Best areas of biology to get into

danlen

Hey guys,

I'll try to make this quick as I can (forgive me if I fail!). I have an undergrad BSc. in Biological Sciences. I'm currently looking at doing postgrad study.

I've been trying to research the biological areas to move into, in relation to job prospects and in line with my own interests.

I know there seems to be a buzz around bioinformatics, and there certainly seems potential for there to be good job prospects in the future for it. However, while I am not clear on the exact demands of such a course, I would be concerned about my ability to work with the computers and statistical side of things, considering I didn't do much of those in my undergrad. Could anyone with knowledge/experience of this course/field please pass on any info that might help?

If I were to choose on interest alone, I would almost certainly choose Human Nutrition. I know UU in Coleraine do a MSc. I would also love to pursue that to PhD level. The problem with this is that there is obviously doing to be significant cost and time out of employment. Coupled with the fact that there may not be too many job prospects in this field after my studies, is it worth taking the risk?

Perhaps something like Biomedicine would be a better choice?

So what I'm hoping to gain from the forum is, for perhaps people who have knowledge of the job prospects in the various biological science fields, or those who are currently working in any biological field, to post some info that may help me make a more informed choice.

Thanks in advance people!

cookie1977

What ever you choose make sure it's because you like the area.

In the republic stipends of up to 1200-1500 are paid per month to do a Ph.D., aswell as the annual Ph.D. registration fee. So maybe you could survive on this? The stipend is tax free.

Research in Ireland is tough to pursue now. There are few if any lecturing jobs coming up and competition for grants is high with the governments push for more and more phd graduates, leaving the number of postdocs increasing and therefore clogging the system. If you were willing to leave Ireland after your phd in what ever, you might do well. But as it stands it's tough in research in Ireland today as a postdoc.

There are some opportunities in the private sector if you were willing to switch to that soon after your phd.

Tree

There's also the whole question of what state the economy will be in in four years time, could be a swing away from a lack of jobs in your field.

I've chosen to head down the PhD route rather than look for a job, as I would like to be doing research (whether industrial or academic is a question for four years time). A PhD stipend is ok to live off, it's not amazing and it's a wee bit frustrating when all your friends have well paying jobs (and have got themselves tied down with mortgages).

Might be worth talking to people in the field you want to work in about job opportunities, and also how transferrable your skills would be into another area, eg. do nutrition but still find jobs doing data analysis or what have you.

danlen

Thanks guys, sound advice.

Looking from the other perspective, what sort of opportunities are out there at the moment, outside of research?

Is there any science area booming more than others or do jobs seem to be quite limited across all fields?

I'm in the same position as a lot of people I would imagine: I would love to continue to study something I'm really interested in but I would like to know it will give me someting back in return in the future!

Any more thoughts would be appreciated...

cookie1977

I think there would be more return for your buck (outside of research) with a PhD, outside of Ireland.

There's not many research jobs in industry in Ireland. There are many postdocs working for pharmaceutical as MSL's (medical science liason officers). They meet with medics to discuss drug options.

steddyeddy

Biochemistry gave me a great foundation. From there I could diversify into many biology related areas of research. A biochemist is also very employable in the pharma sector (mainly research).

Viral Vector

Hi danlen, I did Biomed too and was asking myself the same question! I went on after graduation and did a Masters in Neuroscience, it's a fascinating area of Biology which brings Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry together! It was in the UK so I was taught by the best in the fields of neurodegenerative, neurodevelopmental and behavioural neuroscience research.

However jobs are scarce in Ireland at the moment and you'll have to emigrate to the UK if you're looking for employment.

danlen

Viral Vector wrote: »

Hi danlen, I did Biomed too and was asking myself the same question! I went on after graduation and did a Masters in Neuroscience, it's a fascinating area of Biology which brings Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry together! It was in the UK so I was taught by the best in the fields of neurodegenerative, neurodevelopmental and behavioural neuroscience research.

However jobs are scarce in Ireland at the moment and you'll have to emigrate to the UK if you're looking for employment.

Thanks for your reply.

I was recently looking towards doing a masters in Imperial College in London. My only worry is supporting myself financially. Can I ask how you found this while you were over there? Am I correct in thinking there will be no financial aid for Irish students in the UK?

Viral Vector

danlen wrote: »

Thanks for your reply.

I was recently looking towards doing a masters in Imperial College in London. My only worry is supporting myself financially. Can I ask how you found this while you were over there? Am I correct in thinking there will be no financial aid for Irish students in the UK?

Nope none whatsoever danlen, it was all self funded! I just got in before the fees increased so I spent about £10,000 for tuition and catered accomodation! I suppose you could ring up Imperial and ask them about financial support. I was in King's College London so I wouldn't know much about them!

You could also apply for scholarships.

Kevster

You cannot give a blanket 'no' to that question because some MSc courses are actually funded. You don't have to do a MSc though. I went straight from my degree to do a PhD in 2 years (just finished last wednesday). I'm an Irish citizen and was funded a 13,290GBP annual stipend.

Bioinformatics and breast cancer was the main focus of my research. Don't be scared of bioinformatics ... it's a large area and the best thing about it is that it's still in its infancy compared to other sciences. So, get on the bandwagon now and become an expert in it.

Added: If you can get your foot in the 'UK door' then put it there. There is still much opportunity over here and, to be perfectly honest, there seems to be more positions for 'early' researchers than there are for experienced ones. Cheap labour...?

danlen

Sorry to bring this thread back up but just giving a bit of an update.

I am going to pursue a biology related masters from September but have to decide between two different programmes; 1. Bioinformatics, 2. Nutritional Sciences.

Ideally I would love a career in nutrition, ideally in research. However, I'm thinking that perhaps doing the MSc. in bioinformatics would be a better option, as I could still perhaps do a nutrition-related PhD afterwards, whilst having better career prospects than having a MSc. in nutrition background.

Any thoughts? Am I thinking correctly or should I just go straight for the nutrition course? All advise welcome.

Sycopat

If you know you want to do nutrition, I think you should do nutrition. And I say that as someone who's done bioinformatics and enjoys it immensely.

It is far more important that you have a passion for the area you are working in than it is to do something for the perceived job prospects, especially at this level of science.

As far as job prospects go, IME companies couldn't care less what your M.Sc. (Or , if I'm honest, B.Sc.) is in as long as it's even barely relevant to the job. Bioinformatics and Nutrition will both tick the biology box. Bioinf could possibly be used to blag low level computers/IT work as well, but it is in no way comparable to an actual M.Sc. in computing (unless you already have a background in computing).

tatabubbly

Hey guys, just reading your thread and thought I'd ask. I have a Msc in Biomedical science from a Science degree and I'm finding it incredibably difficult to find a job.

Any chance anyone here knows any avenues?

doopa

danlen wrote: »

Sorry to bring this thread back up but just giving a bit of an update.

I am going to pursue a biology related masters from September but have to decide between two different programmes; 1. Bioinformatics, 2. Nutritional Sciences.

Ideally I would love a career in nutrition, ideally in research. However, I'm thinking that perhaps doing the MSc. in bioinformatics would be a better option, as I could still perhaps do a nutrition-related PhD afterwards, whilst having better career prospects than having a MSc. in nutrition background.

Any thoughts? Am I thinking correctly or should I just go straight for the nutrition course? All advise welcome.

Nutrition is going to be big in the future, especially IMO in Ireland. Several big EU projects are based here, as well as a lot of major food manufacturers. Informatics is in its infancy in nutritional studies, so the bioinformatics MSc might be useful for that if you are interested in it. However, if you want to do a PhD why not just get started rather than doing a Masters? There are plenty of training courses available for PhD students (e.g. at the EMBL-EBI, Wellcome etc) - they would be more focussed and take up less of your time.

I'd also second the suggestion to do your MSc/PhD elsewhere. Ireland's funding for PhD students is still good but after that it not clear what to do. Having links elsewhere would be very useful. Most big european institutes do their research in English (so don't just limit yourself to the UK).

E.g. : http://www.ifnh.ethz.ch/

Jimoslimos

tatabubbly wrote: »

Hey guys, just reading your thread and thought I'd ask. I have a Msc in Biomedical science from a Science degree and I'm finding it incredibably difficult to find a job.

Any chance anyone here knows any avenues?

AH fcuk - don't say that! I'm half-way through my MSc Biomed Sci

Are you looking for jobs or further studies, UK or Ireland?

doopa

tatabubbly wrote: »

Hey guys, just reading your thread and thought I'd ask. I have a Msc in Biomedical science from a Science degree and I'm finding it incredibably difficult to find a job.

Any chance anyone here knows any avenues?

Have a look on linkedin to see where other people with that degree are currently employed. Does your uni keep records of where people from that degree got jobs?

Recruitment consultancies can also help e.g. http://lifescience.ie/

tatabubbly

Jimoslimos wrote: »

tatabubbly wrote: »

Hey guys, just reading your thread and thought I'd ask. I have a Msc in Biomedical science from a Science degree and I'm finding it incredibably difficult to find a job.

Any chance anyone here knows any avenues?

AH fcuk - don't say that! I'm half-way through my MSc Biomed Sci

Are you looking for jobs or further studies, UK or Ireland?

looking for jobs mainly. i was under the impression that i could be qualified once i did the masters bt turns out i'm not. plus the only work experience i have is when i did my research project and i'm not sure if that counts

Jimoslimos

tatabubbly wrote: »

looking for jobs mainly. i was under the impression that i could be qualified once i did the masters bt turns out i'm not. plus the only work experience i have is when i did my research project and i'm not sure if that counts

Yes, it is rather silly that you can't work as a Biomedical Scientist with an accredited MSc.

A few places will take on entry-level scientists and allow you to complete IBMS registration portfolio and any supplementary education/exams (depends on your BSc) - however these are as rare as hens' teeth apparently.

Good luck, hope you find something soon.

Edit: Yes, your research project definitely counts - don't be afraid to emphasise it.

tatabubbly

Thanks. i'm actually trying to go to canada in the spring. lots of tech jobs as far as i know and i'm lead to believe a lot more r&d which is what i'm interested in. if i got a decent job i'd stay but not so far

danlen

doopa wrote: »

However, if you want to do a PhD why not just get started rather than doing a Masters?

I'd also second the suggestion to do your MSc/PhD elsewhere. Ireland's funding for PhD students is still good but after that it not clear what to do. Having links elsewhere would be very useful. Most big european institutes do their research in English (so don't just limit yourself to the UK).

E.g. : http://www.ifnh.ethz.ch/

My idea of doing a masters was two-fold really. First of all, my undergrad degree is in Biological Sciences so I though having a MSc. done in nutrition specifically would prepare me better for doing a nutrition-related PhD. Secondly, I thought that having an MSc. in Nutrition would improve my chances of getting onto/securing funding for a better PhD programme.

So my thinking is to take this year to improve my knowledge base, and start getting PhD applications ready for next year.

steddyeddy

Hey Danlen biochemistry is very useful in studying nutrition. Many of my class mates have nutrition related jobs as a result of their degree.