Vijay Garg
When it comes to choosing a professional degree for a secure career, in India many people still prefer taking up a doctor or engineering course over studying pure science. However, did you know about the many career options one can have after studying pure sciences? In this article, Venkat Koushik Pulla, who is a trained scientist and works as a Senior Manager Commercial Marketing at Merck, tells us more about the perks and challenges of being a scientist, and more. Excerpts: As a trained scientist, what are the career options in pure science that you think people should know about?
There are many aspects to explore in pure science, and it’s all about discovering your interests. These days, having a multidisciplinary skill set is critical for career advancement. Existing skills and technologies are becoming obsolete, so constant upgrading is essential no matter your field. With AI taking over monotonous tasks, creativity and unique perspectives are key to standing out.
Career options in pure science include:
Research Scientist: This is perhaps one of the most obvious choice for pure science graduates. Research scientists work in labs across academia, government research institutions, and private industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and materials science. They conduct experiments, analyze data, and contribute to scientific discoveries.
Data Scientist: With the rise of big data and analytics, there’s a growing demand for data scientists who can apply statistical analysis and computational techniques to interpret complex data sets. Pure science graduates often have strong analytical skills and a solid foundation in mathematics and statistics, making them well-suited for this role.
Science Communication: Scientists who can effectively communicate research findings are employed as scientific writers by pharma companies. They bridge the gap between scientific research and the public through writing, journalism, and multimedia. . Science journalists play a vital role in bridging the gap between scientific research and the general public, informing and educating audiences about important discoveries and developments.
Patent Examiner: Patent examiners assess whether inventions meet the requirements for patentability and play a key role in shaping innovation. A background in pure science provides the necessary technical expertise for this profession.
Techno-commercial Roles: Trained scientists are very important for life science organizations to promote, demonstrate technical products. Who else could be better to position the products in a right way – as they would have used similar products during their research days. They have the advantage of meeting different scientists and understand their challenges, and support them to give suitable solutions.
Science Education and Outreach: Pure science graduates can pursue careers as science educators in schools, museums, and educational institutions, inspiring and mentoring future scientists.
Clinical Research Associate (CRA): In the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, CRAs oversee clinical trials to ensure compliance with protocols and regulatory requirements. A background in pure science provides the foundational knowledge necessary to understand the scientific principles underlying clinical research.
Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) Specialist QA/QC specialists ensure that products, processes, and systems meet quality standards and regulatory requirements. In industries such as pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, they play a crucial role in maintaining product quality and safety.
Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Many pure science graduates have entrepreneurial aspirations and the ability to innovate. The government supports their aspirations with initial seed grants, allowing them to start their own companies, develop new technologies, or collaborate with industry partners.
It’s important to emphasize that studying pure science not only opens doors to these specific career paths but also equips individuals with critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills that are highly valued across various industries. As the world continues to advance technologically and scientifically, the demand for skilled pure science graduates will only continue to grow, making it a promising and rewarding career choice.
