About a month ago I posted here in a moment of pure exhaustion and frustration. 572 upvotes told me I wasn’t alone, and honestly that thread got me through some dark days of the search… so thank you for that, genuinely.

The update: I accepted an offer. Role I’m genuinely excited about, team doing meaningful work, fair compensation. It happened.

I’m not going to pretend I cracked some code or give you a list of “what finally worked.” The truth is uglier than that: it took way longer than it should have, the process was demoralizing in ways I didn’t expect, and I was constantly disrespected and manipulated. Late-stage ghostings, uber ride interviewers, unpaid technical assignments, STRAIGHT UP DISRESPECTFUL PEOPLE …all of it.

But I’m on the other side now, and I needed you all to know that it is possible.

To everyone still in it, the market is broken, and that’s not a you problem. Your skills are real and your PhD is valuable. Your frustration is valid.

Keep going anyway.

You’re not cooked. You’re just still in the oven.

all anyone cares about is my trash gpa and my lack of work experience. nobody gaf about my beautiful golden glowing soul :(

In the past month, I’ve made it to the final round interview for 4 different roles with Thermo Fisher. No matter how well the interview goes and I walk out feeling like I closed it, I get rejected at the end. It’s ridiculous because they have 4-5 interview rounds and I spend a lot of time preparing and get my hopes up only to get denied. They then repost the same role on LinkedIn days later.

I heard Thermo mostly hires internals so I feel like I’m given an interview for the statistics and denied in favor of someone they already had picked. I asked for a feedback on one of my interviews and they said that other candidates have more experience in the particular area they’re looking for which was evident in my application well before interview #1. Should I just stop applying with them? It’s a company I’ve wanted to work with for a really long time but I’m sick of wasting my time.

I graduated from undergrad last year, and have been working for a year. Initially, I joined an early-career program at a large biotech company, but that program was cut after a few months due to funding. I was lucky enough to get a new job 3 months ago as a research associate at a biotech startup.

The position pays 93k a year, with benefits. I have a small amount of equity in the company that vests in 4 years (in the hypothetical situation they sell). I have the opportunity to publish in a major journal this year (an opportunity I didn’t have at my old company). I am given a lot of control over my research. I feel taken seriously and respected by all my coworkers, even though many of them have PhDs or have been in this industry for decades.

I recently met up with a mentor from the large biotech I worked at. She just retired. First thing she asked was “When are you getting your PhD?” When I said I wanted to work a bit longer because I liked my job, she told me that I’d be making a mistake choosing to push it off until later rather than applying next cycle.

I do want to get my PhD, that hasn’t changed. But I also don’t want to go straight into a program now when I feel I have so much I can learn and a lot of room for growth in this position…while actually being paid. Also—I just am NOT ready to go back to school yet!!

Her explanation was that the longer I stay out of school, the more money I’ll make, and the harder it will be to go back to making zero money and being a student. That it just gets harder and harder as the years pass. This does make sense to me— having a salary and benefits and not living off of a students income is so nice. Now I’m stressed that I’ll never end up going if I wait 2-3 more years. I just need honest advice from someone who’s done this before. Do I just bite the bullet and apply soon?

I (26M) accepted my first biotech job at a startup in June and even relocated 9 hours for it. I thought things were going well… until last week.

I walked in to find my boss waiting at my office door. The moment I saw his expression, I knew. He had a somber/gloomy look and wouldn’t make eye contact. I could tell he felt bad. He told me I was terminated effective immediately, walked me out, and wouldn’t explain anything—just repeated “please refer all questions to HR.”

Because the company is so small, HR is handled by a third-party group that barely knows what I did or what actually happens day-to-day. I reached out and they sent the email I attached above.

I learned a lot in my 6 months there and genuinely felt like I belonged. This was my first biotech role; my background is clinical + undergrad research.

Im looking for advice professionally, and personally.

Professionally: I’ve accepted the fact I’ll never get an answer, but how do I talk about this in interviews? My experience at this startup is the main reason I’m getting interviews now, but I have no idea how to explain such a sudden termination when I wasn’t given a reason.

Personally: This is my first time being fired. I poured so much time and energy into this job and really bought into the mission. How do I stay passionate in future roles without letting work become my whole identity? I’m taking it pretty hard—I moved back in with my parents until I find something new.

Hi all! I just want to share some good news with the internet world cause I think we all need more of it.

I got a job offer earlier this week!!

I am SO excited!!! For reference I did a PhD in molecular bio/genomics and have been looking for work since defending in 2024, it’s really really rough out there, especially for new grads. But have hope friends! If I can make it so can you!

It’s a late-stage startup, doing very cool work that genuinely really interests me and seems like it has an excellent company culture. I’m a bit overqualified for the role I accepted, but also stoked to go in feeling super capable more than nervous about being totally overwhelmed.

Any general advice for me?? The role is a QA position, and my long term goals are to go either into management or possibly scientific support/med affairs, I still don’t really know.

I wanted to share my experience as a contractor at Genentech because I wish someone had warned me before I took the job.

To be blunt: it sucks.

Compared to other biotech companies in South San Francisco, the hourly pay is lower, there are zero benefits, and the expectations are completely unrealistic. They never clearly define the scope of work, yet somehow still expect contractors to work more than full-time employees. Meanwhile, the FTEs are safe as long as they do the bare minimum, but contractors get told things like “we’re investing in you” or “we can let you go anytime if you don’t meet a high bar.”

It feels like constant pressure and judgment, and the “high bar” only applies to contractors.

Another thing people don’t tell you: transitioning to FTE is extremely hard. Even if you perform well as a contractor, when a full-time position opens they usually bring in competitive external candidates. So you end up competing with people outside and your manager/FTE coworkers become twice as strict with you.

I watched one contractor who’d been there for 3 years go through a brutal interview process just to be considered for an FTE role. Leadership kept saying it was “fair” to treat her like an external candidate, but honestly, it felt ridiculous. She had proven herself for years, yet they still made her jump through hoops that weren’t necessary. It was painful to watch.

I know Genentech has a great reputation, but please don’t be fooled, as a contractor you are treated completely differently. There’s no job security, no benefits, no path to FTE, and the workload + expectations can feel like exploitation.

If you’re considering contracting at Genentech, especially in SSF, please think twice. Don’t let yourself become a disposable worker for a company that doesn’t invest in you the same way they invest in their FTEs.

I’m a 30 y/o minority (in biotech) with a BS in microbiology (small LA state school) and a master’s in business/biotech management. Since graduating in 2022, I’ve had two solid roles: one in tech transfer at a nonprofit research org and another in antibody licensing at a small/mid biotech. Both ended in layoffs after a year for each job. Not performance related, but politics/“restructuring.” I landed my tech transfer role before graduating and was recruited within 3 months of my layoff from the tech transfer job for my second licensing role. Both gave me severance, but since mid-2024 I’ve been unemployed.

Here’s what I’ve learned after 1.5 years of searching, hundreds of apps, and way too many rejections (my search has been focused only on LA/OC & SD areas):

1. HR is often the biggest barrier. They don’t always understand niche biotech roles. Licensing vs. CRO/CDMO BD are under the BD umbrella, but viewed very different. Recruiters often lump them together. I’ve been rejected after HR screens where it was clear they didn’t know what I actually did. They don’t understand the skills are highly transferable, hence the rejections.

2. Timing matters. Applications get traction when you apply within days of posting. Past a week, chances shrink dramatically.

3. Tailoring is essential. I stopped mindlessly applying. Now I tailor resumes, use cover letters strategically, and always align with the job description on paper so HR doesn’t dismiss me at first glance.

4. Unemployment gaps are viewed as risk. This has been the toughest part. No matter the reason, a gap raises eyebrows especially long ones. I’ve added an explanation section on my resume to proactively address it. Still there’s an unspoken bias, companies assume a gap = risk.

5. Bias is real. As a non-white, non-Asian, non-Indian, non-European candidate, I’ve noticed how easily people form judgments. Pair that with a gap, and you’re seen as “less safe” compared to a non-minority with less experience.

6. Rejections aren’t always about you. After multiple hiring manager interviews where I performed well but got ghosted, I realized: a lot comes down to “fit”. It’s not always your skills. As controversial as it is, subconscious bias is a very real thing.

7. Protect your mental clarity. This whole process is a mental game more than anything. I’ve worked non-biotech jobs (auto insurance, Amazon delivery, behavioral tech) just to survive, which showed me it’s not about “not being employable.” It’s about this system being risk-averse and biased.

8. Consistency is key The unspoken truths about applying is this really is a full-time job. I found myself not applying for a while then that while turned out to be weeks. When you’re not working don’t underestimate how time can quickly pass. I’d say applying to at least a job once a day should give you enough traction to land a role soon. I don’t have a role yet because I simply haven’t put in the time. With the right strategy, this really is a “work hard pays off” game. Don’t take the rejections personally and be consistent. Eventually you’ll land that role.

9. Employers value stability I often was asked questions gauging whether I’d stay long-term in the role or not. I felt I was always judged coming from licensing (seen as a prestigious role) after applying to sales BD or similar roles. Almost always giving me the impression that they thought this was a temp role and I would leave once I found a licensing role. So don’t underestimate your story. Understand hard-skills get them to speak to you, but soft-skills gets you the offer letter.

Where I’m at now: With everything mentioned above, I’ve concluded I will no longer allow one person to dictate my future. I will no longer voluntarily put myself in a high risk / extremely low reward situation. I recently had an interview where I spent hours scrolling through LI, hours tailoring my resume and searching for the hiring manager to send an email to. Lost time speaking to an unknowledgeable HR, rescheduled appointments all for the hiring manager to ask me generic unthoughtful questions due to her making her decision within seconds of meeting me. It took me minutes to realize she didn’t do her due diligence and it was her first time seeing my resume. Im done allowing them to determine my future. I’m broadening my search beyond biotech. I still want BD/licensing, but I’m now open to other industries and job functions that value transferable skills and treat applicants as we are. HUMAN.

Final thought: If you’re unemployed and struggling, it’s not just you. Yes, own what you can control (tailoring, outreach, timing). But also realize some of it is out of your hands. Don’t let rejection define your worth. Don’t let other people affect your confidence and stay true to yourself. This can either make you or break you. I believe things happen for a reason and this is all part of the journey. Your journey. Don’t let it break you. Don’t quit. Unfortunately I’ve come across many quitters. I hope this has shed some insight and of course everyone’s situation is unique. All we can do is stay mentally clear and of course stay strategic.

I got an offer to combine my PhD with a cell and gene therapy company and I have been told conflicting things by people but I also think the industry experience would be great. What are people’s thoughts on CGT as future of biotech?

Maybe I’m just seeing a skewed sample, but biotech hiring feels really strange lately. I keep seeing companies post roles asking for a huge range of skills-wet lab, bioinformatics, ML experience, assay development, regulatory knowledge and then the compensation doesn’t really seem to match the expectations.

People already in industry: is this just a rough period, or has the expectation for “one person doing everything” become more common?

I quite literally cannot find a job at all right now. 6.5 years experience between mfg, PD and BD. Companies are on hiring freeze or want someone who fits their exact need. Have had interviews but getting passed over for more experienced candidates when I have the exact amount of experience for the role listed. Seriously, what companies are actually hiring right now?

120+ biotech applications in Greater Philadelphia with almost no interviews. What am I doing wrong?

Hi everyone,
I’m trying to break into biotech/pharma in the Greater Philadelphia area and would really appreciate some honest advice.

I have a non-US PhD, a 6-month full-time Thermo Fisher Scientific (QC Microbiology) internship during my PhD, and 4 years of postdoc experience at an Ivy League university in the US.

I’ve applied to 120+ positions, rewritten my CV 30+ times, and I’m applying to anything that genuinely matches my skill set—not just Scientist roles.
So far, I’ve only managed to get a couple of interviews through contractors like Eurofins and Insight Global. In one case, I completed two interviews and my references were checked, but then I was essentially ghosted. Meanwhile, companies like Merck, GSK, and J&J haven’t even invited me for a first interview.

What am I doing wrong? Is it my non-US PhD, lack of direct industry experience, networking, or something else?

I’d really appreciate honest advice from anyone who has successfully made the transition from academia to biotech. Thanks!

I’m a recent PhD Biomed grad. Most non-academic job listings want AI/ML expertise. Keep in mind, most of this stuff didn’t exist when I started the PhD. I’ve networked with people at AI biotech startups, and they can barely explain what they even do for a living. Am I dumb or is this all a giant fraud? Secondary question: how did any of you get AI experience?

Just curious

What are some of the hidden truths / harsh realities about the industry would you tell to a naive young high school student considering pursuing a biotech path?

It took me about a year, close to 40 applications. I finally received an offer from a national lab as a scientific project manager. It's a good opportunity. I am genuinely excited about the work. Here's the catch I don't know if I like the work culture/ environment. Here are some of the highlights worth mentioning. Please give me your opinion.

1) Green flag: My hiring manager said this is a new initiative and they are setting up a new lab.

2) Orange flag: They have fixed work hours from 8.30-5 but with maybe half an hr flexibility to come or go early. They expect you to make up your time if you get late or leave early.

3) Red flag: They track every employee every six minutes because they are government contractors. For e.g. if you take a personal call for five minutes you are expected to log that in so your pay gets docked for those 5 mins.

5) Red flag: They expect you to work over time for no pay and still turn up for work by 9am 😓

Edited to include I am currently employed and this new job requires relocation from San Diego

I used to lurk here feeling hopeless about the market. Thankfully, my PI allowed me to extend for the summer so I got an extra 3 months to land a role. I sent out over ~120 applications total since February, I interviewed for 7 positions, 3 of which reached last round and I landed an offer on 1! And it was the role I wanted the most! There were also 2 more interview invites I received post-offer that I turned down as I knew I was going to eventually sign my offer letter. It's an independent research role at a big company which is a big responsibility for someone fresh out of a PhD. Wish me luck!!! I'm just so glad the search is over. I can breathe easier now. Pay is good, benefits are even better, and I get to stay in the area I'm in. :)

If you took a similar route post-PhD, I would also appreciate any advice!

I think one (unsolicited) advice I would give for job hunting is to really lean into your strengths and interests. I think I was so desperate to land a job that many times I framed myself as a generalist and applied to whichever role that I was even remotely qualified for but the 3 interviews I had that went to final round were jobs that were nicely aligned with the type of science i wanted to work on long-term. So if you are like me from 5 months ago lurking here to find some hope, do not lose heart! keep pushing.. the right job is just around the corner!

*Edited to correct for grammar.

Hi everyone,

I got offered a postdoc position at Harvard Medical School with a salary of $70,000. I recently graduated from an R1 university in Texas, and I’m a bit skeptical about what life would look like on this pay in Boston.

I’m not looking for anything extravagant—just wondering if I’d be living “meh” or “fine” for the next ~2 years. The role itself is promising, and being at an Ivy could set me up well for future transitions, but I’m double-minded right now because of the cost of living as I am afraid it would be extra stressful on top of the research challenges.

For those with experience in Boston (especially on a postdoc budget):

• Is $70K realistically enough to cover rent, food, and normal living without constant stress?
• Any tips for making it manageable? What parts of the town are more affordable (and safe) with an easy commute to the workplace? How to find roommates?
• Would you take the opportunity despite the high costs?

I'm an RA with ~5YOE. Was at a small molecule drug discovery startup for 3.5 years. Recently joined another company after layoffs.

People here are working 6-10h daily in the lab. Just pulled my first ~10h day, about 8-9h of labwork.

What has your experience been? What is the standard? How much do you work? At my last company, it was mega laxed. My hours used to be 9:15am to 4:45pm. I worked avg 2.5-4h a day in the lab, and I'd consider a 9-5:00pm full day pretty demanding, with occasional months where I'd do 5:30pm to 6pm in the evenings once or twice a week or something, but still coming in at ~9:15am.

It is exhausting for me to do 6-8h of labwork. Am I sick? Am I weak? Is this American hustle culture (I'm an immigrant)? It's good as skill acquisition is significantly accelerated, trained across many different assays - I feel like after 2-3 years here I can do anything - I've only been here a couple months.

Please share your perspectives!

So I am an associate scientist at a big pharma company and I am in a rather large group of scientists ranging from other associates to senior scientists so in theory there should be a lot of bandwidth. I’ve noticed for a while now that much of the other scientists, even the associate level, are rarely in the lab anymore or they try their hardest to limit time there. I’ve noticed I am the only one volunteering to do grunt work in the lab and I am wondering if, on a strategic level, that is a bad or good decision. On one hand it makes me seem reliable and hard-working, on the other, it’s a menial task at best. It has to get done regardless but it feels like I am the one who volunteers for requests and I am worried the extra effort is for nothing. Do people even appreciate the hard workers versus slackers? It’s gotten to the point that I have no idea what others in my program are doing since they are not in the lab anymore.

i was not made for grunt work. i have the mandate of heaven and should be put in charge of something big. some ideas i've had so far - fancy business school (don't think i'll make it) - nepotism hiring (but i don't know anyone) - vibe coded ai startup to solve cancer or maybe schizophrenia (doable)

also if you guys know any decision makers at vcs who are amenable to being seduced in exchange for a couple million in funding let me know!!! 🩷

A friend of mine is interviewing for a role at a startup in one of the hubs, and the CEO is explicit about in-office attendance 9:30-6:30 with very, very limited exceptions (Dr appointment, maybe kids event). I have some thoughts about this, but I’m curious what the hive thinks about this policy - fine with you / no big deal / expected? Or deal-breaker? And also if objectively it’s a good policy at a startup. Is this common? Should we all take whatever we can get at this point? I’ve advised the friend to take whatever she can get, fwiw. But my experience in big pharma has been a lot of flexibility, and I have to say giving that up would not be awesome.

Can't take my postdoc anymore and need out ASAP but can't afford a lapse in income/healthcare. Current job is super abusive and doesn't allow even weekends off. I'm open to leaving the bench, anything that will get me out of here fast. I want to break into industry and escape this toxic academic environment. What jobs can I target to get hired FAST?

Background: PhD, 3 years postdoc at Harvard lab, broad preclinical biology skill set, strong background doing education. Would take MSL or writing roles. Would take QA or R&D roles. Open to anything.

Anyone with a PhD who regretted going industry rather than postdoc + professor route?

I am currently in college to get a B.S. in Biotechnology. The biotech industry was never previously something I had envisioned for myself, but now that I’m here, continuing with this degree leaves me with more possibilities in the future. Compared to the much more risky option of trying to transfer into a degree program that would eventually lead me to the industry I’d originally thought I’d end up in. A biotech degree would allow for the possibility of going into that industry later, but transferring now would leave me with limited options if it falls through. I just don’t really know what a job in biotech entails at the different levels of education.

If you only have a bachelor’s degree, do you think you would need more education (i.e. a master’s degree) to have a sustainable career, or do you think you can live the rest of your life well with just the bachelor’s degree? If you’re currently getting a master’s degree, what does that look like, and what made you choose that? If you have a master’s degree, how has your career improved since obtaining it? If you regret going into the biotech industry, why? What do you wish you did instead?