Boost Your Career in Biotech: Breaking Free from an Industry Rut | Expert Tips

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the challenges faced by a PhD holder in transitioning from a stagnant R&D position to a more fulfilling role in the biotech sector. Key insights include the importance of networking and cultivating industry contacts, as well as engaging with professional societies to enhance visibility and opportunities. The participant emphasizes the need for proactive career management, particularly in light of limited publication opportunities and a lack of professional connections in the desired field. The conversation highlights that eight years of experience, combined with a PhD, can serve as a strong foundation for career advancement if leveraged correctly.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of biotech industry dynamics
  • Familiarity with networking strategies in professional settings
  • Knowledge of professional societies relevant to biotech
  • Experience in R&D project management
NEXT STEPS
  • Research networking opportunities in the biotech sector
  • Join professional societies such as the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO)
  • Explore avenues for publishing research in biotech journals
  • Attend biotech conferences to build industry connections
USEFUL FOR

Individuals seeking to transition into the biotech industry, particularly PhD holders in related fields, R&D professionals looking to expand their career opportunities, and anyone interested in enhancing their networking skills within the biotech community.

not a quark
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I've been working at a small R&D company for almost 8 years since my PhD. The things I do are not particularly related to my thesis research. I've had some projects of my own that went fine, but mostly I've ended up working on co-workers' stuff. Being a small place with a capricious promotion policy I've had the same title this whole time, which also doesn't look great on the ole resume. Now a gov. grant that I was really excited about that could have lead to good new opportunities has been turned down. I think I would like to transition into a biotech/biomedical related job (i.e. much closer to my personal interests), but opportunities to publish and get to conferences have been slim.

So I am feeling rather stuck. While I have confidence in my skills I'm not sure I look that great on paper, I have virtually zero contacts in the biotech world, and I'm not sure how to proceed. I think I have reached the limit of my professional growth at this job due to circumstance, company size, etc. Now what?
 
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Who knows...but at least you're Dr. Not a quark, so you're better off than most. :)
 
Not sure if this is too much of a personal question but I'll ask anyway. What kind of work do physics PhDs do in R&D, or at the very least, what do they do in your field/job? The majority of the posts in this section are basically about technical jobs being scare and them being even rarer outside of defense, oil & gas and finance, which is why I am interested in what you do. :-)
 
Yup, defense work. Largely driven by military fads and half-hearted attempts by Pentagon brass to be hip to new technology trends.
 
The solution is to network. Cultivate contacts among other industries where you might like to work. Join a few societies, work on standards, things like that. Then, you'll be able to meet the sorts of people who can help you write your own ticket.

Eight years is enough to get you started if you have the degrees...
 

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