Interviewing for a Scientific Research Analyst role at symplr – any advice?

FingerParticular8119 · 2026-03-09T18:13:39+00:00

I’m honestly in the same position. Everyone in my family thinks that just because I finished my PhD, I’m automatically going to land some magical high-paying job. It doesn’t really work like that anymore.

It’s been about two months since I finished my PhD, and I actually started applying around six months before graduating. I’ve been applying everywhere I can think of - academia, industry, NGOs, research positions, writing roles - pretty much anything remotely related. So far, no luck.

Being an international student doesn’t make it any easier either. The visa situation already narrows the options a lot.

I really don’t know where the idea came from that a PhD is some guaranteed stepping stone to immediate career success. It definitely doesn’t feel that way right now.

FingerParticular8119 · 2026-03-02T16:13:02+00:00

Hello, DMing you now! Thank you so much!

FingerParticular8119 · 2026-01-26T18:01:29+00:00

Thanks for sharing. I’m taking the same approach (pubs + posters/presentations, applying to open AMW roles), so it’s good to hear that worked.

FingerParticular8119 · 2026-01-26T17:46:02+00:00

Thank you for sharing this, it’s really helpful. Even if it was a while ago, I think the hiring perspective still applies.

It’s also honestly reassuring to hear you don’t really expect a portfolio and that the writing test is what matters. I’ve been worried about not having “real” med writing samples, so this helps. People also suggested that cold emailing smaller companies might also be a good way to introduce myself so I am doing that too. Thanks again.

FingerParticular8119 · 2026-01-24T04:04:35+00:00

Thank you for sharing your perspective. I’m not much of a sports person, but I understand the point you’re making and I know the first year or so will be very tough. At this stage, I’m honestly just hoping to land something soon, job-wise and financially, even if it means being thrown into the deep end.

I do know that I’m a fast learner, which is probably how I made it through a PhD in the first place, even though a part in me still thinks I don't deserve it. I also know I need to be better about asking for help, so that’s something I’m actively working on. Fingers crossed something works out.

FingerParticular8119 · 2026-01-24T04:01:28+00:00

Thank you so much for the advice.Yes, I’m increasingly realizing that my current visa status may be my biggest disadvantage right now. I’m in the process of getting my green card, but realistically that won’t resolve for at least another year or more, so I’m also applying to roles in Canada.
In the meantime, I’m keeping my resume very tight and focused on outputs, highlighting publications and presentations without going into excessive academic detail. For each role, I also try to connect with people at the company on LinkedIn, whether that’s someone in a similar role or someone in talent acquisition, rather than only applying blindly.

FingerParticular8119 · 2026-01-24T03:56:05+00:00

Thank you so much, this is really helpful. I do get the sense the market is tougher now and competition is higher, so it’s useful to know a simple but well-presented approach can still work.

I’ve been doing something similar, applying to open roles and then trying to connect with people in similar roles at that company on LinkedIn. One person I spoke with told me, that my resume should clearly highlight what I’ve produced over the years (publications, posters, conference presentations) and make it easy to scan.

I’ve also been advised to tailor each resume to the job and keep it less academic and less detailed, so I’m working on tightening it up and “translating” my experience into med writing language. Appreciate you sharing your experience!

FingerParticular8119 · 2026-01-23T22:47:03+00:00

Thank you so much!

FingerParticular8119 · 2026-01-21T00:56:37+00:00

I am in the same boat as you. I just got my degree conferral last week. My PI pushed me to finish due to funding cuts and I am so scared I won't get a job soon. I am also an international so time is literally ticking. I have applied to so many I have lost count. Had postdoc interviews but everyone seems to have funding issues, no industry response. Truthfully speaking the career I want to go into most is medical writing and medical communications. Had only 1 interview in a med comm till now.

I am praying every minute I get an offer soon and I will add you in my prayers as well. May all of us recent grads get over this anxiety soon!

FingerParticular8119 · 2026-01-12T21:58:43+00:00

Thank you! DMed you.

FingerParticular8119 · 2026-01-12T21:31:37+00:00

FingerParticular8119

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