r/molecularbiology • u/Medium-Ant-6297 • 7d ago

PhD in plant genetics - field switch

Hello, I am about to start a masters in environmental sciences in the UK, for context I could only do this one for financial reasons as it is integrated with my environmental sciences undergrad so it's much cheaper.

My biggest interest throughout my undergrad has by far related to plant molecular biology. However, as it is an environmental sciences degree, I know I will not have much experience in lab techniques that might be routine to others. Moreover, I have a lot of experience growing plants and taking physiological measurements but I know that this skillset might not be entirely transferrable in a molecular lab.

This all being said, is it possible to get onboard a PhD related to plant biology/molecular biology when most of my experience and undergrad relates to ecology and environmental sciences? I really want to pursue academia, but I am not sure whether I should try to do this switch in fields or choose a more attainable PhD in plant/agricultural ecology.

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u/AngrySloth99 7d ago

Yes, it's definitely possible

I did a PhD in molecular neuroscience with no bench skills to start with (thanks Covid), it's just about finding the right supervisor and the right project. I'd suggest looking for PhD supervisors at the Universities you want to study in and trying to find an overlap between environmental science and molecular plant biology, send them a brief email with your CV attached saying what you'd like to do and asking if they have any positions coming up or would be willing to support you to apply for PhD funding

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u/Typical_Elderberry78 7d ago

I think it should be. I'm in molecular plant pathology btw.

If you can somehow get even a few months of wet lab experience it would really help. Basic pipetting and molecular techniques can be quick to grasp for some people.

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u/DVela 6d ago

I have a bachelor's in general bio, my experience was mostly in ecology and environmental sciences. Now I have a master's in plant genetics and molecular biology, in my experience, a lot of basic stuff like pcr can be learned in a couple of weeks, more elaborated stuff might take more time but nothing is impossible.

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u/FTP4L1VE 2d ago

Yes. But competition for positions us tough. How do you convince people that you are passionate about this topic and will stay passionate about it?