Neuroscience Career, Research and Job Search Guide

Neuroscience is a dynamic, interdisciplinary field at the intersection of biology, psychology, chemistry, computer science, and medicine. Whether you’re just starting your academic journey or diving into advanced research, the field offers countless paths to explore. This guide breaks down traditional careers, interdisciplinary careers, opportunities by educational level, career resources, specializations, and key job search platforms and strategies to help you thrive in the field of neuroscience.

Career Fields with Opportunities for Neuroscience Graduates

  • Government (Federal, Provincial, Regional, Municipal)
  • Healthcare
  • Research
  • Insurance
  • Education
  • Consulting Services
  • Social Services
  • Non-Profit Causes (Disorder/Disease-related)

Traditional Neuroscience Careers

NeuroscientistGeneral term for someone who studies the nervous system.                    
NeuroanatomistStudies the structure (anatomy) of the nervous system.
NeurobiologistStudies the biology of the nervous system.
NeurochemistStudies the chemistry (for example, neurotransmitters) of the nervous system.
Neurological SurgeonAn M.D. who performs surgery on the nervous system (brain, spinal, nerves).
NeurologistAn M.D. who diagnoses and treats disorders of the nervous system.
NeuropathologistAn M.D. or Ph.D. who studies diseases of the nervous system.
NeuropharmacologistStudies the action of drugs on the nervous system and/or behavior.
NeurophysiologistStudies the physiology (electrical responses) of the nervous system.
NeuropsychologistStudies brain/behavior relationships especially cognitive function.
NeuroradiologistUses imaging methods such as X-ray, MRI, CT and angiography to diagnose diseases of the nervous system.
Psychobiologist
Biological Psychologist
Studies the neural basis of behavior.
PsychiatristM.D. who diagnoses and treats mental disorders.
Neuroscience NurseNurse who cares for patients with neurological disorders and assists other neuroscience-related health care professionals.
PsychophysicistMeasures perceptual abilities.
Electroneurodiagnostic TechnicianRecords electrical activity from the brain (electroencephalograms; evoked potentials) and spinal cord.

  Other Careers that benefit from a Neuroscience Perspective

AudiologyOccupational Therapy
DentistrySpeech Pathology
Veterinary MedicineDrug rehabilitation
NeuroethologyComputer Science
PharmacistMachine Learning
Pharmaceutical SalesArtificial Intelligence
NeuroprostheticsNeural Engineering
Assistive technologyElectrical Engineering
Hospital AdministrationLaw
EducationNeuroethics
LinguisticsPhilosophy
Special EducationPublic Policy
Physical Therapy

Physician Assistant
Government Regulatory Agencies (FDAEPA, etc.)

Opportunities According to Educational Levels

Undergraduate Level – Building the Foundation

Entry-Level Roles

  • Research Assistant/Technician in Hospitals or Universities
  • Clinical Research Coordinator for research labs (manage clinical studies, recruitment of subjects, and coordinate the research logistics)
  • Rehabilitation Counsellor in Non-Profits
  • Community Programs Organizer in Non-Profits
  • Disability Case Manager in Public Insurance
  • Volunteer Coordinator in Disease-Focused Education
  • Sales in Pharmaceuticals or Medical Devices
  • Entry Level Lab Technician for Pharma/Biotech Industry
  • Teaching Assistant / Tutor in Private Schools
  • Administrator in Hospitals and NGOs

Key Coursework & Minors

  • Core Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Physics
  • Psychology: Understand cognitive and behavioral principles
  • Mathematics & Statistics: For data analysis
  • Computer Science: A must for computational neuroscience
  • Research Methods: Learn experimental design and statistical tools

Specializations to Explore

  • Cellular & Molecular Neuroscience, Behavioral & Cognitive Neuroscience, Computational Neuroscience, Neuroengineering

Ways to Boost Your Experience

  • Internships & Volunteering: Hospitals, mental health clinics, research labs
  • Professional Associations: Join SfN, NAN, NIH, NNI for networking and resources (links below)
  • Conferences: APA, CNS—great for knowledge and networking
  • Freelance Research: Platforms like ResearchGate and Upwork offer opportunities
  • Mentorship: Connect with alumni and professionals on LinkedIn
  • Experiential Learning: Clinical placements, nonprofit work, and community outreach
Master’s Level: Sharpening Your Focus

Career Opportunities

  • Research Scientist/Associate
  • Clinical Research Manager
  • Industry Specialist: Work in pharma, biotech, or medical devices
  • Consulting Roles: Advise companies using neuroscience insights

Specializations

  • Neuroimaging, Neuropharmacology, Neuroinformatics, Neurorehabilitation, Neuropsychology

Enhance Your Learning

  • Advanced Neuroscience Topics
  • Project & Clinical Trial Management
  • Regulatory Affairs
  • Data Science & Machine Learning
  • Grant Writing & Ethics
PhD/Doctoral Level: Becoming the Expert:

Doctoral studies are where you push boundaries, contribute original research, and become a subject-matter expert.

Career Paths

  • Academic Professor/Researcher
  • Industry Research Scientist/Director
  • Clinical Neuropsychologist

Deep Specializations

  • Neurogenetics, Neurophysiology, Neuroethology, Neurodevelopment, Neuroimmunology

Skill Add-Ons

  • Grant Writing & Funding Acquisition
  • Teaching Pedagogy
  • Leadership & Lab Management
  • Advanced Ethics in Research

Beyond Academia: Industry, Therapy, and Consulting

Industry Roles

  • Pharmaceuticals: Drug development for neurological disorders
  • Medical Devices: Creating tools like deep brain stimulators and neuroprosthetics
  • Biotech & AI: Develop therapies using gene editing, machine learning
  • Neuromarketing: Use brain imaging to understand consumer behavior
  • Cognitive Computing: Build intelligent systems that mimic human cognition

Therapeutic Careers

  • Neuropsychology & Clinical Psychology
  • CBT & Neurofeedback Therapy
  • Rehabilitation & Counseling

Consulting & Communication

  • Science Writing & Journalism
  • Business Consulting: Help companies use neuroscience insights to improve products and services

Tips: Preparing for a Career in Neuroscience

  • Start Early: Network, gain experience, and explore your interests
  • Stay Curious: Read articles, listen to neuroscience podcasts, and follow the latest research
  • Be Mindful: Reflect on your “why” and “what” to guide your academic and career choices
  • Get Involved: Engage in volunteer work, internships, and research
  • Keep Learning: Seek out certifications, attend workshops, and stay updated on new tools and techniques

A degree in neuroscience is more than a steppingstone, it’s a launchpad. Whether you’re drawn to medicine, research, industry, or therapy, the possibilities are endless. Tailor your path to fit your passions and stay open to unexpected opportunities.

Health Fields Resources


Searching for Opportunities

Job Boards, Organizations, Networking

Research Resources:

General Searching
International Opportunities

Blogs, Articles and Podcasts
Graduate School Resources:

Biological and Life Sciences Resources

Gap Year

RESEARCH Additional Tool Kit


Reflecting over personal and professional interests, values and what sparks curiosity is key in starting to network, investigate and pursue education, experiential learning and research opportunities to prepare for a future career related to neuroscience. Start now, listen to podcasts, conduct informational interviews and read articles, be mindful in course selection and continue to build skills – all important factors in the journey to find your “why” and your “what”. Opportunities are waiting!