Job at Frontiers publication after PhD- good long-term career move or risky?
I recently finished my PhD in life science and have been trying to transition away from academia. I still want to work in a science-related field, but I no longer see myself pursuing the PI/postdoc route long term.
I’ve been offered a role as a Journal Specialist at Frontiers, and I’m trying to think carefully about whether this is a smart long-term move or whether it could negatively affect my future career options.
However, I also know Frontiers has a somewhat mixed reputation in academia depending on the field and the person you ask. I am aware that some researchers criticize aspects of its publishing model. That’s the part making me hesitate. My main questions are:
Would having Frontiers on my CV hurt future transitions into other science-industry roles?
How stable is Frontiers publication job, given the changing nature of academia and AI?
What are realistic exit opportunities after a few years in this type of role?4. For people who left academia: did moving into publishing help or limit your options later?
I would really appreciate honest perspectives, especially from people who transitioned from academia into publishing or adjacent industries.