Well after long and difficult debates with just about everyone, ive decided to take the phd but have deferred until january. Anyone else started mid year? will it be much of a problem or just result in a later finish.

Thanks everyone for your opinions

The PhD is in mitochondrial transporters and the job is in sleep research. The company do offer PhD funding but only if you have been there 3 years or more. I hope that if I stay on in my job for a year or so i will get an opportunity as good in the future...

should have checked that link!

Ever heard of Modafinil? I saw a film about it and should really get you going. I think its only prescription tho and only meant for narcoleptics.

Cog in the machine sorry- another case for editing posts!

Well I dont actually get a say in what experiments are carried out but i am involved in the development of the analytic procedures. Thus i dont feel completely wasted. I do however see your point that this role is more a cog in the wheel rather than doing something involving independant thought.

As to the PhD I wouldnt have considered it were it not very interesting to me. My potential supervisor is also a really nice guy. What i would really like would be to see into the future to know if I would eventually reach a point in the industry where not having a PhD would result in me not being able to advance. I have a feeling this may well be the case from looking at the current people in the organisation. Also i would like to see if i could get a job after the phd! Anyone studying time travel??

Hi all,
I have an MSc and have just started working for a pharma company as a data analyst. However, on my first day of work i was offered a PhD at cambridge and am now in the terribly difficult position of either turning down a great opportunity or upsetting my current and possibly future employer by quiting after the first week.

A PhD may help me in my future career in pharma and thus be worth doing (plus it is a really interesting topic) or will the work experience be more worthwhile. I dont know if ill be able to get such a PhD opportunity again if the job doesnt go anywhere. The job does however also presents many interesting opportunities.

Anyone have experience of doors closing in pharma from not having a phd or is a PhD mainly useful for getting in the door.