u/Few_Syllabub_2356

26y/o with a BSc and MSc in the life sciences, I’m working in biopharma manufacturing for the last 3 years. Job is great, nice coworkers, good role, good salary and I’ve switched between a few different roles internally.

However, I’m getting unmotivated recently with the corporate and office environment and feel a calling to do a PhD to get back into doing real, basic scientific research (my academic background is in cancer immunotherapies). Don’t think my reason for doing it is prestige but more for my own personal interest in scientific theory and being involved in biological research.

Although a PhD does feel like I’m taking a step backwards, e.g. career progression, loss of income. It also feels like I’m starting over again in a way.

The Irish PhD stipend barely covers the cost of living (~€25,000/year) but European countries (Germany, Switzerland, Sweden) offer better salaries and a change of location could also be a good thing (never moved out of Ireland yet).

I’d definitely love to return to the biopharmaceutical industry after my PhD and it could always open pathways to newer and more senior industry roles also.

I’m feeling fairly lost and stagnant atm so any career advice and realism appreciated !

TLDR: 3 years interdisciplinary experience across biopharma and medical device industries. Completed masters whilst working full time, looking to get back into more science-based roles, what’s the next move in biopharma?

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Graduated in 2024 with science degree

Since then I’ve worked across QA, operations roles and currently working in manufacturing/lab IT in biopharma.

Managed to study my masters in Cell and Gene Therapies whilst working full-time - completing it next week.

Current job is good, very technical and gives me useful IT skills and work alongside automation engineering regularly - A good niche skillset for someone with a science background.

What’s the next career move? Would love to have something more science-based to align with academic background but I also value the useful IT/networking/automation skills I’ve picked up in my current role, but still open to all ideas. Thanks.