Developing a long-term career strategy often begins with learning from those who have successfully navigated the path before you. This curated collection of books and guides offers “insider” perspectives on everything from the nuances of lab leadership and the academic job market to high-growth roles in data science and the pharmaceutical industry.

Academic Careers

The Effective Scientist: A Handy Guide to a Successful Academic Career (2018) Provides practical advice on writing, publishing, and the numerical or financial aspects of managing a research lab.

A Lab Manager’s Handbook: A Practical Guide to the Informal Aspects of Lab Management (2021) Focuses on the informal side of lab management, covering team leadership, workflow optimization, and safety.

The Ph.Dictionary: A Glossary of Things You Don’t Know (But Should) About Doctoral and Faculty Life (2015) A lighthearted but essential glossary that illuminates the opaque customs and terminology of doctoral and faculty life.

The Professor Is In: The Essential Guide to Turning Your Ph.D. Into A Job (2015) Offers a comprehensive, “no-nonsense” strategy for navigating the academic job market, from CVs to interviews.

At the Helm: Leading Your Laboratory (2010) A classic guide for newly appointed principal investigators on how to transition from researcher to team leader.

Science, Industry & Health-Related Careers

The Medical Science Liaison Career Guide: How to Break Into Your First Role (2023) Reveals specific strategies and interview techniques for breaking into the competitive field of medical science liaison (MSL) roles.

The Scientists Guide to Writing: How to Write More Easily and Effectively Throughout Your Scientific Career (2016) Explains essential techniques to help scientists write clearly, efficiently, and with less stress.

Career Opportunities for Biomedical Scientists (2014) Features firsthand accounts of diverse paths—from patent law to consultancy—and the specific skills required.

So What Are You Going To Do With That? Finding Careers Outside Academia (2014) A practical guide that translates academic skills into professional assets for the non-academic job market.

Charting a Course for a Successful Research Career (2012) Offers guidance on critical decisions faced by early-career researchers regarding project management and growth.

A PhD is not Enough: A Guide to Survival in Science (2011) Focuses on the “soft skills” of science, such as selecting mentors and defining research programs.

Secrets To Success In Industry Careers: Essential Skills for Science & Business (2010) Provides an “insider’s view” of the industry hiring process, including mastering behavioral interviews.

Career Opportunities in Clinical Drug Research (2010) An easy-to-follow handbook for those looking to enter roles in clinical trials and pharmaceutical development.

Science & Medical Writing Careers

Medical Writing: A Brief Guide for Beginners (2015) A compact introduction for scientists looking to transition into medical storytelling or regulatory documentation.

Successful Scientific Writing (2014) A step-by-step guide to the entire writing process, from initial drafting to final publication.

The Science Writer’s Handbook (2013) Discusses the business side of the field, including office management, pitching, and career satisfaction.

Math & Data Science Careers

BIG Jobs: Business, Industry & Government Careers for Mathematical Scientists, Statisticians & Operations Researchers (2018) A conversational guide for mathematicians and statisticians exploring job opportunities outside of academia.

Heard in Data Science Interviews: Over 650 Most Commonly Asked Questions & Answers (2018) A collection of over 650 actual interview questions and answers for aspiring data scientists.

Journey to Data Scientists: Interviews with more than 20 Amazing Data Scientists (2018) Features interviews with over 20 experts about the skills needed to enter the field and the future of the industry.