Does anyone have any advice on choice of PhD project in bioinformatics/systems biology?

I have a degree in chemistry and masters in mathematical and computational ecology. However I have since then become much more interested in bioinformatics and computational molecular biology. My academic background in these areas is limited though, so I am not sure if this change can be made without another masters.

Does anyone have any advice on making this change and things to look out for? I'm particularly interested in whether another masters is advisable or whether this conversion is done regularly without one.

I also have an eye on post-PhD employment opportunities. This is important as I am 30 and will be giving up another career to make this change so I need to be mindful of the career it will lead to longer term. Are the skills from most PhDs in this field sought after, or are there areas that are hotter than others in terms of prospects?

Apologies for the length of the post! Grateful for any advice.

ucl have a phd progrmam in mathematical modelling of biological complexity. its a four year programme. sounds like it might be down your ally. you should be able to find it through this site. hope thats some use to you

good look

You could consider

http://www.bioinformatics.ic.ac.uk/wellphd/index.html

for which entry is closed for Oct 08 or the related MRes (it makes up the first year of the four year PhD above) on which there are still places

http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/naturalsciences/courses/pg/ls/bioinformatics

You could also consider http://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/events/Symposium_poster
to get an overview of who's who in the field.

there's loads of this kind of stuff. oxford has numerous programs in the area. cambridge. ucl, imperial. nottingham. manchester. edinburgh.

Bioinformatics is a popular field at the moment, there are loads of departments around the UK offering Masters and PhDs (see above posts).

I think your background would make is possible for you to go directly to a PhD, especially as your department will have bioinformatic courses that will bring you up to speed. HOWEVER, you will be competing with people who have the advantage with their dedicated undergrad degrees and/or projects.

I would go for a Masters or a 4-year course if I was you!