Terrific career awaits pure science graduates

Typically, jobs in academia have been the only option for science students but now large multinationals from fields as diverse as petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, polymer sciences, materials, agro-chemicals and biomedical research have chosen India as a key site to base their research centres. Indian companies are not lagging behind either. Almost all large companies have recognized the value of research as a pivotal activity for survival and growth. To top it, many contract research companies such as Anthem Biosciences have large world-class laboratories to assist major corporates and biotech startups, in their research efforts. From biotech, pharmaceutical, chemical, material sciences, analytical work, to patent writing, legal expert services and civil services organizations, all are looking for science graduates. 

Research is crucial

The sad truth is that the number of students who are opting for pure sciences is  dwindling. If India has to take its rightful place among the comity of nations, then world-class research and generation of intellectual property is a must. This cannot be achieved if the best and brightest do not opt for research. The US, which faces a somewhat similar problem with its education system, has this demand- supply gap filled up admirably by immigrants. Here in India we have to make the study of science a desirable, cool career option. Since independence, many decades were lost when research was just something that companies did for a tax break and licensing technology   was the way forward. In the last couple of decades, however, the ground beneath has shifted for Indian enterprises, which realise that if they have to grow and flourish they have to innovate themselves. The fall out is that research, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry is the showpiece of the business and not just perfunctory. There is a terrific career ahead for bright, young persons willing to pursue science.

Visiting labs of global customers can greatly improve the skills of young scientists

Enhance your expertise

Students with passion for science would be well advised to equip themselves with a minimum of a Master’s degree in their speciality with an open mind to pursue PhD later on. A well-honed domain expertise in the chosen area of study is indeed important. But young people stepping into the job market must know that soft skills rather than just technical competence are key parameters for success in the work place. They include  ability to work in teams, language, interpersonal skills, conflict resolution etc. Students have no option but to become fluent in both spoken and written English, because scientific research is all done and published in English.

I interview brilliant students all the time, with stellar academic records, but who come across as completely blinkered in key social attributes. I tell them that being bright is good but it’s important to be socially connected.

Skill enhancement tools

Companies realize that in order to compete they have to spend time to train their scientists. Anthem employs strategies such as mentoring, training in technical and soft skills, in-house PhD enrolment in partnership with national universities, publishing and travel opportunities to interact with international scientists, who are at the cutting edge of their craft.

MENTORING: Fresh entrants are taken in as an understudy of an experienced scientist. The mentoring period extends up to a year.

TRAINING: New recruits are given thorough training in company procedures. Additionally they are imparted soft skills training.

PhD: Some Master’s level scientists are keen to pursue PhD but would like to continue working. In this case companies allow a few to enrol for PhD while they continue working. This opens doors for better career opportunities.

PUBLISH & TRAVEL: Another opportunity for trained scientists is to publish non-confidential work and to attend conferences to develop a broader perspective and build networks with peers. At the same time a visit to global customer labs to train and interact with peers who are at the cutting edge of their discipline is another opportunity.

Way to go

As we push the boundaries of what we know, exciting new discoveries are opening up new lines of enquiry.  Unravelling of the human genome has exploded the field of biology, resulting in completely new fields in the biological sciences domain like stem cells, personalized medicine, genomics and proteinomics to name a few. These were not even known a decade ago.  Similarly new materials like biodegradable plastics are being extensively researched as are materials for longer-life rechargeable batteries (for mobile devices), solar fuel cells, biofuels, green chemistry for energy, automobiles etc. The properties and functionality of nano particles and their use in an inconceivably large number of applications is a fascinating field of study. 

My guess is that the next big hiring boom in India could be of science graduates for research labs.  In fact the boom is already underway but will it translate into the juggernaut that IT services became? That will depend on the availability of the right scientific talent and Government policy.  My advice to those with scientific temperament is to boldly sally forth into your chosen field and the rewards will surely follow.   

(The author is Director, Anthem Biosciences. Views expressed are personal.)