Based on questionnaire survey data of recent PhD graduates, a quantitative analysis of the occupational orientation of Chinese PhD students engaged in academic research and the influencing factors is performed. The results show that factors such as gender, academic interest, and family background have a significant impact on PhD students' academic occupational orientation. PhD students who are women, have strong academic interests, and have lower family birth status are more willing to do academic research work. In the end, on the basis of the data analysis, the authors offer policy recommendations on how to encourage more outstanding talents to devote themselves to academic research. [This article was translated by Jeff Keller.]