Sign In Schedule a Demo

    Pathways to Success in Research and Development

    November 28, 2022
    Perhaps you are just starting out in your first scientific job, or maybe you have been working in the industry for a couple of years. Regardless of where you are in your career, sooner or later, you will be presented with opportunities and choices that can have a long-lasting impact on your professional future. By knowing what career paths are available to scientists in today’s dynamic scientific industries, you will be in a better position to make career moves that support your ultimate career objective.

    The conventional scientific career pathway

    If you are a scientist at heart and your ultimate objective is to advance to a senior role within the Research and Development (R&D) functions, then it is good to know that conventional scientific career pathways are still very much alive. You can advance from more junior positions to progressively more strategic roles where you can become a key decision maker in advancing new compound and other therapeutic product development projects.  It is important to acquire skills in every R&D function in discovery science, lead evaluation and formulation in order to advance to more strategic positions. It is also important to note that scientists who possess advanced cross-functional and leadership skills often thrive in those key strategic roles. Considering the growing importance of technology, you should also acquire the latest digital and data expertise. This will enable you to determine which research assets will most benefit your company.  Due to the convergence of digital technology and science, the field of personalized medicine is poised to thrive for the foreseeable future. Imagine equipping yourself with the necessary R&D process and digital application skills—you will be highly sought-after in this increasingly competitive field!

    The project-based, multi-role scientific career pathway

    Other than R&D functional roles, there are also more business-oriented roles in scientific industries that require significant scientific knowledge and experience.  Organizations can benefit significantly from having talent with scientific backgrounds to take on marketing, business development, regulatory affairs and product management roles. Especially with a rising number of scientific companies opting for project-based work, it is possible to step into a non-scientific position for a limited period of time to see if it is a good fit.  You can also make multiple lateral moves in order to acquire a broad range of skills that will make you increasingly valuable to your employer. Some organizations may even offer the opportunity—within in a project-based infrastructure—to assume multiple roles throughout a product’s entire lifecycle, providing comprehensive experience in end-to-end product development. To successfully navigate a multi-role career pathway, you must be able to adapt to change and quickly assimilate critical new technical knowledge. If you are primarily interested in the business side of the industry, consider earning your MBA.  There are many business roles that require scientists to work with complex macro-level collaboration with other organizations. These roles frequently require additional quantitative skills sets that can be acquired through a formal business education. Plus, depending on the positions you fill throughout your career, you will also need a variety of soft skills that can range from communication and project management abilities to strategic thinking and conflict resolution skills.

    Work with a mentor

    Regardless of which career pathway you select, it is advisable to work with a mentor. Because if you want to take control of your career, you need to make decisions that support your professional objectives. A mentor with significant experience in the industry can provide invaluable advice and help you avoid potential pitfalls. And once you know the pathways open to you and have the support of an experienced mentor, you can confidently advance towards your career goals and become the kind of scientific professional who is highly sought-after for senior roles in your industry.
    View Related: Technology Science & Clinical

    Related Resources

    View All
    Video
    5 min read | March 8, 2024

    Substitute Teacher Story: Saira Zamarripa

    To honor the important work of our employees, we recognize outstanding substitute teachers,... Watch Now
    Video
    3 min read | March 20, 2024

    Substitute Teacher Story: Turkesa Code

    Kelly Education is proud to highlight the work of our talented substitute teachers. Turkesa Code... Watch Now
    Video
    5 min read | March 11, 2024

    Substitute Teacher Story: Megan Mabry

    To honor the important work of our employees, we recognize outstanding substitute teachers,... Watch Now
    Video
    6 min read | March 7, 2025

    Substitute Teacher Story: Diego Gomez

    Navy veteran makes a difference in the classroom as a substitute teacher. Meet Diego Gomez—a... Watch Now
    Substitute Teacher
    4 min read | March 26, 2024

    Substitute Teacher Story: Charles Sheehan

    To honor the important work of our employees, we recognize outstanding substitute teachers,... Read More
    Video
    4 min read | October 19, 2024

    Substitute Teacher Story: Janet Brandon

    Former marketing executive finds joy working as a substitute teacher. As a young woman headed off... Watch Now
    Video
    4 min read | July 2, 2024

    Substitute Teacher Story: Jeff Stark

    Jeff Stark Story | Retired Spanish teacher turned substitute teacher. At age 72, Jeff Stark's... Watch Now
    Substitute Teacher
    5 min read | March 14, 2024

    Substitute Teacher Story: Rudolph Ervin

    To honor the important work of our employees, we recognize outstanding substitute teachers,... Read More
    Video
    4 min read | April 1, 2025

    Substitute Teacher Story: Jenna Kroeger

    Substitute teacher enjoys working with students while waiting for grad school. Meet Jenna... Watch Now