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$1.1M NW@25. Ease off or grind harder?
I’ve been working as a research tech in NYC for a little over a year now, been seeing job postings for R&D associate at Regeneron and Pfizer and I’ve been wanting to pivot. I have a BA in biology and 2 YOE, I was wondering if this is the next logical step in career progression and would love to hear people’s experiences working in the R&D sector, TC, WLB, etc.
Other things to consider may be commute - do you want to live in the city? Regn and Pfizer are a hike from the city.
I’m currently living in eastern Queens, and the commute by car to Regeneron would be less than my current commute by public transit (a bus + two trains). Clearly biotech is the superior choice here I’m realizing!
Another route is to pursue entry level position in manufacturing and then laterally transition into R&D or PD (if either of these are your interests but you have difficulty getting your foot in the door due to lack of industry experience). Internal reference is your best bet. Build your network, go to conferences, participate in collab with external partners, etc.
If you only have a bachelor’s, then you’ll start as an associate/analyst. Although there is a ceiling with your degree so if you’re looking to climb the corporate ladder then you’ll need a terminal degree. Scientist/principal scientist levels typically require a PhD so you’ll cap at the senior associate/analyst level. Regeneron and Pfizer have a strong preference for doctorate degrees especially for levels above a manager. There exceptions for master’s degrees but that’s department specific, eg clinical operations, project management, but those with master’s take decades to get to director level.
Go for it. No real reason to sit in academia unless you're already the PI. wlb is probably similar but with better pay. Environment will generally be nicer in industry VS academia.
Do you recommend grad school at all, especially if I want to stay in the R&D department?
Depends on your ambitions. I don't think a masters offers much in the long term that equal time in a company won't get you. Many companies (eg regn is a prime example) cap progress in R&D for anyone without a PhD. Getting a PhD is a long road though.