[notnormal]

Hi folks,

I'm looking into doing a PhD in organic chemistry because I want to work in the pharmaceutical industry, and without a PhD that is basically impossible for a chemist. I'm about to start into my final year in UCC, where I'm doing BSc Chemistry of Pharmaceutical Compounds. I've gotten a 1:1 the last 3 years so grades-wise I think I'm in a good position to get a PhD.

I need to get a PhD that will be well funded, not only because I recognise that it is insane to take on an unfunded PhD, but because I absolutely cannot afford to take on that kind of debt.

I'm considering going further afield, most likely the UK, and I'm looking for advice/words of wisdom/experiences?

Can anyone recommend any areas of chemistry to specialise in that would suit someone looking to work in pharma? At the moment that's proving to be my biggest obstacle - deciding what area to look for supervisors in.

What do ye think are the best universities in the UK when it comes to postgrad support, where is the best pharmaceutical chemistry work being done at the moment, and who is doing it?

I'm sure this information is available online somewhere, but I feel so overwhelmed at the moment I don't even know where to start looking...

Any help/advice greatly appreciated!

[Woodward]

With your grade history you should be able to get an IRCSET scholarship in Ireland provided you have a half decent research proposal. There is some good work being done on cancer (inorganic pharm) and diabetes (organic) in NUIM along with a few smaller projects that are still getting off the ground

[djpbarry]

Originally Posted by notnormal

I'm looking into doing a PhD in organic chemistry because I want to work in the pharmaceutical industry, and without a PhD that is basically impossible for a chemist.

I don’t know who has told you that, but it is utter nonsense.

Originally Posted by notnormal

Can anyone recommend any areas of chemistry to specialise in that would suit someone looking to work in pharma?

I don’t mean to sound harsh, but you’re looking into doing a PhD for all the wrong reasons. Doing a PhD to enhance job prospects is a complete waste of time – industry experience would be far more valuable. If you get a good degree, if you’re determined enough and you put across the right attitude, I don’t think you’ll have too much trouble finding a job, especially if you’re prepared to relocate.

The only reason you should be considering a PhD is if you want to work in research. That’s it. If you’re thinking of doing it just to have ‘PhD’ after your name, then don’t bother. You really have to be sure the particular project you’re going to be working on is of interest to you. Because if it isn’t, you’re going to absolutely hate it. Hence, picking a particular project just because you think it’s a hot topic in the pharma industry at present, strikes me as a really bad idea.

[notnormal]

Originally Posted by djpbarry

I don’t know who has told you that, but it is utter nonsense.

I should have been more specific with my statement. I want to work in R&D, so I'll have to get a PhD if I want to go straight in at that level, i.e. I know it's possible to get a chemist job without a PhD, it's a matter of the type of work I want to do as a chemist within the pharmaceutical industry.

I love research, I'm on placement within the industry at the moment and I love it, so I do have an end goal in mind. The reason I asked about topics is because PhDs are so specific and I want to make sure I do end up with one that interests me, I'm gonna be spending upwards of 3 years basically breathing it, so I'd want to find it fascinating from the outset.

I'm sorry if I sounded like someone who was looking to do a PhD purely for letters after my name, I realise that that would be utter stupidity!

*edited for formatting

[robp]

Originally Posted by notnormal

Hi folks,

I'm looking into doing a PhD in organic chemistry because I want to work in the pharmaceutical industry, and without a PhD that is basically impossible for a chemist. I'm about to start into my final year in UCC, where I'm doing BSc Chemistry of Pharmaceutical Compounds. I've gotten a 1:1 the last 3 years so grades-wise I think I'm in a good position to get a PhD.

I need to get a PhD that will be well funded, not only because I recognise that it is insane to take on an unfunded PhD, but because I absolutely cannot afford to take on that kind of debt.

I'm considering going further afield, most likely the UK, and I'm looking for advice/words of wisdom/experiences?

Can anyone recommend any areas of chemistry to specialise in that would suit someone looking to work in pharma? At the moment that's proving to be my biggest obstacle - deciding what area to look for supervisors in.

What do ye think are the best universities in the UK when it comes to postgrad support, where is the best pharmaceutical chemistry work being done at the moment, and who is doing it?

I'm sure this information is available online somewhere, but I feel so overwhelmed at the moment I don't even know where to start looking...

Any help/advice greatly appreciated!

In my opinion no other UK university even comes close to the postgraduate funding opportunities in Cambridge and Oxford. Yet I don't known anything about your discipline.

There is alot of opportunities in the UK but do look further too. For instance in Germany there is a great deal of research going on by the Max Planck Society. Its an opportunity to work in a pure research environment without the distractions of undergrads and tutor work. No residency requirement unlike many of the UK positions.

[aelune]

Hey there, I'm starting my Organic Chemistry PhD in UCC soon and the best advice I can give is - check out the research sections of every Irish University. See what sort of organic chemistry research is going on and whatever catches you eye - email the lecturer/researcher. They will guide you in your final decision and in the obtaining of funds. They will recommend where to best apply. Your grades seem good so IRCSET would be good to check out - specifically ask about an enterprise partnership with IRCSET because this will offer the chance of industry experience too!

On top of all that, the most crucial piece of advice I can give is - make sure you get along/are comfortable with the lecturer. Remember you will be on their research team for the good part of 4 years.

Best of luck finding something good, PM me if you want to discuss any research being carried out around Ireland. Long live organic chemistry!