Scientists - what do you do?

[escahn]

I'm just finishing up my PhD (Molecular/Cell Biology), and a bit overwhelmed in trying to figure out what to do next.

If you are doing/have done a postdoc, was it a positive experience? On one hand, I find science interesting and exciting, and my boss is very supportive and says that I have what it takes to go all the way. I'll have two or three decent (not groundbreaking) papers, plus a couple of second author ones, by the time I'm done. On the other hand, I'm concerned that the fixed-term contracts will make me anxious. Plus, I'm worried about the lack of permanent positions in academia, and I knowing that I have to be a superstar to get a lectureship will make it all the more stressful when experiments/projects aren't going well. Basically I'm a worrier.

Then there are all these other interesting careers that I could possibly go into, which have more stability and probably more opportunities for advancement: healthcare consulting, patent law, medical writing. Medical writing in particular might be good in terms of work-life balance (no DC yet, but hopefully in about 2 years time). I've done loads of research, and these careers sound interesting, but I feel like I won't really know whether I like it until I try it.

I'm applying to biotech companies for research positions too, but I don't know if I have a realistic chance given I have no postdoc experience.

So any scientists out there with careers advice for me? What do you do? Do you like it? Do you wish you had gone down a different path?

hello!

I did a PhD in immunology and just coming to the end of my first postdoc, I start my second in February. This post doc was 3 years including 6 months' mat leave.

I love it. I love the science and the learning things every day and the flexibility and the freedom. At the moment the short term contract thing isn't a bad thing for me, my new job is 4 years but I hope to get a fellowship of my own before that (but will prob have another baby in that time too).

You need an understanding boss and a massive work ethic to have babies and make a successo f it but if you are good at working by yourself it's fine I think. I work 7-3 and 8-10 ish most days so have a nice afternoon with DS. In my new job I need to rearrange but we will see how it goes for a few months with my boss. I might work Saturdays in place of Mondays, for example.

Other careers are interesting - I'm pondering some of those myself as a back up if I don't get a fellowship, because you're right that competition is fierce now. But you know you don't have to decide your whole life now! Why not take a postdoc and see how you like it? You can always leave :) In partic you could leave sideways into a teaching fellowship, or do medical writing on the side for the last 6 months etc, to build up your portfolio. I have friends who have done both of these.

you don' thave to be a superstar to be a lecturer btw. Just solidly productive!

I finished my PhD back in 2000 (in biochemistry/pharmaceutical sciences) and went directly into a medical writing job for a small agency. Didn't enjoy at all so switched to a job in R&D for a large pharma company; I've never regretted it and still work in pharma now. In the ten years I've been working in 'industry' I've had many varied roles and I've never looked back. I've moved between R&D, Commercial and Manufacturing and whilst that is relatively unusual, it's entirely feasible for others to do same and when you consider how long it will be before we draw our pensions, I love the variety! Good luck with your choices - I didn't fancy post-doc at all so never really considered it - sorry can't help with that!

What have people in your group gone on to do?
Also have you been your university carreers services- they should have a range of support - and there may be some things for Phd students/researchers
there used to be a course for Phd students about exploring other careers - it was funded by the reseach council
If all was equal what would you WANT to do?
I had enough of academia when I had finished my PhD - plus all the downside you mention and was lucky enought to get a job in industry in R&D

Thanks for your replies. Yes, I should probably stop worrying about planning my whole life out, that's true. To answer your questions, my lab is pretty young and I'm the first PhD student. But a couple of postdocs have left to go into pharma/biotech. I would say among PhD students in my department/university, the majority go on to do postdocs. Most people tend to ask "where are you going to do your postdoc?" rather than "what are you going to do after your PhD?"

I think that I probably don't see myself in academia long term. I would enjoy the science and mentoring students, but not the uncertainty of grant proposals and projects working. I reckon if I did a postdoc, I would ultimately end up in biotech/pharma. I think I could definitely enjoy working in industry, given the right environment. Still thinking about the other careers though! I have used the careers service, been to a couple of careers fairs and done quite a bit of research, but still no clearer. I guess I'll see what offers I get.