From PhD to Scientific Communication | a story in versatility
Nicholas Pulliam, PhD
Scientific Lead, Translational Sciences at Loxo Oncology at Lilly
When I was completing my PhD and trying to identify a career path, I remember seeing a position listed on a company website for a position in scientific communication. When I saw this position I figured “why not? I’ve written manuscript and abstracts as a student”. So, I applied and was surprised when I was actually offered the position.
In a previous post I shared a few misconceptions about what industry medical writers actually did - here I wanted to share what to think about when considering a position in scientific communications. Versatility is key (at least one of many keys). In another post I will share some of the disappointing aspects of scientific communication (from my perspective as a PhD scientist - stay tuned).
Here are three things to keep in mind when considering these types of positions (let me know what else to add!!)
1?? Bridge the Gap: Moving from research to communication requires translating complex scientific concepts into digestible content. It's not just about what you know but how well you can convey it. Cultivate the skill of bridging the gap between intricate research findings and engaging, accessible manuscript, abstracts, posters/presentations and even internal communication to demonstrate your expertise.
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2?? Diverse Skill Set: Scientific communication demands a diverse skill set. Beyond expertise in your field, brush up on writing, editing, and multimedia skills, and even project management/oversight. Whether it's crafting compelling articles, creating impactful visuals, or mastering the art of social media, versatility is key in reaching diverse audiences.
3?? Networking Matters: In this field, networking is your secret sauce. Connect with fellow communicators, journalists, scientists, and professionals in your niche. Attend conferences, engage on platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn, and join conversations. Your network can open doors, spark collaborations, and amplify your impact. And this does not only apply to your external audience (or those who will read your publication once accepted to its venue), but also your internal audience (those within your company, or those who have sourced your assistance to help draft and prepare the publication).
More things to consider when thinking about a position scientific communications coming soon, as well as how to transition from scientific communications back to the bench (is it actually possible?)
PhD scientific writer: NSF / NIH grants and news stories -- and a graphite pencil artist
1 年How do you recommend networking effectively at conferences? Any brief tips I can implement? I look forward to your upcoming posts.
Senior Scientist, PKPD @ Genentech, A Member of the Roche Group
1 年I've always wondered about scientific communication in industry beyond creating infographics. I was at a biomedical research conference recently for minoritized early in career scientists ( undergraduate to post doc level ) and some students were asking me about different paths and I hadn't considered this. Looking forward to more of this content!