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
| Neuroscientist | General term for someone who studies the nervous system. | |
| Neuroanatomist | Studies the structure (anatomy) of the nervous system. | |
| Neurobiologist | Studies the biology of the nervous system. | |
| Neurochemist | Studies the chemistry (for example, neurotransmitters) of the nervous system. | |
| Neurological Surgeon | An M.D. who performs surgery on the nervous system (brain, spinal, nerves). | |
| Neurologist | An M.D. who diagnoses and treats disorders of the nervous system. | |
| Neuropathologist | An M.D. or Ph.D. who studies diseases of the nervous system. | |
| Neuropharmacologist | Studies the action of drugs on the nervous system and/or behavior. | |
| Neurophysiologist | Studies the physiology (electrical responses) of the nervous system. | |
| Neuropsychologist | Studies brain/behavior relationships especially cognitive function. | |
| Neuroradiologist | Uses 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. | |
| Psychiatrist | M.D. who diagnoses and treats mental disorders. | |
| Neuroscience Nurse | Nurse who cares for patients with neurological disorders and assists other neuroscience-related health care professionals. | |
| Psychophysicist | Measures perceptual abilities. | |
| Electroneurodiagnostic Technician | Records electrical activity from the brain (electroencephalograms; evoked potentials) and spinal cord. |
Other Careers that benefit from a Neuroscience Perspective
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
- General Medicine Resources
- Pitt Pre-Health Resources
- Clinical Experience Resources
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Comprehensive Resources regarding everything related to Pre-Health
- Certificates in Public Health
Searching for Opportunities
Job Boards, Organizations, Networking
- Organizations:
- LinkedIn Neuroscience Pitt Alumni
- Neuropsychology Central
- Psych Degree Guides – Labs
- Stoodnt_careers-and-jobs
- Become a Cognitive neuroscientist
- Science Careers _ Neuroscience
- Careers Allen Institute
- Way Up
- MD DC & VA Life Science Industries
- The Career Directory: Find employers in Canada hiring New Grads
- Buzz File Neuroscience in the US
- How to:
Research Resources:
- Research Guide and Tool Kit – Pitt Career Center
- NSF Undergraduate Research Opportunities
- Research | Dietrich Arts & Sciences Undergraduate Studies
- National Institute of Health
- Pitt Neuroscience Research
- Pitt Brain Institute
- MD DC & VA Life Science Industries
General Searching
- Experiential Learning Resources
- HANDSHAKE Job and Internship Search
- O*Net Online for career/role exploration
- BioSpace
- Science Careers
- Ag Careers
- Medzilla
- Scribe America
- Cornerstone
- INDEED
- MONSTER
- ZipRecruiter
- CareerBuilder.com
- SimplyHired
- USA JOBS
- Chegg
- OTTA
International Opportunities
- GoinGlobal_Pitt Access
- Interstride – Log In Through MyPitt
- International Student OPT, CPT, and Job Search Resources
Blogs, Articles and Podcasts
- Neuroscience Podcast Hubermanlab
- Blog Indeed_ Finding a job in neuroscience
- Neuroscience Careers _Chron
- Neuroscience Programs – Neuroscience News
Graduate School Resources:
- Gradschools.com
- Niche.com
- Pathways to Science
- Neuropsychology Programs
- IONM at Bloomsburg Intraoperative Neurophysiologic Monitoring (IONM)
Pitt Brain Institute - Neuroscience Programs – Neuroscience News
- International Grad School Resources:
Biological and Life Sciences Resources
Gap Year
- AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps: National service program offering opportunities to work on community projects.
- Public Allies Pittsburgh – AmeriCorps – Everyone Leads: 10-month apprenticeship program in non-profits for leadership development and practical experience.
- PULSE | Pittsburgh Urban Leadership Service Experience: Year-long service and leadership program with local non-profits.
- AmeriCorps KEYS Allegheny County: National service movement that provides thousands of American adults of all ages and backgrounds with an education award and real-world experience in exchange for a defined term of service.
- Maryland Conservation Corps: Environmental service programs in Maryland state parks.
- Princeton in Africa: Fellowships in African countries, ideal for gap year experiences.
- Student Conservation Association: Conservation internships and service positions in national parks and public lands.
- Baltimore Corps: Fellowships for young adults to work in Baltimore’s social sector.
- DC Central Kitchen: Internships and volunteer opportunities focused on community service and culinary arts.
- Teach for America: Two-year teaching commitments in under-resourced schools, providing leadership training and teaching experience.
- Princeton Project 55 Fellowship: Fellowships in public interest organizations across the U.S.
- NYC Service | Civic Corps: 10-month service program focused on volunteer management and community service in New York City.
- Baltimore City Teaching Residency: Program to become certified teachers in Baltimore City Public Schools.
- HealthCorps: Wellness an education programming in schools and communities
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!
