Academic Market Research & Program Design
Damiano Group, Scientific Communications
Mentor
Marina Damiano, PhD, Owner and CEO, Damiano Group Scientific Communications
Background
Damiano Group Scientific Communications helps researchers and organizations in science, medicine, and technology amplify the impact of their innovations and communicate with clarity and confidence.
Our team of PhD-level scientists and strategic communications experts offers communications strategy, public relations, workshops, coaching, and writing services that bridge the gap between complex research and real-world impact. Whether we’re working with academic labs, industry partners, or government agencies, our focus is helping our clients communicate their science effectively and accurately to achieve their goals.
This externship is your chance to use your research skills in a new way: not only will you help us understand what senior PhD students and postdocs need for professional development, but you’ll also gain hands-on experience in the business and strategy behind building new programs.
You’ll see how market needs are identified, how ideas are validated, and how a concept can be developed into a sustainable offering. This is valuable experience for anyone interested in the business side of science, consulting, or communications.
Role of the Extern & Who Should Apply
As our extern, you’ll take the lead on a project to identify unmet needs among advanced graduate students and postdocs, gather and analyze feedback, and help us design a new course or resource that fills those gaps. You’ll work closely with our founder, Dr. Marina Damiano, and get a behind-the-scenes look at how a strategic scientific communications business tests ideas, evaluates market potential, and plans for growth.
If you’re interested in science communication, strategy, and the business of bringing new programs to life, this externship will give you real-world experience in market research, product development, strategy, and planning. If you enjoy connecting with people, asking insightful questions, brainstorming, and thinking about how ideas can become sustainable solutions, you’ll thrive in this role.
Specific Objectives
Deliverables:
- A market research report on the professional development needs of senior PhDs and postdocs.
- A proposal for a new course or resource, including a draft outline or sample lesson.
- A strategic assessment of the idea’s viability, including recommendations for next steps or alternative directions.
What You’ll Learn & Do:
- Plan and conduct interviews, focus groups, or surveys with your peers to gather market insights.
- Analyze qualitative and quantitative data to identify trends and needs.
- Research existing offerings and the competitive landscape to spot gaps and opportunities.
- Use your findings to outline a new course or resource, and test it with a small group.
- Learn how to assess market fit, evaluate business potential, and think strategically about program development and commercialization.
Training & Support:
- Regular one-on-one meetings with Dr. Damiano for mentorship and feedback.
- Step-by-step guidance on market research, business analysis, and program design. No prior business background required.
- Opportunities to attend Damiano Group workshops or webinars.
Structure & Time Commitment:
- 10 weeks (about 10–12 hours/week).
- Weekly check-in meetings (virtual, flexible scheduling).
- Clear milestones, with room for your own ideas and initiative.
Qualifications
You should apply if you:
- Are a senior PhD student or postdoc in STEM
- Have experience talking to people about their work—through interviews, surveys, focus groups, or organizing events.
- Are comfortable listening, asking questions, and making sense of different perspectives.
- Can write clearly and explain your findings in plain language.
- Are comfortable working independently and have excellent time management and interpersonal skills.
- Are curious about strategy, communications, or program design.
You’ll stand out if you:
- Have helped plan a workshop, course, or outreach activity.
- Are active in student/postdoc groups, science communication, or entrepreneurial efforts.
- Want to see how your research and analytical skills can be applied to business strategy and program development.
How This Externship Will Help You
- See your skills in action: Use your research and analytical background to solve real problems and help your peers.
- Build business savvy: Gain firsthand experience in market research, product validation, and strategic planning – skills that are valuable in consulting, education, startups, and beyond.
- Grow your network: Connect with professionals in strategic communications, higher education, and business.
- Try something new: Get experience in turning ideas into action and learn how programs are built, tested, and launched.
- Build confidence: Discover that the skills you’ve built in grad school are valuable far beyond your own research project.
If you want to help researchers communicate their impact and build resources that empower the next generation of innovators, we’d love to work with you.
To apply:
Send your resume and a short note about why this project interests you via the myCHOICE portal. If you have any video or audio of you speaking in public or explaining your research, please share that too.