/r/biotech

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News about any technological application that uses biological systems, living organisms, or derivatives thereof, to make or modify products or processes for specific use. | Or we can talk about career advice. Whatever.

What is reddit biotech?

  • News and requests about any technological application that uses biological systems, living organisms, or derivatives thereof, to make or modify products or processes for specific use.

Rules

  • No off-topic comments, memes, or jokes
  • No abusive, offensive, or spam comments
  • Comments dismissing established science must provide peer-reviewed evidence
  • No medical advice
  • Repeat or flagrant offenders will be banned

Useful resources

/r/biotech

157,252 Subscribers

2

Best resume format for biotech applications

I am currently a postdoc looking to leave academia. I am in the eastern part of the US, and my research is in cancer biology. I enjoy benchwork and prefer staying closer to that rather than like sales, etc.

I am making a resume, but there seems to be so much information and needed some suggestions for condensing it. The pivot is new to me since I have been in academia for so long and built my experiences around wanting to continue.

I have researched the best resume formats, and overall, the style highlights skills more than work experience. I want my resume to look unique, and I was exploring the resume formats available on Microsoft Word. Is there a particular one that would grab a hiring manager's attention better? Does it matter as much as the content of the resume? I have a lot of experience that one page is not enough; usually, this is an issue if you are more academically leaning. However, is it better to try to fit everything into one page for biotech?

Also, is there anything I need to consider that is rarely discussed or known when people switch from academia to industry?

1 Comment
2024/12/04
19:37 UTC

1

Roast my resume

Re-uploaded lol iykyk. Those who left comments on the original thank you. Title. Recent grad from MSc biology program. Work mostly focused on molecular bio but worked with yeast and nobody works with yeast these days (at least big pharma). I've been applying for the last 7 mo. with no luck. Can I wiggle some stuff around in my resume to make it look better and potentially get a job? Just feels like insanity applying to jobs over and over.

23 Comments
2024/12/04
18:44 UTC

3

Has anyone worked with recruiters to find an industry job?

I’m looking to switch from academia to industry, and I’ve applied for quite a few jobs (looking in Chicago, IL and Raleigh, NC). I either don’t hear back or get a quick no. I’ve tried reaching out to hiring managers directly on LinkedIn, but I’m wondering if I might have more luck working with a recruiter? I’ve been contacted by a few recruiters on LinkedIn, but they’re all for limited contract positions.

9 Comments
2024/12/04
18:27 UTC

2

Questions about keywords and details on Job Applications

Recently graduated PhD (molecular biology) trying to enter the job market, and looking for suggestions for beating the pre-screening process.

  • Are there any notable keywords that should definitely go in, or just words from the listing?
  • People usually think I'm male if I use my legal first name, but I usually go by Sara irl -- is it better to telegraph as male or female on paper (i.e. should I start applying as Sara instead) ?
  • I know everyone's up in arms about AI written cover-letters, but I worry that my formal cover letter tone could be interpreted as AI-written, so is it a good idea or a bad idea to take a much more casual tone for the sake of convincing the reader that I wrote it myself?
  • Career advisors relentlessly insist that each resume be tailored to each application, but I think all of my research experience is relevant to any job and it seems foolish to leave any of it out -- am I wrong or does tailoring just mean adjusting verbiage to include the keywords from the listing?
  • Any other tips for someone leaving the academia-sphere for the first time?
4 Comments
2024/12/04
17:40 UTC

0

Mendus Ranked Among Top AML Abstracts at ASH 2024

The AML Hub Steering Committee has announced their recommendations for the top abstracts to watch out for in AML. To help navigate the exciting content being presented at the 66th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Meeting and Exposition, taking place December 7–10, 2024, in San Diego, USA, they have ranked Mendus’ abstract as one of the most important to follow on December 8.

The abstract in question is: "Active Immunotherapy with Vididencel As Maintenance Treatment in MRD+ AML Patients in CR1 Results in Strong Anti-Tumor Immune Responses and Durable Long-Term Survival in Patients with an Immune Competent Immune Profile"

What a fantastic recognition for Mendus (the company is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm)

Read more on AML Hub:

https://aml-hub.com/medical-information/ash-2024-top-abstracts-in-aml?fbclid=IwY2xjawG9IcFleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHdmNpPHgk9ALHJP7uxb8_drbUyuPNX-P5SzWEXfE1Q-QrA7ARD3lRdw-Qw_aem_O2Q_JoLBRhMDyt3ef2tqPQ

0 Comments
2024/12/04
11:54 UTC

0

Pharmacy grad considering switch to Bioprocessing Worth it?

Recent pharmacy graduate here looking to pivot into biopharma. I'm considering a UK master's in bioprocessing/biopharmaceutics instead of the more common pharmaceutical sciences route. I'm specifically interested in hands-on work rather than theoretical roles.

For those in the field how's the job market for bioprocessing compared to traditional pharma? Would my pharmacy background make the transition difficult? Really need some real-world insights as this decision will shape my career path.

Thanks

3 Comments
2024/12/04
11:47 UTC

0

GE Healthcare - Oncology

Hello! Can anyone share their knowledge of GE Healthcare, especially the oncology sales division?

I'm aware sales roles can be quite demanding with travel and quotas. Is the culture at GE Healthcare supportive?

Thanks!

0 Comments
2024/12/04
08:06 UTC

0

Entry level pay for Amgen engineers?

I heard GNE pays around ~$95k base for starting, does anyone know how Amgen may compare?

0 Comments
2024/12/04
07:27 UTC

1

Interview Advice with Senior R&D Scientist

Hello Everyone,

Just like the title I will appreciate if I can get any advice/tips/ suggestions.

I have an upcoming/3rd and final round interview with Senior R&D scientists, R&D director, Manager and 2 others for an R&D Technician and although confident, I’m a little nervous also because I kind of lost my voice (coming back ) and I wanted to ask if anyone has any good questions I can ask during my interview and what to expect.

The email just listed the people I will be meeting and directions to the site. I did do a quick LinkedIn search to put a face on the names.

Anything will help. Plus this is my first interview in R&D. New grad, I used to be an analyst for an environmental company

5 Comments
2024/12/04
05:53 UTC

8

Sana Biotech 7 months severence??

My friend took a voluntary layoff or something, I think they planned layoffs, and he told me he got 7 month severence?? Is that true? How does that work? RA2 level

11 Comments
2024/12/04
04:01 UTC

3

Public health careers

Hello! I'm a 17 year old who's really interested in the public health field. I cannot imagine myself doing patient care for the rest of my life, but I still want to be involved in the healthcare industry somehow which is why I'm considering a public health career. However, I've discovered that having a bachelors degree in public health alone would not give me great job opportunities with decent paying salaries after graduation, and that I'd only get access to good roles once I have a masters degree in public health. Having job security and a decent salary after graduation is something that is so important to me because I want to be financially independent as soon as possible. Now I'm considering other majors (specifically business related ones) instead that will most likely guarantee me a job after finishing my degree.

Would I be qualified to apply for a masters in public health even if the degree that I got was a bachelors in business administration with a focus on information systems?.. Or like should I minor in something that's health related? because I'm really interested in fields like biotechnology and like working with international organizations regarding public health. Can you guys also suggest me other ways I can get to the public health industry?

3 Comments
2024/12/04
04:00 UTC

1

How’s the job market for chemical engineers

I’m currently a chemE student and want to get into this industry

3 Comments
2024/12/04
03:58 UTC

395

Offer rescinded

After 3 months of job searching, I got an offer and have happily signed the offer. Two weeks before the start date, when I’m already done with the onboarding, the recruiter scheduled a call with me out of blue. During the call, the recruiter explained that the position has been canceled due to shift in businesses priority and they had to rescind my offer. I was shocked. I should have continued other interviews until Day 1 of my new job. Now I need to restart the job searching in the new year :(

84 Comments
2024/12/04
02:24 UTC

9

How do i progress on my career ladder?

I have about 6+ years of experience after my BS, and i’m in QC/Assay Development group.

For the last 3 years at my current job, i feel like my career has been stagnant, and at this point, i can’t tell if i’m feeling this way because of no promotion, or if its because theres lack of jobs with extreme competition currently.

Just at a loss because i’m dealing with toxic work culture, no promotion, and exteme competition for few jobs in my area.

9 Comments
2024/12/04
02:11 UTC

0

Entry Level Postions in DC area

Are there any companies which would be good for someone to start a career in biotechnology investment out of university?

Top 25 university with a 3.8 GPA in neuroscience and investment firm intern experience

2 Comments
2024/12/04
01:45 UTC

0

Most used/complex mathematical functions in life sciences

Hello all, I am building an end to end platform (nakya.ai) that automates data and project management for life sciences specifically bioprocessing eventually leveraging the data for predictions and informed troubleshooting. One of the features I am adding is mathematical functions. According to you, what are the most tedious, annoying, repetitive functions that you think if automated/few clicks would make your life easy ? P.S. I am looking for people to use it for 1 year of free pilot testing and improvements. DM me if interested, I'll share more info.

13 Comments
2024/12/04
00:08 UTC

11

How to leave on good terms

So I asked about this a while back and the main response was to just to let my contract expire with no strings attached. However my contract was extended. I have a good job in manufacturing at a really good biotech company, but I really dislike the hours. I hate working 12 hours during graves and even if it's for 6 months, I dislike it. I also am starting my masters next month so I don't know if I should just put in my two weeks with this explanation or find another excuse like health problems due to graves. What would make the situation more bearable? My manager is really nice and I hate that I am letting them down.

8 Comments
2024/12/03
23:35 UTC

0

Is it appropriate to message the Director of HR after applying for a job?

Hi everyone,
I’m currently looking for a job after a recent layoff and have noticed it’s been difficult to get a response or call back. I’m wondering if it would be appropriate to message the HR Director directly and focus the conversation on the role I’ve applied for, highlighting how my background aligns with the position and why I’d be a good fit? Any advice on whether this is a good strategy or if it might be considered intrusive would be really helpful!

Thanks in advance!

6 Comments
2024/12/03
22:02 UTC

0

Genentech Interview

Hi I got the email from Genentech for 1st phone screening 2025 summer internship interview, do anyone have previous experience of what questions will they ask?

17 Comments
2024/12/03
21:21 UTC

0

Gilead oncology positions foster city

Recently a bunch of scientist positions were posted by Gilead for oncology at different levels (2 principal, 1 senior and 2 scientist levels). Within a few days, applications for senior and principal scientists closed and the only active job was the scientist position. Anyone has any insight regarding this? My application to 2 principal scientist positions- one shows inactive the other still shows under review. Weird!

1 Comment
2024/12/03
21:19 UTC

0

Merck Salary + Bonus Questionaire

What do I say for annual salary and bonus!? (please be transparent)

Or better question, what have you guys put? (For reference, I am a junior intern, I will probably doing more computational stuff)

10 Comments
2024/12/03
19:35 UTC

38

Work experience at large vs medium vs small company?

I’ve been at a medium-sized company for a couple of years now and, while there are many pros/cons, I’d love to hear from those who have transitioned from medium to either large companies or small companies.

Do small companies really allow you to progress more, but with less job security? Is it more difficult to move up with large companies/more politics at play? Are the benefits worth it for a small company? Are medium-sized companies kind of the “sweet spot”?

Would love some input on this!

31 Comments
2024/12/03
19:13 UTC

4

Advice for switching areas as an entry level

Here's the story, I recently graduated with a degree in biotechnology in Mexico, but I have been working as a medical interpreter for some time to earn some money. During my school years I was very sure that I wanted to go to graduate school and continue in academia. I did internships in labs on Chagas vaccines in sheep, and pain models in mice, mostly because I used to really like animal biotechnology, and although I liked it, I feel that working with animals is not my thing and I don't know if I would like to do it for the rest of my life. Now that I have graduated I don't know what to do with my life, I feel like I wasted my opportunities, now I am more interested in going into the pharmaceutical or clinical area, and I have been looking for a job but I have not had any luck, I know the market is difficult, but it doesn't help that I have no experience in the area. I feel like I have wasted my time and I don't know if my skills could be transferable to clinical trials or maybe pharma, I have no idea what kind of job will accept me with my skills, I just want to get my foot in the door and kind of go from there, but it seems impossible considering the amout of rejection id had so far. At the lab where I did my thesis, they offered me the opportunity to continue my project with either a masters or a direct PhD, but it would take me 2-5 years to continue working on something that I am not passionate about but consider easy and alredy know, is it worth going for it just for the prospect of a better job in the future or starting a new project in another program but with the uncenrtanty if that will give me more opportunities in the future or not. Any advice or anyone who has had similar experiences where they had to change areas and how did it turn out? Thanks in advance

0 Comments
2024/12/03
18:47 UTC

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