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Help Wanted: PhD Strategist

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“Strategy” is one of those catch-all corporate phrases that can actually represent an incredible array of job opportunities.  It can also provide maximum flexibility for PhDs and graduate students pursuing these jobs to showcase their various skills beyond a narrow domain expertise.

What are strategy jobs?

They are a diverse and growing category of roles across industries that focus on high-level planning, analysis, and decision-making to guide organizations toward their long-term goals. For PhDs, these positions leverage advanced analytical, research, and problem-solving skills developed during doctoral training, and offer intellectually stimulating alternatives to traditional academic careers.

These jobs can be represented across corporate, government, nonprofit, and consulting fields, often involving cross-functional collaboration, leadership, and the ability to translate complex data into actionable plans125.

PhDs are well-suited for these roles due to their expertise in critical thinking, data analysis, and managing complex projects12.  

Here are a few examples:

Strategy Job Titles Across Fields

Field Example Job Titles
Corporate – Chief Strategy Officer (CSO)23
– Corporate Strategist5
– Director of Strategy3
– Strategy Insights & Planning Associate/Consultant3
– Strategic Planner4
– Business Development Analyst5
– Business Analyst5
Consulting – Strategy Consultant35
– Management Consultant5
– Insights & Planning Consultant3
Government – Policy Advisor2
– Strategic Planning Specialist (Government Agency)2
Nonprofit – Director of Strategic Initiatives
– Program Strategy Manager
Research/Academia – Research Manager (Strategy Focus)2
– Research Scientist, Demography and Survey Science3
– University Professor (Strategic Management)2
Healthcare/Pharma – Director, HIV Scientific Lead (Strategic Research)3
– Healthcare Strategy Consultant3
Legal – Director, Litigation Strategy3
Entrepreneurship – Founder/CEO (Strategic Ventures)2
– Strategic Advisor (Startups)2
Finance – Finance Manager (Strategic Planning)5
– Financial Advisor (Strategy Focus)5
Technology/Data – User Experience Researcher (Strategic Analysis)3
– Modeling and Simulation Lead (Strategic Projects)3

This week we compiled a cluster of representative strategy and consulting jobs on our SmartJobs page. These include a range of positions across healthcare, financial services, non-profit NGOs, climate businesses and technology firms,to name a few.

Bottom line: strategy jobs are ideal for PhDs seeking impactful, intellectually engaging careers beyond academia. These roles exist in every sector and value the advanced skills PhDs bring—making them a natural fit for those ready to make an impact.

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Beyond the Couch: Exploring Psychology Careers

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Psychology degrees–and, more generally, any discipline that touches upon behavioral science–continues to be prized in the job markets, from research-intensive careers in companies such as Meta, to  traditional careers in counseling, psychoanalysis and other clinical work.

Back as early as 2019, it was already clear that the marriage of human behavior, technology and the consumer, was an enviable combination for those PhDs with research and related experience that could make sense of the rapid changes in the marketplace.  We wrote about this here, and the job opportunities have only expanded since then.

Here are some typical and new jobs roles for Psychology majors:

Clinical and Counseling Roles

  • Clinical Psychologist
  • Counseling Psychologist
  • Psychotherapist
  • Marriage and Family Therapist
  • Child Psychologist
  • School Psychologist
  • Addiction Counselor
  • Behavioral Health Specialist
  • Diversity and Community Mental Health Psychologist15

Academic and Research Positions

  • Psychology Professor
  • Research Psychologist
  • Psychological Researcher
  • Social Psychologist
  • Developmental Psychologist
  • Cognitive and Perceptual Psychologist124

Applied and Specialized Psychology Careers

  • Industrial-Organizational Psychologist
  • Forensic Psychologist
  • Educational Psychologist
  • Health Psychologist
  • Sports Psychologist
  • Psychometrics Specialist124

Leadership, Management, and Corporate Roles

  • Clinical Director or Supervisor
  • Human Resources Manager or Director
  • Business and Marketing Manager or Director
  • Management Consultant
  • Advertising Director14

Additional Career Paths

  • Community Psychologist
  • Psychological Specialist
  • Director of Human Resources

SmartJobs

We have listed a sampling of these positions on our SmartJobs page this week and there will be many more openings to come, highlighted by training AI models to UX (User Experience) Research positions in the world’s leading companies and medical groups.

Happy hunting.

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Internships as pathways to employment

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Internships are a significant pathway to full-time employment for PhDs and graduate students, both within the public and private sectors.  Although PhD-level internships represent a smaller subset of overall internship opportunities compared to bachelor’s and master’s levels, in 2023-24 roughly 28.3% of employers reported hiring doctoral-level interns, indicating limited but specialized opportunities1.

As we have noted previously here at VPhD, industries such as technology, pharmaceutical and biotech, e commerce, financial services and research organizations are heavy recruiters of PhD graduates. Internships can provide a leg up in the process.

We have collected a few representative internships on our jobs page, and have content on our PhD Career Finder as well.  If you haven’t considered an internship due to time or other constraints, consider again.

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PhD Appropriate Jobs Sampling

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A few PhD-appropriate job openings for this weekend over on our jobs page…

As we have discussed here time and again, even if you’re not looking for work today the review of job descriptions, expectations and language, can provide a level of readiness before you’re ready to go.

How prepared are you?

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Venture Capital, Technical Knowledge and your PhD

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If you think Venture Capital (VC) firms are primarily composed to twenty-something MBAs in the San Francisco area spitting their between start-up networking events and building Powerpoint presentations, think again.  VC firms are increasingly recognizing the value of PhDs in their investment teams, particularly for evaluating and supporting early-stage companies in technical fields.

We have held a few webinars on this topic as part of our PhD Pathways program, and demand for PhDs in the field continues to be strong.

Here’s an overview of the opportunities for PhDs in venture capital:

Roles for PhDs in Venture Capital

  1. Associate/Senior Associate: This is typically the entry-level position for PhDs in VC firms. Associates are responsible for sourcing and evaluating investment opportunities, conducting due diligence, and supporting portfolio companies1.

  2. Venture Partner: Some firms offer venture partner roles, which allow PhDs to leverage their expertise in specific technical areas to evaluate potential investments and support portfolio companies.

  3. Entrepreneur-in-Residence: This role involves working closely with the VC firm to identify opportunities and potentially spin out new companies based on emerging technologies4.

  4. Operating Partner: PhDs can take on operating partner roles, where they provide technical expertise and help translate complex scientific concepts for investment teams4.

Advantages of PhDs in Venture Capital

  1. Technical Expertise: PhDs bring deep knowledge in specific fields, allowing them to better evaluate the potential of new technologies and startups24.

  2. Analytical Skills: The research experience gained during a PhD is valuable for conducting thorough due diligence on potential investments1.

  3. Network: PhDs often have connections in academia and industry, which can be beneficial for sourcing deals and supporting portfolio companies4.

Compensation and Career Growth

  1. Salary: Base salaries for PhD-level positions in VC can range from $150,000 to $250,000, with potential for significant bonuses and carried interest4.

  2. Career Trajectory: The career path in VC can lead to roles such as Principal, Partner, or even starting one’s own fund4.

Challenges and Considerations

  1. Workload: VC roles often involve long hours and high-pressure environments, especially compared to academic or research positions4.

  2. Business Acumen: PhDs may need to develop business and financial skills to succeed in VC, which can be achieved through on-the-job learning or additional education like an MBA4.

  3. Competitive Field: Transitioning from academia or industry research to VC can be challenging due to limited openings and high competition5.

Programs and Opportunities

Some VC firms offer specialized programs to help PhDs transition into venture capital:

  1. PhD to VC Program: Fifty Years, a VC firm, offers a free 8-week program to teach PhDs the fundamentals of venture capital, including sourcing, due diligence, and supporting founders1.

  2. Internships and Fellowships: Some VC firms offer internship or fellowship opportunities for PhDs to gain experience in the field3.

PhDs considering a move to venture capital need to leverage their technical expertise, develop business acumen, and build a network in the VC community. While this transition may be challenging, the intellectual stimulation and potential for high financial rewards make it an attractive career path for many PhDs.

Be persistent!

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Climate Careers in the Private Sector

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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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Biotech Opportunities and Key Positions

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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.