PhD in Stem Cell Biology: Careers & Salary

<h2 id="section---CareersThatRequireOrUtilizeAStemCellBiologyPh.D.">Careers That Require or Utilize a Stem Cell Biology Ph.D.</h2> <h3 id="section---MedicalScientists">Medical Scientists</h3> <p>Medical scientists conduct research experiments in order to gain knowledge about medical problems and use their research findings to improve human health. Medical scientists typically work in universities, hospitals, or laboratories, and their research may be conducted independently, or they may lead a team of technicians or students, depending on where they are working. An individual with a Ph.D. in stem cell biology would be qualified to work as a medical scientist who specializes in stem cell research. This usually means studying stem cells in order to see how diseases are formed, how to duplicate stem cells, or testing stem cell drug treatments for effectiveness. </p> <h3 id="section---PostsecondaryTeachers">Postsecondary Teachers</h3> <p>Postsecondary teachers are professors in colleges and universities; an individual with a Ph.D. in stem cell biology is qualified to teach college-level courses on the subject. Postsecondary teachers have various responsibilities that include forming lessons, assignments, homework, giving lectures, grading students' work, and forming course curricula with other professors in the department. Depending on the size of the university, the professor may be able to conduct research and write reports, scholarly articles, or academic journal editing in addition to their teaching duties. </p> <h3 id="section---BiotechnologyResearchScientists">Biotechnology Research Scientists</h3> <p>Research scientists that work in biotechnology conduct research experiments to develop products that can improve human life. A biotechnology research scientist with knowledge and experience in stem cells would typically work in a lab for a pharmaceutical company to develop drugs that can help with diseases and health conditions. A minimum of a bachelor's degree in biotechnology or a related field is required, however, a Ph.D. in stem cell biology would give an individual an edge over the competition and qualify them to work specifically in stem cell drug development. </p> <h3 id="section---Biochemists">Biochemists</h3> <p>Biochemists research how cells feed, divide, and grow at a molecular level. Biochemists typically work in labs or for pharmaceutical companies to conduct basic research, which is research for the cause of gaining knowledge, or applied research, which is research that is done to solve a specific problem. Biochemists need a Ph.D. in order to work in research and development positions, and an individual with a Ph.D. in stem cell biology would have the skills to study the mechanisms of stem cells. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th> Job Type </th><td> Median Salary (2018) </td><td> Job Outlook (2018-2028)*</td></tr> <tr><td> Medical Scientists </td><td> $84,810 </td><td> 8%</td></tr> <tr><td> Postsecondary Teachers </td><td> $78,470 </td><td> 11%</td></tr> <tr><td> Biotechnology Research Scientists </td><td> $85,719** </td><td> 8% (for all careers under the medical scientist category)</td></tr> <tr><td> Biochemists </td><td> $59,436 </td><td> 6%</td></tr> </table><p><i>Sources: *Bureau of Labor Statistics; **Payscale.com</i> </p> <h2 id="section---HowToEarnAStemCellBiologyPh.D.">How to Earn a Stem Cell Biology Ph.D.</h2> <p>An individual wishing to pursue a Ph.D. in stem cell biology will need to have a bachelor's degree, a strong background in biology or a related field, and, preferably, research experience. Stem cell biology courses include stem cell biology and medicine, developmental biology and human embryology, and biological imaging in stem cell research. </p> <h3 id="section---StemCellBiologyAndMedicine">Stem Cell Biology and Medicine</h3> <p>Courses in stem cell biology and medicine explore how stem cell research and development for integration into medicine are connected. Students will learn about the fundamental principles of stem cell biology, from embryonic to adult stem cells. Animal cell biology is studied as a model, with concepts such as the production and development of animal organs and the formation of new animal tissue being explored. The process of how engineered cell tissue is delivered to patients is also studied. </p> <h3 id="section---DevelopmentalBiologyAndHumanEmbryology">Developmental Biology and Human Embryology</h3> <p>Developmental biology and human embryology courses teach the processes of human development from an anatomical, cellular, and molecular point of view. Birth defects that are caused by genetics, as well as birth defects that are caused by exposure to harmful elements, are also explored. Students will use animal species as a comparison for study and discussion. </p> <h3 id="section---BiologicalImagingInStemCellResearch">Biological Imaging in Stem Cell Research</h3> <p>Courses in biological imaging teach students about the theory and practice of using microscopes and flow cytometers to detect and measure the physical and chemical make-up of cell populations and particles. Students will learn how to properly prepare cell samples for flow cytometry, how to use computer software to process the data, and how to analyze the data. By the end of the course, students should know how to effectively use microscopy and flow cytometry, as well as digital processing technology, to study stem cells. </p> <p>An individual seeking a Ph.D. in stem cell biology should have a bachelor's degree and a background in biology or another related field. With courses in stem cell biology and medicine, developmental biology, and biological imaging being a part of the curriculum, Ph.D. holders may find suitable careers in medical and scientific research, as well as academia.</p>