I'm a masters genetics graduate and have spent about a year in various labs as a technician and assistant [mostly voluntary work]. I'm really trying to get a job as a technician or assistant in genetics or biosciences, but I'm debating whether to aim for a PhD now, or after I have a few more years experience.

I'm concerned that since it will take me many applications to get a PhD position, I might get one that I'm only partially interested in, and that will in turn lock me into a field that I might not be interested in by the end. As a rule I only apply for jobs that I can do and I have interest in, but it still concerns me making such a life-changing decision.

My plan was to find a technician/assistant job and then get a better idea of what I'm getting into, but am I being too hesitant? Should I just get on with it, or am I making the right decision to get more familiar with the process and field? I'd hate to waste my time, because I honestly enjoy lab work as a technician or assistant, I'm not that interested in fighting for grants or running my own group.

Any advice would be appreciated, even if its just a kick up the ass.

Hi, Solo,

If you have no plans to run your own group or fight for grants endlessly, there really isn't any reason for you to do a PhD. If you wanted to a PhD because you like doing research, have you thought of a career as a scientist in a big pharma/small company? With a master, it is easier to find an entry level position as scientist I. You can move up the scale to be scientist II, etc later on. If you are lucky, they might even sponsor you to do a PhD after a few years of working with them.

Thanks for the response. I've seriously considered that yes and would love to do it, but frankly whenever I apply to big industry jobs, I never heard back from them. I've mostly given up even trying to contact them let alone apply. It's the same for 90% of the industry jobs I apply for, and while I get regular interviews for Academic department jobs, I've not had a single one for an industry position.

Now that you mention it, I guess that's actually a problem I should look into. I presumed that I was doing something wrong. I've applied to a variety of Pharma companies for entry level positions and some things that come up on job sites, but I don't hear anything back from them.

How would I go about writing an application for Industry? I can write a good one for academia, but clearly I'm missing an important difference between academic and industry roles. Judging from the articles on Google [http://www.pgbovine.net/academia-industry-junior-employee.htm, Industry might be a better fit for me [impact, money, stability]. Perhaps I'm asking the wrong questions?

I don't see what you have to lose by applying, you can always try again in a few years if you don't get any suitable offers this time?

I don't have anything to lose by applying to industry jobs, but when my previous applications have literally come to nothing, I'm concerned that I'm doing something fundamental wrong, not just having a poor resume.

Hi, Solo,

The resume for an industry role differs significantly to an academic one. The industry wants people who are more results and profit oriented with excellent communications and networking skills. The academia, especially RA positions only emphasise on technical skills. Since you were volunteering, I could understand why the PIs love you. Who would reject free labour in addition to the cheap labour in the form of PhD students? As a PhD student myself, it was hard to admit that last bit.

Check out the websites for people transitioning to the industry. There are plenty. Customise your resume according to their suggestions. Talk to more people from the industry to understand what they want. It will take a while before you hit anything. Positions in the industry are mainly permanent, unlike the academia which is mostly contract based. So they ARE picky about who they take on and train. So you will need to try harder.

I hope these are "good kicks up the ass" to shove you to decide your life and get moving. If you still prefer to volunteer, how about paid internships in companies instead? Think about it.

Good luck!

Hehe, the "kick up the ass" is appreciated, but you're misunderstanding if you think I'm choosing volunteering over jobs, I simply do the volunteering to improve my CV while trying to actually get a job. I've done plenty of interviews but am still struggling. As for paid internships: I would if I could, but I don't live anywhere where it is practical to do industry internships like that.

Do you have any suggestions on which websites to study regarding the transition, or specific recommendations to study please? I'm currently digging through Google but I'm not exactly sure what I'm looking for [apart from "biosciences industry CV etc]. I'm sure I can find my own contacts in industry, I certainly have a few already. Once I figure out how to get started I'm sure I can manage.

Edit: And PS: Please could you suggest some places to look for "entry level" positions in industry? I check the main Pharma company websites [GSK, Pfizer, Isogenica etc] but they rarely advertise for entry level jobs, most requiring a PhD.

Edit 2: I also check Newscientist, Nature, CV/VacancyCentral etc. Did I miss something?

What sort of jobs are you looking for? My understanding is that most entry level jobs by the big pharma do not require PhD. For example, sales rep, scientist I, product specialist, etc... I do not know your interest. So unless you are looking for higher positions like manager, assoc director, MSL etc, you do not need a PhD. Just look at the job websites.

Look up "transitioning from academia to industry resume". Cheeky Scientist comes up a lot. Perhaps you could join them if you wish.

Ideally I'm interested in lab bench work in industry. But I'll try the job titles you suggested and check out Cheeky Scientist.