Advice on switching track to a more specialised and scientific career

[Workinggirl3573]

I have both an MSc and BSc in a hard science that had some lab work but gave me broad skills without specialising. I then went to work for a startup where I ended up in project management with very generalist skills and worked in an office for many years. I recently left.

I'm not keen on getting back into project management again and would love to be back in a more scientific environment but I'm not sure how. Something like the NHS Scientific Training Programme would be amazing, but the deadlines have just passed and I'm not sure if it's for younger scientists anyway. I'm unsure if I would have to start afresh with another masters, or there is some route that I can go down to switch careers. I don't mind if it's very junior as long as there is some scope for progression. I'm a bit fed up with startups as well, and would prefer to work somewhere more established like an MNC or public sector. I've looked at universities too and I would probably fit into an admin role in a research group. Otherwise all the vacancies I can currently see are quite specialist.

Pharmaceutical or contract research companies could be a good option for you. Generally there are plenty of entry level positions available, either lab or office based roles, scope for progression and to move internally between roles. Universities are often short term contracts as research groups only receive funding for a set period of time, this can be good for gaining experience but also means can end up re-applying for jobs and moving regularly, so depends on whether this is a factor for you or not.

I worked for the NHS as a biomedical scientist for many years, I wouldn't recommend it.

I guess what do you want from a job, of it's a reasonable wage, hours and promotion opportunities then I wouldn't got for the NHS.

Thank you both.

What I found at the startup was that it was great in the beginning, but as it progressed to a medium sized company it became awful - nepotism, job uncertainty, paid me ok but that because I working more and more hours and responsibilities with no resources but not progressing in seniority. Having said that, there was a lot of opportunities for progressing but I wasn't great at networking or making myself visible. I still ended up burned out from overwork and the stupidly long hours.

I would like stability, clear job responsibilities, 9-5pm position that I can leave at the office. I'm ok to be a little cog in a machine but I would like to have a scientific role so that I'm not bored and I can feel what I'm doing is somewhat worthwhile. I would love a lab setting where I can build skills and learn. I have a SEN kid and am no longer wildly ambitious or looking for a huge salary, but would like some scope for progression. Public sector is attractive for this reason, but I don't know if it's changed since I last looked into it.

Pharma is something I've looked at briefly but I didn't see entry level roles on the career websites I looked at. I will go back and have another look. Having worked in alongside pharma previously, I'm guessing the job security may not that great. 😅 But it does tick other boxes for me.

Try medical communication agencies- they do work for pharma companies e.g. medical writing, events, patient engagement etc.

Just coming on to say exact same thing,
pharmaceutical carer entry would be in labs for science trained- biology, chemistry , pharmacy type - lab technicians are needed both in pharma research, formulation, or production (as part of quality control) , all great roles for starters
….if you have more engineering type background there’s also roles in engineering, and chemistry also roles in manufacturing science and technology
I think they’d be very interested in you, as your experience means you have a lot of potential to progress in a lot of different directions.

Write a good speculative cv …look at elevator pitch and STAR based application as most use these. Then write a great speculative letter saying what type of tasks and skills you’re interested in , what you loved about your degrees, what you’re looking for to motivate you - avoid specifying specific roles or titles - show you understand what makes you tick and what is going to motivate you and they’ll get it to right sort of roles

FMCG including food manufacturers etc are also always in need of good science starters - similar roles to pharma

I loved my 40 year career in manufacturing - started in research as a chemistry graduate in labs , then formulation, then production support technology and then supply chain - ended up as a global technical specialist going all over the world.

I actually would recommend NHS but go for a role in the histopathology part of the lab (as opposed to chemical/haem). You can plod along 9-5 but do your job well, or progress all the way through the bands to a reporting consultant BMS (if you get ambitious again later). Each lab has a different 'vibe' so make sure to choose a friendly one with a track record of training people up through the bands.
Good luck!

Whilst some companies have always had a hire and fire mentality (Pfizer 🤷🏼‍♀️) some companies are still a little bit more loyal to their employees - I don’t think pharma is any worse than other manufacturing and pay is better . I was with sake company for last 30 years of my career, although in around 10 different roles and 4 different sites.

Contract research companies would be a good start.
Wouldn't pay as much as NHS but would give you some experience you move on with.