by Dave Jensen » Thu Oct 14, 2004 10:44 am
Bill,
The job market in biotechnology and pharma is up significantly from last year and the previous. Personally, it doesn't feel "soft" any longer, but the strange thing about the life sciences is that each of the disciplines has its own hot and cold times. It could be hot now for process engineers and really poor for certain bench scientists. That's the problem with a specialist marketplace -- no one hires a generalist cell biologist any longer, they want one with "CHO cell experience in bioreactors of greater than 100 liters" (to quote a recent ad). So, your own view of the job market will depend upon what you are experienced with and whether or not it is in demand.
If you have a MS in Biotechnology, you may find that companies are a bit hesitant to interview/hire because they don't really understand that degree. You'll need to be very clear in your cover letter and resume as to the field you have worked in, and what your practical experience has included.
Dave Jensen, Moderator
CareerTrax Inc.
"Failure is a bruise -- not a tattoo." -- Jon Sinclair