Where should I be looking for employment - science?

nichleih

Hi, I'm a recent MSc graduate from UCD where I studied evolutionary biology (2.1 grade) (genetics, epigenetics, bioinformatics, plant evolution, molecular evolution, phylogenetics). I did my undergrad in Functional Biology in TCD (plant and animal comparative physiology and genetics mostly). Since graduating I've been completely lost as to which sector and what type of jobs I should be applying for, I have a broad background but don't have a specific degree in genetics, molecular biology etc. At this point I'd really just be happy to get a foot on the ladder and earn some real experience, I've also done an internship with a marine biologist which would be linked to conservation. I've spoken to the college career guidance but they didn't have any decent advice to offer as they didn't know anything about my degree. I'd really appreciate it if someone had some tips or could point me in the direction of a good scientific recruitment agency. Thanks!

sullivlo

nichleih wrote: »

Hi, I'm a recent MSc graduate from UCD where I studied evolutionary biology (2.1 grade) (genetics, epigenetics, bioinformatics, plant evolution, molecular evolution, phylogenetics). I did my undergrad in Functional Biology in TCD (plant and animal comparative physiology and genetics mostly). Since graduating I've been completely lost as to which sector and what type of jobs I should be applying for, I have a broad background but don't have a specific degree in genetics, molecular biology etc. At this point I'd really just be happy to get a foot on the ladder and earn some real experience, I've also done an internship with a marine biologist which would be linked to conservation. I've spoken to the college career guidance but they didn't have any decent advice to offer as they didn't know anything about my degree. I'd really appreciate it if someone had some tips or could point me in the direction of a good scientific recruitment agency. Thanks!

What do you want to do? Lab? Office? Research?

nichleih

I'd say my first choice would be research but I'd be more than happy to be working in a lab either.

sullivlo

nichleih wrote: »

I'd say my first choice would be research but I'd be more than happy to be working in a lab either.

Research you're looking at needing to do a PhD.

Lab wise - perhaps register with a recruitment agency that specialises in life sciences? They'll have up to date information on companies that are hiring.
CPL are good. And there's a life science recruiting agency on fitzwilliam square. Can't remember the name though.

To beef up your cv for potential funding / employment, look to do more internships, but they're not that easy to come by either.

Where are you based?

nichleih

South Dublin, yeah I'm not really thinking about a PhD right now, have to pay off my masters first! thanks!

sullivlo

nichleih wrote: »

South Dublin, yeah I'm not really thinking about a PhD right now, have to pay off my masters first! thanks!

Okay. Just that 99% of research based positions require a PhD so if that's what you're serious about, it may be an avenue you need to explore. Also, PhDs are paid stipends - not a huge amount but enough to live. About €16,000 tax free per annum.

zl1whqvjs75cdy

A lot of the pharma companies are recruiting here at the moment. But research work is few and far between in Ireland in the big companies. Would you work in a multinational?

nichleih

I would consider it but I was hoping to look here first, abroad is sort of a last resort. I thought judging from most pharmaceutical job descriptions, I've looked at Pfizer etc. that I wouldn't be a suitable candidate? Thanks sullivlo, I'm aware that a lot of PhDs pay, but €16,000 isn't really feasible given loans etc! Maybe I will have to look abroad

nichleih

Also will look into CPL thank you!

sullivlo

nichleih wrote: »

I would consider it but I was hoping to look here first, abroad is sort of a last resort. I thought judging from most pharmaceutical job descriptions, I've looked at Pfizer etc. that I wouldn't be a suitable candidate? Thanks sullivlo, I'm aware that a lot of PhDs pay, but €16,000 isn't really feasible given loans etc! Maybe I will have to look abroad

Check out regeneron.

And it's the lab techniques that companies hire on. Not the title of your degree. It's all about how you sell yourself.

zl1whqvjs75cdy

nichleih wrote: »

I would consider it but I was hoping to look here first, abroad is sort of a last resort. I thought judging from most pharmaceutical job descriptions, I've looked at Pfizer etc. that I wouldn't be a suitable candidate? Thanks sullivlo, I'm aware that a lot of PhDs pay, but €16,000 isn't really feasible given loans etc! Maybe I will have to look abroad

O I didn't mean go abroad, I mean work in Pfizer or something here. They are all in hire mode at the moment

challengemaster

nichleih wrote: »

Hi, I'm a recent MSc graduate from UCD where I studied evolutionary biology (2.1 grade) (genetics, epigenetics, bioinformatics, plant evolution, molecular evolution, phylogenetics). I did my undergrad in Functional Biology in TCD (plant and animal comparative physiology and genetics mostly). Since graduating I've been completely lost as to which sector and what type of jobs I should be applying for, I have a broad background but don't have a specific degree in genetics, molecular biology etc. At this point I'd really just be happy to get a foot on the ladder and earn some real experience, I've also done an internship with a marine biologist which would be linked to conservation. I've spoken to the college career guidance but they didn't have any decent advice to offer as they didn't know anything about my degree. I'd really appreciate it if someone had some tips or could point me in the direction of a good scientific recruitment agency. Thanks!

Email your course director for the MSc - find out what previous graduates have gone on to do. S/he might also periodically receive job adverts from colleagues to pass on to students/graduates.

Look at companies like boston scientific/medtronic/quintiles/etc, who are regularly hiring.

You can also keep an eye on http://www.universityvacancies.com/ - you might be able to apply for some research assistant positions.

sullivlo wrote: »

Okay. Just that 99% of research based positions require a PhD so if that's what you're serious about, it may be an avenue you need to explore. Also, PhDs are paid stipends - not a huge amount but enough to live. About €16,000 tax free per annum.

Honestly, the OP will probably struggle to get a PhD based on grades. Just looking at this years IRC there was over 1200 applicants and 213 awards - and the applicant/application needed to score 90% or higher just to pass the first round of assessment.

I know people with a 1.1 in their undergrad, an MRes and a MSc who didn't get funding the year prior, which was slightly easier. It's an incredibly competitive environment for PhD spots right now.

sullivlo

challengemaster wrote: »

Email your course director for the MSc - find out what previous graduates have gone on to do. S/he might also periodically receive job adverts from colleagues to pass on to students/graduates.

Look at companies like boston scientific/medtronic/quintiles/etc, who are regularly hiring.

You can also keep an eye on http://www.universityvacancies.com/ - you might be able to apply for some research assistant positions.



Honestly, the OP will probably struggle to get a PhD based on grades. Just looking at this years IRC there was over 1200 applicants and 213 awards - and the applicant/application needed to score 90% or higher just to pass the first round of assessment.

I know people with a 1.1 in their undergrad, an MRes and a MSc who didn't get funding the year prior, which was slightly easier. It's an incredibly competitive environment for PhD spots right now.

Competitive with IRCSET, yes. But we have three new PhDs funded this year without IRCSET. They're not the only funding body.

Also, fwiw, most of the RA positions advertised will be applied for by PhD graduates. So very unlikely that an MSc will get an RA position. In our place, of the 10 or so RAs, only 1 doesn't have a PhD. Extremely competitive.

nichleih

challengemaster wrote: »

Email your course director for the MSc - find out what previous graduates have gone on to do. S/he might also periodically receive job adverts from colleagues to pass on to students/graduates.

Look at companies like boston scientific/medtronic/quintiles/etc, who are regularly hiring.



Honestly, the OP will probably struggle to get a PhD based on grades. Just looking at this years IRC there was over 1200 applicants and 213 awards - and the applicant/application needed to score 90% or higher just to pass the first round of assessment.

I know people with a 1.1 in their undergrad, an MRes and a MSc who didn't get funding the year prior, which was slightly easier. It's an incredibly competitive environment for PhD spots right now.

I have a few friends that have started PhDs this year with a 2.1 average and didn't seem to have that much trouble. I'll keep in mind that it's getting more competitive though good to know. Thank you for the advice!