Chemistry PhD coming from a biosynthesis/natural products background
Hey everyone,
I'm a 3rd year biochemistry undergrad and most of my research experience so far has been in natural products biosynthesis. I've been working on things like enzyme expression/purification, enzymatic assays, and heterologous expression of biosynthetic gene clusters in e.coli/yeast/fungus.
I'm thinking about applying to Chemistry PhD programs, but I'm wondering how much of a disadvantage I'd be at since my background is pretty heavily on the biosynthesis/biochemistry side rather than traditional synthetic chemistry.
I really like chemistry and I'm interested in things like natural product chemistry, chemical biology, biosynthesis, biocatalysis, and potentially synthesis, but I haven't really done the typical undergrad organic synthesis research...
For people who've gone through chemistry PhD admissions, how would a background like this be viewed? Would chemistry departments see natural products/biosynthesis research as relevant chemistry experience, or would they mostly see me as a biochemistry applicant?
Also, would it be worth trying to get some actual synthetic chemistry experience before applying, or would I be better off just continuing to build on my biosynthesis research?
I'd especially appreciate hearing from anyone who came into a chemistry PhD from a biochemistry or biology background. Thanks!