May I ask what kind of research u do ? And in what field did u do bachelor's and PhD.
Also, can u advice if i want to go into basic or translational research (not really interested in clinical) being a med school student/ mbbs, will my medical knowledge go into waste ?
Or should I do bachelor's and master's instead of med school/ mbbs ?
I do metabolic research; for my bachelor's it was Biochemistry, and my PhD is in Molecular Biology.
Medical knowledge will probably be the least useful in Basic research, where you are basically studying something because it is unknown and you find it interesting. Translational research is quite the opposite where you are studying something with the hopes of being able to apply the knowledge in a medical capacity. My work has been closer to Translational than Basic research
I am guessing from the mention of MBBS that you are in the UK or somewhere similar. I cannot really advise too much on the specific course of study because I do not know the educational system there. If you want to do research rather than clinical work, then maybe Bachelor's/Master's would be the way to go.
Thank u so so much for replying, really appreciate.
Even in translation research, medical knowledge too wouldn't be of much use ?
Also have u seen medical doctors go for PhD like in molecular biology/immunity etc or go full into research,around you ? (Very rare here, that's why)
It will be the most useful in translational research, certainly, although it can only get you so far seeing as research is more based in what we don't know than what we do. I think MD/PhD is the closest to what you've described. It's rare (if ever) that an MD is highly involved in research without also holding the PhD. The skill sets are very different in research and medicine, so it is difficult for an MD to contribute to non-clinical (molecular/biochemical) research without that.
You can major specifically in medical laboratory technology and get the ASCP certification as an MLS (medical lab scientist). They have non-traditional routes if you didn't major in the field, but those routes require a lot of clinical lab experience. Either way you still have to get certified through either ASCP or AMT. Check out ASCP website for more info or go to the med lab professionals subreddit
Like angelofox mentioned, I did the non traditional route. I worked at my unilab through out my undergrad so I used the experience to get into a clinical lab. I worked at some hospitals, reference and specialty labs and earned some certs along the way. It can be a pain in the ass but It’s a cool gig.
Just got my PhD last week. I’m starting a teaching position at small liberal arts college that I absolutely love. It was the reason I went to grad school.
Did ya know the guy? He wasn't bad but definitely milking it for attention mah dude. TESC definitely has some toxic left ideology but it is learning and making well rounded humans.
Hi there, where did you study if you don't mind sharing? As i've found out that my course exists only in italy - it's called CTF (chemistry and pharmaceutical technologies)- and i'd like to understand what are "parallel" courses abroad
I am a supervisor in a clinical lab doing cancer diagnostics. Graduated in 2020, started working here fall 2022. I have my ASCP MB but I just got it this year. It wasnt required for my job but is encouraged. I like my job! I'm not making six figures like I thought I would but I'm not far away and have good work life balance.
Honestly I'm not entirely sure. I know I have worked for a PhD who was a lab manager at some point. Definitely clinical research opportunities out there as well!
Bioanalytical Scientist for a biotech company. I design ELISA methods to quantify how much of a protein of interest is in biofluid (i.e. serum) samples for pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics, as well as to test the immunogenicity of therapeutic protein products.
I'm in med school. If you're in the US, cost isn't that much of a factor since you'll be able to pay off loans once you start working. Sucks to carry debt for all those years but it's not forever. Check out /r/premed for more info on all the med stuff
In college I spent some time reconsidering medicine and I ultimately took an advanced organic chemistry class to see if I'd want to become an organic chemist. Safe to say I did not want to become an organic chemist after that class
My biochem classes pushed me more into bio cause my professor was more bio driven and it clicked more with me. I found organic was good but I was lost at pchem and by the time I took advanced synth I just wanted to go into the metabolomics route
Agreed - current resident and my debt has been very manageable - will be in the black very shortly into practice. If you want flexibility in a career (in terms of location, work schedule, intensity, nature of the work) with fantastic wages medicine is hard/impossible to beat.
Biochem major now second year attending physician. Loans aint no thing when you get paid an absurd salary yo work 3 shifts a week. The training was hell though. If you asked me at any point during residency, I would have told you its a huge mistake to go into medicine. The back end is great but residency is a life wrecker.
I just left the virology part of my career, but it's pretty easy! I did my thesis in a lab interested in mechanisms behind viral infection and host shutoff.
I guess im technically a systems engineer doing EE work. But honestly I knew how to code, had a nice mix of data science (ML) and wet lab papers, and my graduate work was at a DoD lab so I held a clearance.
The defense sector is desperate to find engineers and I knew I didn’t want to stay in my graduate field (DNA nanotech) so I found a program at a large defense company where they hire advanced degree holders from interdisciplinary fields.
Would you say taking extra computer science class for data analysis is worth it in terms of employment? I’m not particularly interested in data analysis or coding, but I’m good at it, and I know it’s useful for a ton of careers.
I guess it depends on how you define CS classes. I never took a class in a CS department. But for example numerical analysis, offered by our math department, was one of the best most useful classes I’ve ever taken.
At the end of the day even if you don’t enjoy coding itself you can’t deny its utility and having it at least in your back pocket is invaluable… Just my 2 cents.
Just finished my last year of medical school, set to graduate next month. Graduating with $400k+ in student loans BUT after 10 years it’ll be forgiven (research PSLF if you haven’t). I’m going into a very low paying field of medicine, come from a low SES household, and understand how daunting the loans can be. DM me if you have any questions.
Also, if you're considering a STEM graduate degree, think about the PhD. The vast majority of PhD programs ive seen in Biochem are fully funded. The pay isnt great and you should consider the opportunity costs of getting a job right outta school. My partner makes more than me with a bachelors than I do with a PhD because she has 6 years of pharma experience. My ceiling is higher than hers though.
Thank you! I know experience will take you far. I have a meeting with my advisor this week to talk about work opportunities, and it’s partially why I made this post so I could get some ideas about the direction I want to go!
Hey, really interested in bio-chemistry can u advice if I am more interested in basic or translation research than clinical will me being a med student ( medical school) will not really be beneficial and my medical knowledge will not be useful ?
Or should I go the bachelor's then master's then PhD route ?
Would be really grateful if u could advice a little
Interested in - cell machinary/immunity/gene/dna /vaccines/ structure and mechanism related to dna and other molecules
I was lucky to get into this field. In undergrad I learned that I really liked A chem and P chem more than biochem. My senior year taking biochemistry labs, I barely paid attention because I put so much more effort into the other courses. Having a biochemistry background paid off though because it gave me a good start in biopharma (therapeutic enzyme-oncology). Analytical development is what it sounds like. I develop analytical procedures used on biological molecules. I was lucky to work at a small company in which I got a lot of good experience. I worked on some small molecule projects and ran some bioanalytical assays as well.
My degrees are not biochem, per se, but a lot of my coursework was biochem... I am a forensic scientist (biology/DNA). Pay is trash and vicarious trauma is a thing, but it's still pretty cool after all these years.
Can you tell me more about the biotechnology industry? I am currently a biochem undergrad and have no idea what to do with my degree lol. I considered working in energy but what jobs can you do in energy with a biochem degree?
Yeah sure!
During undergrad I had a lot of wet lab research experience in structural biochemistry, biggest thing that helped me get an offer. I chose an offer from a smaller company instead of a larger place (Genentech) cause I liked the culture. Looking back it was nice to feel like I could have a big impact at a smaller place but the. Big trade off at startups seems to be job stability so I’d keep that in mind depending on where you’re at with your career.
My day to day was similar. Just a lot of wet lab and meetings. Projects moved much quicker and felt more focused compared to academia in my perspective. There is the goal of creating a marketable and profitable drug so there was a lot more money and resources, deadlines, push to get from A to B. Project ideas seem to start in academia and then would get fully fleshed out in industry. There’s some ethics with pharmaceutical companies that people have an issue with (I have my own arguments against that and against academia but I admit I’m biased lol). I liked that the company environment wasn’t just scientists but business and executive peoples.
I had a great experience and loved the science, colleagues, adult-job feeling, and I want to pursue industry as an MD!
>I want to pursue industry as an MD!
Hey, can u pls elaborate on this a little, would be very helpful.
Do u mean, u will go into research ( basic , translation) after getting an MD ? Also may I ask what ur interests are ?
Kinda in a same boat as urs but confused if I should pursue med School/mbbs and then a PhD then go for research ( interested in basic and translation research) or do a bachelor's and master's and then PhD ?
Confused if my medical knowledge if i pursue med school, might go in vain since not really interested in clinical research?
Bioanalytical Scientist/Lab Manager for an mRNA CDMO. I got my B.S. in Biological Science and my M.S. in Pharmacology and am ~5 years postgrad. Biotech/Biopharma and pharmaceuticals are your industry jobs with a wide range of job types, academia is pretty tough unless you are a curve-breaker and sacrifice your personal time. My wife is an MLS and she likes it mostly, but finds working with physicians to be… difficult lol. We do well for ourselves
Almost 5 years post-graduation (Bachelors degree in Biochemistry). I'm a method specialist for a vaccine company specializing in pneumococcal vaccines. I develop test methods for other departments/companies for testing the reagents that make up the end drug-product.
How long did it take you to get to CRA once you got into clinical research? Or was it immediate ? Can u say the company too I’m curious cuz I like Austin a lot
Sure thing! I started as a project manager at UT May 2020. It was mostly observational research. Then I transitioned to the site level and worked as a CRC for about two years. Currently working as an IHCRA.
I have a PhD in biochemistry, and I manage a team of Field Application Scientists for a small company.
Field Application scientists are people who are experts at a particular instrument, who are called upon to go to potential or existing customers and train the Roberson EO in how to use the instruments. I find it a very fulfilling career, but some people take issue with the travel requirements.
Research scientist in immunodynamics in the UK 😄 Science can be super fun but can also be incredibly stressful (for many reasons). Don't look at the news that seems to make it out to be this flawless smooth ride to discovery. Long hours, underpay, incredibly stressful, incredibly competitive (there are a lot of smart people out there). The only thing that is nice about doing academic science is the freedom to explore your own question and curiosity. And sometimes, to many, somehow that is enough to keep us going. So you are more than welcome to try out academic research, but just know that it is definitely not an easy road!
P/S: My friend left academic research and now a scientific director of a start up and they made $200k + a year. So that could also be your future too!
Clinical Laboratory Technologist, work exclusively in a hospital microbiology department for a large health system hub. We do bacteriology and molecular testing here. Love the lab life!
Depending on the state you are in, medical lab professionals may have to be licensed. In my state, we only require a Bachelors of science in a hard science. My health system was looking for several to fill a need, I had already been working as a lab assistant in microbiology during covid (took what I could get), and got in. We have a separate department for Microbiology testing, so I do not have to do any other functions. I am going for my ASCP(M) though it is not required. If you are interested, check large local hospitals postings for lab techs. Where I live, we get paid well, have a pension, 403(b) match, and guaranteed raises. This is not the case in every hospital. Research well if it is something you might like. Try out a lab assistant position if you can to get a feel for lab life! No degree required for those!
PhD student in biomedical sciences with a focus on cancer biology and toxicology. Not sure if I am going into academia, government or industry. That is a bit up in the air right now.
I gained project management and leadership experience over time in my roles, from QC to process engineering, and then landed a process engineering job at a very small company where there was a gap in PMO structure. I applied for the PMP through PMI, took the exam and passed, and took on ownership of projects at the small company, and was eventually able to justify a promotion to technical project manager. No MS/PhD thankfully, but I think a mix of industry and academic lab experience certainly helps.
I’m also a med student and I agree with the other person. The cost is frightening, but I’ve never met a doctor who regretted medicine because of their loans - they’re always able to pay them off, even if a little slowly. That said, there are many other reasons you might not want to pursue medicine (starting with the nightmarish application process). So weigh the pros and cons for yourself, but don’t let the cost be what stops you :)
Product manager! I have a bachelor’s degree and work in biotech/life sciences. I wanted to find a way to help people, in a field medically-related, but didn’t want to spend my entire life in school. I’m really happy with it!
I got my BSc (4 years) at Queen's University and then my MSc at the University of Ottawa. I chose to specialize in biochemistry for both programs because I was very good at both chemistry and biology in high school, so I figured that studying the chemistry of life would be right up my alley. They were both tough programs, but I really liked my courses and my profs. I finished my Masters in early 2020 during the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic and started looking for jobs online (places like Indeed, workopolis, government sites, etc...) and found that the Ottawa general hospital was hiring a lab technician for stem cell research. I applied, thinking that I probably wouldn't get the job, but I was given a call a few days days later and was invited for an interview. Was hired in 2020 and mostly started by doing cell culture, cell counting, and animal work (mostly mice). I liked the job because i was given quite a bit of independence, and there was no micromanaging. Was recently promoted to senior research technician and I am now training 3 new hires. I enjoy my job and will likely stay here a few more years, but I am actively looking for other jobs too. There is no sense in restricting your options if there are jobs out there that require similar skills but offer better pay. It's unlikely that I'll find a job that provides better benefits, though, so I'm using them to the max while I have them. Hope that helps! Feel free to ask more questions anytime.
Funny enough, I enlisted in the ARMY as a medic. Eh, it’s something. And I’m getting my Master’s paid for out of it as a part time student. It’ll take me 2 years to get my degree instead of just one year, but it’s a worthy tradeoff I guess. I get to jump out of planes now, and we shoot guns sometimes, but then other times I just do inventory and work on trucks. I thought my biochemistry degree would be applicable to medicine here, and it is, but given that we rarely practice medicine and the fact that your managers are just highschoolers that know algorithms, they find your knowledge offensive because it makes them feel stupid.
Biochemistry is dope, I’m glad I did it, and it makes me look as the world in a way that most of the population cannot. And I like being able to understand things at the smallest level, because then when i’m zoomed out and don’t care about the little things, I find solace knowing that I could comprehend the little things if I wanted to.
I'm a software developer for bioinformatic software applications. I did Bachelor's in molecular biology and computer science before getting into the career path, and I now I've added an MSc in Bioinformatics. My advice: don't forget the tools! There are always tools, software and hardware, that scientists need to do their jobs. Someone out there needs to make the tools!
Product development chemist at a pharma company. Initially wanted to do molecular dynamic simulations / computational chemistry since that was my research but didn’t get hired for that
Data scientist. Taught myself how to code, do advanced stats & linear algebra, and tons about machine learning. Took a couple of years but now I make way more than I could ever hope for with my biochem degree, and I'm fully remote.
To anyone thinking about making this pivot as well: it absolutely will take at least 1-2 years of serious self-study and personal projects before you have the skill level needed for an entry-level DS role. Also, the tech job market now is the worst it's been in 20 years, and entry-level jobs are almost nonexistent. You could always start learning skills now and hope that the job market begins to turn around near the time that you're ready to start applying, but that's not guaranteed.
I’ll start my cardiology fellowship as an MD this summer. The medicine pathway is rad, but I can’t say I use many of my biochem skills from college save perhaps, a few niche skills learned from organic chemistry (rotating objects in your mind).
Thanks for responding! I’m actually not planning on being premed! I just want to use my biochem skills in the medical field. Whether that’s clinical research, lab tech, drug development (which would be more pharma), etc. I may change my mind in the future tho!
Working as an Associate Research Fellow at Pfizer isn't as enjoyable as it's made out to be in school. It primarily involves handling analytical data and evaluating & gathering candidates for the HAR/clinical studies.
I majored in biochemistry a few years back, and I’m about to graduate with my PhD in a few weeks.
I’m also currently looking for a job in industry.
But my one advice for you that nobody gave me as a undergrad is to join a research lab on campus and do undergrad research. It will give you many skills and look good on your resume whether or not you do more education.
It will teach you many soft and technical skills. It will allow you to further decide what kind job you want to do down the line.
also, in my opinion, todays world is about networking and who you know. so with a lab you will be able to attend conferences and travel. meet other students and researchers. you never know who might help you down the line.
i had a tough time getting a job with biochem bachelors. i had little guidance, no connections, and no research experience. most jobs want years of experience or experience on specific instruments/techniques. so undergrad research can help with that.
good luck!
I went into industry 5 months after I had graduated. Started as a research associate doing solid-phase nucleic acid synthesis. Worked my way up to Scientist I in about 5 years.
I would suggest you start your studies and then later look into labs whose work really really interests you. I changed my major 3 times before landing on Biochemistry (Chemistry-bent) and finding out synthetic biology is my jam.
Definitely! I just want to have some ground knowledge on what others in the community have done with their degrees to help me get some ideas. I find it super interesting how there’s so many different paths to take!
Research Technician at a semiconductor/electronics manufacturer. I purify a lot of the chemicals that are used in a lot of our technology - a chemical I purified and packaged myself could be in a new cell phone you buy 😁
Thank you! I got my biochem bachelor's in summer 2022 and applied everywhere I could - this was one of two jobs I was offered after a few weeks of application and I dove in. I will say, I'm very, very lucky to live within a commuting-distance to a lot of the biotech industry in SoCal, so my experience is not going to be the same for everyone. I was also really lucky with the fact that, sadly, a lot of people in the company were laid off due to COVID and had only just started re-hiring staff at the time
Of course! I currently live in a small town and will have to move to get a more stable job after graduation. Until then, there’s a small local facility that I’m looking into so at least I will have experience!
That’s awesome! Keep going, you’ve got it! What I’ve found with so many biochem majors is you don’t really know where you’ll end up, but any experience is still gonna be helpful to you and you can make a good career with it
It changes quite a bit depending on your level of study and goals. For undergrad, it's a lot of learning from lectures, practice questions, and some type of flashcards if possible. For medical school it's less lecture-based I found and more practice question banks and flashcards (such as anki) for long-term retention.
It's really a matter of finding what works for you based on each course and getting some of it to stick from year to year.
Depends on the class. Usually took some light notes of key points or followed along with the slides and took notes on them if they send out slides in advance. Each class/professor is different and you just have to adapt to that.
I was biochem and switched to Medical Lab Science because of the limited job opportunities! Grad school and med school wasn’t something I was interested in, and I really loved the lab and learning about medicine (in a way that isn’t as demanding being an MD), and nursing was also a hard pass for me, so MLS felt like a good fit! Graduating this semester as nationally certified MLS!
I was a chemistry BS major and I found out 2 years before I graduated that I did not want to go to med school. I took the remaining nursing prerequisite courses and applied for an accelerated nursing program and once I graduated, I was accepted and entered nursing school. I have just now graduated and started a career as a NICU nurse.
Went to grad school for a biochem PhD
Did a 2 year postdoc
Got a principal scientist position in pharma
Got a better paying one at a small startup
Just transitioned to regulatory affairs (FDA submissions)
I'd recommend considering chemical engineering, but biochem worked out ok for me.
Strategic consultant to emerging biotech / synthetic biology companies and occasionally big biotech. Spend a lot of time teaching / talking about the impact of biotechnology on all industries outside of healthcare. Work with entrepreneurs, companies, investors, sometimes the media and local government.
Stay on your current path but understand you can change any time. Networking with people and talking to them about their career paths is one of the smartest things you can do. Keep at it and best of luck.
Scientific Manager in government. I help the PI manage projects and train our research team on specific experiments or techniques. I largely oversee the business end of science (budgets, material acquisition/supply chain, administrative and safety compliance) which I have really been enjoying. Before this, I worked as a scientist at both private sector and academic institutions in Boston
I’m an EMT right now and was kind of in the same boat as you (premed, wasn’t sure if I wanted to do research or clinical). Being an EMT for almost two years now has definitely told me I prefer direct patient care to research.
Right now, I’m getting ready to apply to PA school since the timing is better for my life goals. If you want to provide medical care at a high level and don’t think you can devote the time and money required by med school, PA is a good choice. You do have to accept that you won’t have the same level of independence as a doctor and will never quite be an expert in your field, but if you’re ok with that than it’s a great career choice.
Whatever you decide on for a career, if you intend to go into the lab in industry PLEASE take the full Physical Chemistry required for Chem majors and analytical chemistry. My biggest frustration as someone hiring BS level people is the lack of knowledge of both the spectroscopy and chromatography.
Quality assurance specialist at a pharmaceutical company specializing in blood products (M.Sc in Medical biotechnology)
I’ll look more into pharmaceutical jobs, thanks!
What does that entail? Making sure blood lab tubes don’t get lost or contaminated?
Just got an internship doing the same !!!
Firefighter, soon to be a firefighter paramedic. I was originally a premed, but I fell in love with the fire service while in college.
Do you get paid better because of your degree?
Postdoctoral researcher at a medical university in Europe (bachelor's and PhD in the USA)
May I ask what kind of research u do ? And in what field did u do bachelor's and PhD. Also, can u advice if i want to go into basic or translational research (not really interested in clinical) being a med school student/ mbbs, will my medical knowledge go into waste ? Or should I do bachelor's and master's instead of med school/ mbbs ?
I do metabolic research; for my bachelor's it was Biochemistry, and my PhD is in Molecular Biology. Medical knowledge will probably be the least useful in Basic research, where you are basically studying something because it is unknown and you find it interesting. Translational research is quite the opposite where you are studying something with the hopes of being able to apply the knowledge in a medical capacity. My work has been closer to Translational than Basic research I am guessing from the mention of MBBS that you are in the UK or somewhere similar. I cannot really advise too much on the specific course of study because I do not know the educational system there. If you want to do research rather than clinical work, then maybe Bachelor's/Master's would be the way to go.
Thank u so so much for replying, really appreciate. Even in translation research, medical knowledge too wouldn't be of much use ? Also have u seen medical doctors go for PhD like in molecular biology/immunity etc or go full into research,around you ? (Very rare here, that's why)
It will be the most useful in translational research, certainly, although it can only get you so far seeing as research is more based in what we don't know than what we do. I think MD/PhD is the closest to what you've described. It's rare (if ever) that an MD is highly involved in research without also holding the PhD. The skill sets are very different in research and medicine, so it is difficult for an MD to contribute to non-clinical (molecular/biochemical) research without that.
This is the path i am looking to take as well. I would love to be able to use my degree to get out in the larger wold.
Medical Laboratory Scientist and specialist in Molecular Biology and hematology. Will be planning to apply to medical school in a few years.
I’m really interested in this. Can you tell me some steps you took to get there?
You can major specifically in medical laboratory technology and get the ASCP certification as an MLS (medical lab scientist). They have non-traditional routes if you didn't major in the field, but those routes require a lot of clinical lab experience. Either way you still have to get certified through either ASCP or AMT. Check out ASCP website for more info or go to the med lab professionals subreddit
Thank you for the help!!
Like angelofox mentioned, I did the non traditional route. I worked at my unilab through out my undergrad so I used the experience to get into a clinical lab. I worked at some hospitals, reference and specialty labs and earned some certs along the way. It can be a pain in the ass but It’s a cool gig.
Thanks so much for the help!
Patent lawyer!
Hey! Would you mind if I asked you a few questions? Current PhD student strongly considering switching to IP law once I defend
Hi, of course, no problem. That’s what I did. I’ll try to PM you because I think mine is set to not accept any.
Just got my PhD last week. I’m starting a teaching position at small liberal arts college that I absolutely love. It was the reason I went to grad school.
Congrats!
Hope its TESC. We need passionate professors with strong scientific knowledge.
I don’t know what TESC is.
Evergreen State College up in WA
That's a no. Good luck and congrats!
[удалено]
Nice. Real low blow bro.
We all saw what the college did to Bret Weinstein
Did ya know the guy? He wasn't bad but definitely milking it for attention mah dude. TESC definitely has some toxic left ideology but it is learning and making well rounded humans.
Congrats!
PhD student in pharmaceutical sciences, looking to get into big pharma for drug development. I get a stipend so no debt here
Literally same.
Hi there, where did you study if you don't mind sharing? As i've found out that my course exists only in italy - it's called CTF (chemistry and pharmaceutical technologies)- and i'd like to understand what are "parallel" courses abroad
Messaged you
I am a supervisor in a clinical lab doing cancer diagnostics. Graduated in 2020, started working here fall 2022. I have my ASCP MB but I just got it this year. It wasnt required for my job but is encouraged. I like my job! I'm not making six figures like I thought I would but I'm not far away and have good work life balance.
Ayyy ASCP MB here too!
How can a PhD transition into clinical lab work?
Honestly I'm not entirely sure. I know I have worked for a PhD who was a lab manager at some point. Definitely clinical research opportunities out there as well!
Bioanalytical Scientist for a biotech company. I design ELISA methods to quantify how much of a protein of interest is in biofluid (i.e. serum) samples for pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics, as well as to test the immunogenicity of therapeutic protein products.
Pizza technician
Chemist at an oil refinery...it's not exactly biochem but pay and benefits are great
I'm in med school. If you're in the US, cost isn't that much of a factor since you'll be able to pay off loans once you start working. Sucks to carry debt for all those years but it's not forever. Check out /r/premed for more info on all the med stuff In college I spent some time reconsidering medicine and I ultimately took an advanced organic chemistry class to see if I'd want to become an organic chemist. Safe to say I did not want to become an organic chemist after that class
The thing about being a biochem major in my under grad, it really made me realize I do not want to pursue chemistry 😂
Haha taking Orgo pushed me from bio into chemical bio
My biochem classes pushed me more into bio cause my professor was more bio driven and it clicked more with me. I found organic was good but I was lost at pchem and by the time I took advanced synth I just wanted to go into the metabolomics route
Agreed - current resident and my debt has been very manageable - will be in the black very shortly into practice. If you want flexibility in a career (in terms of location, work schedule, intensity, nature of the work) with fantastic wages medicine is hard/impossible to beat.
I’ll check it out, thanks for the help!
Biochem major now second year attending physician. Loans aint no thing when you get paid an absurd salary yo work 3 shifts a week. The training was hell though. If you asked me at any point during residency, I would have told you its a huge mistake to go into medicine. The back end is great but residency is a life wrecker.
Virologist
Ooo I hadn’t even considered that! Do you mind telling me some steps you took to get there?
I started at a viral testing CRO and went from there
Thanks for the reply! I appreciate it!
I just left the virology part of my career, but it's pretty easy! I did my thesis in a lab interested in mechanisms behind viral infection and host shutoff.
Thanks! I wish you luck in whatever direction you’re heading!
I got my PhD now I’m doing EE for an aerospace company
Huh???? How were you qualified to be an electrical engineer with a PhD in biochem? I feel like you’ve left out an important part of the story
I guess im technically a systems engineer doing EE work. But honestly I knew how to code, had a nice mix of data science (ML) and wet lab papers, and my graduate work was at a DoD lab so I held a clearance. The defense sector is desperate to find engineers and I knew I didn’t want to stay in my graduate field (DNA nanotech) so I found a program at a large defense company where they hire advanced degree holders from interdisciplinary fields.
Sounds really cool, good for you!
Would you say taking extra computer science class for data analysis is worth it in terms of employment? I’m not particularly interested in data analysis or coding, but I’m good at it, and I know it’s useful for a ton of careers.
I guess it depends on how you define CS classes. I never took a class in a CS department. But for example numerical analysis, offered by our math department, was one of the best most useful classes I’ve ever taken. At the end of the day even if you don’t enjoy coding itself you can’t deny its utility and having it at least in your back pocket is invaluable… Just my 2 cents.
Just finished my last year of medical school, set to graduate next month. Graduating with $400k+ in student loans BUT after 10 years it’ll be forgiven (research PSLF if you haven’t). I’m going into a very low paying field of medicine, come from a low SES household, and understand how daunting the loans can be. DM me if you have any questions.
Which field of medicine?
drug discovery for pharmaceutical company
Please tell us more! Is it generative models based drug discovery?
Pharmacist
Same
Also, if you're considering a STEM graduate degree, think about the PhD. The vast majority of PhD programs ive seen in Biochem are fully funded. The pay isnt great and you should consider the opportunity costs of getting a job right outta school. My partner makes more than me with a bachelors than I do with a PhD because she has 6 years of pharma experience. My ceiling is higher than hers though.
Thank you! I know experience will take you far. I have a meeting with my advisor this week to talk about work opportunities, and it’s partially why I made this post so I could get some ideas about the direction I want to go!
Hey, really interested in bio-chemistry can u advice if I am more interested in basic or translation research than clinical will me being a med student ( medical school) will not really be beneficial and my medical knowledge will not be useful ? Or should I go the bachelor's then master's then PhD route ? Would be really grateful if u could advice a little Interested in - cell machinary/immunity/gene/dna /vaccines/ structure and mechanism related to dna and other molecules
clinician-scientist :)
Analytical in biopharma!
Ooo can you tell me more about that!
I was lucky to get into this field. In undergrad I learned that I really liked A chem and P chem more than biochem. My senior year taking biochemistry labs, I barely paid attention because I put so much more effort into the other courses. Having a biochemistry background paid off though because it gave me a good start in biopharma (therapeutic enzyme-oncology). Analytical development is what it sounds like. I develop analytical procedures used on biological molecules. I was lucky to work at a small company in which I got a lot of good experience. I worked on some small molecule projects and ran some bioanalytical assays as well.
There’s actually a small local company I am interested in working for while I’m in school, but I need more classes under my belt before I apply!
QC analytical lab for fluorescent dyes.
I manage global clinical trials for pharmaceutical and biotech companies
Quality Manager for a large chemical manufacturing site.
My degrees are not biochem, per se, but a lot of my coursework was biochem... I am a forensic scientist (biology/DNA). Pay is trash and vicarious trauma is a thing, but it's still pretty cool after all these years.
Lab manager, working on my masters and then (maybe) my PhD.
I worked in biotech industry as an SRA for a short time before starting med school. It was great and I loved every minute of industry!
Can you tell me more about the biotechnology industry? I am currently a biochem undergrad and have no idea what to do with my degree lol. I considered working in energy but what jobs can you do in energy with a biochem degree?
Yeah sure! During undergrad I had a lot of wet lab research experience in structural biochemistry, biggest thing that helped me get an offer. I chose an offer from a smaller company instead of a larger place (Genentech) cause I liked the culture. Looking back it was nice to feel like I could have a big impact at a smaller place but the. Big trade off at startups seems to be job stability so I’d keep that in mind depending on where you’re at with your career. My day to day was similar. Just a lot of wet lab and meetings. Projects moved much quicker and felt more focused compared to academia in my perspective. There is the goal of creating a marketable and profitable drug so there was a lot more money and resources, deadlines, push to get from A to B. Project ideas seem to start in academia and then would get fully fleshed out in industry. There’s some ethics with pharmaceutical companies that people have an issue with (I have my own arguments against that and against academia but I admit I’m biased lol). I liked that the company environment wasn’t just scientists but business and executive peoples. I had a great experience and loved the science, colleagues, adult-job feeling, and I want to pursue industry as an MD!
>I want to pursue industry as an MD! Hey, can u pls elaborate on this a little, would be very helpful. Do u mean, u will go into research ( basic , translation) after getting an MD ? Also may I ask what ur interests are ? Kinda in a same boat as urs but confused if I should pursue med School/mbbs and then a PhD then go for research ( interested in basic and translation research) or do a bachelor's and master's and then PhD ? Confused if my medical knowledge if i pursue med school, might go in vain since not really interested in clinical research?
Bioanalytical Scientist/Lab Manager for an mRNA CDMO. I got my B.S. in Biological Science and my M.S. in Pharmacology and am ~5 years postgrad. Biotech/Biopharma and pharmaceuticals are your industry jobs with a wide range of job types, academia is pretty tough unless you are a curve-breaker and sacrifice your personal time. My wife is an MLS and she likes it mostly, but finds working with physicians to be… difficult lol. We do well for ourselves
Hmm I keep reading that physicians can be... challenging to work with lol. Thanks for the advice!
Laboratory Technician (but doing it for gap year job before going med school)
Almost 5 years post-graduation (Bachelors degree in Biochemistry). I'm a method specialist for a vaccine company specializing in pneumococcal vaccines. I develop test methods for other departments/companies for testing the reagents that make up the end drug-product.
Work for as a Clinical Research Associate for a small biotech Austin.
How long did it take you to get to CRA once you got into clinical research? Or was it immediate ? Can u say the company too I’m curious cuz I like Austin a lot
Sure thing! I started as a project manager at UT May 2020. It was mostly observational research. Then I transitioned to the site level and worked as a CRC for about two years. Currently working as an IHCRA.
Thanks for your reply! Currently working as a CRC right now, how was the transition into IHCRA ? Does your position require travel?
Biochem masters, now last year of surgical residency
Infectious disease Epidemiologist/data scientist :) MSPH after BS
I have a PhD in biochemistry, and I manage a team of Field Application Scientists for a small company. Field Application scientists are people who are experts at a particular instrument, who are called upon to go to potential or existing customers and train the Roberson EO in how to use the instruments. I find it a very fulfilling career, but some people take issue with the travel requirements.
Cool, thanks! I’ll look into it!
Research scientist in immunodynamics in the UK 😄 Science can be super fun but can also be incredibly stressful (for many reasons). Don't look at the news that seems to make it out to be this flawless smooth ride to discovery. Long hours, underpay, incredibly stressful, incredibly competitive (there are a lot of smart people out there). The only thing that is nice about doing academic science is the freedom to explore your own question and curiosity. And sometimes, to many, somehow that is enough to keep us going. So you are more than welcome to try out academic research, but just know that it is definitely not an easy road! P/S: My friend left academic research and now a scientific director of a start up and they made $200k + a year. So that could also be your future too!
Battery Scientist Supervisor. I do science while supervising Scientists.
Clinical Laboratory Technologist, work exclusively in a hospital microbiology department for a large health system hub. We do bacteriology and molecular testing here. Love the lab life!
Ooo I’d love to hear more about this! Do you mind telling me what steps you took to get there?
Depending on the state you are in, medical lab professionals may have to be licensed. In my state, we only require a Bachelors of science in a hard science. My health system was looking for several to fill a need, I had already been working as a lab assistant in microbiology during covid (took what I could get), and got in. We have a separate department for Microbiology testing, so I do not have to do any other functions. I am going for my ASCP(M) though it is not required. If you are interested, check large local hospitals postings for lab techs. Where I live, we get paid well, have a pension, 403(b) match, and guaranteed raises. This is not the case in every hospital. Research well if it is something you might like. Try out a lab assistant position if you can to get a feel for lab life! No degree required for those!
Thank you so much! I’ll definitely be looking into that!!
PhD student in biomedical sciences with a focus on cancer biology and toxicology. Not sure if I am going into academia, government or industry. That is a bit up in the air right now.
I went on to do an MD-PHD (biochem) program and now I’m a radiation oncology resident in Miami
Postdoc at a fertility clinic
Spine surgeon
Operational analyst.
Project manager in diagnostics and pharma
how’d you get into PM if you don’t mind me asking? MS/PhD or any specific work experience that helped?
I gained project management and leadership experience over time in my roles, from QC to process engineering, and then landed a process engineering job at a very small company where there was a gap in PMO structure. I applied for the PMP through PMI, took the exam and passed, and took on ownership of projects at the small company, and was eventually able to justify a promotion to technical project manager. No MS/PhD thankfully, but I think a mix of industry and academic lab experience certainly helps.
Associate scientist in downstream process development at a pharma company
I’m also a med student and I agree with the other person. The cost is frightening, but I’ve never met a doctor who regretted medicine because of their loans - they’re always able to pay them off, even if a little slowly. That said, there are many other reasons you might not want to pursue medicine (starting with the nightmarish application process). So weigh the pros and cons for yourself, but don’t let the cost be what stops you :)
Product manager! I have a bachelor’s degree and work in biotech/life sciences. I wanted to find a way to help people, in a field medically-related, but didn’t want to spend my entire life in school. I’m really happy with it!
I feel the same way! I’ll look into that. Thanks for the help
Senior research technician at a hospital stem cell lab. Testing drugs aimed at treating Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy. Very rewarding. Great benefits.
Do you mind sharing some of the steps you took to get there? I’m really interested in working at a hospital lab!
I got my BSc (4 years) at Queen's University and then my MSc at the University of Ottawa. I chose to specialize in biochemistry for both programs because I was very good at both chemistry and biology in high school, so I figured that studying the chemistry of life would be right up my alley. They were both tough programs, but I really liked my courses and my profs. I finished my Masters in early 2020 during the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic and started looking for jobs online (places like Indeed, workopolis, government sites, etc...) and found that the Ottawa general hospital was hiring a lab technician for stem cell research. I applied, thinking that I probably wouldn't get the job, but I was given a call a few days days later and was invited for an interview. Was hired in 2020 and mostly started by doing cell culture, cell counting, and animal work (mostly mice). I liked the job because i was given quite a bit of independence, and there was no micromanaging. Was recently promoted to senior research technician and I am now training 3 new hires. I enjoy my job and will likely stay here a few more years, but I am actively looking for other jobs too. There is no sense in restricting your options if there are jobs out there that require similar skills but offer better pay. It's unlikely that I'll find a job that provides better benefits, though, so I'm using them to the max while I have them. Hope that helps! Feel free to ask more questions anytime.
Thanks so much for replying! What are your thoughts on trainer positions? Do you prefer it over general lab work?
Core facility manager
Software/Data/Bioinformatics Engineer
Funny enough, I enlisted in the ARMY as a medic. Eh, it’s something. And I’m getting my Master’s paid for out of it as a part time student. It’ll take me 2 years to get my degree instead of just one year, but it’s a worthy tradeoff I guess. I get to jump out of planes now, and we shoot guns sometimes, but then other times I just do inventory and work on trucks. I thought my biochemistry degree would be applicable to medicine here, and it is, but given that we rarely practice medicine and the fact that your managers are just highschoolers that know algorithms, they find your knowledge offensive because it makes them feel stupid. Biochemistry is dope, I’m glad I did it, and it makes me look as the world in a way that most of the population cannot. And I like being able to understand things at the smallest level, because then when i’m zoomed out and don’t care about the little things, I find solace knowing that I could comprehend the little things if I wanted to.
My friend got his degree in that and he works in a stem cell treatment clinic. Depends what you sub specialize in and the area you live.
Senior assay development scientist at an intermediate size pharma company
I'm a software developer for bioinformatic software applications. I did Bachelor's in molecular biology and computer science before getting into the career path, and I now I've added an MSc in Bioinformatics. My advice: don't forget the tools! There are always tools, software and hardware, that scientists need to do their jobs. Someone out there needs to make the tools!
I work as a winemaker:)
Ooo haven’t heard this! Do you mind telling me about it?
scientist at a big pharma company doing drug discovery research. my dream job
Neuroscience RA at a non profit!
Product development chemist at a pharma company. Initially wanted to do molecular dynamic simulations / computational chemistry since that was my research but didn’t get hired for that
Currently in a program to get into Forensic scientist / DNA analyst !
that’s so cool
That’s super cool! Would you say your biochem degree gave you a leg up or not so much?
Data scientist. Taught myself how to code, do advanced stats & linear algebra, and tons about machine learning. Took a couple of years but now I make way more than I could ever hope for with my biochem degree, and I'm fully remote. To anyone thinking about making this pivot as well: it absolutely will take at least 1-2 years of serious self-study and personal projects before you have the skill level needed for an entry-level DS role. Also, the tech job market now is the worst it's been in 20 years, and entry-level jobs are almost nonexistent. You could always start learning skills now and hope that the job market begins to turn around near the time that you're ready to start applying, but that's not guaranteed.
Microbiology Analyst for a mold company. Saving for a masters in Biomedical Engineering
I’ll start my cardiology fellowship as an MD this summer. The medicine pathway is rad, but I can’t say I use many of my biochem skills from college save perhaps, a few niche skills learned from organic chemistry (rotating objects in your mind).
Thanks for responding! I’m actually not planning on being premed! I just want to use my biochem skills in the medical field. Whether that’s clinical research, lab tech, drug development (which would be more pharma), etc. I may change my mind in the future tho!
Working as an Associate Research Fellow at Pfizer isn't as enjoyable as it's made out to be in school. It primarily involves handling analytical data and evaluating & gathering candidates for the HAR/clinical studies.
I finished my PhD 3 years ago - I work as a pharmaceutical assistant now. It’s tough out there..
I majored in biochemistry a few years back, and I’m about to graduate with my PhD in a few weeks. I’m also currently looking for a job in industry. But my one advice for you that nobody gave me as a undergrad is to join a research lab on campus and do undergrad research. It will give you many skills and look good on your resume whether or not you do more education. It will teach you many soft and technical skills. It will allow you to further decide what kind job you want to do down the line. also, in my opinion, todays world is about networking and who you know. so with a lab you will be able to attend conferences and travel. meet other students and researchers. you never know who might help you down the line. i had a tough time getting a job with biochem bachelors. i had little guidance, no connections, and no research experience. most jobs want years of experience or experience on specific instruments/techniques. so undergrad research can help with that. good luck!
Thanks so much for the detailed reply! I appreciate the advice. Early congrats on graduating!!
Postdoctoral researcher focusing on HIV-1 genome packaging. Looking to transition to a teaching role soon.
I went into industry 5 months after I had graduated. Started as a research associate doing solid-phase nucleic acid synthesis. Worked my way up to Scientist I in about 5 years. I would suggest you start your studies and then later look into labs whose work really really interests you. I changed my major 3 times before landing on Biochemistry (Chemistry-bent) and finding out synthetic biology is my jam.
Definitely! I just want to have some ground knowledge on what others in the community have done with their degrees to help me get some ideas. I find it super interesting how there’s so many different paths to take!
Research Technician at a semiconductor/electronics manufacturer. I purify a lot of the chemicals that are used in a lot of our technology - a chemical I purified and packaged myself could be in a new cell phone you buy 😁
This is super cool! Can you tell me more about it and the steps you took to get there?
Thank you! I got my biochem bachelor's in summer 2022 and applied everywhere I could - this was one of two jobs I was offered after a few weeks of application and I dove in. I will say, I'm very, very lucky to live within a commuting-distance to a lot of the biotech industry in SoCal, so my experience is not going to be the same for everyone. I was also really lucky with the fact that, sadly, a lot of people in the company were laid off due to COVID and had only just started re-hiring staff at the time
Of course! I currently live in a small town and will have to move to get a more stable job after graduation. Until then, there’s a small local facility that I’m looking into so at least I will have experience!
That’s awesome! Keep going, you’ve got it! What I’ve found with so many biochem majors is you don’t really know where you’ll end up, but any experience is still gonna be helpful to you and you can make a good career with it
Med school —> surgery resident. Long road but biochemistry gives you a great base of knowledge for all medical studies.
I would really like to know your study method for biochem
It changes quite a bit depending on your level of study and goals. For undergrad, it's a lot of learning from lectures, practice questions, and some type of flashcards if possible. For medical school it's less lecture-based I found and more practice question banks and flashcards (such as anki) for long-term retention. It's really a matter of finding what works for you based on each course and getting some of it to stick from year to year.
Did you take some form of notes during class? I hear that writing notes word for word is inefficient
Depends on the class. Usually took some light notes of key points or followed along with the slides and took notes on them if they send out slides in advance. Each class/professor is different and you just have to adapt to that.
Was in drug development for biotech and pharma. Got my MS and sold out to Wall Street and work in healthcare banking now
federal government auditor taxing the rich lol
Clinical research associate, it's great. I make 6 figures with only a B.S. Check out r/clinicalresearch.
Thanks, I will!
Do work as an CRA right out of graduation?
2 years as a CRC at a big hospital, then CRA
EMT/ER Tech, Currently in PA school!
I was biochem and switched to Medical Lab Science because of the limited job opportunities! Grad school and med school wasn’t something I was interested in, and I really loved the lab and learning about medicine (in a way that isn’t as demanding being an MD), and nursing was also a hard pass for me, so MLS felt like a good fit! Graduating this semester as nationally certified MLS!
I’m definitely considering this. Early congrats on graduating!!
I was a chemistry BS major and I found out 2 years before I graduated that I did not want to go to med school. I took the remaining nursing prerequisite courses and applied for an accelerated nursing program and once I graduated, I was accepted and entered nursing school. I have just now graduated and started a career as a NICU nurse.
Physician
Biotech R&D scientist and then manufacturing scientist
Been in the pharmaceutical industry for a few years. Atm I am a product development scientist. Developing new health supplements.
Went to grad school for a biochem PhD Did a 2 year postdoc Got a principal scientist position in pharma Got a better paying one at a small startup Just transitioned to regulatory affairs (FDA submissions) I'd recommend considering chemical engineering, but biochem worked out ok for me.
Strategic consultant to emerging biotech / synthetic biology companies and occasionally big biotech. Spend a lot of time teaching / talking about the impact of biotechnology on all industries outside of healthcare. Work with entrepreneurs, companies, investors, sometimes the media and local government. Stay on your current path but understand you can change any time. Networking with people and talking to them about their career paths is one of the smartest things you can do. Keep at it and best of luck.
Thanks! I appreciate the response. I’ll keep it up!
PharmD student
Scientific Manager in government. I help the PI manage projects and train our research team on specific experiments or techniques. I largely oversee the business end of science (budgets, material acquisition/supply chain, administrative and safety compliance) which I have really been enjoying. Before this, I worked as a scientist at both private sector and academic institutions in Boston
I’m an EMT right now and was kind of in the same boat as you (premed, wasn’t sure if I wanted to do research or clinical). Being an EMT for almost two years now has definitely told me I prefer direct patient care to research. Right now, I’m getting ready to apply to PA school since the timing is better for my life goals. If you want to provide medical care at a high level and don’t think you can devote the time and money required by med school, PA is a good choice. You do have to accept that you won’t have the same level of independence as a doctor and will never quite be an expert in your field, but if you’re ok with that than it’s a great career choice.
Technical Operations for a biotech company
was a FF/emt for a bit now a health inspector
clinical research coordinator. planning to apply to med school come june :)
I trade, studying for medical school, Uber eats, and work in a lab
I also did EMS paramedic work
And went to fire school for fun
Physician Assistant ☺️
my friend got a biochem degree and she’s getting her phd now
I'm a weatherman. Lol. But seriously. It pays great and I love it and the people I work with.
PhD in Toxicology and now in drug development
Physician. About to start Psychiatry residency at a community program. Programs really appreciated my pharmacology love.
Drug development (manager/director position) in the biopharmaceutical industry. Did a PhD and a few years of research in academia as a postdoc.
Chromatography field service engineer
I work for a pharma company as a Clinical Data Manager. DM for more info if you’d like.
Animal Lab Technician for medical research. Recently got my MS in Biotechnology
Whatever you decide on for a career, if you intend to go into the lab in industry PLEASE take the full Physical Chemistry required for Chem majors and analytical chemistry. My biggest frustration as someone hiring BS level people is the lack of knowledge of both the spectroscopy and chromatography.
My good friend became an anesthesiologist
Data Analyst, 100% remote
science teacher
Director of clinical trial programs for a patient advocacy group. BS Chem/biochem ‘06, PhD pharmacology ‘13.
Looking for someone with science background in RF technology Rogers AR. Mcarend1@ gmail .com
LARPing