Forum: Job opportunities in Europe, with and without a PhD

Question

[Leendert]

I'm thinking of immigrating to Europe from South Africa. I've currently got my MSc in Bioinformatics.

My question, which option would get me a better salary in the medium/long term, or improve my options for successful immigration:

1. I do my PhD in South Africa, and then immigrate?
2. I apply to do my PhD at a university in Europe, and then get a job there?
3. I rather not do a PhD, and just look for a job in the industry?

If I'm not planning on working at a university, is a PhD really necessary, or do Universities jobs/Post Docs in Europe actually pay better than industry jobs?

Answer 1

[Kevin Blighe]

South Africa? - very nice. I had been considering moving there, would you believe.

There is no correct answer to your question, and one cannot always get the exact path that they initially desire in life. The choice will also depend on your personal situation(s), of course.

You would not require a PhD to get a permanent / stable job in industry in Europe; however, with a PhD (from either a South African or European university), you would progress quicker and have a greater pool of jobs from which to choose throughout your career.

With a MSc in Bioinformatics from a South African university, I would say that you are in a decent position to gain a funded PhD position in Spain, France, Germany, Switzerland, and pretty much all European countries. You can get a quick idea of what's available via Euraxess Jobs.

If you do your PhD there in South Africa, I am confident that you'd find a position in academia or private industry relatively quickly in Europe.

There is no right answer, though, and no set rules about who progresses and who does not.

Kevin

[Leendert]

Hi Kevin,

Thanks for this!!

Never thought of doing a funded PhD, since I have a wife and 2 kids to look after financially, but will give it a look. Might be an opportunity I never thought of.

If you do move to SA, you can definitely consider Cape Town. Awesome place to stay, and thriving Bioinformatics community.

All the best!

[Kevin Blighe]

Excellent, well, I know a person in Jo'Burg, although Cape Town was also mentioned in high regard. Friend in Zimbabwe, too.