Jobs

By the numbers: Career prospects in the life sciences

Laurel Oldach Lisa Schnabel Allison Frick
By Laurel Oldach, Lisa Schnabel and Allison Frick
Aug. 1, 2019

Ph.D. outcomes by the numbers:
Career prospects in the life sciences

Ph.D. outcomes by the numbers:
Career prospects in the life sciences

 

The first step after graduate school

The National Science Foundation administers the Survey of Earned Doctorates to degree recipients before they leave their universities. One line of inquiry in the survey is about post-graduation plans for employment. Among about 12,500 graduates in the life sciences in 2017, many had not made a definite commitment by the time they took the survey. Others had accepted job or postdoc offers. Here’s where.

Graduation cap chart

 
 

Enjoy reading ASBMB Today?

Become a member to receive the print edition four times a year and the digital edition monthly.

Learn more
Laurel Oldach

Laurel Oldach is a former science writer for the ASBMB.

Lisa Schnabel
Lisa Schnabel

Lisa Schnabel is the senior graphic designer at the ASBMB.

Allison Frick

Allison Frick is the ASBMB’s multimedia and social media content manager.

Featured jobs

from the ASBMB career center

Get the latest from ASBMB Today

Enter your email address, and we’ll send you a weekly email with recent articles, interviews and more.

Latest in Careers

Careers highlights or most popular articles

Upcoming opportunities
Announcement

Upcoming opportunities

March 13, 2025

Wrap up #ASBMB25 in style! Join us for a closing reception at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry.

Chicago’s scientific interface
Annual Meeting

Chicago’s scientific interface

March 7, 2025

Experience the iconic Griffin Museum of Science and Industry at the ASBMB 2025 Annual Meeting closing reception, where history, innovation and hands-on discovery come together. Network, explore unique exhibits and celebrate scientific progress.

Upcoming opportunities
Announcement

Upcoming opportunities

March 5, 2025

Register for ASBMB's webinar on cloud AI systems for biomedical research optimization and bias mitigation. Plus: Submit an abstract and register — at the early rate — for ASBMB's meeting on ferroptosis by March 12!

Black excellence in biotech: Shaping the future of an industry
Observance

Black excellence in biotech: Shaping the future of an industry

Feb. 28, 2025

This Black History Month, we highlight the impact of DEI initiatives, trailblazing scientists and industry leaders working to create a more inclusive and scientific community. Discover how you can be part of the movement.

Upcoming opportunities
Announcement

Upcoming opportunities

Feb. 27, 2025

Shape tomorrow's science at the ASBMB Annual Meeting! Save when you register by March 1.

Attend ASBMB’s career and education fair
ASBMB Annual Meeting

Attend ASBMB’s career and education fair

Feb. 24, 2025

Attending the ASBMB career and education fair is a great way to explore new opportunities, make valuable connections and gain insights into potential career paths.