Cell Culture

eduwonder

Hey,

I am a Microbiologist with a BSc (Hons) and just over 2 years experience in the Biotechnology industry and I have just been offered a position in (Cell Culture) upstream process development in the same company that I work for.

Just wondering is it a good move really?

cookie1977

Is it to do with recombinant protein production? At the very least it's a new skill under your belt.

eduwonder

Yes, it is for recombinant protein production for a Biopharma. It is a good company and I like my job but there are no posts available to move up to a senior Microbiologist and thought expand my skill base.

I have experience in cell culture and I thought it might be a good move to keep getting more and more experience under my belt as it would be experience in R & D, fermentation technology along with Cell Culture and characterisation.

I plan to go back and do an MSc in Biotech in the next couple of years.......

cookie1977

I think it would be worth it. So much micro is based in QC here in Ireland so unless you want to advance in that area? At least learning new skills in eukaryote recombinant protein production should open new avenues and will allow you to decide if doing an MSc or Higher Diploma in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (or equivalent) is something you'd be interested in. Eukaryotic systems offer more advantages over prokaryote systems so these new skills should interest potential future employers too.

Best of luck

eduwonder

That's what I do at the moment, I work in a Micro lab in the UK as when I graduated in 2010 it was ridiculously hard to get a sniff in anywhere.
I am not sure where I want to progress, I just think that I have already gained sufficient experience if I wanted to back into QC Micro and it seems like a good gateway into an area which is often quite hard to get experience in. Especially with the future being Biopharma, the production of Biomaterials, tissue engineering, foods, enzymes, biofuels etc.

eduwonder

Is it arrogant of me to think I could go back into a Micro Lab job?

cookie1977

I dont see why not. It depends on the employer. You'll still use alot of QC and aseptic techniques in cell culture.

eduwonder

Do you mind if I ask do you work in the same position as myself at home and if so are you in a more senior role?

Would a move like this prevent e from moving further up if I wanted to go senior Micro for example or would it just show my ability to adapt and learn new skills and benefit me in the long run?

Sorry million and one questions, I bet your sorry you answered my post now,

cookie1977

No I dont mind. I've a PhD and work in research on recombinant proteins, microbiology, cell culture, molecular biology...I also lecture in the area of pharmaceutical biotechnology.

I cant speak with confidence on the private sector but it might have some impact if you cant maintain some micro work while in the new role. But it also may depend on how long you spend in that role too. A short while in the new role may not impact on your micro experience in the eyes of an employer.

What in micro do you want to work at in a senior role? QC? If so, then taking a divert into cell culture and recombinant proteins production while possibly rewarding and career advancing may not be where you want to go (nor help you alot) if Micro is your thing.

Although in saying that there is lots of cross over. They probably use bacteria in the process of generating a cell culture system for recombinant protein production by eukaryotes.

eduwonder

Sounds like a really interesting job.

I was looking at doing this role for 1-2 years max before looking at doing an MSc in Biotechnology in Manchester.

Also, I am trying to keep my options open so that I have a lot of experience when I move home.

As I am still only 24, I am unsure exactly what route to narrow down in. Is that the wrong approach or should I look be looking at doing something more nnarrow with a defined path?

eduwonder

I also have the option to work 3 days micro and 2 days process development if that makes any difference?

cookie1977

Ooh. Tough questions only really you can answer. I'm 35 and still trying to find out what I want to do. I think personally at this stage (considering you might go back to college) get as much experience as you can then in a while start to focus on an area you like.

eduwonder

Yeah I know tell me about it, I have like a million questions for everything.......

My initial thoughts were to broaden my knowledge/skillbase while I have the chance and specialise further along the line. As the alternative is to stay in my current role and just move with the tide up to senior and so on were I already know the testing/quality systems side like the back of my hand. I do know I want to stay in private sector/industrial production so that's one thing eh,

Just kind of looking for advice from other/older professionals to make sure not making a unwise move.......

cookie1977

Don't think it's an unwise move. Sounds like a plan.

eduwonder

Thanks for debate,