I am looking for advice/guidance/help/hope. I am a biologist and have worked for 15+ years in the biotech/pharmaceutical research space.

14 Comments

1. AnonymousApril 2,2025 at 12:38AM UTC

   Perhaps explore becoming a Science Teacher as a career pivot opportunity - You can work as a "Substitute Teacher" as a starting point

2. AnonymousApril 2,2025 at 3:39AM UTC

   What I see with the scientists trying to pivot into admin, for instance, is that they still provide a CV instead of a resume and they focus on all their technical skills/experience - very little of which is going to translate to another type of work. Focus on the parts of your previous roles that are transferable (lit searches = you know how to source answers or background, writing = you know how to put words together well enough to be published and you can take criticism, that kind of thing). And when you land interviews, don't focus on your science for non-science jobs.

3. AnonymousApril 2,2025 at 2:15PM UTC

   I’m assuming you have lots of contacts in your field and hope you are keeping in touch with them for openings. Networking seems to be a very successful way to get work these days. However, unfortunately you are not alone at all. Almost everyone I know that has been laid off regardless of age or having masters and MBAs are taking many months to find jobs. Looking at other types of jobs in other fields is a super good idea. Admin work is a great way to learn new industries and make some money while you utilize your skills. Good luck!

4. MaryLoApril 2,2025 at 4:45PM UTC

   Hi Anna, I wish I had advice. I just wanted to comment that I am experiencing similar issues. I have worked in Healthcare operations & technology since 2001. I worked for one company for 17 years, making it to a Director level, before leaving because I saw that the future of that company and the software I was an expert in was being taken over by a large competitor. I worked for a new company for 2.5 years in a slightly different role only to be laid off in May. I have not been able to find a role that is using my skillset, even applying to roles that would be considered more junior, and definitely a significant pay cut. I know that I am qualified, but fear that my age is being considered a factor. I turned 50 in January. In the meantime, I have taken courses on Health and Wellness coaching, (a passion project) and received certification, but cannot find work in that field either. It is very discouraging, and depressing. I feel like I am capable, I know that I am a very loyal and hard working employee, but am not even getting a chance to interview.

5. Star7April 3,2025 at 1:46AM UTC

   Have you considered applying your knowledge to teach? Or, write an e-book for free to possibly start up some passive income. Just thinking of how your skills may be able to fit into other sectors.

   What about local health departments? think local gov's, like state, county, city.

6. AnonymousApril 5,2025 at 1:22PM UTC

   Would you be willing to make a career change? I’d be daunted, tbh. I am 51 and work as a power systems engineer. My team has vacant positions going for a year plus!

   Or high school /tech school teaching? Classroom instruction has its challenges. You’d get good benefits and a steady wage.

   Good luck OP ?

7. Kara TysonApril 8,2025 at 3:28PM UTC

   I wouldn't suggest the teaching route. I used to work in Academia. Currently, instructors are paid per course with no benefits.

   Without an education degree, no public secondary school can take you and spaces are limited at private schools, particularly if you are not a coach.

8. AnonymousApril 3,2025 at 5:56PM UTC

   The job search is taking much much longer in some fields than in others. Consider mentoring and doing things with a university where you can make connections in the field to others who can share their connections. Go to events, and blog or share what you know with others, do things to expand your network and not just applying to roles.

9. AnonymousApril 7,2025 at 6:08PM UTC

   Hi. Have you ever heard of irelaunch?

   irelaunch.com

   It is a program for people who have had career breaks. I work in the financial industry and we partner with them but I know they also partner with other fields as well. I hope it helps and that you find something rewarding soon.

10. Aaliyah Serianna OlsonApril 7,2025 at 6:23PM UTC

    cool!! Ima look this up!!

11. Aaliyah Serianna OlsonApril 7,2025 at 6:22PM UTC

    Yes, honey, I'm in your situation. I lost my job last June and I'm still looking. Master's degree. Biology. Haven't worked in my field in years and I somehow got into banking positions. I'm still jobless and I hear it will get worse before it gets better. It's this uncertain economy we are in. And no you're not doing anything wrong. Things I have tried that have been positive are tailoring my resume to the job position and paying attention to key words.

    I am going to be taking a data analytics course this month because I know those skills are marketable, especially in my field. I'm scared to death because it's something new and challenging, but I am determined to have a good go at it!

    So what type of research are you trained in? I know I had applied to some clinical positions but because I did not have clinical research experience they didn't want me, Mine was all scholarly/academic research. But that could be just here in my area where they are picky like that?

    Keep on pluggin' away, my friend. It's a full time job just applying for jobs every day! But we will find a job......eventually we will!

12. Star7May 30,2025 at 3:32PM UTC

    during my college stats course, I was thinking how data is going to be the future, great math skills is a bonus, because stats used college algebra and we used some calculus. I needed a refresher, oh my. I am thinking of taking also Python (great for analyzing data, and popular skill to have) and SQL perhaps. Please keep us posted how its going,I have been considering this skill, too. I did a basic course on Linkedin for Power BI is for business, etc. too. I will be doing the next level in it. If you ever worked with pivot tables, etc, to me it seemed like it was backwards creation.

13. AnonymousApril 8,2025 at 12:47PM UTC

    Oh yeah, I’m 60. Two honors degrees and can’t find work. Starting up my own business in a totally different field. Looking for part-time work in just about anything. I’ve actually been told by people thinking they were being helpful that I should try being a greeter at Walmart or maybe waitressing. This is after being told my entire work history.

14. Kara TysonApril 8,2025 at 3:24PM UTC

    I am in the hospitality field (not my original path). I can tell you that at the 4 star Hotels I used to work for, multiple individuals had degrees in Biology (at least 2 with Masters). Regrettably, they made about $14-16 dollars an hour.

    I would try the following: have ChatGPT format your resume. Humans are not looking at it. It is one computer talking with another.