Careers in Neuroscience: Science Program Strategist
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- Careers in Neuroscience
Learn about Crystal L. Lantz, PhD, chief of extramural activities at the NIH BRAIN Initiative, in this new Careers in Neuroscience profile. rom deciding between a medical degree and a PhD to the work she does in her current role at NIH, Lantz shares the skills and experiences that have shaped her professional journey and offers advice to those considering a career outside of academia.
What initially drew you to neuroscience? How did you discover your particular interest within the field?
I was interested in the brain and how it works from an early age. I remember my eighth-grade science teacher drawing a neuron on the board and thinking, "I want to spend the rest of my life studying that." Afterwards, I sought out ways to deepen my knowledge of biology and behavior through books recommended to me by my early mentors in high school. I then chose my undergraduate institution based on it having a neuroscience major (technically biological psychology when I enrolled). I came into the field of visual neuroscience based on my mentor/advisor. When I was looking into labs for my PhD, I was focused more on behavior, but his enthusiasm for vision, and development sold me on joining the lab.
What resources, experiences, or conversations helped you clarify your direction?
As an undergraduate, I spent time trying to decide between medical school or a PhD. I did not know at the time that dual degree programs existed. In pursuit of medical school, I worked as a medical scribe in the emergency department of a local hospital during my junior and senior year of college (as well as during my first year of graduate school). Although I learned a lot about health care, it helped me to realize that medicine was not the pathway for me, and that I was more interested in working towards understanding biology to guide future medical treatments.
"The skillsets most often utilized in my role are not unlike those used at the bench."
Describe your current role. What are the most common skills you use on a weekly basis? Is your role "typical" to the industry?
I am the chief of extramural activities and a science program advisor for the NIH BRAIN Initiative. My role involves working across institutes, centers and offices at the NIH to advance BRAIN Initiative scientific areas and ensure appropriate handling of the application to award pipeline. While my role is unique that it crosses several business areas, from scientific advising to administrative functions, the individual components of it are done by people across NIH. The skillsets most often utilized in my role are not unlike those used at the bench. I use my scientific background and knowledge to act as a subject matter expert on applications and awards, organization and program management to execute multiple projects at once, and communication skills to build and give presentations on science and policy.
What educational background and training are required for your role? What other types of experiences are helpful to have?
A background in science is required for my current position, as well as experience in a research setting. Depending on the role, and the area of NIH hiring, there can be different degree or work experience requirements. The typical person in my position does have a PhD. I found that my history of volunteering in the neuroscience space, both for educational and as a part of the SfN Early Career Policy Ambassador Program (ECPA) helped me learn how to communicate science to multiple levels of expertise, as well as to get a better understanding of how policy and laws shape scientific funding.
"I was active in the neuroscience community both locally and nationally, which gave me exposure to a wide variety of viewpoints and individuals to reach out to when I was feeling stuck."
How did you approach mentors for career advice? What strategies helped you build a professional network?
Building a professional network early and maintaining it is crucial for career growth. I was active in the neuroscience community both locally and nationally, which gave me exposure to a wide variety of viewpoints and individuals to reach out to when I was feeling stuck. Attending events, chatting with people at posters and networking events, and volunteering for outreach programs are all great ways to meet others who are passionate about neuroscience to build your network of peers and mentors. When I was trying to decide between a faculty position and a role at NIH, I reached out to members of this network of mentors for advice, but also to weigh my options. These conversations helped me to prioritize the areas I saw as important for my wellbeing and long-term success.
What strategies have helped you in job searching? Where did you look for roles? What platforms, organizations, or communities were most helpful?
A large professional network helps immensely when job hunting. It's difficult to predict what you may have in common with a given organization, but with a large enough network there is always something or someone. When I was job searching, I was applying for both faculty and non-academic roles simultaneously. I searched all the job boards, and scientific publication ads, as well as social media for faculty jobs.
"It's difficult to predict what you may have in common with a given organization, but with a large enough network there is always something or someone."
For non-academic, I mainly utilized LinkedIn for finding positions, but for government jobs I used USAJOBS. All of these were useful, and I had at least one interview and job offer from each of these sources.
What advice would you give to students or early-career professionals interested in this path? Are there opportunities for people to find jobs in your industry with a variety of degrees (bachelor's, master's, PhD)?
Build your network early and maintain them. Have coffee, check in, and maintain the networking connections you make, as they will stick with you throughout your career. Also, remember networking is a two-way street. Help people on their career journey when you are able to as well.
"The work I do at the NIH supports more science, leading to more innovation and more treatments than I could have accomplished within multiple lifetimes at the bench."
Is there anything we didn't ask that you think should be included?
Stepping away from the academic world does not mean stepping away from science. The work I do at the NIH supports more science, leading to more innovation and more treatments than I could have accomplished within multiple lifetimes at the bench. Helping guide and facilitate good science is rewarding every day.
About the Contributor
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