Hi all,
I have been reading this forum quite often. This is my impression from the many posts. In order to get a job in industry (biotech), You have to do a short post-doc (2-3yrs)and show that you are productive (publish many papers).
I am trying to be in that situation and I just finished my first year post-doc. But I am worried that the project that I am working on is not going very well (not the PI or my fault, we both put our effort into it). The results I have now and if I get more data, I can publish it in low-impact journal. When I first started my postdoc, I was working on a risky project and I discussed it with my PI and he said my concerns are right and I switched on a different project. There are several different projects (going very very well)in the lab, but already given to other grad students and post-docs.
I am worried about the future and my question is whether I should leave the lab and start a new project in a new lab or should I stick with the current project and hope for the best. I am also concerned that if I leave now in the middle of the project, I know the PI won't be happy and I am worried about the recommendation letter. If I leave now, how can I explain this situation for future job application (including the next post-doc position). How is this viewed in industry.I appreciate your honest opinion.
PS: I moved coast to coast to work on the current project, hoping to get many papers as I can. I would like also to move back eventually. From my PhD, I published two papers (first author)in average journals.