Computational Structural Biology Vs Bioinformatics (Career Prospects)

Question

[Roman]

I am starting a PhD program in computational biology and I have to pick a professor. My decision is at least partially influenced by how marketable my skills will be upon graduation.

It seems like there are lot more jobs in the bioinformatics field than in computational structural biology even though ligand-protein/DNA interaction research could be important for pharmaceutical companies.

Am I limited to bioinformatics if I want to have an option to have a job in the industry later?

Answer 1

[Istvan Albert]

Your priority should be to study subjects/fields that suit your natural skills, way of thinking and personality.

It is foolish to attempt to pick a future based on current, apparent marketability. Focus on getting really good at what you wish to do and you will have no problem getting a job.

[Roman]

I'm not sure if that is true. A really good archaeologist will have a lot of trouble finding a decent job.

If I am forced to stay in academia, I may have to switch professions, because I hate writing grants and it is very difficult to get a position as a professor in a state university.

Answer 2

[Alf]

IMHO it may also be interesting computing some bibliographical indicators. If Prof. A does topic A' (which is very marketable) and Prof. B does topic B' (which is less marketable) but Prof. B has many more citations than Prof. A, I would go for Prof. B by sure. Also, you may look whether any of the professors have some paper published in Nature or Science or any really good journal (This would be an indicator of excellence and the "hotness" of the topic). Grants and other kind of funding is another indicator, in a different way. To conclude, marketability is not the only factor which may influence you (in my case, I wouldn't worry about that aspect, and more in choosing a very good advisor for my PhD).