Science jobs my eye

daredevilfan

Hi all.
Basically im a lab tech at the moment and nearly unemployed (contract expires)
How the hell can the government try to get more people doing science when there is no work.
Anyone recommend the best way to go forward ive a B.SC food science and thinking about my next step

csm

The problem with many science jobs is that they require further qualifications beyond an undergraduate degree. Also, you may have to travel to find the right job. There aren't jobs in each field of science in every town in the country, as you are no doubt aware.

How far have you cast the net in your search for work? Would you consider moving abroad? Also, other industries may value your skills. For example, many big financials hire physics graduates because of their mathematical skills. Maybe you could look at your skillset and see if it could be applied to other jobs? Or ask a specialist science & technology recruiter to do it.

As a career, science is pretty specialist. Your training tends to leave you with very niche experience. As a result, you may find that you have to compromise on where you live in order to work in the field you trained in. It's a pain in the a$$ but an unfortunate fact of life. You can view this in a more positive fashion though. Because you are niche, other countries often value your abilities and you can often travel the world because of it.

Jobs are scarce for everyone in Ireland at the moment unfortunately

looksee

daredevilfan wrote: »

Hi all.
Basically im a lab tech at the moment and nearly unemployed (contract expires)
How the hell can the government try to get more people doing science when there is no work.
Anyone recommend the best way to go forward ive a B.SC food science and thinking about my next step

Its true that BSc degrees are a bit of a nonsense in Ireland in the food industry. Most of the industry only wants lab people as window dressing for when the large food retailers come calling, and new graduates are quite sufficient for that. So you will get a job (if you have some experience!)for a couple of years then you are out on your ear so they can get another cheap graduate.

Pharmaceuticals are a (slightly) better bet as they have to have science people, but you cannot move from food to pharmaceuticals.

I am sorry to be so negative but I have seen someone in your situation struggling with this situation for a long number of years on minimum pay even with considerable experience. They are now in the US doing a PhD.

Its not you, its the system, I can only suggest that you revisit your qualifications or be willing to go abroad for a job.

NeuroticMonkey

From what I understood OP was asking for advice on maybe what his/her options would be in terms of further study to improve employability. I'm in a similar situation (Biomed grad) but have not had the fortune to even have basic lab tech experience. I took the year off after graduating last year purely because I didn't want to rush into doing a master's until I found the right one (as further study will involve me moving to UK or beyond and a significant bank loan...which is not a decision I would take lightly).

Does anyone have any advice on good courses to take to increase job prospects within Biomed, or perhaps even a good courses to increase chances of getting a PhD position?

Thanks!
:pac:

avalon68

I'm not sure there has ever been an abundance of Science jobs in Ireland, despite the major push to do science from the government....By all means pursue a PhD if this is what you really want to do - but from personal experience, that will not increase your chances of finding work in Ireland. I am currently in the US. Having a PhD would substantially increase your ability to move in search of work - eg you would not get sponsorship to work in the US with just your degree (most likely anyway), but with a PhD it is much easier. If you want to do a PhD you should identify an area you would like to work in and contact potential supervisors about working with them

invaderjim

I did a taught MSc in Biotechnology in UCC. People on the course were from a variety of backgrounds. The main advantage to this course is you get a placement in either a lab for research project or in industry. Research projects can be in any number of areas, micro, biochem, chemistry, food science etc.

If you are interested in doing a PhD, it's a good foot in the door. I know plenty of people went on to do a PhD with their supervisors from their research project. Once you are in and proving yourself, if funding becomes available you are more likely to get it than an unknown.

Same applies to the industry placements. Some of the class go on to get full time jobs in the places they do their experience in.