Name: Brandon McFarlin (he/him)
PhD: Medical Biology, University of Southern California - Keck School of Medicine, 2022
What was your main area of research?
My graduate research focused on exploring sex-specific differences in kidney (patho)physiology using preclinical models of hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. The aim was to identify sex-specific variations in kidney transporter regulation and electrolyte handling that may contribute to lower blood pressure, reduced prevalence of diabetes, and lower risk of cardiovascular and kidney disease in pre-menopausal women compared to age-matched males.
What is your current job?
I am a Medical Science Liaison for Ardelyx, Inc. in Indianapolis, Indiana.
As a Medical Science Liaison (MSL) on the Medical Affairs Team, I serve as a field-based medical expert in the nephrology and dialysis community, utilizing my expertise in kidney disease to build and maintain long-term relationships with Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) and other stakeholders. In my role, I engage in scientific discussions, provide evidence-based scientific and clinical education, support research and data generation efforts, and attend key medical conferences. Through these efforts, I provide accurate, unbiased medical information, ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines, and stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the field, all with the aim of enhancing patient outcomes and improving quality of life.
My favorite aspect of my job as a MSL is the opportunity to engage with a diverse range of external stakeholders in the nephrology community. I enjoy traveling and meeting with healthcare professionals and researchers to exchange knowledge and insights. These interactions not only allow me to leverage my natural strengths but also fosters professional growth while contributing to advancing patient care.
How did you find this position? What were the career steps you took to get to where you are now?
I found this job through LinkedIn.
PhD graduate ➡️ Industry Postdoctoral Research Scientist (Eli Lilly) ➡️ Medical Science Liaison (Ardelyx, Inc.)
Why did you decide to not pursue a career in academia? Was this a difficult decision or one you felt came easily?
I knew before entering graduate school that I was not going to pursue a career in academia.
What are three pieces of advice you have for someone getting their PhD and looking to pursue a career outside of academia?
Be mindful of who is giving you advice. In graduate school, many trainees may struggle with self-esteem and lose critical thinking skills outside of their research. Often, mentors or advisors are deeply rooted in academia and may have limited insight (even if they think otherwise) into non-academic career paths. Therefore, it's essential not to rely solely on them for guidance if you're considering a career outside academia. Instead, seek out an industry mentor(s) who can help you navigate the landscape and explore potential opportunities. It’s best to start this process early in graduate school, as there may be key opportunities to leverage during graduate school—such as trainings, internships, or certifications—that could better position you for a non-academic career.
Don't delay gaining industry experience. If you’re not interested in staying in academia, avoid pursuing an academic postdoc, as it often does little to enhance your candidacy for an industry role and will only delay your entry into industry. Instead, focus on gaining industry experience through opportunities like industry postdocs, fellowship programs, rotational programs, scientific writing, or entry-level scientist roles. Remember, everyone lacks industry experience until they get it, so prioritize entering the industry as soon as possible.
Start building your network early. Networking should be a priority during graduate school, almost like a second job. Many students focus so heavily on their studies (which they should) that they neglect their professional network until they are about to graduate. It’s crucial to reach out to a diverse range of professionals to learn about their companies, roles, career paths, and experiences. Expanding your network can open doors to future career opportunities and provide valuable insights, helping you make more informed decisions about your own career trajectory.
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