What does the 2026 job market actually look like for PhDs — and what do you need to do differently to stand out, with Angla Priest

<p>In this episode of PostPhDirections, I&#39;m joined by my co-founder Angela Priest, who brings over 20 years of hiring experience across startups and big cooperates. We get into everything you need to know about the current job market — the honest, behind-the-scenes version.</p><p>We cover:</p><ul><li>Why uncertainty has become the new normal for employers — and what that means for your job search</li><li>The AI shift: what &quot;AI native&quot; means in job descriptions and why it matters for you</li><li>Why your data fluency is one of the most in-demand skills right now (and why most PhDs don&#39;t even realize they have it)</li><li>The hottest roles for STEM PhDs in 2026: AI/ML, health tech, biotech &amp; clinical research</li><li>The #1 skill listed in 85% of job descriptions — and why PhDs often struggle with it</li><li>How to make interviewers actually want to hire you (the unspoken criteria nobody talks about)</li><li>Why communication in industry means something completely different than it does in academia</li></ul><p>If you&#39;re a PhD or postdoc thinking about making the leap, this episode is full of raw, practical insight from someone who&#39;s spent decades in the hiring room.</p><p>Connect with Angela Priest on LinkedInLearn more about Alma.me and our <a href="https://www.alma.me/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Job Accelerator Program</a>: Follow Elena on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-hoffer-/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">LinkedIn</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/elenahoffer_phd/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Instagram</a>,<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@eli_the_scientist?_t=ZN-8uBg6qK1hLS&_r=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer"> TikTok</a> and<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@ElenaHoffer" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer"> YouTube</a>.</p><p>If you found this helpful, share it with a fellow researcher — and please leave us a review. It&#39;s the easiest way to help other PhDs find this podcast. 💙</p><p><br></p>