Who's a Neuroscientist?
Are you curious about how the brain works? Would you like to learn how and why our nervous system has us react in certain ways? If so, consider a career in neuroscience!
As a neuroscientist, you would research how the nervous system works. You would also conduct research to develop pharmaceuticals to treat neurological disorders. In India, you need to have an MSc in Neuroscience to work as a neuroscientist. However, abroad a PhD is a must.
Neuroscience offers several career options in both medical and non-medical fields. Professionals in the medical field of neuroscience range from neurosurgeons, neuro-physicians, neuro-pathologists, neuro-anaesthetists, neuro-radiologists, and neuro-pharmacists to careers in psychology, psychiatry, and therapy. On the other hand, researchers in neuroscience, neurophysiology, neuropharmacology, as well as biomedical engineers and other biological scientists make up for the non-medical professionals in this field.
What will you do?
Where will you work?
How do you get there?
What skills would you need?
Research
Research is the systematic process of collecting, analysing, and interpreting information to increase understanding of a particular topic or issue. It involves identifying a question or problem, gathering relevant data, and evaluating sources to draw meaningful conclusions. Research can take various forms, including qualitative studies (which explore perceptions and experiences) and quantitative studies (which focus on numerical data and statistics). Strong research skills will enable you to find reliable information, assess the credibility of sources, and synthesise findings to support decision-making or further exploration. This skill is crucial in many fields, such as academia, business, healthcare, and technology, where informed decisions rely on thorough investigation and analysis. build this skill
Analytical and Data Skills
Analytical and data skills involve the ability to evaluate information, interpret data, and draw insights to solve problems or make informed decisions. These skills require critical thinking, logical reasoning, and proficiency in working with data sets, often using tools like Excel, SQL, or statistical software. This skill set helps you break down complex problems, identify patterns, and make data-driven decisions. In the workplace, strong analytical and data skills allow you to provide insights that guide strategies, optimise processes, and drive innovation. They are essential for roles involving research, business analysis, marketing, finance, and operations. build this skill
Technical Skills
Technical skills refer to the specific knowledge and abilities required to perform particular tasks, often related to technology, engineering, computer science, or specialized fields. These skills encompass a wide range of competencies, including proficiency in software applications, programming languages, data analysis tools, and technical writing. Mastering technical skills allows individuals to effectively utilise tools and technologies relevant to their job roles. Strong technical skills will enable professionals to troubleshoot issues, implement solutions, and contribute to innovation within their organisations. build this skill
Communication Skills
Communication skills are the ability to clearly express ideas, information, and feelings, both verbally and in writing, so others can easily understand. This includes listening effectively, using the right tone, and being aware of non-verbal cues like body language. These skills help you explain your thoughts clearly, build relationships, and work better in teams. Good communication is important in almost every job, from customer service to leadership roles, because it ensures that tasks are understood and done correctly, and it helps prevent misunderstandings. build this skillHow do you make it to the top ranks?
Research/Project Assistant
After acquiring an NET or GATE qualification, you are eligible to work under a neuroscience researcher, assisting them on a particular project. This is your opportunity to gain research experience before completing your MSc in the subject and pursuing neuroscience as a full-time career.
Junior Research Fellow/Research Associate
You can start work as a Junior Researcher in reputed institutes like AIIMS, NCBS, NBRC, and IGIB. At this stage, you will be given individual projects as well as a team of interns to assist you on your project. If you do not have prior experience, you could also start off by assisting senior researchers on their projects.
Senior Research Fellow/Research Manager
It takes a minimum of two years of experience to progress from junior research fellow to senior research fellow even for the best of neuroscientists. At this stage, you are leading the research on important projects or overlooking the work of junior researchers on the team.
Pursuing your career locally VS abroad
There is no specific background required to pursue neuroscience. However, students with graduate degrees in electrical engineering, computer science, biology, biotechnology, biochemistry, neurobiology, and zoology have the best chances of qualifying for an MSc in neuroscience, which is a must-have degree for a job in the field. The course fee for this two-year programme ranges from INR 6,000 to INR 17,000 after which students usually pursue jobs or might even consider getting a PhD. Neuroscience is a fairly new career in India, thus opportunities are limited as compared to other countries. However, there are a few reputed institutes in this field such as All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Indian Institute of Science (IISc), National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), National Brain Research Centre (NBRC), and Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB) among others, where students can pursue neuroscience research. These institutes are also incorporating neuroscience courses to help aspirants fulfil their dreams. These courses are still is in the developmental stage, but also offer placements and other job opportunities to students.
While in India, a Master’s degree is enough to land a job in neuroscience research, a PhD is a must for a career in this field abroad. Many students who travel to other countries for a neuroscience degree usually get a bachelor’s degree in biology, physiology, psychology, human anatomy, or anything else that would prepare them for medical school. After a bachelor’s degree, they acquire their master’s in neuroscience or any other biological sciences. These courses cost anywhere between INR 2,00,000 – INR 20,00,000, depending on the country and the institute. It is also important to choose a programme that provides both research opportunities and lab experience. Unlike in India, countries abroad have many leading institutes offering courses in neuroscience at bachelors, masters, PhD, and MD levels. USA, UK, Canada, Germany, and Australia have premier research centres where students can both learn and grow in their careers. Some top universities are Stanford University, University of Sydney, Humboldt University of Berlin, McGill University, etc.
How much would you get paid?
Your pay would depend largely on where you’re working in terms of your location and the organisation you are working with. Private organisations tend to pay more than government facilities. However, government jobs offer better perks.
What are your career options?
Neuroscience Research
One of the most common careers in neuroscience involves research on the subject. Neuroscience researchers thoroughly research the function of the brain and nervous system. Based on their studies, there are developments in neuroscience, biological sciences, as well as the medical fields. Researchers in neuroscience work in labs or research centres. Getting a PhD. is a must in this field for the highest remuneration.
Cognitive Neuroscience
These professionals apply neuroscience in the field of psychology. Cognitive neuroscientists are responsible for developing therapeutic treatments for neurodegenerative or behavioural disorders ranging from Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s to anxiety and depression, by applying the theories of neuroscience. There are further specialisations in this field focussing on a specific area of the brain or a particular psychological disorder.
Neurosurgery
This is one of the most challenging fields in both neuroscience and medicine. Neurosurgeons use their knowledge of the brain and nervous system to diagnose disorders and perform complicated surgeries on various brain-related issues such as brain tumours or nervous system debilitation. Due to the delicate nature of the job, these professionals are some of the highest-paid doctors.
Machine Learning
Our brain functions much like a machine. Brain cells run algorithms on the basis of the feedback received from its surrounding environment, leading to a desired outcome. It is, in fact, from the functioning of the brain that a structure to build machines and artificial intelligence came into development. For neuroscientists who enjoy mathematics and programming, machine learning is a lucrative career option.
Pharmaceuticals Science
Neuroscience students who are interested in chemistry or biochemistry can also take up a career as a pharmaceutical scientist. These professionals are involved in developing new pharmaceutical drugs, making improvements to existing ones, and charting the success rate across various categories of medication. Their connection to neuroscience comes from assessing the drugs associated with neurological disorders, such as antidepressants and mood enhancers/stabilisers.
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