Data Science/Analyst

Introductory Resources

• What does a Data Scientist do?, BU Vault.
• Biomedical Data Science, TED Talk.
• From a PhD spent doing qualitative research to a career in UX (User Experience).
• UX (User Experience) in pharma and life sciences >> Life Science UX Toolkit.

Venturing further in this career area

• Key responsibilities of a Data Scientist and ways to transition into data science, PhD Source.
• Step-by-step guide to transitioning into data science from a different field, 365 Data Science.
• Data Science in Biomedicine, 1.5-hour webinar.
• The role of biostats in the Big Data World, Panel Discussion (2023).
• Bioinformatics in industry, Panel Discussion (2021).
• The future of biopharma – AI-powered data analytics (2024).
• Explore labor market trends and insights for bioinformatics jobs – Choose the “By filtering for industry and occupation” and then “Health Sciences” for Industry and “Bioinformatics Scientists” for occupation, to access data on salaries, key skills, companies hiring, etc.
• Note that data analytics skills can be used in other business functions, like Business Intelligence, to support strategic decision-making in organizations.

Learning by doing job-related tasks

Job Simulations are job-related tasks that can be completed in a few hours, to help you assess how enjoyable and how much of a good fit a specific job could be for you. Intersect Job Simulations have been created by PhDs for PhDs, to support their career transitions into a wide range of careers. To make the most of job simulations, please set up SMART Goals to perform each simulation in a reasonable timeline. When you have completed the task, fill out the Self-Reflection Sheet, which will help you reflect on what you enjoyed (or did not enjoy) about the simulation, and how it can help inform your career exploration efforts.

• Data Science Job Simulation.
• Investigating a public health problem – Job Simulation.
• Explore more data science and visualization virtual job simulations, from various companies.
• Technical interview for coding jobs (virtual job simulation).

Preparing your transition into this career area

• Focus on your skills, Nature article.
• Multiple fellowship programs support career transitions into Data Science:
  • Insight Data Fellows Program.
  • Fellowships towards transitioning into Biomed informatics and data science.
  • Clinical Data Science Fellowship (Stanford).
  • Emerging Leaders in Data Science Fellowship (NIH).
  • Mass Life Sciences Data Science Internship program.
• Look for and join relevant thematic groups on LinkedIn, online communities like the UX for Life Sciences Community, etc.
• Look for GMS Alumni who have transitioned into this career area.
• The Social Scientist enables early-career scientists to receive mentorship from folks who have transitioned into various careers – connect with industry mentors (scientists, founders, product managers, etc.).
• Analyze job descriptions to learn more about what institutions and organizations are currently looking for.
• Look for companies and products leveraging AI and/or other analysis methods to provide life science services (like monitoring cell health, counting cells, conducting image analysis…). Study company websites, follow them on social media and YouTube.
• Growing your network and having informational interviews with PhDs who have transitioned into careers of interest to you will enable you to learn more about the job’s daily responsibilities, hiring process, career progression, etc., and the sector as a whole.