Neuroscience is a specialized branch that involves study of various aspects of our nervous system: its structure, functions, developmental aspects, degeneration, and impact on other parts of the body and system. The subject of neuroscience is multidisciplinary and involves multiple levels including cellular, molecular, functional, cognitive, behavioral, computational, medical, among others. Thus, the study of neuroscience finds applications in various areas / domains wherever there is some relation to the brain and its causal relationship.

The intriguing question that has always baffled psychologists and behavioral scientists over time is to “why people behave the way they behave”. And answers to some of these puzzles in this domain can be found in neuroscience. The brain happens to be the most complex and mysterious organ and a matter of intense research in various applications including diseases like Alzheimer’s / Dementia, etc.

In view of its complex and challenging applications in various areas, neuroscience offers huge job opportunities to students.

Major Job Profiles:

1.    Research Career: This is the core area of interest in the entire gamut of neuroscience. Research is at full swing in all areas / specializations of neuroscience, and it offers tremendous career opportunities to really deserving students. These profiles are available in companies operating in healthcare, biotechnology, various other research institutions, and specialized academic entities. These profiles are sometimes also nomenclated as “clinical neuroscientist.”

2.    Psychiatrist: The extended job profile of a neuroscientist is that of psychiatrist who is often a medical practitioner and is involved in treating patients with mental problems / difficulties / disorders. They provide both psychological as well as medical support to take care of the patients. With the rapid spread of mental issues and problems including that of Alzheimer’s / Dementia among elderly population, this career opportunity is continually in high demand

3.    Biostatistician: This is an extended research profile that focuses on the applications of mathematics and statistics in suggesting solutions to the issues related to medical treatment related to mental issues.

4.    Neuropsychologist: These specialists are involved in the application of neuroscience in solving psychological issues. The experts here make distinguished careers as “professional psychologists” and find job opportunities in old age homes, schools for differently abled, higher education institutions, specialized geriatric wings at hospitals, etc.

5.    Neurologist: This is an opportunity for those who have taken a medical degree (MD and beyond) in neuroscience. They are specialized medical practitioners to take care of patients suffering from neurological issues / disorders. The doctors who specialize in brain surgery are known as “neurosurgeons”.

Educational Qualification:

A graduation degree (BSc) degree in neuroscience is the minimum qualification for entry into the exciting career of neuroscience. However, for a long-term career, students should do a master’s degree followed by a doctoral degree (PhD). To practice neuroscience, a medical degree is not required. However, if one aspires to become a neurologist or neurosurgeon, a regular medical degree is needed. Students can acquire special certifications like in counseling, NLP, etc.

Needed Competencies:

Since research is at the core of neuroscience, students must be analytical in approach, have problem solving attributes and be enthusiastic about research. Commitment, passion, and perseverance are the key traits. Since these professionals often work in teams, effective communication and interpersonal skills are imperative. Empathy is the other core attribute as professionals often need to interact with people with mental issues.

Future Outlook:

Dr A K Sen Gupta is the Founder and Convener, Higher Education Forum (HEF). He is former Director of SIES College of Management Studies (SIESCOMS), Navi Mumbai and Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan’s S P Jain Institute of Management & Research (SPJIMR), Mumbai. He may be contacted at aksengupta51@gmail.com or 9821128103.