Searching for a new job after graduation can be daunting. Working in a lab or the general research field with your degree may seem the most mainstream. However, if you want to work in a more stable position, several companies offer customer support roles in the science industry. After earning a STEM degree, recent graduates can pursue positions outside of traditional research and work in customer support instead.
Career Pathways for STEM Graduates
Traditional research positions are an expected route for recent STEM graduates and may seem like the only field available to you. Researchers typically work independently in isolated labs. They sometimes run experiments several times, which can become tedious. Some may not enjoy the lack of structure those positions entail. If you want a more structured position, a customer support job with a science-based focus may be a better option.
Customer support in the science industry is a unique option for recent STEM graduates. It is more people-focused than research-based, but it still requires knowledge from your degree. Some duties you may have include training customers to use science-related tools or using your expertise beyond providing general research findings. If you are good with people and enjoy talking about science, a customer support position may be a good fit.
Best Companies Hiring Science-Related Customer Support
Where you work in customer support in the science industry matters. You want to choose a company that aligns with your values and offers services that interest you. Below are the top companies hiring customer support in the science industry to help you decide.
1. Danaher
Danaher fosters a collaborative environment with a meaningful impact. Employees improve the world’s quality of life through jobs in life sciences and biotechnology. Customer support professionals need to be well-versed in the field of life sciences, diagnostics and biotechnology. Workers in the support sector will guide customers’ adoption of new technology, maintain overall customer relationships and provide education on the company’s products.
2. GRAIL
GRAIL is a company focused on health-related science, particularly cancer research. It conducts clinical studies and utilizes machine learning technology. The company works with patients, doctors, researchers and advocates. GRAIL’s website features many stories and newsletters about cancer and the specific work its employees do, and advertises its staff as hardworking, big thinkers with creative and collaborative qualities. The organization also promotes a good work-life balance for its employees.
3. Benchling
Benchling is the creator of a cloud platform for modern life sciences. The company uses AI in biotechnology to remain innovative and competitive in the evolving field of science. Its customers are from industries like biopharma, agriculture and general materials. Benchling focuses on scientific innovation and research. The staff hosts an annual Benchtalk conference outlining the company’s outlook for that year. It promotes a learning mindset among its employees while offering many family-oriented perks, including healthcare and retirement benefits.
4. Lilly
Lilly is a medicine company that helps customers find doctors, access pharmacies and join clinical trials. Its researchers develop medicines for a variety of ailments, earning patents and various awards. The company values employees who focus on health and push the boundaries of science. It offers positions in many career areas. Potential candidates can join the Lilly Talent Community to express their interest and provide their qualifications for positions.
5. Eurofins
Eurofins, specifically its USA BioPharma Services division, is a research organization that works primarily in biotechnology. It addresses the entire drug development chain with global outreach. The company offers support and development for employees throughout their careers, allowing them to make their own decisions and receive rewards for success. Customer support employees contact both internal teams and external clients.
6. Pfizer
Pfizer is a familiar name in the industry, known for creating vaccines for various illnesses, including COVID-19 and the flu. The company’s prescriptions go through many scientists, lab tests and clinical trials before prescribing them to patients. It has a four-phase product pipeline designed to transform patients’ lives safely. Employees are awarded based on their individual contributions to the business. Pfizer also helps maintain its workers’ health through their program.
7. Merck
Merck is a research biopharmaceutical company with a focus on sustainability. It works with patients and investors to create medicines and vaccines for people and animals. The company has a people-first mentality, emphasizing the importance of the customer support staff. Merck runs a talent community to help you find a position that fits your specific expertise.
Company Comparison Table
The following table outlines each company mentioned, along with a few key features to provide a simpler view for your research.
Company | Values | Customers | Focus |
Danaher | Collaboration, impact and quality of life | People in life sciences, biotechnology and diagnostic industries | Life sciences, biotechnology and more |
GRAIL | Hard work, big picture, creativity and collaboration | Patients, doctors, researchers and advocates | Health-related science (Cancer) |
Benchling | Scientific innovation and research | People in biopharma, agriculture and general materials | Cloud platform for modern life sciences |
Lilly | General health | Patients looking for doctors, pharmacies or to join trials | Medicine development |
Eurofins | Global outreach, support, development and rewards | Internal teams and external clients | Research organization in biotechnology |
Pfizer | Health and patients’ lives | Patients and others interested in vaccines | Vaccine creation |
Merck | Sustainability and patient-first | Patients (people and animals) and investors | Biopharmaceutical research |
Methodology
The companies were chosen based on consistent science-related customer support availability and current job postings. The ranking was selected according to key features of each company and relevance to the science industry, as well as comparisons with similar lists.
Expanding Beyond Customer Support
People in customer support jobs often expand into other career paths. Once you hold a position at a company, you can demonstrate your expertise in different areas and switch to a more specialized role, such as sales engineering or product management. The science industry is vast, and a customer support position can help you find a new role you never considered.
Alternative View of a STEM Degree
While STEM degrees can seem limiting, there are many alternative ways to view them beyond scientific research. Students with science degrees have more options beyond traditional jobs, especially in today's job market. Expand your job outlook through a customer support or similar outward position. Customer support can be an excellent service that improves the experiences of the customer and yourself.
