Finding a Career in Neuroscience and Society

There is no single best career track in neuroscience and society, and no single job board or web site that will provide you with one stop shopping for the jobs you may be interested in. But there are some basic strategies that you can use to find a career that allows you to pursue your interest in both neuroscience and its social, ethical, or legal applications.

One way to think about neuroscience and society careers is this: a traditional career that integrates neuroscience. For example, one may pursue educational neuroscience by becoming a teacher–but a teacher whose pedagogy is informed by brain science. A neurophilosopher is likely to train as a philosopher–but one who thinks carefully about brain science as well. A neurolawyer is a lawyer–but one who applies neuroscience strategically in their practice. A neuromarketer is a marketer who similarly utilizes brain science to improve client outcomes. You might also be a neuroscientist who thinks about other fields, for example a development neuroscientist who testifies in legal cases about the developing brain.

As you peruse the job listings linked below then we encourage you to identify opportunities where you might gain exposure and training to interdisciplinary work. A key factor for success is a mentor who will encourage your passion for this work that spans multiple areas of knowledge.

For more background on careers and career advice, check out the Interviews section of this site as well as these helpful presentations on careers prepared by Simply Neuroscience.

Note: The Dana Career Network in Neuroscience & Society does not maintain any of the listings on the page.