Climate or so-called “green jobs” have been an increasing focus for us at VPhD and for good reason: climate research jobs in the private sector are increasingly available as companies recognize the importance of addressing climate change and its impacts on their operations.

According to recent data, this trend is accelerating rapidly. The clean energy industry alone created nearly 150,000 new jobs in the U.S. from 2022 to 2023, outpacing job creation in the fossil fuel sector1. Furthermore, it’s projected that the green transition will create 300 million new green jobs globally by 20501.

Here are some key opportunities in the private sector:

Research and Analysis Roles

• Climate Risk Analyst: These professionals assess climate-related risks and opportunities for businesses. Salaries for Climate Risk Analysts typically range from $70,000 to $120,000 annually in the U.S.2

• Research Associate (Climate Risk): These roles focus on investigating climate risks and contributing to research publications and regulatory reports.

Sustainability and Environmental Positions

• Environmental Scientist: These roles often require expertise in regulations, investigations, and data analysis. The salary for environmental scientists in the U.S. generally ranges from $65,000 to $100,000 annually2.

• Sustainability Program Manager: Many companies are seeking professionals to develop and implement climate change mitigation and adaptation initiatives.

Specialized Climate Roles

• Air Quality Modeler: Engineers working on air quality modeling, which is crucial for climate change planning and projections.

• Carbon Capture Specialist: These professionals focus on technologies to reduce carbon emissions, with salaries typically ranging from $65,000 to $100,000 annually in the U.S.2

Consulting and Advisory Positions

• Climate & Sustainability Policy Advisor: These roles involve analyzing research findings and providing guidance on climate and sustainability issues.

• Sustainable Finance Specialist: Financial institutions are increasingly integrating climate considerations into their investment and lending practices.

The job market for climate research in the private sector is dynamic and growing. LinkedIn’s Global Green Skills Report from 2024 suggests that the green talent pool needs to double by 2050 to meet projected demand1. This growth is driven by the increasing recognition of climate change as a critical business issue, with 80% of employees ready and willing to take action on climate change in their jobs1.

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PhDs in biotechnology have numerous career opportunities across various sectors of the industry, and many of these have been covered here at VPhD.  Check out our PhD Pathways page for some interviews with biotech venture firms and individuals in the industry.

Here are some key positions well-suited for PhDs in biotech:

Research and Development

Senior Scientist/Engineer: This role involves leading research teams, driving discovery, and developing new technologies. PhDs can leverage their technical expertise and research skills in companies like Merck & Co, Microsoft, Cargill, Inc., and Ford Motor Company1.

Protein Scientist: Positions focusing on protein research and engineering are available, often requiring a PhD2.

Gene Synthesis & Cloning Scientist: This specialized role involves genetic engineering techniques2.

Clinical Research

Clinical Research Associate (CRA): PhDs can oversee and monitor clinical trials, ensuring regulatory compliance and proper data collection. Companies like Abbott, Medtronic, and PRA Health Sciences offer such positions1.

Manufacturing and Quality Control

Quality Process Specialist: This role involves ensuring product safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance. PhDs can work in companies like Amgen Inc., Boeing Company, or regulatory agencies like the European Medicines Agency1.

Business and Strategy

Business Development Director: Some positions in biotech CROs (Contract Research Organizations) seek PhDs for business development roles3.

Other Specialized Roles

• Biostatistician: Applying statistical methods to biological data3.

• Medical Science Liaison: Serving as a scientific resource for healthcare providers and internal teams2.

• AI Specialist: Applying AI techniques to pharmaceutical/biotech drug development2.

PhDs in biotech can also find opportunities in areas such as translational neuroscience, electrophysiology, and in vivo pharmacology2. The industry values the advanced research skills, analytical abilities, and specialized knowledge that PhDs bring to these roles.

We’ve been asked many times here at Versatile PhD that basic question: what can I do with my PhD if not teach or conduct academic research?  Well, quite a lot actually. Perhaps more than you can imagine.

Here are some of the top non-academic jobs that may require or benefit from a PhD in ANTHROPOLOGY:

1. Forensic Anthropologist: Work with law enforcement agencies and medical examiners to identify human remains and determine causes of death2.

2. Biostatistician: Analyze biological and health-related data in public health, medical research, or biological research settings2.

3. Epidemiologist: Study the distribution and determinants of health and diseases in populations2.

4. Cultural Resource Management (CRM) Specialist: Manage and protect cultural heritage sites and artifacts5.

5. International Development Consultant: Work on projects related to global development and cultural understanding14.

6. Market Researcher: Apply anthropological methods to understand consumer behavior and cultural trends1.

7. User Experience (UX) Researcher: Analyze how people interact with products and services in tech companies4.

8. Policy Analyst: Work in government agencies or think tanks to develop and evaluate policies14.

9. Corporate Anthropologist: Help businesses understand cultural dynamics in the workplace or market4.

10. Museum Curator or Researcher: Manage collections and conduct research in museums1.

11. Public Health Researcher: Apply anthropological perspectives to health issues and interventions26.

12. Environmental Anthropologist: Work on issues related to human-environment interactions and sustainability1.

These positions often value the research skills, cultural understanding, and analytical abilities developed during a PhD in anthropology. While some roles may not explicitly require a PhD, having one can be advantageous for securing senior positions or roles that involve complex research and analysis26.

Who might hire you?  Here are more examples from the tech industry alone:

1. Google: They often hire PhDs for long-term research projects and user experience roles3.

2. Facebook: They have recruited anthropologists for internships and research positions, such as studying social media’s impact on government preparations for elections2.

3. Intel: They have a history of including anthropologists on their teams, with notable examples like Genevieve Bell who worked on product design1.

4. Xerox: Another tech giant mentioned as having employed anthropologists for years3.

5. Adobe: They have hired anthropology PhDs for non-academic roles, as mentioned in the example of David Platzner’s career path1.

6. Uber: They have employed anthropologists to investigate broad topics like the future of travel2.

7. Photo by Tanya Kukarkina on Unsplash

How relevant is your PhD or graduate degree for the UX field?  What is UX, you may ask?

User Experience (UX) refers to the comprehensive and subjective experience a user has when interacting with a product, system, or service. It encompasses all aspects of the interaction, including perceptions, emotions, and physical and psychological responses, from the initial discovery to the ongoing use of the product or service. UX is not limited to digital interfaces; it also applies to physical products and services, covering how users feel about the ease of use, utility, and efficiency of a product.

How does that relate to a meaningful career?  As we have discussed for years here on the site, UX has many applications that require deep analysis and research skills.

Here are few current jobs, and prominent roles, in the field which might use your skills:

1. User Experience Researcher: This role often requires advanced research skills and methodologies that are developed during PhD studies45.

2. Senior UX Designer: While not always requiring a PhD, senior positions may value the advanced knowledge and research skills gained from doctoral studies1.

3. UX Research Lead: Leadership positions in UX research teams often benefit from the depth of knowledge and research expertise provided by a PhD.

4. Design Strategist: Some companies offer graduate positions for those with advanced degrees, including PhDs, in design-related fields5.

5. Principal UX Designer: High-level design positions may require the extensive research and analytical skills typically developed during PhD programs1.

6. UX Research Manager: Management roles in UX research departments often prefer candidates with advanced degrees and strong research backgrounds.

7. Design Researcher: Positions focusing on design research may value the rigorous research methods and analytical skills acquired during a PhD program7.

DOGE may be in town but the US capitol remains a heavy recruiter of PhDs.  Here is a tiny sampling of what exists today at some of the top companies hiring PhD graduates:

1. ENSCO, Inc.: They are seeking a Senior Geophysicist with a preferred PhD in Geophysics, Geological Sciences, or a related field1.

2. Google: They have positions for Student Researchers with PhDs in their Atlanta, GA office, which may be relevant for those in the Washington, DC area5.

3. Sandia National Laboratories: They are hiring for Postdoctoral Appointee positions, which typically require a PhD5.

4. Government agencies: Many PhD-level positions are available in various government departments and agencies in Washington, DC, given its status as the nation’s capital14.

5. Universities: Institutions like Howard University are hiring for faculty positions, which often require a PhD1.

6. Research institutions: Organizations like Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) are looking for experts with advanced degrees to work on complex national security issues1.

7. Private sector companies: Firms like ENSCO and others in the defense and technology sectors frequently hire PhD graduates for specialized roles14.

8. Consulting firms: Companies like Barrow Wise Consulting, LLC are hiring researchers with PhD qualifications5.

10. There are also many opportunities for multilateral jobs, particularly in international organizations and government agencies.

11. Here are a few:

    1. United Nations: The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has openings in DC, including positions like Assistant Communications Officer5.

    2. United Nations Foundation: They are hiring for roles such as Associate, Talent Acquisition, People & Culture5.

    3. International Organizations: There are numerous job openings in international organizations based in DC, including positions like: Senior Institutional Giving Officer, International Operations Support Assistant, International Relations Officer, and Policy Specialist for International Programs4

    4. Government Agencies: The U.S. Department of State offers opportunities to work on foreign policies and international relations, both in the U.S. and abroad2.

    5. Research and Policy Institutions: Organizations like the Council on Foreign Relations are hiring for positions such as Research Associate in Digital and Cyberspace Policy3.

    6. International Development: There are opportunities in international development organizations, though specific examples were not provided in the search results.

    7. Think Tanks and NGOs: Positions like Research Analyst for South Asia are available, which often involve work related to multilateral issues34.

    9. We have written here (now in the archive) on a range of opportunities in the DC area, and those dealing with international policy. The links above offer a pathway into your own research and career development.

With the passage US Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the US Department of Energy is poised to spend over $62 billion and will hire 1,000 new employees for its new Clean Energy Corps.

Details are already up on the DOE’s website.

Specifically, positions in demand are listed across a variety of job types and skills levels, including up to PhDs and post-doctoral researchers.  Employment areas include:

• Business Administration (0080, 301, 343, 340, 1101, 1165)
• Communications (301, 343, 340)
• Engineering (801, 0810, 0830, 0840, 0850)
• Finance/Accounting (510, 560, 301, 343, 340)
• Grants/Contract Management (1109, 1102)
• Human Resources (201/203)
• Information Technology/Cybersecurity (2210)
• Legal (905)
• Legislative Affairs (301, 343, 340)
• Operations Research (1515)
• Physical Science (1301)
• Program and Portfolio Management (301, 343, 340)
• Project Management (301, 343, 340)
• Public Policy (301, 343, 340)
• Safety and Occupational Health (0018)

You can view ongoing job announcements on USAJOBS – DOE Infrastructure Announcements.

Importantly, these are only DOE’s immediate hires and do not reflect the massive shift in economic and climate priorities in the US that will lead to follow-on hiring across the private sector over the next decade, including the impact from the recent Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.

For specific facts on the massive climate and energy initiatives underway in the US, read the fact sheet below at Climate Power.

Fact Sheet: The Senate Has Reached a Historic Climate Deal

We have explored environmental careers on multiple occasions within our SmartJobs page and will continue to do so across this exciting field.  Climate and sustainability are going to reshape parts of the employment market in ways that are only beginning to understand. And for our graduate community, there will be many ways, across a wide range of domain expertise, to make an impact.