So, I’m rapidly reaching the end of my rope here, so I figured I’d turn to the SDMB for advice. A bit of background: I have an M.Sc. in immunology, went to work for a biotech company doing research on therapeutic vaccines straight out of school. A bit over a year ago, I got laid off due to financial cutbacks at the company, but then wound up going back to work for them on contract for a short time once they discovered they’d cut a bit too far. They have since completely shut down their research operations, and are limping along trying to get clinical trials through. Since then, despite countless interviews, I have been unable to find work in my field.
What I’m looking for is suggestions of other things I can do with my education/background, besides lab work. Aside from the scientific/lab experience, I have a little bit of secretarial/admin-type experience, though just from a summer job in undergrad, I’m a decent writer, though I don’t particularly enjoy it, I have a fair amount of knowledge of/interest in environmental issues, and I have the requisite multi-tasking and organizational skills required to survive both grad school and work in biotech.
Obviously, my preference is to stay in research, but money is getting really tight, and I don’t want to have to dip into my RRSPs beyond what I’ve already done, so at this point, I’ll go for anything that would be at least moderately interesting, and keep me in Vancouver. Ideas, anyone?
Are there any local politicos who need a medical/scientific advisor or constituency-service caseworker? Any teaching opportunities, from elementary up through grad schools? Good luck!!!
I live in Conencticut, right down the road from Pfizer Corporate Headquarters. Their R&D global and their Corporate Global HQ is 10 minutes from where I live. I have two close friends who has M.Sc in Micro Bio, and one in Genetics. Both are Pharmaseutical Sales Reps - both live in 750K plus homes…I don’t know if you’d like to switch gears, but Pfizer is hiring like the dickens and CT is a nice place to make a home. I have another close friend who was a sales rep for Pfizer and then went to overseeing some of their Clinical trials. She lives in a nice spot as well.
Pfizer has one train for months before striking out on your own. It’s very effective. One of the things Pfizer prides themself on is their training and development - it’s really second to non.
I know Vancouver is a nice town, but hanging on to a locale is a common cause of career stagnation. Unless your entire family lives there, think about moving on. Otherwise, I’d start trying to acquire the other half of the skill set you need to work in Bioinformatics. You won’t get out of this rut without doing something different.