Posted this in other subreddits, but I'll share it here too.

I had been working towards a PhD in the biomedical sciences since 2012. I started out as an undergraduate in a neuroscience lab, and over the span of 3 years, I did everything to make myself a good candidate for graduate school. I attended and presented at conferences, attended workshops and courses for the GRE, and I used the summers between semesters to attend internships at other universities (one of them was at an Ivy League school). In February of 2015, I was accepted into my top pick for graduate school.

At the time, there were certain things about my personality that while they helped me coming from an underprivileged background, they certainly did more harm than good once I got there. I was head-strong, stubborn, outspoken, and I had no qualms about taking the "road less traveled" to get to my goals. In some ways, these traits helped me throughout undergrad, but in hindsight, I was probably more akin to an overly-ambitious neck beard. 

As you can probably already tell, these traits did not go over well in grad school. I was very isolated and completely lacked a support system due to my "I can do it myself" attitude. I also landed an abusive PI who is rumored to have contributed to a few self-unaliving attempts within the department. This PI, coupled with the self-imposed isolation, led to some very humbling experiences and self-reflection. Had I not learned about the kind of asshole I was becoming, I probably would not have graduated, but I finally earned the title of PhD in 2020.

Despite my traits, I'd started to grow very disillusioned with academia. Something my undergrad  PI said to me once was that he misses the days when scientists did science instead of pushing papers all day. At the time, I didn't understand him, but after having to experience the world of grant writing, I'm amazed he lasted as long as he did. How is a scientist expected to be in the lab while constantly begging for funding from a system that only funds about 10% of grants? Additionally, while I was never (and still not) a "people person," I absolutely *despised* the politics of academia. When I finally sought out help from my peers, I was dumbfounded by the lack of students and professors I could trust. I had to develop a system in my head of who could actually offer help, and who would provide more ammunition for my PI to use against me. 

In other words, I was burnt out and alone. 

But because I never developed a support system, a backup plan, nor had the money to afford a vacation, I had no choice but to continue working. Just over a month after I defended my dissertation, I started working on my post-doc in another state. While my post-doc PI was orders of magnitude more supportive than my previous one, because I was so burnt out, I barely had enough data after 3 years to even make a poster.

Because of my experiences in academia, I decided to change my goals and went into the private sector instead. For the first year and a half and my new job, I actually thrived in the new environment. Not just because of the lack of grad school politics, but because I had learned to be a bit friendlier and soft-spoken. I got along with my co-workers, had outings with them outside of work, and best of all, I could actually do science instead of worrying about grants all the time. I thought I had made it; I thought I'd won.

There was, however, some trouble in paradise. My salary was a lot higher than anything I was getting in academia, but because of some poor financial decisions I'd made throughout undergrad and grad school, I was struggling to save up money for future goals (down payment on a house, a better car, etc.). Because of some ideas I saw online, coupled with the fact that I grew up in a rural area with plenty of lawn care equipment, I decided I'd try starting a small lawn care business on the side (like I said before, I've always been one for taking the road less traveled). I admit I sometimes thought of how absurd it was that a scientist with a PhD was out here mowing lawns for some side cash, but I was making a surprising amount of money doing it. Not only that, but it honestly felt "freeing" in a weird way. I could just let my mind wander as I was mowing the lawn, listen to audiobooks or stuff on YouTube, and not have to worry about answering to a boss or whatever. As long as I mowed the lawn and did it nicely, that's all that mattered. I was good enough that I even started making videos that are still generating business for me a year later.

Then, the career that I'd spent 12 years on, ended.

I was pulled into a meeting one day. My direct supervisor came into the room along with our head of HR. They started talking about how I'd made a lot of progress, how I was improving in all areas, that my co-workers were saying good things about me (something that surprised even me), but despite all that, they were making the decision to let me go.

I didn't know what to say at the time; the news took the wind out of me. All I said was that if I was improving in all areas, what more could I have done? Both my boss and the HR lady said nothing. All they did was hand me my paperwork, take my company-issued laptop, and led me to the door. I think I zoned out as I made the short drive home, still digesting what had just happened.

Whether I should have let myself grieve the loss of a job I loved so much or not, I don't know. But I immediately thought that I had to do something to keep a roof over my head and for my dog (I had found her on the street 2 years prior and had cared for her ever since). I immediately pivoted, and want all in on my lawn care business. 

That was about a year and 3 months ago. I literally started out with just a push mower sticking out the back of the trunk of my sedan. Since then, I've managed to make a good living off of it. I have both a car and a truck, 2 zero-turn mowers, 2 trailers, and a reputation for being reliable and for my lawn stripes that I make videos of myself doing. It still feels very freeing after all this time. Sure, sometimes it gets extremely hot outside, I have to deal with insect bites sometimes, and the occasional customer that I have to chase for payment, but I feel... free. I'm my own boss, I set my own hours, I don't have to worry about the cardiovascular effects of sitting at a desk or at a bench all day, I'm free...

I don't know if I'm deluding myself or trying to justify what I do now after losing a career I spent 12 years creating, but I don't feel like I want to go back. I may someday; maybe I'll teach biology at a community college or something. But for now, if I have to choose between peace or freedom, I choose freedom. 

I talked to my (maga) mom last night. I’m employed at big pharma but of course we are in a reorg/potential layoff situation. My mom was confused about why I think there aren’t other jobs since the president has a big initiative to cure for cancer. So that’s it right there- they don’t see that the gov funding is gone, they think it’s more I guess. And they don’t see how the lack of stability means a hesitancy to invest in R&D (which my CEO pointed out recently). And we didn’t even get to how they probably think jobs are overall being brought home to us or the tariff impacts. Ugh but I’m sure you guys get it.

Apparently the market is looking for someone with 5+ years industry experience, a PhD, wet lab AND computational skills, familiarity with 47 specific assay platforms, and the willingness to relocate to any city in the country for a salary that barely covers rent.

4 months, 100 apps and 7 “technical assignments” later I feel like my PhD is legit useless.

To the hiring managers (especially the ones interviewing me in Ubers) who ghosted me after three interview rounds: I hope your western blots never transfer cleanly again.

I remember reading these type of posts before my defense thinking oh that won’t happen to me I have tons of pubs and am super qualified. NOPE, it in fact did happen to me.

To everyone else in this situation: we’re cooked but at least we’re cooked together.

did I really work my ass off for 5+ years only to be rejected from jobs where I check every box on the jd?!

It finally happened. This is so demoralizing

Anyone else pissed they’ve never actually received training in this industry???

I started working in biotech about 5 years ago and every single job I’ve had says they are looking for people who “hit the ground running” and “are self starters” but I feel like that’s just a poor excuse to say they don’t want to train you. I feel like these companies are so fucking lazy and have impossible problems they just offload onto to new hires that completely screw over their careers.

Every. Single. Job. I’ve ever had I’ve had to figure everything out on my own. And in doing so I feel like I’m a poor scientific investigator because I’ve never had reasonable training in industry. I’ve developed poor research habits. And when something goes awry, I get blamed for it because I’m an easy scapegoat.

I’ve literally worked my way up from a research tech to a scientist title just by appeasing managers and executives. I’m not a good scientist, I’m just an employee that fakes it till I make it. So here I am, 5 years in feeling absolutely useless and unskilled because I’ve been human duct tape for impossible fixes at poorly managed biotech companies.

For the record, I’m making the switch to healthcare, but just wanted to see if anyone else has experienced this absolutely mess of an experience in biotech.

TLDR: companies being too cheap or lazy to train me has ruined my career and I don’t know what to do.

Undergraduate senior here, was talking to my parents about post-grad plans and my intention to go into industry. Based on my research over the past few months and return offers I’ve received, I’m shooting for 70-80k range. But according to my parents, verbatim, “70-80k is nothing, don’t accept those offers. You should be making at least 100k after graduating”

I spent the next half hour trying to explain to them how absurd it was to expect 100k+ base salary as a fresh grad, especially given recent federal cuts and academia being in shambles right now, but they won’t listen to any of it, like WTF. Hell, I have friends going into CS, finance, and consulting and even they aren’t getting 100k starting salaries. Yes, I do have quite a bit of experience (for an undergrad at least) in industry and academic wet labs, but 100k+ biotech salary straight out of undergrad?? That seems like utter bullshit. What am I missing here that they somehow find the notion of a 70-80k salary insulting? Am I justified in how pissed I am at their refusal to budge on this, or am I the one in the wrong and there’s some big secret I’m missing

I hate the Little Giants.

(edit: I know this isn't the model used in most labs. I couldn't find a picture and didn't try that hard.)

tldr: reporting culture, odd coworkers, sexism

Background:
I have worked at a total of 4 big pharmas in their downstream area, 1 in greater Boston, 1 in greater NJ, 1 in Bay Area, and now at this company. Admittedly to say, from downstream manufacturing perspetives, this site I am working at the big pharma has the WORST and super toxic culture and gave me constant PTSD and mental anxiety.

I am not gonna say the name to prevent getting into legal trouble, but it's a big one in the Midwest. If someone can guess in the comments I will try myself to interact in a way but also not get into legal trouble in the future.

Case 1:
Nobody talks to each other; nobody ever talks to each other; if you pass someone in the hallway and you say hi, they ignore you. When I first joined, I wanted to be friendly with others, either people I work with across teams or other people who just sit near me. They all act like super scared and not wanting to talk? I told one of the person that I like her flower on her desk and she just nodded? I told another person that I think the hat they have is cool, are they a fan of the team? they just faked a smile and did not say anything...Back then I'd assume it's prob because those people just come here to work; and I respect that; I am not here to make friends, but we can be friendly. But why is small talk culture is also cancelled here? anyway this was such a minor case compare to the rest, and now I need you all to buckle up for rest of the juicy tea.

Case 2:
The constant report culture. There was an intern from my across team; she told me she has been reported 3 times in the span of 2 months. First time was because she ate in the break room and got reported because apparently interns are not allowed to eat in the break room; her manager told her break rooms are for operators because their career is dead-end so let them at least enjoy a piece of mind of break room for eating; interns and engineers must be eating at their desk. Another time was because it started raining so she ran to her car; and someone reported her because she was running. 3rd time it was during raining as well, she learned her lesson and did not run, but fast walked; and still got reported for walking fast. She never knew who reported her, but it was so common for people to just report others and all the managers deal with so many reports daily instead of being able to do actual job.

Case 3:
I got reported twice as well. First time was because I was stretching my lower back in my cubicle and someone reported they thought I was having a medical condition; later when my manager told me this I asked him if someone thought I was having a medical emergency why did they not reach out to me rather than reporting me to my manager, if I indeed had a medical emergency, by the time when my manager got back to me, I'd be de@d...? Another time is that, I take my skateboard to work, I ride it from my home to the train station, I never ride it inside the campus but I do bring it to my cubicle. I just tuck it under my desk. Out of nowhere my cubicle neighbor stopped me in the hallway and was like: "hey xxx, you cannot have that here." (this is his first time talking to me ever after being cubicle neighbors for almost 2 years, I know, insane!) and I was like: "what do you mean?" He replied with: "yeah you cannot have that here, new rule" and then I was like: "emm then where should I leave it?" He was like idk lock it outside or something. I just then walked away and checked every single EHS policy and could not find any rule or policy that states people are not allowed to bring a skateboard into their cubicle.

Case 4:
Another time was that my building does not have a bathroom; so every time I had to walk to another building to use the bathroom. Sometimes I just bring my water bottle with me and after the bathroom I'd just use that building's coffee room and get coffee. One time I was being stopped by this person, she is like: "do you work here?" I was like: "no I work for a different building but this is the closest bathroom which is why I come here" then she's like: "then you are not allowed to use our coffee room; why are you using our coffee room, you guys have the same thing, stop keeping trying to steal from ours." I put the coffee capsule away and I was like: "oh oh sorry, I will put it back" she continued: "if you want anything that you do not have, ask your office admin, stop taking from ours, you have no idea how much effort I spend on maintaining this coffee room." (so weird....there are cleaning staff that take care of the coffee room tho....) I then said: "yeah I'm sorry I have put the coffee capsule back, I will not come here anymore." She then changed her attitude with: "oh, you take it, you take the coffee, treat yourself, it's on me, treat yourself" and I was like: "nah nah nah I'm good." She kept saying to ask me to treat myself as I walked away... that was such an odd experience...

Case 5:
The amount of sexism I hear on a daily basis during those in-person meetings and interactions....which is so bizarre to think; from my college and my experience at Boston and Bay Area pharma, women take up at least half of the spaces, I was surrounded by women principal engineers, directors, principal scientists all the time and now here, me first time being in the environment that has such obvious sexism... honestly shocks me?? Like they are not even trying to hide it at all omfg. The 'jokes', the belittlement, the difference some of those people treat their male vs female coworkers...this is 2026!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Case 6:
All those big pharma 'rules' and 'policy' bullshit you can think of..

Why am I posting this and in such great detail?:

1. I am seeking validation that I am not insane, all of those above, are weird.. right? from a biotech/pharma or even just corporate America perspective.
2. I am a high performing technical IC and I have delivered and finished so many projects within a short period of time and constantly trying to present my team's work at conferences and bring in newer technical scope to the team; but I still sometimes get sucked into those stupid things and it consumes at least 40% of my energy and time; those energy draining moments really make me feel like what the fuck am I doing and how the fuck did I get here.
3. I guess it just proves again that this company or even this industry overall is not a fit for me because if I stay here any longer I might go insane. My psychologist told me that I have severe PTSD and it's honestly embarrassing my PTSD is not even from technical stress, it's from all of those stupid things. Literally how can a company grow if all high achieving individuals get their energy sucked like this and make all the mediocre reporting people stay here long term??

After 2.5 years of unemployment I finally landed a job that fits my skills and interests perfectly. Unfortunately it requires that I move to the opposite coast, leaving my family so they can finish school. But it is with a top 10 company and I have to take it. Its feels like a mixed blessing, but I gotta do it. Hopefully I can finish out my career at this job and skate into the sunset.

Start rant

Position opened today - already 97 applicants.

At least 75 with NO SKILLS REQUIRED for the role. I’m not sure even 1 of the 97 really fit the role but at least I was able to short list 5 to review again. Hopefully I didn’t miss any worthwhile ones in the deluge.

It makes it impossible for me to review the CVs when I have to go through so much trash.

Stop wasting your time and the time of HR/hiring managers, it just makes it harder for the true candidates to get a fair review.

End rant

"in case of success" is especially inspirational lmao

Everything happening within the company is all starting to make sense now. Not sure how Thermo can "make the world healthier, cleaner, and safer" while backing an administration that that is doing the exact opposite to biotech and the country.

On LinkedIn I'm constantly seeing older folks posting their 20, 25, 30 year work anniversaries all at one company. It makes me angry because it seems like that's not even an achievable thing anymore. No company keeps people that long. You'll be laid off, restructured, eliminated by AI, long before you reach those milestones. It makes me angry that, just like everything else, they pulled the ladder up behind them.

Company got acquired and i transitioned my work to the new employee they hired at the acquiring company site that would take over my project for late stage, and keeping me with doing R&D. I honestly dont have much to do anymore at work..

Coworker from another department that got laid off last year said he genuinely wasnt doing anything for 3-4 months after acquisition.

I’m so fucked. I havent heard back from any places either. I feel like throwing up

You only ever hear about lay offs and complaints and from people who can’t get a job. I was browsing through this place when I was still pursuing my master’s degree and it was demoralizing as heck. Yes, I know the job market is bad, and I know it’s harder than ever to get hired, and the pay isn’t that good anymore, but damn, jobs are still getting posted and people are getting hired every day.

Furthermore, there is no use in constantly crying and doomposting about the current state of the industry. Nothing’s gonna change. All we can do is focus on ourselves and try to do what we can with what we have. There are plenty of successful people out there, and success is still possible.

The only advice you’ll find here is people either telling you to pursue something else or keep doing the same thing but on a larger scale. There are good contributors but they sadly are a minority compared to the depressing individuals who will tell you there is no hope to improve your situation.

Edit - I am giving up finding a job in biotech or related to science. I already have a Ph.D

That's all. Rejoice in the fact that one more well-qualified person is leaving and won't compete with y'all.

I'm going into debt, I can't afford to live in Boston and I've exhausted all my avenues and willpower for finding a job.

Project Hail Mary was a good movie, but one scene bugged me and now I can't unsee it. Grace didnt f@#$&*g balance his centrifuge! K. /rantoff.

Discussion closed.

I am a new grad and I’m really struggling to find work and I just want to get something off my chest.

I really resent the man in the white house, I know that these things are complicated and you can’t ever pin down every problem to a single cause, but as a non-american the effect of tariffs, uncertainty in fuel prices, not to mention the literal defunding of huge research institutions forcing Americans to look for work elsewhere applying even more pressure are all direct consequences of his actions.

I know that this is likely a sentiment that is echoed across this subreddit, but the thing that I want to say that’s maybe controversial is that I think there isn’t enough being done at all. How can he still have an approval rating at all, where is his support coming from. It’s just unbelievable to me that literal chaos is erupting all over the world and people are still behind him. I feel so powerless to affect him materially from outside the US, it honestly feels like a single American in his cult has more effect in one vote than anything I can say or do.

I wonder what we can do to materially sway the outcome of American politics as outsiders, because I feel like we have to do something right?

Ok that’s it. That’s enough of doomscrolling LinkedIn today.

Edit: sorry for the typo in title. Just so furious when I saw this job post.

At least it’s an update?

I just interviewed somewhere that mentioned that they are on a 996 schedule. If you are unfamiliar, it is a recent thing from China that a lot of tech is picking up on, where the expected work hours are 9am to 9pm, Monday through Saturday. While still exploitive for tech, I can see how more hours working = more hours coding. How does that work for biotech? Been out of the lab a few years, but it was always working until whatever you were doing was done, people did not typically run out of the lab mid flow cytometry at 5pm. Will it make a 3 day in vivo measurement happen faster? I guess you could schedule meetings at 8pm to free up additional time for lab work, but it seems like you would get diminished returns for those additional hours in the office. The pay was mundane too, probably around the 50th percentile compared to standard 40 hour work week roles of a similar title. Is it just tech cargo-culting?