Work in the US?

ancapailldorcha

Hi guys,

I can appreciate this has been done to death but I wanted to ask if anyone knew what the job situation is like over there. I moved to the UK this year for what I thought would be my dream job until I was made redundant 2 months after I started. I always wanted to do the whole J-1 to the US thing but I had a job at the time and, since I am from a rural area, did not want to give it up at the time. I was employed in a lab and was wondering if anyone knew of any good recruitment agencies over there. I'm going out of my mind with boredom and would love to do a bit of travel. I was emailed by a recruitment agency based in New York a while back but the email was very poorly typed and they wanted $120 so I ignored it.

Thanks in advance!!

silja

What kind of lab? Ie what qualifications do you have?

ancapailldorcha

Thanks for replying! Microbiology/Virology/Immunology - a bit of a mix of all 3. I have a degree, a masters and a small amount of industrial experience.

silja

I'd think your chances for a H1B work visa would be pretty good if you can find an employer to sponsor you, chemists are needed as far as I know. Do not pay an agency, it's like Ireland- you don't pay reputable job agencies, the employer does. But I would actually recommend looking on the websites of large chemical/ pharmaceutical companies for jobs, so many places no longer use job agencies.

Would you consider Switzerland as an alternative? Easier move/ no visa needed, and there are lots of chemical and pharma companies there.

Killer Wench

Job situation in the US is complex. There are industries that were hit really hard in the recession that have not regained their footing and there are other industries that have bounced back with a few booming during the time.

I would suggest looking at academic institutions because most have research grants that require experienced scientists to manage projects. I do believe that agencies are a viable option, but these should only be explored once you are in the States. I would also advise you to look outside of the larger cities and look more closely at college towns and more small to mid size cities. You will have less competition.

Example:

http://www.indeed.com/jobs?q=immunology&l=St.+Louis%2C+Mo&radius=50

http://www.indeed.com/jobs?q=medical+research&l=St.+Louis%2C+Mo&radius=50

Something you may qualify for?

https://jobs.wustl.edu/psc/APPLHRMS/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_CE.GBL?Page=HRS_CE_JOB_DTL&Action=A&JobOpeningId=21817&SiteId=1&PostingSeq=1

Black Swan

Not sure that academic institutions would be your best bet with the Great Recession going on in the USA. Typically the state universities lag behind private sector during economic down swings, and are now feeling the effects of budget cuts, well after the 2008 private sector fall.

Big Pharma would be worth exploring with your skill set, especially with the Baby Boomers beginning to retire. Their increasing health care needs will drive the prescription drug market. Also major health care R&D and manufacturers like Johnson & Johnson. JNJ is headquartered in New Jersey, and have their job openings listed online.

ancapailldorcha

Hey guys,

Thanks for replying. I actually didn't think of Switzerland that way at all. Might be worth a look.

Killer Wench

Black Swan wrote: »

Not sure that academic institutions would be your best bet with the Great Recession going on in the USA. Typically the state universities lag behind private sector during economic down swings, and are now feeling the effects of budget cuts, well after the 2008 private sector fall.

Not when it comes from private or government grants awarded for specific research projects. There will always be that type of funding. I think your concern about public universities is valid but those positions in danger are primarily funded through tax dollars and tuition.