63.8%
Social sciences	71.3%	72.9%	68.8%
Engineering	63.6%	66.8%	57.0%
Education	74.6%	71.6%	64.6%
Humanities	63.4%	63.3%	54.3%

https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2016/04/04/new-data-show-tightening-phd-job-market-across-disciplines

Use your PhD as a hub for your career path.

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Nathan’s Story:

2003: Bachelors in Science

2008: PhD in Biochemistry

2009-2010: Scientific Writer and Editor (Markey Cancer Center, U. Kentucky)

2010-2011: Postdoctoral Fellowship (Moleculr Physiology & Biphysics, Vanderbilt University)

2010-2011: Director of Research Communications (Markey Cancer Center, U. Kentucky)

-decided to pursue and career in administration

-no interviews!!  What now?

-refocused cover letter from research to transferrable skills

-applied for entry level (vs. jobs with experience)

2013: Masters of Business Administration (Midway University)

-Nathan highly recommends an MBA for anyone interested in careers in business or working in a non-profit

2014-present: Assistant Dean for Academic Development (College of Medicine, U. Kentucky)

2014-present: Assistant Professor (Dept. of Toxicology & Cancer, U. Kentucky)

Nathan’s job description:

Provide scientifically-oriented administrative support to all cancer research and related academic/career development activities within the Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, the Markey Cancer Center and the College of Medicine

• Operations manager
• Administrator 
• Manager
• Consultant
• Strategist
• PR/Marketing liaison
• Government affairs liaison
• Teacher/mentor
• Career Development
• Researcher

What does a research administrator do?

Grant and state support activities

• Kentucky Lung Cancer Research Fund
• Cigarette Excise Tax Program
• Cancer Center Support Grant (Ass’t Director for Research)
• Career Training in Oncology Program (Creator/Founder and Director)

Lots of reporting to the state and government agencies!

Using your PhD as a hub for career selection:

• Academic affairs
• Institutional Effectiveness
• Diversity and Inclusion
• Library Services
• Economic Development
• Extension Services
• Information Services
• Philanthropy
• Finance and Administration
• Human Resources
• Marketing
• Public Relations
• Sponsored Projects
• Research Compliance
• Research Operations
• Research Development
• Health Care Entrepreneurship support

How to find your next job:

• Provide value
• Network
• Develop your personal brand
• your knowledge
• your value proposition
• your mission
• your values
• your skills
• your vision
• Use social media to advertising and demonstrate your brand
• Twitter, Reddit, LinkedIn, Blogger, LinkedIn, Instagram
• Gain practical work experience in your field of interest through internships, volunteering and collaborations