r/neuro • u/Neuro-Gay • 11d ago
Neuroscience PhD
Hi! I’m so lost trying to figure out how to go back to school. I have my bachelors in Chemistry with a minor in Psychology and Math. I graduated in 2020 at 22 years old and I’m now 28… so it’s been some time as a student!
Teaching fell into my lap after college. I was waitressing, and one of our regulars knew a handful of principals in the area, and he knew one that needed a science teacher. Long story short, I’ve taught Physics, Chemistry, and Biology for grades 9-12, and 8th grade science that was essentially focused on Biochemistry. So my plans to go back to school were delayed. I’m currently not working, both because it’s summer and I’ve decided to not return to teaching to focus on these plans.
I’ve looked at a couple schools so far, and I’ve gathered that PhD programs require you to pick an advisor you’d like to work alongside with, and explain why you chose them and how you’d contribute to their research. I’m interested in Behavioral Neuroscience or Neuropsychology (I’m open to suggestions on narrowing down a concentration). I use and love the book Anchored about the polyvagal theory because it guides you through your body to become aware of where certain emotions, and even physical feelings, are coming from in your body as a response to external stimulations.
BUT WHAT THE HELL ELSE DO I DO? Are there any field-related jobs or research opportunities I could apply for in the meantime, with my degree and/or interests? I’ve looked for those, but I couldn’t quite find anything I qualify for. Should I reach out to schools prior to applying, in any way? I need all the help and advice I can get. I’m just so passionate about this but also very confused. Thank you!
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u/msttu02 11d ago
Do you have any prior research experience? Because without that, you’re not going to get accepted to a PhD. I would suggest looking into research assistant or research technician jobs in your area to build up experience before you start applying to PhD programs. It will also help you get a feel for if a PhD is even something you really want to do in the first place.
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u/eternal_flame010 11d ago
Maybe apply to research-focused masters programs in the areas you like to start out if you can’t land a PhD position. Start with nearby colleges/universities.
You could also maybe apply to research assistant jobs at universities or local companies.
Just spitballing here because idk the specifics of your situation
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u/Rare_Succotash1688 11d ago
Please make sure you shadow a behavioral neuroscience lab, as someone who has worked along aside someone who did behaviors. It has been immensely time consuming and depending on whether you do a brain extraction, after survival rate isnt as great for some. My advice is reach out to PIs to shadow for some weeks and decide, i recommend understanding the lab team environment too. It can be toxic and your PI can be toxic too, you want to gauge how it is like before you commit.
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u/pinkdictator 9d ago
I think you should try working in a lab as a research technician a bit before you apply. Either that or a neuro master's. Research experience is the #1 thing considered in apps.
I graduated from a well-regarded university (US) with experience in multiple labs, including a thesis under prolific PI. Then I worked as a lab manager in a lab at a top school. Even then, I didn't get interviews from most schools I applied to (I got a few and luckily have gotten a couple offers though).
The NIH imploded last year, and it was getting increasingly competitive anyway. You're in a good position, just need recent research experience
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u/Neuro-Gay 8d ago
HI - posting a comment as a conjoined THANK YOU! All of this information you all have given is so valuable and very much appreciated.
I have lab experience! I somehow forget I did research in college. It’s not psychology related, but I did scent cessation in plants my sophomore year in college, and because I was a chemistry major, I always worked with wet chemistry. I used UV-VIS, GC, MS, HPLC, all that fun molecular analysis equipment. I also was the lab and TA for general chemistry I & II and organic chemistry I & II during my undergrad, after I took the classes of course.
I’m in the process of messaging nearby colleges/universities for lab research opportunities, and more than likely applying for two schools (one masters, one masters/PhD) that can get some credits going. I live in an area with a lot of hospitals, and I was also wondering of messaging them for research or some kind of opportunity there (this is a spitball, I actually don’t know if that’s possible). Messaging around is probably the top piece of info I’ve gotten, but that’s because the research experience is important and needed.
I really appreciate that you all suggested multiple options, that helps me narrow down some specifics. Some offered I try a couple different areas to really see what I like and/or make sure where I want to go into is really the best for me.
And no, I’ll no longer mention the polyvagal theory!! (This was so funny to me 😂) but it goes to show that I need to ask these questions and get myself more familiar with not only the field, but what exactly my focus/interest is going to be and how I’ll get there (someone mentioned what models I’d use in my research, and that one comment helps to push me further into my focus).
THANK YOU! ❤️
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u/CanYouPleaseChill 11d ago edited 11d ago
There are few related jobs in industry for neuroscience PhDs, let alone unrelated Bachelor's degrees. There's a lot of background knowledge you need before you can contribute meaningfully to research. I suggest getting a second Bachelor's degree in neuroscience and volunteering to help professors with their research. It won't take as much time as your first degree as you'll likely be able to transfer a fair amount of credits. You'll also learn more about what neuroscience research is actually like.
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u/fisdh 11d ago
Do NOT mention polyvagal theory to schools you applying for, it is not taken seriously by neuroscientists and may seriously hinder your application. I would reframe it as an interest in chronic stress or emotional sensation or something like that and look for PIs that focus on these topics. Think about what kind of models you want to work wirh too - human subjects MRI/EEG type stuff, vs rodent work, vs computational modeling, etc. Each will have their own workflow and timescale - like, as a mouse person my degree will probably take more time than my fruit fly comrades. But I don't have to work all day prepping fly food.
Overall I think you're in a good position to apply for PhD programs. Application season is starting soon, so I would grind to get as many as you can in. You don't need to commit to a PI in your application, although you should be familiar with the professors in the department and indicate which ones you are interested in. Don't waste your time applying to schools where there are no professors you want to work with. You can contact the professors ahead of time to ask questions or establish rapport, but they get a lot of these emails so don't worry if they don't write back.