(Field) Application Scientist

Introductory Resources

• Application Scientist – What is it?, Biofilm Podcast, 6-min YouTube video.
• (Field) Application Scientist roles vary from an organization to another, PhDCoffeeTime, 17-min YouTube video.
• Field Application Scientist after Cell Biology PhD, 18-min YouTube video.
• How life science PhDs can take on a Field Applications role, Indira Carey, PhD (AWIS article).

Venturing further in this career area

• Life beyond PhD – Application Scientist, GPS-STEM UC Irvine, 45-min YouTube video.
• (Field) Application Scientists and Specialists – Career panel, GPS-STEM UC Irvine, 1-hour YouTube video.
• Field Application Scientist videos for career exploration and transition purposes, Viola Lanier, PhD’s YouTube channel – dedicated playlist.
• The Applications Scientist Career Track (from get into it and moving on afterwards), Science Careers Article.

Learning by doing job-related tasks

Intersect Job Simulations have been designed by PhDs for PhDs. To make the most of them, 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.

• Field Application Scientist – Giving a pre-sales seminar.
• Field Application Scientist – Troubleshooting customer questions.

Preparing your transition into this career area

• Focus on your skills, Nature article.
• 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.
  • Look for and join relevant thematic groups on LinkedIn, online communities, etc.
  • Look for BU Mentors and Alumni who have transitioned into this career area.
  • The Social Scientist enables early-career researchers to connect with folks who have transitioned in various career areas, including in application science and sales.
• Analyze job descriptions to learn more about what institutions and organizations are currently looking for.
• Study company websites, follow them on social media and YouTube.
• Interview preparation for (Field) Application Scientist roles:
  • Interview preparation tips for an Application Scientist role – YouTube video.
  • Questions to ask during an Application Scientist interview – YouTube video.