what can i do with a phd in science

Jobs You Can Do With a Science Ph.D., Beyond Academia

Policy analyst and museum educator are among jobs outside higher education for people with a Ph.D. in a science field.

Science Ph.D. Jobs Beyond Academia

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Museum scientists may also be responsible for public outreach. Volunteering at a science museum is a good way for STEM Ph.D. recipients to explore this career path. 

While earning a Ph.D. in cellular neuroscience at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Maryland, Rebecca Alvania loved the considerable amount of time she spent working in the lab with her hands to carry out experiments. But after graduating, something in her shifted.

“I did not actually want to have my own lab,” says Alvania, CEO of the American Society for Cell Biology, a Maryland-based international membership organization. “The things that I loved doing in the lab or as a scientist are not necessarily the things that meant I was going to be happy running my own lab.”

Now, she works to serve a population that reflects herself back then in many ways – doctorate of science students looking for guidance on careers outside of academia.

Academia once was the largest employer of science Ph.D. graduates, but that has changed. According to data from the U.S. National Science Foundation's NCSES Survey of Earned Doctorates , academia represented only 26% of the employment sector of research doctorate recipients in science and engineering in 2021, continuing a trend.

From industry-based jobs to career paths outside of industry and academia, experts say nonacademic careers can be just as fulfilling as working within educational institutions.

Industry-Based Careers for Scientists

Industry-based jobs can be positions within laboratories, or non-lab roles such as a business development analyst. Here are a few industry-based careers that experts say science Ph.D. recipients are also hired in.

Business Development Managers

In these careers, science Ph.D. graduates are valued for their ability to understand complex research in business, which can help in decision making, notes Kim Petrie, assistant dean for biomedical career development and associate professor of medical education and administration at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine  in Tennessee.

“Those are people that sometimes do well in their careers," Petrie says. "They can make decisions and act without all the information. Quantitative thinkers often do well in these types of roles, and scientific training often fosters that skill set.”

Key responsibilities for business development managers range from managing existing products and services to developing new ones. These positions also involve devising market strategies using scientific and analytical skills.

The average salary for a business development manager in the U.S. is nearly $71,000 a year, ranging as high as $128,500, according to ZipRecruiter . Experts say there are many opportunities for advancement and increased pay based on skill level, location and years of experience.

Medical Science Liaisons

Medical science liaisons can be employed by pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device and managed care companies. Part of their job is to make sure products are being used efficiently, along with acting as scientific experts who advise on advances in clinical treatments or provide input on relevant science and clinical data. 

The role is “very communication heavy, translating science and sometimes technical science for non-technical people and sort of management of clinical research or clinical research projects,” Petrie says.

According to the 2022 annual salary and compensation survey by the Medical Science Liaison Society, 82% of current MSLs in the U.S. across all company types and therapeutic areas had a doctorate degree, excluding M.D. , with 34% of total respondents having a Ph.D. The average annual salary nationwide for those with a Ph.D. was nearly $182,940.

Data Scientists

Data scientist is one of the fastest growing occupations in the science industry. The employment of data scientists is projected to grow 36% from 2021 to 2031, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, much faster than the average occupation. 

“Everybody, every company and health care companies are using data science, so quite a number of our alumni have transitioned into that,” Petrie says. "Some of them have gone out pretty far from the field and are not necessarily working for scientific companies anymore, because they've been able to parlay that programming ... skill set that way.”

As data scientists , science Ph.D.s typically use their skills for gathering or identifying relevant data to make business recommendations based on their analysis. They often present their findings by using data visualizations.

“Nashville actually has a lot of health care companies, so we've had a couple of alumni transition to those organizations, working with their medical records, just doing some interesting things like looking for anything predictive, for example, in medical records that might suggest an earlier diagnosis of cancer,” Petrie says.

Careers Beyond Academia and Industry-Based Positions

Research findings that led to the Harvard University Press book “Next Gen PhD: A Guide to Career Paths in Science” – written by Melanie Sinche, assistant dean for academic affairs at the University of Saint Joseph in Connecticut – indicate that career paths for science Ph.D. graduates also exist outside of academia and industry positions. Here are some.

Science Publishing

In science communications, you must have excellent written communication skills and a strong understanding of the ethical and regulatory guidelines in the field. Science Ph.D.s develop such skills just by the nature of doctoral training and postdoctoral work , Sinche says.

“One of the key pieces for science Ph.D.s and postdocs," she says, "is to know themselves and to know their skills and to recognize that they have a concrete set of employable skills that are attractive to employers across all industries, across all sectors.”

Science publishing provides many career opportunities such as science journalist or writer, journal editor, medical writer and science illustrator.

Museum Educator

Often, scientists who work at a museum hold a science Ph.D. of some sort, according to the American Society for Cell Biology. Museum scientists may also be responsible for public outreach. Volunteering at a science museum is a good way for STEM Ph.D. recipients to explore this career path. 

“I recommend for all Ph.D.s to experiment, to develop collaborations maybe with industry partners and to go through internships and volunteer in different settings,” Sinche says. “Those activities will generate more information for them in order for them to make an informed career decision.”

Policy Analyst

In this position, science Ph.D.s observe and influence policy at the local, state and national level by working with government offices. Gaining experience through internships or fellowships, combined with the ability to learn quickly that Sinche says they’ve already developed, can help Ph.D.s prepare for a career in policymaking. 

“I think one of the most important skills that you can argue that most Ph.D.s develop over time is the ability to learn quickly, and that skill, you better believe, it's attractive to all employers,” Sinche says.

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Possible careers for phds in biomedical sciences.

Posted by Kim Petrie on Friday, December 11, 2020 in Path to Career Resources .

Sometimes it’s just nice to have a list of possibilities. Here’s a terrific list of career paths for PhDs in the biomedical sciences, compiled by Lauren Easterling at Indiana University School of Medicine. It’s nicely arranged by broad theme. See something you’re not familiar with? Check out our Beyond the Lab video and podcast series to see if we have recorded an episode with an alumnus who has pursued that career.

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Beyond the Lab: Data Science

10 Top Careers in Biomedical Science

Industry Advice Pharmaceutical Science Science & Mathematics

From unprecedented situations like the COVID-19 pandemic to the continued aging of the worldwide population, there are many pressing medical needs today that require the expertise of biomedical science professionals.

This increased demand has led to a myriad of exciting opportunities for those with the specific knowledge and skill sets required to contribute to the ongoing evolution of the practice. 

Read on to learn more about exactly what the practice of biomedical science entails, the variety of job opportunities available to those with master’s- and PhD-level training, and how you can kickstart your career in biomedical science.

What is Biomedical Science?

Biomedical science combines the study of human physiology, human pathology, and pharmacology to draw conclusions and make necessary advances toward solving significant health problems facing society.  

“It’s really an all-encompassing term,” says David Janero , director of the pharmaceutical sciences graduate program at Northeastern. “It goes from wet-lab research to address problems associated with therapeutics, disease mechanisms, and other related areas, [and] invokes disciplines such as pharmacology, biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, molecular medicine, medicinal chemistry, and so on.”

The many facets of this work allow aspiring biomedical scientists the opportunity to tailor their careers to fit their unique interests—a benefit of this particular field that has led to increased interest among those with a passion for science and medicine.

Pursuing a Career in Biomedical Science

Despite the many scientific applications of biomedical science, Janero explains that the jobs available within this industry today are not limited to those those based in a lab. The field has expanded to include many business and clinical roles, as well as those rooted in research and science. “I think the general perception is that biomedical science is mainly a wet-lab discipline,” he says. “But there really is a diversity of opportunities in this field.”

Did You Know: A “ wet-lab ” is a laboratory in which scientists handle chemicals or other “wet” materials in order to conduct experiments. A “dry-lab,” on the other hand, is a location where scientists draw conclusions about realities that occur naturally in the world by replicating them using computers or mathematics.

A biomedical device must go through a series of phases—ranging from development and testing to sales and marketing—before it can be implemented as a medical solution. For that reason, “it’s not uncommon to have a project team…[made up of] laboratory technicians, salespeople, marketing people, legal people, as well as scientists of various disciplines,” Janero says.

Advance Your Career with a Master’s in Biomedical Science

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EXPLORE THE PROGRAM

Biomedical science professionals also have the unique opportunity to work in the private or public sector, allowing them to further tailor their career opportunities to fit their particular interests.

Yet no matter which applications of biomedical science one is looking to pursue, professionals must start by obtaining an advanced degree in the field. As Janero explains, “solid training in the biomedical sciences at the PhD or master’s level provides a kind of necessary flexibility, because it calls upon the student to develop a number of skills not limited to those required at the bench.” 

This includes the honing of critical soft skills, including:

• Communication
• Critical thinking
• Collaboration

The combination of these skills with practical hands-on abilities is vital for success in all of today’s biomedical science roles. 

Below, we explore the top career options available for those at both biomedical scientists with either a master’s or a PhD in the field.

Top Biomedical Science Careers for Master’s Degree Holders

1.biomedical laboratory technician.

Salary : $64,653 per year

Responsibilities: Biomedical laboratory technicians hold a wide array of responsibilities, primarily within a wet-lab setting. According to Janero, they participate in:

• Drug discoveries
• Profiling novel compounds as potential drugs
• Synthesizing and purifying new chemical matter

And much more.

2. Senior Clinical Research Associate

Salary: $105,988 per year

Responsibilities: Clinical research associates provide advanced technical support during the clinical research process, including:

• Handling equipment
• Presenting findings

Due to the private nature of this work, these individuals are often held to high ethical standards and must strictly follow established processes to prevent unwanted contamination of collected data or patient records.

3.Biomedical Scientist

Salary: $66,646 per year

Responsibilities: Biomedical scientists at this level are responsible for the following:

• Designing experiments
• Implementing experiments in a research environment
• Publishing articles in academic journals on their findings

They may work independently or under the supervision of PhD-level scientists.

4. Senior Medical Writer

Salary: $92,890 per year

Responsibilities: Medical writers create manuals and other training or educational materials for readers both with and without medical backgrounds. Their writing must translate between audiences, speaking to medical professionals, patients, and even, at times, commercial audiences, speaking to multiple groups, including:

• Medical professionals
• Commercial audiences

They often conduct the research needed to develop these materials and thus require a robust understanding of the biomedical science field as a whole. 

5. Senior Medicinal Chemist

Salary: $115,282 per year

Responsibilities: Medical chemists create the chemicals and compounds that are used to develop helpful medicinal drugs. This often includes the following responsibilities:

• Making calculated adjustments to chemical compounds
• Studying each chemical’s reaction to each other and its environment
• Leveraging that information to understand how a drug will behave in the human body

Medicinal chemists also need to be able to take notes effectively so they can easily share their findings with others.

Biomedical Science Careers for PhD Holders

6. tenure track professor of biomedical science.

Salary: $104,319 per year

Responsibilities: A full time, tenure track professor of biomedical science teaches cohorts of graduate and undergraduate students about a variety of biomedical science practices. Many professors at this level also continue their hands-on work in the university’s labs. They may do the following:

• Mentor students
• Oversee their research
• Launch university-funded projects or trials

Since they work with a variety of students and professors, communication skills are vital for this role. 

7. Medical Sales Director

Salary: $107,755 per year

Responsibilities: Medical sales representatives combine a vast knowledge of biomedical science practices with the advanced communication skills of a salesman. Their primary responsibility is to sell medical devices to private companies and clinics, including:

• Tracking down potential customers
• Developing a pitch of their products
• Addressing any posed questions or concerns

Medical sales directors may also mentor entry-level sales reps on their teams.

8. Senior Biomedical Scientist

Salary: $112,157 per year

Responsibilities: The title of senior biomedical scientist is an entry-level wet-lab role for PhD-holders. These individuals spend much of their time carrying out research hands-on, reporting their findings to those higher up within their organizations.

9. Principal Investigator

Salary: $104,024 per year

Responsibilities: Principal investigators take the lead in laboratory research. They are typically responsible for the following:

• Setting parameters for experiments
• Outlining the steps for testing
• Overseeing a team of scientists who then conduct the experiments

According to Janero, at this stage, a principal investigator “basically becomes an internal guide and advisor to your group as well as to the entity you’re working in,” which can range from a university department to a pharmaceutical company. 

10. Pharmaceutical Marketing Manager

Salary: $117,011 per year

Responsibilities: Pharmaceutical or biomedical marketing managers oversee the strategies and messaging of drugs and other medical devices within the marketplace. This might include:

• Working on branding
• Advertising campaigns
• Leading generation practices

These individuals often act as the liaison between the marketing director and all other marketing representatives on staff.

Take the Next Step

For professionals hoping to land one of these specialized careers within the biomedical science field, a graduate degree is an effective next step. Consider your career goals, then start exploring the master’s and PhD programs in biomedical science offered at top universities like Northeastern.

“Our programs don’t educate with any particular outcome or career bias in mind, other than making sure you are as well-equipped as possible in your educational area of focus,” Janero says. “We just want to make sure our students are market-ready and competitive in their unique fields.”

Ready to take the next step in advancing your biomedical science career? Explore the master’s in biomedical science and PhD in biomedical science programs at Northeastern, and get in touch with an enrollment coach today for advice on which might be the best fit for your goals.

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About the PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Program

In the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology PhD program, faculty, and students work together to increase knowledge of the biochemical and molecular bases of normal and abnormal cellular processes. Our program trains students to be successful independent scientists and gives them the knowledge, research training, and leadership skills to continue to provide new insights into the biomedical issues that have a profound impact on public health.

Students engage in a rigorous course curriculum and a range of structured and informal activities outside the classroom and lab to build their skills. They will pursue their thesis research in the lab of one of our over forty training faculty across the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.

Visit our dedicated PhD program website to learn more about the diverse research training opportunities of the program.

PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Program Highlights

Our position within the School of Public Health provides a unique setting in which students learn how biochemistry, molecular biology, physical chemistry, cell biology, and genetics can be used to solve significant problems in public health and medicine. Our program offers:

• Training faculty from across the School of Public Health and the School of Medicine
• A strong grounding in the science of biomedical and public health research through a core curriculum that includes courses taught by leading experts from the Schools of Public Health and Medicine
• Training outside the lab and classroom in key skills such as communications and leadership
• Opportunities to build strong communications skills through a range of speaking venues including journal club, research colloquium, department retreats, and national meetings
• Access to the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Professional Development and Career Office , offering excellent career services and professional development,  including the BMB-required OPTIONS program, a guided process of career exploration for paths from medicine to biotech to academia and beyond for careers paths from medicine to biotech to academia and beyond
• Opportunities to participate in community service and outreach, with a focus on our East Baltimore neighborhoods, through the Johns Hopkins University community engagement and service-learning center, SOURCE

Training faculty across the School of Public Health and the School of Medicine

Schools that students can take courses in: Public Health, Arts & Sciences, Medicine, and Engineering

Two-month rotations in the first year prior to selecting thesis lab

Average number of incoming students in the BMB PhD degree program each year

What Can You Do With a PhD In Biochemistry And Molecular Biology?

The Biochemistry and Molecular Biology PhD program prepares students for a range of biomedical and health sciences careers, including in academia, industry, policy, and beyond. Visit the Graduate Employment Outcomes Dashboard to learn about Bloomberg School graduates' employment status, sector, and salaries.

Sample Careers

• Research Scientist
• Science Policy Adviser
• Biotech Executive
• Senior Scientist
• Patent Lawyer
• Science Policy Analyst/Advocate
• Science Writer/Journalist
• Biological Sciences Teacher

Topic Areas

The BMB PhD program faculty conduct research to gain new insights into the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying normal and abnormal cellular processes, and their relevance as targets for improving health and treating disease. Our training program places particular emphasis on mechanistic approaches to research problems.

Common topic areas within our faculty's diverse research interests include:

• Biophysics and Structural Biology
• Cancer Biology
• Chemical Biology and Proteomics
• Cell Biology
• Cellular Stress and Cell Signaling
• Genetics, Genomics, and Gene Regulation
• Immunology and Infectious Diseases
• Translational Research

Curriculum for the PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

The BMB PhD offers students a rigorous course curriculum, including a set of common core classes from the Schools of Public Health and Medicine. A rich array of seminar programs and journal clubs are also available to all students.

Browse an overview of the requirements for this PhD program in the JHU  Academic Catalogue  and explore all course offerings in the Bloomberg School  Course Directory .

Courses in core curriculum

Minimum elective credits

Seminars on current research presented by experts from across Johns Hopkins and other biomedical research institutions

Courses available across Johns Hopkins Schools of Public Health, Medicine, and Arts and Sciences

Admissions Requirements

For the general admissions requirements see our How to Apply page. The specific program also requires:

Prior Work Experience

Laboratory research experience (from academia, industry, etc.) is required

Prior Coursework

Strong background in the sciences, particularly in chemistry, biochemistry, or biology

Standardized Test Scores

Standardized test scores (GRE) are optional for this program. The admissions committee will make no assumptions if a standardized test score is omitted from an application, but will require evidence of quantitative/analytical ability through other application components such as academic transcripts and/or supplemental questions.  Applications will be reviewed holistically based on all application components.

Program Faculty Spotlight

Ashani T. Weeraratna

Ashi Weeraratna, PhD, studies how cancer cells move to distant sites and how changes in the normal cells around a tumor contribute to their movement, especially as we age.

Michael J. Matunis

Michael Matunis, PhD, studies how protein modification by SUMO—the small ubiquitin-related modifier—drives changes in key cellular pathways from stress response to DNA repair.

Jennifer M. Kavran

Jennifer Kavran, PhD, MS, MPhil, is a biophysicist who investigates how cells communicate with each other and their environment.

Danfeng Cai

Danfeng Cai, PhD, combines advanced microscopy, genomics, and proteomics to tease out the functions of protein condensates in cells, with a focus on cancer.

Vivien Thomas PhD Scholars

The  Vivien Thomas Scholars Initiative (VTSI)  is an endowed fellowship program at Johns Hopkins for PhD students in STEM fields. It provides full tuition, stipend, and benefits while also providing targeted mentoring, networking, community, and professional development opportunities. Students who have attended a historically Black college and university (HBCU) or other minority serving institution (MSI) for undergraduate study are eligible to apply. To be considered for the VTSI, you will need to submit a SOPHAS application, VTSI supplementary materials, and all supporting documents (letters, transcripts, and test scores) by December 1 , 202 3 . VTSI applicants are eligible for an application fee waiver , but the fee waiver must be requested by November 15, 202 3 and prior to submission of the SOPHAS application.

All full-time PhD students receive the following support for all years of the program: full tuition and fees, individual health insurance, University Health Services fee, vision insurance, dental insurance, and a stipend for living expenses for students who remain in good academic standing. PhD students are required to serve as a teaching assistant for at least one term, in either their 2nd or 3rd year.

Need-Based Relocation Grants Students who  are admitted to PhD programs at JHU starting in Fall 2023 or beyond can apply to receive a $1500 need-based grant to offset the costs of relocating to be able to attend JHU.   These grants provide funding to a portion of incoming students who, without this money, may otherwise not be able to afford to relocate to JHU for their PhD program. This is not a merit-based grant. Applications will be evaluated solely based on financial need.  View more information about the need-based relocation grants for PhD students .

Questions about the program? We're happy to help.

Mike Matunis, PhD PhD Program Director

Roza Selimyan , PhD BMB Executive Director for Academic Affairs and Education Programs

Erika Vaitekunas Administrative Specialist

[email protected]

Compare Programs

• Check out similar programs at the Bloomberg School to find the best fit.
• Master of Science (ScM), Offered by BMB
• Master of Health Science (MHS), Offered by BMB
• Master of Health Science (MHS), Offered by MMI
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Offered by MMI
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• AB/AM, AB/SM (1)
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• Not Accepted (28)
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African and African American Studies

American studies, anthropology, applied mathematics, applied physics, architecture, landscape architecture, and urban planning, bioengineering, biological and biomedical sciences, biological sciences in public health.

• Doing a PhD in Biology

A PhD in Biological Sciences aims to train researchers on the evolution and sustainable use of biological diversity, as well as training for their future incorporation in universities, research institutions and management centres, both private and public administration.

A PhD in Biology usually focuses on the study of living things, their nature, origin, evolution and interactions with each other and their environment. It may also involve the study of plant and animal behaviour, structure, function and relationships to each other and the environment.

Browse available Biology PhD Projects

A next-generation genetic technology to identify biotechnologically-valuable enzymes and transporters, development of fluorescent organic molecules for application in super-resolution imaging techniques, ubiquitin-dependent signalling pathways in ageing, speciation in facultatively sexual species, energy dissipation in human soft tissue during impacts, what is it like to undertake a phd in biology.

As a Biological Sciences PhD student, your day to day activities will revolve around:

• Generating new scientific and technical knowledge in the Biological Sciences through original work. They will be able to handle and apply methodologies to solve research problems in the different areas of biological knowledge, with particular emphasis on the fields of biodiversity and molecular biology.
• Developing new technologies to solve problems, detect needs and opportunities inherent to their area of research. In particular, know and use contemporary statistical approaches.
• Formulating, managing and leading research projects, working in teams and interdisciplinary networks. As a result, they will be able to devise and implement working hypotheses, describe and interpret experimental results and critically analyse the findings presented in scientific publications.
• Managing new information and communication technologies that allow you to efficiently disseminate research and results in specialised journals, specialised circles and the social community to participate satisfactorily in higher and postgraduate education through the experience acquired in the academic activities of your doctorate.
• Advising undergraduate and postgraduate students on your research work.

Research Areas

One of the most significant factors in choosing a PhD project is what your supervisor is interested/expert in. Not every aspect of biology will suit every supervisor: however, there are many ways this can be decided. The largest factor in determining what area to research can be down to your supervisor’s previous interests and his/her research background.

You may also look at research areas based on job opportunities in the future or other practical applications for your findings, such as developing new drugs, vaccines, treatments etc. But these decisions will all depend on whether you are happy with the type of work that your supervisor wants you to do and, more important, whether it’s a research interest your passionate about.

As a biological sciences doctorate examines biological processes at interdisciplinary levels and encompasses various disciplines ranging from organisms to genes to evolution, there are many sub-disciplines that PhD research projects could centre around. Some of these include:

• Bioinformatics ,
• Cell biology,
• Evolutionary biology,
• Molecular biology,
• Molecular microbiology etc.

Entry Requirements and Application Process

A PhD in biology requires a good knowledge of mathematics, statistics and biology. Besides independent research, a PhD will entail advanced training in biology and developing skills in analytical thinking.

The typical entry requirements for a PhD in biology is a strong Masters degree (minimum of 2:1) in a relevant field of study. For example:

• BSc (Hons) in Biology, Genetics, Zoology, Biochemistry etc.
• BSc (Hons) in Environmental Science or Marine Biology.
• BVMS/BVM&S/BSc(Hons) Veterinary Science.
• LLB Law Degree with significant subject knowledge of biology.

If you are an international student, you may need to demonstrate your proficiency and knowledge in the English language. This is done through the English language requirements of an IELTS/TOEFL score or a recognised English proficiency test.

Typical Applicant Profile

To be admitted into a PhD programme, applicants will be expected to demonstrate:

• Ability for critical and reflective thinking that leads to the posing of problems and their resolution with impact in the area of ​​health sciences.
• Ability to train human resources in the area of ​​genomic medicine.
• Competence in research, teaching, extension and outreach activities.
• Attitude and aptitude to form multidisciplinary workgroups.
• Leadership for the consolidation of research lines.
• Management and handling of financial resources for research.
• The observance of professional ethical guidelines that contribute to sustainable development.

Average Length of Programme

The duration of a PhD can be up to five years, depending on which university you attend, the funding provided by the university (if any) and your own commitment to finishing it. The minimum time to undertake a PhD depends on the degree you are studying for, however, four years is usually the norm.

What Can You Do with A PhD in Biology?

A PhD in biology allows postgraduate research students to pursue a wide range of careers, primarily due to many transferable skills developed and the range of training received. Students can work in academia, which involves lecturing, laboratory research and academic publication. Lab research positions typically involve working in a team to study living organisms/bio-systems and applying this knowledge to answer specific questions.

Other career paths you could pursue are becoming a microbiologist, pharmacologist, biochemist, biotechnologist, biologist or medical research scientist.

Tuition Fees

On average, tuition fees for a PhD in a biological subject cost approximately £3,000 per year for UK students. International students will pay more in the range of £10,000 to £20,000 depending on their chosen university. Your tuition fees will vary depending on whether you are studying part-time or full-time and as to how much lab work is involved.

Funding Opportunities

The majority of PhD funding will come from the Department/University in the form of PhD studentships. However, depending on your research activity, some funding may also be available from other sources, such as:

• Postgraduate study programmes funded by charities and academic foundations.
• Applying for grants from various government organisations such as the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council ( BBSRC ), Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). These are usually known as Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTPs).
• Applying for funding opportunities offered by large companies, pharmaceutical companies, research bodies and medical bodies.

If you are successful with securing funding, you could expect to receive around £17-19k per year for your project’s duration. This covers both your tuition fees and your living expenses, such as accommodation costs, utility bills etc. Deadlines for funding will depend on the specific opportunity; therefore, it is best to start your search as soon as possible to give yourself the best chance of succeeding.

Browse PhDs Now

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Discovering Your Planet: 

A complete guide to earning a ph.d. in earth sciences.

Download Full Guide

We’ve all witnessed, sometimes first-hand, the effects of climate change —these include increasing numbers of extreme and disastrous  weather events,  shrinking glaciers, rising sea levels, and global temperatures to name just a few. We also witness the consequences of geologic processes: earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and landslides. A deep appreciation of Earth Science inspires us to become better stewards of our planet.

To address the most pressing environmental issues of our day and to offer immediate and long-term research-based solutions for geohazards, resources, and climate issues of national and international interest, dedicated professionals with a deep knowledge of the Earth Sciences are needed. Expertise in the Earth Sciences, which address the complex interactions among the physical and biological components of our planet, incorporates cutting-edge research leading to feasible solutions. 

SMU offers Ph.D.’s in both Geology and Geophysics, which aim to equip graduates with expertise in their specific area of interest. This resource highlights the value of Earth Science, details current research among SMU Earth Sciences faculty members, describes the different research areas available within the Earth Sciences discipline, and discusses career options available to a Ph.D. professional in this field.  

• Why Earn a Ph.D. in an Earth Sciences Discipline?

Earth Science is the study of the Earth, planets, climate, and environment, of how they have changed in the past, how they are changing now, and how they will be affected in the future. It is now part of a continuum of studies that spans from the origin of the universe through to the evolution of our planet and of our species. Earth Science seeks to characterize natural and anthropogenic hazards, their causes, and identify ways to reduce their impact on our societies. Earth scientists also work to find new and sustainable resources, and conduct important research for national and global security. The development of human culture since the last glacial maximum enabled our species to become a significant geologic force. Humanity has the capability to perturb the geologic cycles that sustain life of Earth. Many contemporary societal problems have their roots in geology. There is an increasing need for research with knowledge of the Earth Sciences' most pressing issues, and a passion for developing actionable insights and solutions. Choosing to pursue a Ph.D. in an Earth Science discipline provides the training and the background to carry out evidence-based research on complex problems.

Earth Science is essential to understanding the greater framework of life and planetary evolution, beginning with the origin of the universe, the development of plate tectonics, and continuing through to recognizing humans as a major force shaping the surface of the planet today.

For example, when holding a rock found at the surface of the Earth, we can ask about its origin, provenance, and age. Its physical properties, trace elements, and isotopes may tell us that the rock probably came from the mantle at a particular depth. The information about the mantle, in turn, reveals how the planet differentiated from primordial material, now preserved in meteorites found on the Earth’s surface. The concentration of noble gases and stable isotopes in the rock provide insights into the history of the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere of the planet. Ultimately, every rock, fossil, or ancient soil tells a story about the complex interactions of rock, water, air and life, and modern technology allows to study the Earth now using information about the planet gleaned from the past. Students who choose to pursue a doctoral degree in an Earth Science discipline are able to explore and research these areas and more. If you are interested in learning more about the latest research from the field, what careers are available to those who choose to earn their doctoral degree in Earth Science, and what it’s really like to complete a Ph.D. in this exciting and ever-evolving field — read on!

Discovering Your Planet: A Complete Guide to Earning a Ph.D. in Earth Sciences

Receive this resource as an eBook!

Exploring the latest research in earth sciences.

Students who choose to pursue a Ph.D. do so because they want to develop new ideas that, when investigated, lead to new knowledge on fundamental problems within their discipline.   But, what exactly does   research in the field of Earth Science look like?

Research within a Ph.D. program in an Earth Science discipline is flexible and can generally reflect any passion the particular student has. For example:

• Spend your days hiking over rocks in remote areas across the world like Dr. Rita Economos, Dr. Robert Gregory, Dr. Neil Tabor, and Dr. Bonnie Jacobs.
• Explore the world around you on a research vessel like Dr. Matt Hornbach and Dr. Maria Beatrice Magnani.
• Focus on your work in a state-of-the-art geochemistry lab like Dr. Crayton Yapp and Dr. Economos.
• Get your hands dirty digging holes for instrumentation and collecting your own seismic data like Dr. Heather DeShon and Dr. Magnani.
• Work with satellite data focused on the Earth and other planets like Dr. Zhong Lu.
• Develop advanced programming and instrumentation to study the geosphere and atmosphere with seismic and infrasound waves, and apply these techniques for global security like Dr. Brian Stump and Dr. Stephen Arrowsmith.
• Discover new fossil sites to understand how climate and ecology have changed over the course of Earth history like Dr. Bonnie Jacobs.

Whatever your passion within the field of Earth Science, by earning your Ph.D. you are opening up doors to exciting opportunities filled with collaboration and teamwork with expert professional colleagues, and worldwide travel for research, experimentation, and information gathering.

Meet SMU’s Earth Sciences Faculty Members  

Stephen arrowsmith associate professor, hamilton chair ph.d., university of leeds.

Area of Interest: Seismology and infrasound, signal processing, numerical modeling

Heather R. DeShon Associate Professor Ph.D., University of California — Santa Cruz

Area of Interest: Earthquake seismology, tectonics of convergent margins, earthquake and volcano hazards, induced seismicity.

Rita C. Economos Assistant Professor Ph.D., University of Southern California

Area of Interest: Igneous petrology, zircon geochemistry and geochronology, tectonics associated with magma emplacement

Robert T. Gregory Professor, Department Chair Ph.D., California Institute of Technology

Area of Interest: Stable isotope geology and geochemistry, evolution of earth’s fluid envelope and lithosphere, Archean greenstone belts, ophiolite emplacement and fluid-rock interaction

Matthew Hornbach Professor Ph.D., University of Wyoming

Area of Interest: Heat flow, fluid flow, marine geophysics, Reflection seismology, natural hazards, methane clathrate development

Bonnie F. Jacobs Professor Ph.D., University of Arizona

Area of Interest: Paleobotany, paleoecology, and paleoclimates of the Cenozoic, tropical and subtropical climate change

Zhong Lu Professor, Shuler-Foscue Chair Ph.D., University of Alaska

Area of Interest: Radar remote sensing, interferometric SAR (InSAR), deformation modeling, natural and human-induced hazards with a focus on volcanoes, subsidence and landslides

Maria Beatrice Magnani Professor Ph.D., University of Perugia, Italy

Area of Interest: Active source seismology, continental tectonics, natural and anthropogenic hazards, intraplate faulting and earthquakes

James E. Quick Associate Provost for Research and Dean of Graduate Studies Ph.D., California Institute of Technology

Area of Interest: Igneous and metamorphic petrology, tectonics, volcanology, ultramafic massifs and supervolcanoes

Brian W. Stump Professor, Albritton Chair Ph.D., University of California–Berkeley

Area of Interest: Earthquake and explosion seismology, infrasound and seismic waves, instrumentation, induced seismicity

Neil J. Tabor Professor Ph.D., University of California–Davis

Area of Interest: Sedimentology, paleosols, stable isotopes, paleoclimate, paleoclimatology

Crayton J. Yapp Professor Ph.D., California Institute of Technology

Area of Interest: Stable isotope geochemistry, paleoclimatology, iron oxide geochemistry, terrestrial paleoclimates

A Look at Current SMU Faculty Research Projects

Dr. maria beatrice magnani — solid earth response of the patagonia andes to post-little ice age glacial retreat.

Dr. Magnani’s   research focuses mainly   on the study of continental lithosphere formation and evolution through active source seismic investigation, both on land and marine. Investigating the continental lithosphere poses an exceptional challenge because unlike the oceanic lithosphere, the continental lithosphere does not have a common mode of origin, as it is an assemblage of diverse compositional elements with different thermal and tectonic histories.

One of her latest projects focuses on the interaction between solid Earth tectonics and surface processes. The goal of this National Science Foundation project is to understand how the Earth responds to a cryospheric mass imbalance on a time scale of centuries in the well-monitored region of the Southern Patagonian Andes, an area of complex Neogene ridge subduction and youthful volcanism. The problem of glacial isostatic adjustment (GIA) is an important problem and critical to understanding the viscosity and time-scales of deformation in the upper mantle. The team of researchers from SMU and other universities will try to quantify and model the isostatic response to ice and sediment loading and unloading. A primary driver of modern rock uplift beneath and surrounding the Southern Patagonia Icefield (SPI) is interpreted to be ice loss following the peak advances of the Little Ice Age (LIA). Recent geodetic studies reveal remarkably rapid uplift rates (up to 40 mm/yr and averaging ~20 mm/yr around the SPI). These rates are the fastest modern geologic uplift rates; ones that demand a low viscosity mantle. In Patagonia, the presence of a somewhat poorly understood slab window that developed during Late Cenozoic time supports speculation that a low-viscosity zone underlies the region where GIA is very rapid.  [Revised from an a bstract taken from NSF document ]

Dr. Matthew Hornbach — Fluid and Heat Transport

Dr. Hornbach’s research focuses primarily on understanding fluid and heat transport in the Earth. To conduct this work, he integrates theoretical and numerical approaches with experimental data. Many of the instruments and software used to collect these data are built by researchers in-house in his lab. His group works at SMU’s Geothermal Lab addresses a broad range of societally relevant earth science problems that include basin evolution, fluid/pressure/heat transport, sediment strength and slope stability, geothermal energy potential, and induced seismicity.

Much of the research conducted at the SMU Geothermal lab involves measuring heat flow and fluid transport in complex onshore/offshore sedimentary basins. These studies have been used to assess not only regional subsurface temperatures but thermal evolution, geothermal energy potential, and chemosynthetic life on the seafloor.

Funded by the National Science Foundation, and collaborating with German Colleagues on the R/V Meteor, Hornbach’s research team deployed and tested a new type of heat flow sensor this past spring called the POrtable GeOthermal Gradient Probe (or “POGO Probe”). This new probe worked flawlessly and is able to collect and download heat flow data in a fraction of the time compared to conventional heat flow tools.  Measured obtained from the Lesser Antilles Arc using this probe have found the highest heat flow on record along the Arc (>400 mW/m^2), demonstrating both where subsurface volcanism exists, and the geothermal energy potential in the Caribbean.

Dr. Neil J. Tabor — Insights into the Tempo, Effects, and Causes of the End-Permian Mass Extinction

Dr. Tabor is a sedimentologist and sedimentary geochemist and Fellow of the Geological Society of America.  His research focuses on paleosols, or ancient soils, and using the chemical information stored in the sedimentary record to extract value data on past climates and ecology.

Major mass extinctions have occurred at various times throughout Earth history. The most well-known of these happened with the demise of the dinosaurs at the end of the Cretaceous Period, but it is believed that the largest mass extinction happened at the end of the Permian Period, approximately 252 million years ago. The extinction in the marine realm was global and occurred over a relatively short time interval. However, events in the terrestrial environment are only sparsely documented. This project will examine well-exposed sedimentary rock successions that formed in lakes, rivers, and ancient soils during the time of these extinctions. This research will enable precise documentation of the sequence of events on land, a comprehensive analysis of the environmental changes that took place before, during and after the event, and an investigation of how terrestrial animals and plants responded to these changes. The results will determine if extinctions on the continents occurred at the same time as those in the ocean and what conditions existed that may have caused such large-scale changes. Given current concern about rates of extinction, knowledge of the processes that occurred in the past will help identify the reasons behind major changes in flora and fauna. The project will develop museum exhibits and outreach programs to inform both educational and general audiences. [Abstract taken from NSF document]

Research Areas within Earth Sciences

Within the broad field of Earth Science, Ph.D. candidates may choose to focus on any one specific area of research. Current and past SMU Ph.D. students have concentrated their research on one of the following areas:

Aqueous Geochemistry

Students considering problems in aqueous geochemistry typically combine laboratory and fieldwork with a theoretical analysis. Some of the topics considered in the department include the nature of fluids during paleoclimate reconstructions, the water cycle, urban surface water compositions and characterization of reactions at the mineral/solution interface. Students can make use of equipment in the wet geochemical lab to measure the concentration of elements in solution and the electron microprobe lab to look at elemental concentrations and zoning patterns in minerals.

Geology is the study of our earth and its history — it provides a new understanding of our physical environment, resources and our place in its evolution. This research focus is of particular interest to those that would like to apply principles from other sciences, mathematics, and engineering to understand the world we live in. Outdoor studies of rocks in the field are an integral part of geological studies.

Geothermal Energy and Heat Flow

Paleoclimates.

Research involves both biogenic and abiogenic materials to estimate climates of the past. Geochemical analyses assess chemical, mineralogical, and energy properties in order to relate them to environments throughout geological time. Paleobotanical remains, which may also be characterized through isotope geochemistry, are analyzed for their taxonomy and (in the case of leaves) their shape to infer past climate. The laboratories rely upon intensive fieldwork for sample acquisition and then undertake detailed characterization of those samples to understand their contents and history. Frequently used geochemical analytical methods include petrography to understand depositional textures; X-ray diffraction to understand the occurrence, abundance, and distribution of minerals; X-ray fluorescence to evaluate the distribution of chemical compositions among samples; and stable isotope measurements of carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen isotopes to infer environmental conditions at the time of formation.

Sedimentology

Sedimentology considers the production, transport, deposition and lithification of chemical elements, ions, and compounds through Earth’s near-surface environments. Through an analysis of landscape position and different transport media such as gravity, wind, water and ice, different scenarios that include erosion, transport, deposition, compaction and cementation are used to relate sedimentary systems to the energy that is applied to near-surface environments. This is concept is reinforced through study of modern marine, riverine, lacustrine (lakes), glacial and eolian (wind-dominated) modern environments, and then applied to interpretation and reconstruction of ancient environments from analysis of sedimentary deposits through lecture, laboratory, and field trip exercises.

Stable Isotope Geochemistry

The stable isotope ratios of light (H, C, O,) elements vary greatly in nature and can be used to understand geological and biological processes. In particular, stable isotopes are potent tools for understanding, fluid-rock interactions, tracing the hydrologic cycle, paleoclimatology, and ecosystem ecology as well as paleothermometry. The research program at SMU stresses the evolution of the Earth's fluid envelope and lithosphere. Current projects address diverse topics ranging from the origin of quartz veins in the continental crust to the climate history of the Earth. Interaction of seawater with the cooling oceanic crust at mid-ocean ridges are being investigated as well as anthropogenic inputs of CO2 into the atmosphere. The isotopic concentrations in goethite (a-FeOOH) and hematite (a-Fe2O3) are being measured to understand levels of O2 and CO2 in paleo-atmospheres.

Environmental Science

SMU students who choose to focus their research on environmental geology develop the tools necessary to address urgent problems facing humankind today: contamination of our underground water supply, river flooding and earthquakes, holes in the ozone layer, acid rain, smog, burial of toxic wastes, landslides, hurricanes, coastal hazards, global warming, and preservation of ecosystem diversity. We need a growing number of people with the training and background to understand the biological, toxicological, physical, and chemical aspects of environmental processes, as well as the relevant political, social, and legal considerations.

Geophysical techniques are used to understand the physical behavior of planet Earth, including plate-tectonic processes, earthquake mechanisms, and nuclear test-ban verification. Those who chose to pursue research in the area of Geophysics will have a strong quantitative background in seismology, geothermics, tectonics, and digital signal processing.

Remote Sensing

Satellite radar provides an all-weather, day-and-night imaging capability for imaging landscapes and monitoring their changes. Through interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) techniques, satellite radar imagery can be used to measure ground surface deformation and map land surface characteristics at high spatial resolution. The unprecedented spatial resolution of surface deformation measurements from InSAR allows the exploration of various geophysical models and the associated source parameters to understand the causal mechanisms. Applications of InSAR include the study of volcano, landslide, and human-induced geohazard processes (mining, CO2 and wastewater injection, hydrocarbon extraction, sinkhole, ground fissure, etc.).

Paleontology

The objective of paleontological studies at SMU is to apply fossils to understanding significant issues in Earth and life history, including the evolution of communities and ecosystems, and assessment of past climates. Students are encouraged to take a global perspective. Interdisciplinary and international studies are encouraged and have included field areas in both East and western Africa, Texas, and the U.S. Southwest. Particular strengths lie in, systematics, taphonomy, and paleoecology of terrestrial ecosystems, with particular focus on the intersection of geological and biological processes in tropical Africa during the past 66 million years. Students utilize innovative approaches and benefit from departmental strengths in paleoclimatology and stable isotope geochemistry. Current geographic areas of study include Alaska, Texas, Angola, Antarctica, China, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Mongolia, Mozambique, Cameroon, Pakistan, and Portugal.

Seismology & Infrasound

Seismology and infrasound studies at SMU span the land, sea and atmosphere. Faculty expertise includes earthquake seismology, explosion source studies, infrasound and exploration seismology methodologies.  SMU faculty have globally recognized expertise in data collection and archiving. SMU operates over 200 channels of real-time seismic and acoustic data and leads large land-and-water based acquisitions. Current projects include monitoring human-induced earthquakes in north Texas, exploring methane hydrate stability in the North Sea, and using marine seismology techniques in high-elevation Patagonia to constrain uplift rates. Unique to SMU, instrumentation developmental work consists of seismic and acoustic array design and deployment including the TXAR (Texas), NVAR (Nevada), and South Korea seismo-acoustic arrays relevant to seismic verification of nuclear arms-control treaties and monitoring.

Tectonics and Structural Geology

Tectonics is the study of the deformation of rocks, of Earth’s materials and the forces that produce such deformation. Structural Geology studies the structures formed by those forces (e.g., folds and faults), and together these two fields explore the processes that build mountains, create oceans and basins, and rule the igneous and metamorphic processes of our planet. At SMU current projects in Tectonics and Structural Geology focus on the evolution of the Eastern North American Margin (ENAM), on the isostatic adjustment of the Patagonian Andes, and on using the Mississippi River channel response to detect intraplate active fault deformation.

Leading Faculty: Meet the Earth Science Experts at SMU  

Dr. stephen arrowsmith, associate professor, what courses do you teach at smu and how long have you been teaching here.

I’ve only been at SMU about half a year and recently taught my first course, which was a graduate seminar class titled ‘Big Data in Seismology’. We explored an emerging trend in seismology where seismologists can now measure the entire seismic wavefield across a small region using really large numbers of standalone sensing nodes. We developed and applied state-of-the-art methods in class to detect new earthquakes in Oklahoma. I’ve worked outside academia for most of my career and, maybe because of that, I’m a big believer in developing classes that not only cover core theory but also the application to real data and exposure to state-of-the-art methods. To me, acquiring knowledge is less important than developing the skills to learn, synthesize, apply, and create knowledge. My goal is to develop classes that really help students with all these skills.

What initially interested you in teaching on a graduate level? What brought you to SMU?

Prior to SMU, I worked at the National Laboratories (Los Alamos and Sandia) for 12 years on a range of problems related to international nonproliferation and defense. I thoroughly enjoyed my work at the labs but felt like I wanted a change. Because I’d really enjoyed working with summer students at the labs, I was interested in teaching. I also felt like I had gained skills and experience from my time at the labs that could benefit students. Because I’ve not been in academia my whole career, I felt like I could offer students a different perspective. SMU has been a leader in seismology and infrasound for nonproliferation for decades, and I have worked with several of the faculty and staff for many years. There was really no other university I’d have rather come to at this point in my career!

What do you think is most unique or valuable about the Earth Sciences Department at SMU?

The Earth Sciences department at SMU is small, but a really close-knit group. I think that this means that the graduate students get a much broader education and exposure to different aspects of Earth Sciences than they would at larger departments, where research groups tend to be more compartmentalized. A lot of our students work with multiple faculty, and with students who have different research interests. Our department also specializes in a few strategic areas. One of the reasons I came here is because SMU is really well known internationally for seismology and infrasound. I think that by specializing in a few areas, we can punch above our weight in terms of our impact on research.

What area of research do you specialize in within the field of Earth Science?

I’m really known for my work in infrasound, which is sound at frequencies below what we can hear. I study how infrasound is generated by natural and human sources (e.g., volcanoes, meteors, explosions, aircraft), how that sound propagates through the atmosphere, and how we can measure and process infrasound data. I also work in seismology and have worked on developing new methods for processing seismic data, especially large datasets which are becoming more common.

Are there any emerging trends or developments in the field of Earth Science that you find exciting?

There’s a big revolution in sensing right now that’s enabling us to make a whole bunch of new types of measurement (e.g., using drones to measure volcanoes) and to make much larger volumes of measurements (e.g., we can deploy thousands, instead of tens, of seismometers to measure earthquakes in a region). These new types of measurements can help us study Earth’s processes that we simply couldn’t capture or resolve before. For example, I’m looking at how we can detect small earthquakes using dense networks that were not able to detect before. This enables us to map new faults, better understand stress distributions and seismic hazard, and image the crust more precisely. Another revolution I’m really excited by is the advances in High-Performance Computing, and how that is changing what we can do with Geophysics.

Dr. Heather DeShon, Associate Professor

At SMU, I teach a broad range of classes spanning non-major undergraduates through advanced graduate courses.  At the non-majors undergraduate level, I teach a general education survey course Earthquakes & Volcanoes .  For majors in Earth Sciences, I teach a practical course Computer Methods in Earth Sciences and the overview course Introduction to Geophysics . At the graduate level, I teach Introduction to Seismology and Geophysical Inverse Theory .

What initially interested you in teaching on a graduate level?

A good graduate-level course benefits the faculty teaching it as much as the students taking the course.  You don’t really understand the limits of your own understanding of a topic until you teach it.  My graduate courses all contain a term project that requires the students to apply and critically think through the results of the theory to their own research topics.  In this way, I learn quite a bit about what all of the graduate students work on and they learn what interests their peer cohort.  Again, this leads to improved outcomes and students that can think broadly within the discipline.

The SMU Earth Sciences Department has always emphasized outstanding research and teaching in fundamental research topics of national or educational importance. The Department also favored overlapping faculty interests to build depth within specific subdisciplines (paleo-studies, geochemistry, geophysics) with a more limited number of faculty members. The result of this vision is that SMU Earth Sciences faculty include nationally and internationally recognized scientists working together on important and societally relevant research that can be brought into the classroom from our non-majors courses through to our Ph.D. program.

What research have you been involved in at SMU or elsewhere? Do you have a favorite research project?

I have been researching the North Texas earthquakes. I also love researching and understanding large subduction zone earthquakes, like the 2011 Japan earthquake.

In 2013, the town of Azle in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area experienced a series of magnitude 3.5 earthquakes.  These were not the first nor the last earthquakes but the events spurred a new direction to my own research that continues to excite me because it is so important to the Dallas region.  The US Geological Survey asked seismologists at SMU to help deploy seismometers near Azle to better estimate earthquake location and assess the cause.  The cause was quite important because since 2009 the central US had experienced a near exponential increase in earthquakes and by 2013 most people suspected a direct link to oil and gas production and allied wastewater disposal. At SMU, we deployed more than the USGS seismometers – we eventually extended the seismic network to 40 stations and began a large collaboratory research project spanning 6 faculty members’ laboratories (DeShon, Hornbach, Magnani, Stump, Lu, Gregory).  The faculty and our students and research staff worked together to provide near real-time information to the Dallas-Fort Worth community and produced important peer-reviewed publications showing how earthquakes in the Fort Worth shale gas basin are physically linked to wastewater disposal. I am proud that our department’s effort has helped the community better understand seismic hazard and spurred regulatory changes and the creation of a Texas Seismic Network, now operated out of the Bureau of Economic Geology using state funds.

Why do you think Earth Sciences is an important and valuable field to study?

We live and interact with the planet. Our technology requires minerals, our homes require rock and wood, we are reliant on oil products (gas, plastics, etc), our food requires water.  Humans change the planet and the planet’s dynamic systems interact in complex ways.  Earth science is the integrative and highly practical study of these systems.  My own research interest focuses on better determining seismic and tsunami hazard and hence allow better risk determinations for the public living near faults, volcanoes, the oceans, etc.  However, any Earth scientist would be ashamed to not mention that we must understand and mitigate climate change and provide accurate data to assess how a changing climate, in turn, affects water resources and sustainability.

Career Paths Available With A Ph.D. in an Earth Sciences Discipline

Earning your Ph.D. in the Earth Sciences opens doors for a number of career opportunities in academia and working for government agencies or private companies. Whatever your particular area of interest, your Ph.D. will allow you to earn a competitive salary while qualifying for cutting-edge research and the best positions in the field. Depending on your specific doctoral degree and research specialization, job opportunities include geophysicist, geologist, hydrologists, paleontologist, and more.

The Ph.D. program in Earth Sciences consists of 20 graduate students and is well designed to train candidates with critical thinking skills and equip them with state-of-art techniques and data analysis methods. All SMU Ph.D. students within the Earth Sciences department will be able to find desirable jobs before or shortly after graduation.

Due to the increased need for energy, environmental protection, and responsible land and resource management, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that there will be greater demand for geoscientists in the future. Additionally, the career outlook for geoscientists is excellent as jobs are projected to grow 14 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the national average for all occupations. The chart below offers several insights into popular careers within the Earth Sciences discipline.

Source: AGI

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Careers in academia.

Ph.D. graduates who pursue a career in academia most frequently find employment as a university professor, researcher, or instructor. Many students who choose to work in academia pursue tenure-track positions because of their job security and higher pay. These careers include a combination of teaching, student advising, and continued research. Depending on the geographic location and whether the institution is a public or private university, salary ranges for academic positions can vary considerably. Working in academia with your Ph.D. you can expect to make between $90,101 - $127,572 per year depending on whether you are hired for a full-time or associate position.

Careers in Government Agencies

Ph.D. graduates who pursue a career with a government agency most frequently find employment with the United States Geological Survey (USGS), NASA, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), or other national laboratories. Careers in government agencies and laboratories are focused primarily on research, reporting, fieldwork, and data-gathering, as well as identifying trends and making predictions based on their findings. On average, geoscientists can expect to make $91,130 or more annually.

Careers in Private Companies

Ph.D. graduates who pursue a career in a private company are needed to perform research and consulting. Careers working for private companies can include petroleum geologist, geophysicist, petrophysicist, and environmental geologist to name a few. Similar to careers with government agencies, these jobs offer the opportunity for field research, data acquisition and interpretation, reporting, and making predictions and recommendations based on your findings. Another job aspect that is common in private companies is the opportunity for consulting in your area of expertise.   Average salaries for these kinds of careers vary based on position and experience, but on average those holding a Ph.D. can expect to make well over $100,000 annually with more competitive salaries for those with a few years of professional experience.

• Learn More About the Earth Sciences Department at SMU

Earth Sciences is a core discipline in Dedman College at SMU and offers students the opportunity to ponder some of the most pressing issues of our day including climate change, natural resources, and the threat posed by hazards to our environment. Earth Sciences was one of SMU’s first Ph.D. granting departments, and has a long-standing history of distinguished faculty, forward-thinking students, and alumni. Housed within the Roy M. Huffington Department of Earth Sciences at SMU, candidates may pursue one of two doctoral degrees — a Ph.D. in Geology or a Ph.D. in Geophysics .

SMU’s Ph.D. programs are research-based and coursework is designed to foster research progress and provide interdisciplinary breadth within the field, as some of our student’s best ideas come from outside their specialty. In many cases, courses at the graduate level are tailored to the cohort or individual students needs. At SMU, Ph.D. students are equipped with a learning and mentoring environment that allows them to explore their own research questions and meet their own career goals in collaboration with the faculty, research staff, and other graduate students. Doctoral research is expected to be of the highest quality, published in the peer-reviewed literature, and presentable at major professional meetings in the US and internationally.

Students are able to tailor their coursework and experiences within the Ph.D. program to align with their own individual interests. With only two required courses, students are free to choose their remaining elective courses with the help of their committee. To ensure the doctoral candidate is on the right track, students meet with their committee once or twice a year.

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Understanding the unique features of smu’s earth sciences department.

SMU’s doctoral programs within the Department of Earth Sciences are widely recognized as competitive, cutting-edge, research-based programs with a tradition of faculty expertise, close student/mentor collaboration, and international recognition. The faculty members and graduate students within the department have received funding from prestigious organizations such as the U.S. Departments of Defense and Energy, NASA, and the National Science Foundation. The department has also achieved international recognition in the research areas of seismology, geothermal studies, and paleoclimatology.

The SMU Earth Sciences Department has always emphasized outstanding research and teaching in fundamental research topics of national or educational importance. To build depth within specific subdisciplines, such as paleo-studies, geochemistry, geophysics, and natural hazards, the department has favored overlapping faculty interests. As a result of this vision, the SMU Earth Sciences faculty include nationally and internationally recognized scientists working together on important and societally relevant research that can be incorporated into the classrooms from our non-major courses through to our Ph.D. program.

When I think about [SMU’s] characteristics, I think of our modest size with opportunities for students to work collaboratively with multiple faculty. This characteristic provides an opportunity for our students to develop a breadth of skills and problem-solving tools. Additionally, we engage outside intellectual resources in each student's program including their participation in the peer review process as well as engaging outside committee members from industry, academia, and other research institutions. —  Dr. Brian W. Stump , Professor of Seismology

Also unique to the department is the community involvement of both faculty and graduate students. The department motto is “Earth Science research in the national interest .” However, the department has also taken on research of regional interest, such as operating seismic stations to understand earthquakes affecting the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area. Our faculty, graduate students, and alumni can be found speaking and presenting research throughout the regional area including the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, local K-12 classrooms, local businesses, and community groups.

• Meet a Current Graduate Student: Their Take on Earning a Ph.D. in the Earth Sciences

Julia McIntosh, Ph.D. student

Tell us a little about yourself.

I was born and raised in Austin, Texas and went to college at the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) under an academic scholarship to study bioengineering. After my first year, I realized I was bored with my engineering classes and needed to make a change. My father, a geophysicist at the University of Texas at Austin Institute for Geophysics, encouraged me to take a geology class (because “it will be fun”). I had always envied his travels, which took him all over the world, where he studied fascinating things, met new people, and ate new things. Thus, I agreed to take an introduction to geology course (because “why not”). By the end of it, I finally understood why people like my father chose this as a career path.

Not only is the lifestyle of a geologist interesting, but geology is too. This feeling was only intensified after a summer field course in Colorado where I excelled in developing stratigraphic columns and depositional environment interpretations. Following the course, the professor who taught it, Dr. John Geissman, asked me if I would consider working in his lab as a lab assistant. I enjoyed collecting geomagnetic data, and I eventually asked him if I could work on my own research project, to which he agreed. I went on to receive my B.S. in Geosciences at UTD in 2016 with a concentration in paleomagnetism.

Why did you choose the Earth Science Ph.D. program at SMU?

When I was looking for potential graduate advisors, I looked for people that studied stratigraphy, sedimentology, and climate questions. These were the topics that I enjoyed studying during my undergrad years. I also wanted to stay in Texas because my dad was sick, and I wanted to be able to drive home to Austin frequently to help and be with my family. I happened across Dr. Neil Tabor here at SMU and sent him an email. It turns out, he and my undergraduate advisor, Dr. Geissman, were colleagues who frequently collaborated. I later found out that they talked about me at length and mutually decided that I would be a good fit for Dr. Tabor’s lab group. I received an acceptance email from SMU, with a decent financial package, and I decided to take it. I was initially accepted as a master’s student, which I completed in 2018, but became enthralled by the work that we were doing in the lab. I eventually asked Dr. Tabor if he would take me on as a Ph.D. student. He was tentative at first (he wanted to make sure we got along; 6 years working alongside one another is a commitment) but eventually he said he would take me on as a Ph.D. student if I went on a research trip with him to Antarctica. I couldn’t say no.

Now that you’ve experienced the program, what’s your favorite part about it?

This program has been challenging from the beginning, particularly while taking classes like Stable Isotope Geochemistry with Dr. Yapp. However, during that class, I formed a bond with my fellow classmates, that made the class, and grad school, a little less soul-crushing. It is mutually beneficial to be friends with other grad students, because your other friends or family, who work normal jobs and normal hours, will not understand your different path. Moreover, not only do other students understand and provide support, but you learn from one another. Plus, once you have the opportunity to teach someone something, you have a better understanding of it yourself. Overall, the people I have met have made this experience far better than I could have predicted.

What achievement, project, or experience are you most proud of from your years in graduate school?

I am most proud of my performance and experience in Antarctica. It was one of the best experiences of my life, but also one of the most challenging. My advisor and I traveled to a remote research camp in the Central Transantarctic mountains to study and sample Permian-Triassic aged stratigraphy, while others in our group searched for pre-dinosaur, mammal-like reptiles. We were “on the ice” from mid-November to late January, with no cell phone service, no internet, only a satellite phone for infrequent calls. It was a very isolating experience, where all we had was our work and each other. However, things began to turn around during late December when I had discovered one of these mammal-like reptiles called a Procolophon. This was an important discovery because it was likely higher up in the stratigraphy than had previously been found, i.e. it had survived, or evolved, into the middle Triassic, instead of the previously determined early Triassic. I also discovered plant index fossils and a Permian-Triassic boundary section. This led to many other paleontological discoveries, while I recorded and sampled the lithologies in hopes of later reconstructing the high-latitude Permian-Triassic paleoenvironment using geochemical methods. My team commended my attention to detail and were thrilled by the results of this arduous venture. Overall, my success in Antarctica also turned out to be a good networking opportunity, such that I was subsequently invited to do fieldwork in Argentina and Zambia with other scientists on differing projects.

What are your career dreams or plans? How has the Earth Sciences Ph.D. program at SMU helped prepare you for your future?

During my last year at SMU I plan to apply for several postdoctoral fellowships so that when I graduate, I have another research position lined up. After a postdoctoral position, I hope to apply for tenure-track professorships.

Working with Dr. Tabor as a researcher here at SMU has required me to advance my critical thinking and scientific writing skills. He has encouraged me to read academic papers, not just for their findings, but also to understand how to develop studies and organize my writing. After teaching me the theory and methods behind the work that he does, Dr. Tabor has also urged me to come up with my own ideas for projects. Lastly, he has also trusted me to travel independently to work with colleagues on varying projects, leading to significant networking opportunities. By allowing me to be independent, while seeking counsel from him throughout my work, Dr. Tabor has prepared me to begin writing my own papers and to develop my own projects. This will help me when I start applying for postdoctoral and other positions, because I will have published several papers, and possibly have a funded project by the time I graduate with my Ph.D.

My time at SMU as a teaching assistant and a researcher has allowed me to develop a strong geochemistry background but also improve my understanding of other tangential subjects. This multidisciplinary training will put me in the position to teach not only geochemistry courses but also sedimentology, stratigraphy, and soil science courses. This will be helpful when applying for tenure-track positions that almost always require teaching.

Admissions and Degree Requirements

The Huffington Department of Earth Sciences at SMU awards competitive research assistantships (RA) and teaching assistantships (TA) to all students admitted to the department for graduate study. Assistantships are provided to outstanding applicants on the basis of test scores as well as past research experience and publication records. Additional fellowships and funding are also available at the university level to highly qualified students.” 

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements.

The graduate school at the Roy M. Huffington Department of Earth Sciences at SMU requires the following items for application consideration to their Ph.D. programs:

• To receive maximum consideration for financial aid completed applications for admission and financial aid should be received before January 15th (applications received after this date will be considered on a space-available basis).
• An overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale and a GPA of 3.25 in the major
• Results from a recent Graduate Record Exam (GRE)
• International students applying from countries where English is not the native language are required to provide scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

For more information, please contact the Director of Graduate Studies, Dr. Zhong Lu, or the Huffington Department of Earth Sciences:

Southern Methodist University Dallas, TX 75275-0395, USA [email protected] Tel: 1-214-768-2750 Fax: 1-214-768-2701

Degree Requirements

The Ph.D. degree requires a minimum of two academic years of residency as a graduate student on campus or at a research facility approved by the Department faculty; a satisfactory defense of two original research propositions; and the preparation and public defense of a dissertation that is a significant original contribution to the advancement of science. Students must pass a qualifying exam to advance to candidacy. This generally takes place one to two years into the Ph.D. program. On average, the program takes between four and six years to complete.

To obtain a Ph.D. in Geology or Geophysics, the student must:

• Successfully pass a general qualifying examination.
• Complete a minimum of three years of graduate academic work (48 credit hours minimum), with at least two years of full-time residence on the SMU campus or at a research facility approved by the departmental faculty and the dean of graduate studies.
• Write and make a successful public defense of a dissertation. Additional general requirements for the Ph.D. degree are outlined in the degree requirements the university catalog.
• Satisfy all curricular requirements as specified by the departmental faculty, including three graduate core courses and six dissertation courses.
• Connect with SMU

Communities and societies around the globe are relying on educated and passionate individuals to embrace Earth Science research and offer the best solutions for progressing toward environmental restoration and stability. By earning your Ph.D. in Geology or Geophysics, you will be equipped to contribute to those solutions. If you are passionate about the field of Earth Science, we invite you to contact the Department of Earth Sciences and request more information today to learn more about our faculty, research, and Ph.D. degree offerings.

If you know you would like to pursue a Ph.D. in either Geology or Geophysics, we invite you to explore our faculty members’ research pages to see if one of their specific areas of interest aligns with yours. If you find a match, feel free to reach out to them through their department contact information. You can also contact our department’s Director of Graduate Studies , Dr. Zhong Lu, or start an application today . For more general questions, visit the SMU Graduate Studies website or contact Stevie Otto . We wish you luck on your next academic venture!

Want to learn more about SMU’s Ph.D. programs in Earth Sciences?

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• Exploring the Latest Research in Earth Sciences
• Leading Faculty: Meet the Earth Sciences Experts at SMU
• Career Paths Available With A Ph.D. in an Earth Science Discipline

Ten Jobs Where You Can Use Your PhD

By Michelle Lanchart and Stacy Hartman

Earning a PhD provides you with more skills and career opportunities than you might think it does. Below are ten jobs where you can use your PhD—some in academic settings and some not. There are many other opportunities available to you; this list is just a place to start thinking about your career options.*

1. Staff culture writer, digital media company

Staff writers report on artistic and cultural events, providing analysis and context for a broad audience on a variety of topics. As a PhD, you already have the excellent writing and research skills the job requires, and your advanced training in the interpretation of literature, culture, and language enhances your ability to articulate the significance of cultural and artistic phenomena.

2. Dean of students, private high school

A dean of students leads curriculum design, develops academic and behavioral policies, and determines the best strategies to build students’ academic success. The research, leadership, and teaching experience you acquired while earning your PhD makes you a good candidate in this field.

3. Assistant professor, university or college department

An assistant professor teaches undergraduate (and, depending on the institution, graduate) courses, serves on committees that help determine academic and organizational policies for the department and institution, and conducts research, with an eye toward receiving tenure.

4. Research associate, variety of companies

As a research associate you would gather data to determine whether a product or service is desirable to consumers or companies. Your extensive experience conducting research and presenting it to a variety of audiences is a transferable skill that you bring to research associate positions.

5. Development writer, nonprofit or university

A development writer builds relationships with donors and increases public engagement through written and oral communication. Your ability to write about specialized research or technical activities for a general audience is useful for this position.

6. Assistant director, learning programs

Assistant directors have a variety of responsibilities, from providing instructional support to faculty members and graduate students to assessing and improving educational services. This can be an exciting opportunity to apply your teaching and leadership experience beyond the classroom.

7. Associate director, global programs

Associate directors work with faculty members to develop programs and curricula for students studying abroad. Your experiences teaching, developing educational programs, as well as studying, living, and researching abroad, are ideal for this position.

8. Program officer, think tank, foundation, or scholarly association

As a program officer you would take the lead in program development, which involves procuring grants and funding, managing projects, and overseeing budgets. These roles leverage your experience applying for funding and managing complex projects.

9. Copywriter, many companies and organizations

Copywriters produce and edit copy (i.e., writing) for marketing campaigns and then plan and implement those campaigns, which help companies promote products and services across a variety of media. Excellent research and writing skills and an ability to write for different audiences are essential for this job.

10. Curriculum designer, educational technology

Curriculum designers develop educational content and curricula to be delivered digitally to students or employees and often provide technical support to instructors or trainers. This is a great role for those who have developed skills in the digital humanities or in blended learning, and it also leverages your experiences in teaching and in curriculum development.

Your PhD gives you the skills to pursue a variety of career paths. To learn more about how to prepare for the job search and how to gain experience in the industries that interest you, visit the  Connected Academics Web site .

*Please note that the job ads are provided as examples and may no longer be accepting applications. A job ad’s inclusion in this list does not constitute an endorsement of the employer by the MLA.

3 comments on “Ten Jobs Where You Can Use Your PhD”

Steve Colburn says:

And don’t forget Government service at the Municipal, County, State, and Federal Level. I know Language and Literature academics who have pursued rewarding careers at all of these levels of Government service to the public, and have received good financial compensation, enjoyed reliable job security, defined-benefit pension programs, and the opportunity to pursue a challenging, rewarding job! Retired Training Manager and Senior Organizational Policy Analyst for Local County Government in Sunny South Florida! Life Member of the MLA, since Grad School in 1976.

Peter Marbais says:

There are a number of language editing opportunities in addition to copy editing. I made the transition from teaching English literature and composition to editing documents for ESL writers aspiring to publish in English-language journals. My experience helping ESL students at the Kent State University writing center and in my composition courses paved the way to helping researchers from around the world. The work is highly rewarding, and there are a number of great resources available online for both contract editors (freelancers) and full-time editors. This link provides a good overview of several types of editing roles: https://www.thebalancesmb.com/freelance-editing-jobs-1360401 .

Peter Marbais, PhD, ELS Quality Control Editor III American Journal Experts, a Research Square company

David -Ross Gerling says:

I made the transition to a law firm in Spain whose clients are Brits and American ex-pats or just foreigners in trouble with the Spanish legal system. My work as ex-pat advocate is every bit as satisfying and infinitely more lucrative than teaching Spanish . David-Ross Gerling, PhD

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5 routes to getting a Doctorate

While most of those studying for a PhD take the PhD by thesis pathway, there are five viable routes to achieving a Doctorate degree

PhD by thesis

This is the most common means of getting a Doctorate degree. Over the three or four years of research at university, your PhD supervisor will support you as you aim to produce a thesis based on your research proposal .

A thesis is typically 60,000-90,000 words in length - although this can vary between institutions. For instance, the University of Glasgow's College of Social Sciences expects a thesis to be 70,000-100,000 words including references, bibliography and appendices, while the University of Cambridge has set an upper limit of 80,000 words.

Once completed, you'll need to defend your PhD thesis in front of a panel of examiners during your viva voce .

PhD by publication

This route involves submitting previously published work - such as books, book chapters and journal articles, which together form a coherent body of work and show evidence of an original contribution to a particular field of study.

It's often taken by mid-career academics that haven't had the opportunity to undertake a standard Doctorate degree.

Generally, a minimum of five to eight published pieces are required, but this varies between institutions and depends on their length. The published work will be assessed to the same rigorous standards as a traditional PhD by thesis.

You must also provide a written supporting statement, which can range from 5,000 to 20,000 words, and present your work to an academic committee. A supervisor will assist you with selecting which publications to submit and with the supporting statement.

Some universities accept only their own graduates for a PhD by publication, while others restrict this route to their academic staff. In general, you should have graduated from your first degree at least seven years ago to be eligible.

For example, The University of Manchester has published its own Guidance for the PhD By Published Work , with eligibility only extending to current members of staff.

Professional Doctorate

Geared primarily towards current professionals in vocational sectors such as healthcare , teaching and education , and engineering and manufacturing , this type of Doctorate degree includes a significant taught component and a smaller research project.

Professional Doctorates are often taken on a part-time basis and can last between two and eight years. Like their standard PhD counterparts, they usually begin in October or January.

While you won't typically be looking to get an academic job , your research is expected to contribute to theory as well as professional practice. Projects often revolve around a real-life issue that affects your employer.

Several professional Doctorates, such as the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy), are accredited by a professional body - for instance, the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) and The British Psychological Society (BPS) - and may also lead to a professional qualification .

Common titles for graduates of professional Doctorate degrees include:

• Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
• Doctor of Education (EdD)
• Doctor of Engineering (EngD)
• Doctor of Medicine (MD).

Unlike many professional Doctorates, the EngD is typically offered as a full-time course and is aimed at young engineering graduates with little or no professional experience.

Explore what's currently available at Find a Professional Doctorate .

Integrated PhD

This four-year qualification, also known as the New Route PhD, involves studying a one-year research Masters degree (MRes) before progressing onto a three-year PhD.

Offered by a select number of universities across the UK, integrated PhDs are supported by the government and the British Council through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) . Visit Research Council funding for further information on research and funding for different types of PhD.

The integrated PhD involves a combination of taught materials, practical experience and advanced research. This allows you to learn subject-specific methodologies, while building the transferable skills that will enable you to become a leader in your chosen profession.

Institutions can also develop personalised integrated PhD programmes to meet each student's needs. For example, universities may offer you the opportunity to gain a postgraduate certificate (PGCert) in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education - perfect if you're considering a career as a higher education lecturer .

As PhDs are based primarily on independent research rather than time spent in lectures and seminars, distance learning has always been a viable route for many Doctoral students.

PhDs by distance learning offered by course providers such as The Open University are therefore a good option to consider if you've got family or work commitments or are an international student - as this gives you the chance to undertake Doctoral research without having to live close to your chosen institution. It's also a suitable mode of study if your subject requires you to be based in a specific location away from the university.

For the most part, you'll be in touch with your supervisor by phone, email or Skype/Zoom. You'll need to bear in mind that even if you opt for this form of research, you'll generally still need to attend university for one or two weeks of each academic year for meetings and to receive research skills training. Your final examination may be undertaken either face-to-face or virtually.

With online PhDs, you can usually register as a full or part-time student. The level of fees you pay varies between institutions - some charge the same as for a standard PhD while others offer a reduced rate.

Check that any funding you plan to apply for is available to distance learning students, as this isn't always the case.

Search for distance learning PhDs .

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• Explore what is a PhD?
• Sort out funding for postgraduate study .
• Consider what to do after completing your PhD .

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What Can You Do With a Food Science Degree?

Food science at uc davis.

• by Jaylynn Velhagen-Dizon
• April 30, 2024

From freshly baked bread to a cup of coffee, food is a sensory experience that connects us all. When it comes to how our food is made, however, we rarely focus on the science that is used to create it. If you are passionate about the intricacies of flavor chemistry, interested in sustainability in food production or intrigued by the intersection of technology and food, consider majoring in food science and technology. 

The food science and technology department at UC Davis is focused on finding ways to make food healthier, tastier and safer for all consumers. The food science major is a combination of scientific research and outreach with the goal of ensuring nutritious food with a minimal environmental impact. 

What is food science? 

Food science uses a mix of biochemistry, biology and chemical engineering to understand food processes and improve food safety and quality for the general public. Food scientists will often study food's physical, microbial and chemical makeup. They then apply their findings to develop safe, nutritious, sustainable food that make up the products we all know and love. 

What are some of the differences between food science, nutrition and dietetics?

Food science, nutrition and dietetics are all similar fields, but each focuses on specific areas of food study. Food science deals primarily with the science and technology that is required to produce food such as biotechnology, sensory science, quality control and engineering. 

Nutrition , on the other hand, deals with the effects of foods on the people who consume them. Dietetics is the science concerned with the nutritional planning and preparation of foods. Students in the dietetics major can also be certified as registered dietitians and usually work in a clinical setting, such as in hospitals, schools or other similar institutions.

What do you learn as a food science major? 

Through the major, students may choose to specialize in one of seven career-oriented fields: 

• food technology 
• food business and management
• consumer food science
• fermentation science 
• food biology/microbiology
• food chemistry or food biochemistry.

However, students can expect to spend their first two years learning the general background of food through various scientific disciplines before moving on to upper-division work. This includes chemistry, biology, physics and mathematics. 

At the upper division level, students can take courses in nutrition, food microbiology, food chemistry, food analysis, food commodities, food processing and food engineering. If you are interested in the study of specific foods, like beer or wine, UC Davis has both a brewing program and a viticulture and enology major .

What experience can food science students gain outside the classroom?

Students studying food science and food biochemistry are highly encouraged to look for related clubs and organizations. The Food Tech Club or the Food Science Brewing Club are run by and for students. Through these organizations, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in club activities like food industry tours and nation-wide food competitions.

Additionally, students have the opportunity to pursue independent study with a professor in the course “FST 199: Special Study for Advanced Undergraduates,” where they can assist or perform research in the faculty member’s laboratory. Students can also work for a food-related company or state agency, either during the school year or during the summer break, and earn units in the course “FST 192: Internship for Advanced Undergraduates.”

What can you do with a food science degree? 

You can enter the food sciences field with a bachelor’s degree, but many employers will prefer candidates with a master’s degree in food science . If you want to go more in-depth into food research or teach at the university level, you may also need to complete a Ph.D. program in food science . 

Graduates of the food science program have gone on to work at many companies in the food industry such as General Mills, Coca-Cola, Pillsbury, Dole, Del Monte, Campbell's, as well as state and federal government agencies. Some graduates have also gone on to obtain an M.B.A. and pursue a career path into technical sales, marketing, distribution, plant supervision and product development. 

Students in the food science major are particularly encouraged to consider entering the world-renowned UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine after the completion of their junior year. They would then obtain both a Bachelor of Science degree in food science and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree. There is an increasing demand for students educated in the area of food safety due to outbreaks of diseases associated with food-borne infections, especially those involving poultry, eggs, meat and dairy products.

Students looking to use science to delve deeper into food processes while exploring avenues for improving food safety, nutrition and sustainability should consider majoring in food science and technology . A degree in food science opens doors to a world where science meets sustenance, offering endless possibilities to shape the future of food for generations to come. 

“When it came to picking my major, I wanted an agriculture science that involves looking at a raw product and learning the process to create something people can enjoy,” said Allie Lipco, a fourth-year viticulture and enology student. “It’s super interesting to hear everything about something as simple as a grape and how it can turn into something more.” 

AI in Food and Ag

Learn how UC Davis leverages artificial intelligence to transform food and agriculture, ensuring sustainability and health from seeds to stomachs.

Food science major

Your food was probably grown, processed, delivered and prepared using techniques developed by food scientists and technologists. See the requirements needed for our food science program at UC Davis.

View our food science major

Food science careers

Now you have a better idea of what careers in food science might suit you. Explore further with our food science career guide! It’s designed to help narrow down your choices so you can find a path you’ll truly enjoy.

Discover food science careers

Jaylynn Velhagen-Dizon (she/her) is a fourth year  English major  and  Cinema and Digital Media major . She is from Southern California, and it is her first year as a Majors Blog intern for  UC Davis' Office of Strategic Communications . Jaylynn's favorite part of campus is the  Arboretum and Public Garden , where she enjoys bird watching and admiring the poppies every spring.

Primary Category

What Can You Do with a PhD in Psychology?

Key Takeaways

• A PhD in psychology will open career opportunities in the fields of research psychology, psychotherapy, forensic psychology, neuropsychology, and even management consultancy.
• Psychology positions have a projected job growth of 6% over the next decade.
• Those who earn a PhD in psychology work in medical settings, government agencies, educational institutions, or in private practice.

If you’re passionate about building a successful career in psychology, earning a doctorate in psychology could get you there. For those who are passionate about the subject but wonder, “What can you do with a PhD in psychology?“, we’ll help you explore your options so you can decide whether a PhD in psychology is worth the shot. 

Featured Programs

With a PhD in psychology, you can pursue various career paths, including research psychology, psychotherapy, forensic psychology, neuropsychology, and even management consultancy. Alternatively, a doctorate also helps you pursue different areas of specialization within the field of psychology.

If you are considering a PhD degree in psychology, you’ve likely already earned your bachelor’s and master’s degrees. However, to progress further into the roles of research, academia, authorship, or lectureship, you have to take the next step. If you’re already employed in a field of psychology, earning a PhD helps you level up.

While a doctoral degree gears you up to become a licensed clinical psychologist, there are plenty of other career options to explore. Here’s a list of the most popular career pathways you can pursue with a PhD in psychology, along with their salaries and growth statistics.

Psychological Researcher

Psychological researchers, or research psychologists, deeply understand the human mind. Their primary duties include conducting experiments to test procedures to explore various aspects of psychology. This includes selecting candidates for clinical trials, administering tests, and carefully observing and documenting the outcomes of their research.

By the time they are done with PhD, psychological researchers are capable enough to review existing literature and contribute to scholarly discussions. Some may serve at universities, while others may work for hospitals or government agencies. If you’re passionate about research and writing, this might be a pretty lucrative field with tons of career opportunities.

• National average salary: $99,577 per year
• Growth: Projected to grow 14% from 2018 to 2028

Clinical Director or Supervisor

The clinical director is one of the most highly paid yet growing careers in psychology . Clinical supervisors monitor psychologists and other mental health professionals to oversee the quality of clinical care provided. They establish best practices for the workplace and check whether the institution complies with regulations in the mental health field.

As a clinical director, you’ll serve in various settings, including mental health clinics, hospitals, universities, or even private practices. Also, these professionals arrange development opportunities for staff members, gather feedback from patients, and delegate cases to team members.

• National average salary: $120,761 per year
• Growth: Projected to grow 28% from 2021 to 2031

Psychotherapist

Like clinical psychologists, psychotherapists support individuals with mental health conditions and help them live a fulfilling life. Unlike clinical psychologists, psychotherapists diagnose more general mental health issues. They closely monitor their client’s behaviors, emotions, and thoughts to develop specific treatment plans for them.

Additionally, they use different tools and therapeutic techniques to develop coping strategies for their patients and improve the way they regulate emotions. A PhD in psychology potentially makes you a perfect fit to deal with the complexity involved in psychotherapy. Ultimately, you understand your clients better to know where they’re coming from.

• National average salary: $115,281 per year
• Growth: Projected to grow 6% from 2022 to 2032  

Psychometrics Specialist

A psychometric specialist looks at assessments to gather information about a patient’s personality, symptoms, and cognitive abilities. They often join hands with mental health specialists to facilitate research or diagnose and treat patients. On top of that, these professionals play a key role in collecting data for research and ensuring its accuracy.

They use a combination of interviews, examinations, and standardized tests to gather data about a patient’s psychological state and decode it to help clinicians and researchers reach conclusions. As a psychometric specialist, you’ll work in research or educational institutions, clinics, government agencies, or independently as a consultant.

• National average salary: $62,264 per year
• Growth: Projected to grow 6% from 2018 to 2028 

Human Resource Director

If you would rather work in an organizational setting, a PhD in psychology also helps build a mindset that prepares you to work in HR. HR directors are highly paid individuals responsible for shaping the recruitment and selection process in an organization. They create and implement corporate policies in areas like talent management, employee relations, and workplace culture.

With a PhD in psychology, you bring a deep understanding of human behavior, emotions, and motivation to the role. Plus, as an HR director, you can use the knowledge from your doctorate to develop thoughtful policies, systems, and resources to support employee well-being.

• National average salary: $116,601 per year
• Growth: Projected to grow 7% from 2021 to 2031

Marketing Director

With a PhD in psychology, you can also serve as a business or marketing director and build a fruitful career. Marketing directors use the knowledge of psychology to bridge the gap between relevant products and customers. Serving at multiple profit or non-profit sectors, these graduates contribute to public relations, management, and technical services.

As a marketing director, your background in psychology equips you with the right knowledge of consumer behavior and effective ways to communicate with them. This, in turn, helps you develop successful marketing campaigns that resonate perfectly with your audience.

• National average salary: $120,014 per year
• Growth: Expected to grow 10% from 2018 to 2028

Management Consultant

Management consultancy is another productive career path you can choose after a doctorate in psychology. Management consultants improve an organization’s efficiency, productivity, and performance. With a deep understanding of psychology, you can easily identify and deal with the underlying issues and patterns within your company.

Plus, management consultants provide feedback and recommendations on addressing employee and business management problems. They might also join hands with top-level management to devise practical solutions that align with the company’s core values.

• National average salary: $108,555 per year 
• Growth: Projected to grow 10% from 2022 to 2032

Forensic Psychologist

Forensic psychology is a rapidly growing field  that requires individual practitioners to obtain a state license. Psychologists in this field work closely with law enforcement to investigate crimes. For a license, you need to complete a doctoral degree from an APA-approved program and have clinically-supervised work experience.

Licensed forensic psychologists assist legal professionals with addressing the psychological aspects of the cases they’re dealing with. For instance, they conduct evaluations, assessments, and psychological testing to understand the case. Once they have come up with logical reasons, they present their findings and opinions to judges and juries.

• National average salary: $87,877 per year
• Growth: Expected to grow 6% between 2021 and 2031

Behavioral Health Specialist

As the name suggests, behavioral health specialists counsel and support individuals with behavioral or mental health problems. They use therapeutic techniques to help patients develop new behaviors and cope with their existing condition. Most importantly, they use their psychological knowledge to identify the root causes of their patient’s behaviors.

If you have a PhD in behavioral health, you can work with patients who have severe mental illness or developmental disorders like autism. The advanced degree helps you set developmental goals for your patients and implement evidence-based treatment plans to guard their well-being.

• National average salary: $54,663 per year
• Growth: Projected to grow 9% between 2018 and 2028

Addiction Counselor

PhD in psychology also enables you to serve as an addiction counselor, where you support patients on their journey to recovery from addictive behaviors. Typically, addiction counselors guide through the rehabilitation process and help manage withdrawal symptoms. They often work together with medical professionals to effectively detoxify clients from drugs and alcohol.

In addition to one-on-one counseling sessions, addiction counselors arrange group therapy sessions. This provides clients with peer support and learning about new experiences and coping mechanisms. They monitor clients throughout the rehabilitation process till they finally achieve sobriety.

• National average salary: $65,310 per year
• Growth: Projected to grow 18% from 2022 to 2032

Prerequisites for Earning a PhD in Psychology

If you’ve made up your mind and want to earn a PhD in psychology, you’ll generally need at least a bachelor’s degree to get in. While some institutions may also require a master’s degree as a prerequisite, it largely depends on the program you’re opting for. Some universities offer combined master’s and doctoral degrees, so you get both degrees at once.

However, the most integral part of your PhD program is the area you’ve chosen. When applying, it’s recommended to thoroughly research the specialties the universities on your radar are offering. This isn’t just about coursework since the topics of your dissertation will also depend on your chosen concentration.

Plus, to make sure you quickly get through the admission process, it’s important to prepare for it beforehand. While the specific requirements depend on your university, here’s a list of some basic prerequisites when applying for a PhD in psychology:

• A bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field
• A master’s degree (depending on the institution)
• Strong academic record
• Letters of recommendation
• Relevant research experience or coursework
• Statement of Purpose (SoP)
• Interview (as a part of the application process)

Benefits of Earning a PhD in Psychology

Even if you’re sure about earning a PhD in psychology, it’s best to take a look at the benefits to check whether they align with your future goals. While the time required to complete a PhD may be significant, the benefits you reap make it worthwhile. Here’s an overview of the pros of getting a PhD in psychology:

Obtaining a License

Earning a doctorate in psychology is the only path to practice independently as a licensed psychologist. A license allows you to diagnose and treat mental disorders and provide therapy sessions to clients.

Better Employment Opportunities

Many employers, including those in the educational sector, prefer PhD holders over candidates with a master’s in psychology . This is due to years of experience and practice acquired through a doctoral program. For instance, PhD holders are often preferred for faculty positions, research roles, and leadership positions.

Skill Development

PhD holders are seen as authorities in the field of psychology  and research. Through extensive training and coursework, PhD students develop advanced knowledge and skills in areas like research methodology, statistical analysis, and clinical assessments.

High Paying Positions

Doctoral degree holders in psychology are paid way higher than those with bachelor’s degrees. The difference in salary reflects the higher earning potential that comes with advanced degrees in psychology. For instance, candidates with a PhD may easily qualify for higher paying positions in academia, clinical practice, research, or consulting.

Related Questions

What do you learn in a doctorate program for psychology.

In a doctorate program in psychology, you dig deeper into the field of psychology. For instance, you study research theories and methods and do your own research for a dissertation. Most PhD programs also allow you to gain hands-on experience in real clinical settings through an internship program.

Where can you work with a doctorate in psychology?

Fortunately, you can choose from plenty of workplace options once you get your PhD in psychology. You may work as a psychologist in a clinic or even begin practicing privately. Some individuals with a doctorate serve at government agencies, hospitals, and even educational institutions.

How long does it take to get a PhD in psychology?

Generally, getting a PhD in psychology takes around 5-8 years , including some hands-on experience and a year-long internship. However, it’s worth noting that PhD programs are highly competitive. So, the earlier you prepare for your dream university for your psychology degree , the sooner you can secure a spot.

We hope we’ve adequately answered the question “What can you do with a PhD in psychology?” for you and you have more clarity about whether this is the right path for you. Whether you’re into clinical practice, research, or social service, a doctorate in psychology can accommodate your personal preferences if you pick the right area for yourself.

Can Dogs See Ghosts? What the Science Says

T he belief that dogs can sense ghosts is nothing new. The Aztecs of Mexico believed dogs could not only see ghosts but also protect their people from them. They even buried dogs with their dead so that the dogs could guide the recently deceased in the afterlife. The Mayans shared similar beliefs and the Inuit people of the Arctic believed dogs had a connection to the paranormal.

So can dogs see ghosts? It depends on whom you ask—and whether that person believes in ghosts or not.

To dive deeper into the answer, Readers Digest spoke to a number of dog owners who report their dogs have seen ghosts, dog behavior experts and a pet medium. Read on to learn more about dogs and ghosts.

Get Reader’s Digest ’s Read Up newsletter for pet insights, humor, cleaning, travel, tech and fun facts all week long.

Can dogs see ghosts?

Several readers we spoke to shared stories of their dogs' ghostly interactions, which led them to believe that yes, their own dogs can see ghosts.

"When we first moved into our home that was built in 1940, I could not get two of my Briards (a large herding breed) to leave the mud room—and they're normally Velcroed to me," shares Merry Jeanne Key Millner. "We eventually learned we had a grieving mother whose infant son died in the old kitchen (now our mud room), who a year later died herself. Our Briards didn't want to leave her alone. Minnie (the ghost) has now embraced our crazy family and helps us find lost things!"

Joanna King shares this example about her German pinscher, Parker. "After my father died of pancreatic cancer, at times, Parker would lie down on the floor in the same position as an Egyptian sphinx and I would smell dad's aftershave. I knew then that the conversation between Parker and my dad was starting. Parker would lift his head up and his eyes would never look anywhere else just at the room's doorway. The scent of aftershave got stronger, then Parker would tilt his head and respond to dad vocally. When Parker stood up I knew Dad had left. These visits always brought me peace."

And another, from Margot Keast, who calls herself "a non-professional psychic medium" and shares this story about her late dog, Twinkle, who she believed saw spirits. "I am certain that after my mother died, she would visit and Twinkle was always thrilled to see her. Twinkle would prick her ears and make a high-pitched whistle sound to communicate what she saw. Twinks would behave just like she was schmoozing and talking to her favorite person while I could feel Mum's energy. Twinkle is now with Mum I am sure."

What the scientists say about dogs and ghosts

Despite what the dog owners above report, our expert scientists remain skeptical, after all there aren't any scientific studies that prove the existence of the paranormal, such as spirits, demons or ghosts. And there certainly aren't any studies that prove dogs can (or can't) see spirits, demons or ghosts.

"What I suspect is happening here is people are looking at dog behavior and wanting an explanation, and being reluctant to look at the more obvious ones," says Alexandra Horowitz, PhD, a senior research fellow and adjunct associate professor at Barnard College.

Those more obvious explanations may include a dog's keen sense of smell and hearing. "Dogs are naturally equipped with one of the best senses of smell in the animal kingdom," Jesus Aramendi, DVM, a former senior veterinarian for Chewy and founder of FurLife Vets in Delray Beach, Fla., tells Reader's Digest. " A dog's sense of smell can be 10,000 to 100,000 times more sensitive than a human's."

As for hearing, dogs can hear twice as many frequencies as humans. According to Dr. Aramendi, dogs can pick up sounds that are four times farther away than humans would be able to detect.

"The human part of the equation is that even when dogs are doing dog-normal behaviors, some people have a tendency to assume there's something psychic or supernatural about their capacities," says Stanley Coren, PhD, professor emeritus in the Department of Psychology at the University of British Columbia and an adjunct professor at Bergin College of Canine Studies. "So instead of just hearing a noise outside that prompts a dog to alert bark, one might get the sense they are barking at ghosts."

Finally, not every behavior a dog—or person, for that matter—does means something, Coren says. "Sometimes dogs are just looking , or smelling , just as we might sit, look into the distance, and daydream or plot dinner or think."

What the medium says

Science or not, according to a 2024 poll, 64% of those surveyed believe in ghosts, with 20 percent claiming to have personally experienced them. In other words, for a majority of Americans, the question "can dogs see ghosts?" isn't about whether ghosts exist but rather, whether dogs are capable of seeing them. To learn more, we spoke to Charles Peden a psychic medium and animal communicator whose clients praise his uncanny ability to provide details nobody else could have known about pets and people who have passed on.

According to Peden, all dogs can see ghosts, but not all humans can see the same spirits. "If we could constantly see all the spirits in our lives, we'd be overwhelmed. Dogs don't go out of their way to pick up on ghosts, and they learn to ignore those that are around them, just as they would learn to ignore their reflection in a mirror. The spirits are always there, but they don't really affect them, so dogs pay no attention even though they clearly can see them."

Peden recalls one case in which his client had two dogs, one of which refused to go near the garage. "The dog communicated to me that there was a big scary male spirit in there … and when I went in, she was right! That spirit then communicated that he was connected with the tools. But when I spoke to the clients they had no idea who I was talking about—until the husband mentioned a man he used to work with as a mechanic years ago, and who matched the description exactly."

Do dogs have a sixth sense?

"The sensory ability of dogs, at least in the realms of smelling and hearing, are well beyond those of humans," says Coren, which may lead some owner to believe their dogs have a sixth sense. We do know that dogs can sense many things we can't. They can hear high-frequency sounds we can't, smell an entire world of odors we can't and see in the dark and detect slight movements we can't see. Dogs have even been shown to react to the earth's magnetic field and some can sense impending seizures in their person.

Can dogs see things we can't?

The human and canine visual worlds are very different. Dogs can't see the spectrum of colors humans can and have poorer vision for details. But they can see in the dark far better than we can, because their eyes are built to gather more light through their larger cornea and lens, to let more light in through their larger pupil, to detect more light with their greater abundance of light-sensitive cones, and to reflect light that gets past them for a second chance of detection by means of a mirror-like structure at the back of the eye. When you're out at night tripping over lawn furniture your dog is nimbly galloping and jumping, wondering what is wrong with you. Dogs can also detect flickering light at a much faster speed than we can.

Can dogs sense bad/good energy?

From a scientific point of view, dogs can smell when people are nervous, and even detect when they are lying by sniffing their sweat on their clothing. So in that sense, yes. From a paranormal view, assuming they can sense energy, then yes again, they could pick up on good vibes versus bad vibes, but again, the answer is subjective.

• Alexandra Horowitz, PhD, senior research fellow and adjunct associate professor at Barnard College and author of Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell and Know ; email interview on April 2, 2024
• Jesus Aramendi, DVM, former senior veterinarian for Chewy and founder of FurLife Vets in Delray Beach, Fla.; interview March 2022
• Stanley Coren , PhD, professor emeritus in the Department of Psychology at the University of British Columbia and an adjunct professor at Bergin College of Canine Studies. He's the well-known author of several books about dogs, including Gods, Ghosts and Black Dogs ; email interview on April 4, 2024
• RealClear Opinion Research Poll
• Charles Peden , psychic medium and animal communicator; phone interview on April 4, 2024
• Ecology : "Magnetic alignment enhances homing efficiency of hunting dogs"
• PLOS ONE : "Dogs can discriminate between human baseline and psychological stress condition odours"

The post Can Dogs See Ghosts? What the Science Says appeared first on Reader's Digest .

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Why you can taste more ethanol in a cold pint of beer or warm glass of baijiu

by Cell Press

We all have our own preferred drinking temperatures for different alcoholic beverages, with people commonly enjoying beer or white wine chilled, red wine near room temperature, or baijiu (Chinese whisky) or sake warmed.

In a paper published in the journal Matter on May 1, researchers report that alcoholic beverages may taste more or less " ethanol -like" at different temperatures, and this may be explained by how water and ethanol form either chain-like or pyramid-shaped clusters at the molecular level.

"Two years ago, first author Xiaotao Yang and I were drinking beer together. He had just finished his doctorate degree thesis and asked me, 'what should we do next?'" says lead author and materials scientist Lei Jiang of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

"At the time, I was a scientific committee member of one of the biggest Chinese alcoholic beverage companies, and I had the idea to ask the question 'why does Chinese baijiu have a very particular concentration of alcohol, either 38%–42%, 52%–53%, or 68%–75%?'"

"Then we decided, let's try something, so I put a drop of beer on my hand to see the contact angle ," says Jiang.

Soon after, Jiang, Yang, and the rest of their team set off to the lab to measure the contact angle of a series of solutions with increasing concentrations of alcohol in water. Contact angle is a common measurement of a liquid's surface tension , and it also tells you how the molecules within the droplet are interacting with each other and with the surface below.

For example, water has a low contact angle on a surface like glass, and so a drop of it will appear "bead-like," where a drop of high alcohol concentration spirits will have a higher contact angle and will instead flatten and spread out.

They were surprised to find that the contact angle did not increase linearly with increasing alcohol concentration, but instead the plot showed an irregular series of plateaus as it increased. Additional experiments indicated that this was happening due to the formation of different clusters of ethanol and water in solution.

At low ethanol concentrations, the ethanol forms more pyramid-shaped structures around water molecules; however, when the concentration of ethanol is increased, the ethanol begins to arrange end to end as if in a chain.

Interestingly, the researchers also found that the plateaus that they observed disappeared or appeared when the solutions were cooled or heated, and that some of these trends could explain differences in how alcohol taste is perceived.

For example, 38%–42% and 52%–53% ethanol solutions—like the ethanol concentrations in baijiu—have distinct cluster structures at around room temperature, but this difference disappears at higher temperatures, like 40°C. This could explain why both professional and amateur tasters can distinguish these concentrations of baijiu at room temperature but not at high temperature. At higher temperatures, both concentrations have more chain-like structures and therefore a more "ethanol-like" taste.

"Although there is only 1% difference, the taste of baijiu at 51% and 52% is noticeably different; the taste of baijiu at 51% is similar to that of lower alcohol content, such as 38%–42%. So, in order to achieve the same taste at a lower alcohol content, the distribution of baijiu products ranges most within the 38%–42% and 52%–53% categories," says Jiang.

Similarly, professional testers observe a stronger "ethanol-like" taste in beer after it has been chilled. The results of these experiments show that there is a distinct enhancement in the chain-like structures at 5°C in 5% and 11% ethanol solutions.

"At low temperature, the tetrahedral (pyramid-shaped) clusters become the low concentration amount, and this is why we drink cold beer," says Jiang.

The researchers propose that this information could be leveraged by the alcoholic beverage industry to achieve an "ethanol-like" taste with the lowest ethanol concentration possible.

Journal information: Matter

Provided by Cell Press

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