4 answers
Megan
Student
2
Questions
Asked
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What are the best paying careers in the bio-chemistry/molecular biology career field?
I have heard that it is difficult to find a well-paying job in these fields and I am contemplating taking on a major similar to this in college. #biology #chemistry #molecular-biology #biochemistry #bio-chemistry
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4 answers
Ross Cox
Bioprocess Engineering
2
Answers
Vacaville
Updated
Ross’s Answer
Hello Megan
You asked what are the best paying jobs or a well paying job in biochem / molebio so I will answer them separately. First I have been in biotech industry for 40+ years. I have never seen a crash in jobs. There were a couple of low spots but everyone I knew who got laid off always found another industry job. Employment has always been good in biotech in areas where biotech proliferates so I would recommend going into the field meaning industry. I can't speak for academia.
Most research or QC jobs will pay $40-60,000/yr on the coasts. With some experience maybe up to $80,000. That's a well paying job. For the best paying jobs, $100,000+, you should look at going into the development/production side specifically in the areas of Quality Assurance, Validation, or Regulatory. Getting drugs approved and to market is a big deal. I offer vaccine and therapeutic production right now as an example. If you really want best paying add another discipline to your talent stack - engineering, business, law, ethics, statistics.
My advise - get a good background in science, i.e. degree(s), get some experience in lab work, i.e. research lab, quality control lab, clinical medicine, add to that one or more of the above mentioned disciplines. This can be on-the-job training. The more you add to your talent stack the more you are worth. I always told people I mentored learn everything you can from everyone you are in contact with.
Personally I loved the science. I stuck with that for 15 years then added engineering and validation for the next 20 years.
You asked what are the best paying jobs or a well paying job in biochem / molebio so I will answer them separately. First I have been in biotech industry for 40+ years. I have never seen a crash in jobs. There were a couple of low spots but everyone I knew who got laid off always found another industry job. Employment has always been good in biotech in areas where biotech proliferates so I would recommend going into the field meaning industry. I can't speak for academia.
Most research or QC jobs will pay $40-60,000/yr on the coasts. With some experience maybe up to $80,000. That's a well paying job. For the best paying jobs, $100,000+, you should look at going into the development/production side specifically in the areas of Quality Assurance, Validation, or Regulatory. Getting drugs approved and to market is a big deal. I offer vaccine and therapeutic production right now as an example. If you really want best paying add another discipline to your talent stack - engineering, business, law, ethics, statistics.
My advise - get a good background in science, i.e. degree(s), get some experience in lab work, i.e. research lab, quality control lab, clinical medicine, add to that one or more of the above mentioned disciplines. This can be on-the-job training. The more you add to your talent stack the more you are worth. I always told people I mentored learn everything you can from everyone you are in contact with.
Personally I loved the science. I stuck with that for 15 years then added engineering and validation for the next 20 years.
Gustavo Braga
Chemist | PhD in Physical Chemistry | Researcher and Adjunct Professor
22
Answers
Paiçandu, State of Paraná, Brazil
Updated
Gustavo’s Answer
Hello! In my opinion, that question is quite relative. I know people who work in these areas who are very well paid, and others are not. It depends on your passion and enthusiasm, first because science/research involves us for the ability to like to innovate and make a difference with our knowledge, to make society and people's lives better.
You can be well paid in these areas, it will depend on your focus, planning, and commitment. However, it is extremely important that you talk to professionals who already work in the area (industry and academia) and try to know the difficulties of the profession, demand for professionals in the area, which are the major poles of research and industry in this field in your country, opportunities and the main, it is essential to get involved as soon as possible and as much as you can in different subjects that will be presented in college so that as soon as possible choose the line of research you want to follow within the Biochemistry / Molecular Biology. Deciding in which area you intend to work will be one less factor to worry about and you can focus on being the best possible professional in the area you have chosen, and certainly, with time the opportunities will appear. Think about it, the research is developing very fast, there is a great demand for professionals with a high degree of qualification, what I want to tell you is: good professionals tend not to be unemployed and tend to be well paid.
Use professional contact networks such as LinkedIn to talk to professionals who already work in the market and try to gather as much relevant information as possible for your decision making. My experience has shown and shows that good professionals are well paid, my reality has shown me this, but it takes time to prove its value and fit in, but I believe this is the process of the whole profession. I know good professionals who are well paid, but they make the difference.
I hope I have helped, my best regards.
You can be well paid in these areas, it will depend on your focus, planning, and commitment. However, it is extremely important that you talk to professionals who already work in the area (industry and academia) and try to know the difficulties of the profession, demand for professionals in the area, which are the major poles of research and industry in this field in your country, opportunities and the main, it is essential to get involved as soon as possible and as much as you can in different subjects that will be presented in college so that as soon as possible choose the line of research you want to follow within the Biochemistry / Molecular Biology. Deciding in which area you intend to work will be one less factor to worry about and you can focus on being the best possible professional in the area you have chosen, and certainly, with time the opportunities will appear. Think about it, the research is developing very fast, there is a great demand for professionals with a high degree of qualification, what I want to tell you is: good professionals tend not to be unemployed and tend to be well paid.
Use professional contact networks such as LinkedIn to talk to professionals who already work in the market and try to gather as much relevant information as possible for your decision making. My experience has shown and shows that good professionals are well paid, my reality has shown me this, but it takes time to prove its value and fit in, but I believe this is the process of the whole profession. I know good professionals who are well paid, but they make the difference.
I hope I have helped, my best regards.
Chelsea Pleasants
Nurse/Case Manager
3
Answers
Louisa, Virginia
Updated
Chelsea’s Answer
I would recommend researching Pharmaceutical companies, research hospitals and independent research facilities. As well as several government agencies. They are frequently hiring. It is also important to try and narrow down your focus area before you graduate from college. That will help you locate your preferred job. In college you will be introduced to multiple opportunities and specialties within your field of study so enjoy! I know you will have a great experience!
Thank you! This is really helpful!
Megan
Yan Chen
Statistical Programming
1
Answer
Medford, Massachusetts
Updated
Yan’s Answer
The reward usually comes with passion which leads to exploring and hard work. These fields at first might not have the best pay however the aim is what that interests you and what you like to achieve for the human health, if it is to eventually solve one un-met medical needs try to find the top notch and best groups (either academic or industry) to learn and grow. It is very possible that in the end what one participates in is a breakthrough which will definitely reward the discoverers in capital gains. For example, I have friends working in biotechs the companies become public and their stock share could make them millionaires, but again it all depends on one's interests and doing research what are the most promising areas in biochemistry/molecular bio.
Thanks for your response! It really helps for me to get an idea of options that I have.
Megan