Hello, I did my Phd in Molecular Biology about seven yrs ago and have publications in decent impact journals. Since I was not able to get much in Mol.Biology except Post Docs, which pays little, probably equivalent to a store clerk here in US, I am now looking for opportunities in BioInformatics. Sure, I won't like to go to school again but thinking of taking courses in computer programming online. But I am not sure if I am doing enough or perhaps this is not a good move at all. I therefore looking for opinion from this forum. I'll appreciate your help..
Thanks
Makes me wonder how much bioinformatics is actually done by non-PhD-students and non-post-docs...
What are your motivations for this switch? Are you looking for a job as bioinformatician in industry, or do you want to redirect you research? Although programming requirements will always be necessary, day to day expectations will be different. I would argue that industry will be looking for people with a strong programming background right from the start. In academia, it may be possible to have a more gradual transition, by starting a collaboration with a bioinformatician and learn from his work in addition to teaching yourself programming.
Thanks Egon..but I am kind of stuck here...PI's don't pay well here in US and expect 24/7 working hours..and then you have to beg them to have your name included in the papers. Just the whole culture in US in post doc is pretty bad...
Yes. Pretty much looking for a job. I tried my best to get a job in pharmaceutical companies but no luck. Post docs pays so little that I have to pay from my pocket for my kids day care...If not BioInformatics then I don't know what else. I worked very hard to get a PhD and just want to make money so that I can support my kids. I tried in academics too but there are very few job openings and competition is very stiff...Thanks
While I understand moving is around with a family is not easy (been there, done that), postdoc pays in mainland Europe are not that bad.
It might not be easy to get a position as a bioinformatician in industry without any previous experience or qualification. As far as I know, they generally tend to look for people with specific programming skills and with experience. In such situations, an official diploma might help.
Some of the posted answers are emphasizing how long it takes to become "proficient" and "competent" in a programming language. I don't disagree, but it takes far less time to become "merely adequate" or sufficiently skilled to solve the problems you need to solve. You'll get incrementally better the longer you work in a language, but benefits of learning can occur almost immediately.