Name: Clare Wilhelm (he/him)
PhD: Physiology and Pharmacology, Oregon Health and Science University, 2006
What was your main area of research?
I primarily used cell models to examine the synergistic interaction and function of the dopamine transporter and vesicular monoamine transporter. These two transporters are expressed in neurons within the brain and are key modulators of dopaminergic signaling.
What is your current job?
I am a Managing Editor at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, New York.
I assist attending physicians with the preparation and submission of grants and manuscripts and various other written documents describing their scientific efforts.
I love supporting scientific efforts that are making an immediate improvement in patient care in oncology.
How did you find this position? What were the career steps you took to get to where you are now?
This job was advertised in the Society for Scholarly Publishing.
PhD graduate ➡️ postdoctoral fellow ➡️ assistant professor ➡️ science writer
Why did you decide to not pursue a career in academia?
I couldn't acquire the long-term funding I needed to continue in academia and the stress of trying to break through as an early stage investigator no longer seemed worth it. It was a difficult decision.
What advice do you have for someone getting their PhD and looking to pursue a career outside of academia?
Try to establish as many collaborations as you can.
Look for a way to build on the skills you already have and the things you enjoy about your current or prior positions.
Don't be afraid to apply for jobs you think might be unattainable.