If you are interested in exploring scientific curiosities, contributing to scientific breakthroughs, or applying scientific findings to real-world issues, you might consider exploring careers in scientific and lab research. Careers in this field are found across a variety of life, physical, and social science disciplines, such as biology, chemistry, environmental sciences, neuroscience, physics, and psychology, and focus on critically evaluating and expanding upon existing scientific and technological knowledge.
Explore Career Paths and Possibilities:
Below is a non-exhaustive list of sample roles for students and alums interested in careers in scientific and lab research, including potential internships, post-grad entry points, higher-level positions, and a sample list of Chicagoland organizations focused in scientific and lab research. Roles in this area can be found in a variety of settings, such as colleges and universities, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and other lab facilities.
- Clinical Research Intern
- Data Research Assistant Intern
- Data Transcription Intern
- Research Analyst Intern
- Research Intern
- Psychology Research Intern
- Chemistry Intern
- Microbiology Intern
- Lab Assistant
- Clinical Research Coordinator
- Lab Biologist
- Research Analyst
- Research Data Associate
- Research Specialist
- Research Study Assistant
- Research Study Coordinator
- Research Technologist
- Research Technician
- Social and Behavioral Research Assistant
- Animal Technician
- Chemical Technician
- Laboratory Technician
*Note: These are common job titles for individuals graduating with a Bachelor's degree*
- Biologist
- Chemist
- Physicist
- Biochemist
- Biomedical Engineer
- Research Scientist
- Principal Research Scientist
- Professor
- Research Administrator
- Research Manager
- Senior Research Scientist
- Senior Research Specialist
- Senior Research Technologist
- Senior Investigator
*Note: These are common job titles for individuals that have obtained a Master's degree or hold many years of professional experience*
Professional Organizations:
Professional associations offer excellent opportunities for networking, finding jobs and internships, and staying up-to-date on industry issues, trends, and research. Below are a few research-related professional associations to get you started (click here for more tips on how to effectively engage with professional groups).
Transferable Skills:
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Patience
- Critical thinking
- Innovative thinking
- Problem-solving
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Data analysis, project management, statistical software systems (e.g., SPSS and Excel), laboratory techniques (hard skills)