Research Analysts Learns About New Healthcare Developments

Name: Shanna Bowman

PhD: Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, 2016

What was your main area of research?

I researched the cellular mechanisms of opiate addiction in my PhD and albinism and genetics of skin color in my postdoc.

What is your current job?

I am a Research Analyst for Cambia Health Solutions based in McMinnville, Oregon.

I research new medical technologies and write medical policies for health plans.

What is your favorite thing about your job?

I love learning about many therapies/new developments in healthcare.

What is the most important skill you developed or experience you had during your PhD that now helps you in your current position?

Research, critical thinking, data analysis, writing

How did you build the skills necessary for your current role?

I got freelance medical writing experience before leaving academia full time.

How did you find this position? What were the career steps you took to get to where you are now?

Referral

PhD graduate ➡️ IRACDA postdoctoral fellow ➡️ Biology Assistant Professor at Linfield University ➡️ Current position

If someone is interested in a similar role, what would you recommend they start doing now to prepare?

Gain writing experience and make sure to maintain an active professional network.

Why did you decide to not pursue a career in academia?

It was a difficult decision to leave academia after becoming a professor, but I began freelance medical writing to make extra money and loved it. Working as a medical writer/analyst is a great fit for me.

What advice do you have for someone getting their PhD and looking to pursue a career outside of academia?

Network! Explore non-academic postdocs and internship options. Sometimes these can only be found on company websites, so research, research, research!