(please let me know if I should move this to office hours, it seemed like a longer question but I totally can!)
Context: Hello all. I have always wanted to pursue a PhD in Neuroscience and work as a researcher, however due to a plethora of outside circumstances- it doesn’t seem like a PhD is something I can realistically pursue at the moment. I am about to graduate this semester with a BS in Psychology, with an additional foundation of knowledge in Biology and Ethics. I really am passionate about cog psych, and neurodegenerative disorders despite everything!
Question: Is there a support role I could pursue in research that would just require a Masters degree? (If possible, I would also like to be able to make a living wage from this position as well)
I’m aware of administrative positions (such as research coordinator) but if possible I’d love to be directly involved with the science being conducted/produced. Another role I do know about already is a scientific writer, but it seems I’ll struggle a lot to find a job with just a Masters, especially with the rise and implementation of AI.
I’m hoping one of you will let me know about a super niche position that I would thrive in, but it seems like I’ll either have to bite the bullet and pursue a PhD, or compromise on a lot of what I’m passionate in. Thank you all in advance and for the time.
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You can work as a research assistant. The main problem with that role is it is usually tied to project funding so you are always on short term contacts, 6 months here, 9 months there. It’s okay when you are early career but not good when you are trying to apply for a mortgage etc.
Yes, but generally only in large well-funded research groups if you want to make any kind of career out of it. R1 universities have entire career ladders built around these positions.
You need scientific writing experience (ie. published manuscripts) before anyone will ever consider you for a scientific writer position. AI isn’t replacing the actual writing as many journals have outright bans on using AI for this. Also the quirks of journal formatting and figure presentation make it not so amenable to AI yet.