Science, Biotech, Pharmaceutical
There are many satisfying careers open to students with a background in science. The first role that comes to many students’ minds, is, of course, research—using the skills you’ve learned here at Columbia in an applied setting. This could involve developing new therapies for human disease, assessing the environmental condition of a brownfield, or creating a new, biodegradable form of packaging, among other things. Many other career options exist that draw on one’s scientific background. You might find yourself using your writing skills to help fund environmental programs, your people skills to sell advanced technologies to labs across the country, or your presentation skills to teach science to people of all ages at a science museum. The Web sites listed below will give you a sense of the possibilities for anyone with a strong background in science.
General Resources
MentorNet - mentoring programs for students in the sciences and technology
Nature Jobs - a job database sponsored by the journal Nature. A great source for opportunities in the US
New Scientist Jobs - a great job database sponsored by New Scientist magazine.
ScienceCareers - a wonderful career resource for scientists, especially graduate students and students interesting in graduate school opportunities. The site is sponsored by the AAAS.
Summer Undergraduate Research Programs (Life Sciences)
List compiled by Columbia’s Department of Biology
List compiled by Amherst College
Science, Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical
The following sites are all useful sources of job postings, news and events in the biotech industry. We’ve made note if a site has functions we think are particularly useful.
BioFind – BioFind provides “a variety of online services for [its] users, most famously [its] "Rumor Mill" which regularly receives up to 80 posts daily, and tracks the latest news and gossip from around the biotech industry”BioSpace
Biotech Career Center (the Biotech Resources section is particularly useful.)
HireBio
HireRx
Life Sciences World – a great source for news about the biotech industry, events, and job postings
MedZilla
Environment, Forestry, Agricultural Research, Environmental Health and Safety
The following resources are a great starting point for looking for positions, both full-time and internships.
Environmental Health and Safety Careers
Green Corps
These U.S. government agencies often seek candidates with a background in the environmental and life sciences. If you’re interested in learning more about how to apply for federal government opportunities, the first link, “Making the Difference”, is a great starting place.
Making the Difference
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
U.S. Department of Agriculture