I realized yesterday that I have not been keeping up on my blogging! I'm terribly sorry. I wanted to post my fabulous curried butternut squash soup from Tuesday night, but Jason had the camera with him in Hannover, so I have no pictures. So I thought I'd give you the update on the whole job situation.
On Friday, I had a meeting with the professor I interviewed with twice during my whole interview week. I did not get into either of the research schools I had applied for, but this particular professor said he was definitely interested and that he had additional funding from a grant coming in October, enough for a few more positions in the lab. So on Friday I went and met with him and he's definitely getting the funding and gave me a choice: I can either become a PhD student in his lab or I can be a biologist (lab tech) in his lab. The only catch is that the funding is coming attached to a particular piece of technology his lab is currently developing (If you are interested, here's the PMID: 18808153). But basically I could build any project I want as long as I use this piece of analysis technology. Simple enough.
My PhD would be in Molecular Biology, a field I have absolutely ZERO experience in that relies heavily on biochemistry, with which I also have zero experience. Funding would last for three years. Jason spoke with his advisor, and he can only guarantee funding for Jason through December of 2011. If all goes perfectly well and I manage to finish in three years, I'll finish in November of 2012.
If I go the biologist route, I will gain experience in a field that I currently lack experience. I wouldn't have a PhD in the end, but I would be more prepared to get a PhD when I go back to the States. Gaining experience in molecular biology will significantly increase my hireability (surely that's a word) because I will pick up many new techniques that I was unable to learn at WF during both my Master's and my job.
So my decision remains... to thesis or to tech. Please vote in my poll at the right hand side of the blog! :)
7 comments:
Definitely the tech - experience is vital and the tech job would absolutely give you first hand experience...
Wow! What a choice! Either way, you will gain experience in a field that will be very marketable when you return to the states. It sure would be tough if Jason didn't get additional funding and you weren't finished! But if you had a Phd, you could teach online courses from home while taking care of my grandbaby! Good luck with your decision! I am so proud of you regardless of which way you go!!
My vote is for PhD simply because if you think that's something you'd like to do at some point, you might as well start it now. If you finish, GREAT! If not, then I'm guessing there's no harm/no foul since you'll be getting paid the same, right? Anywho, just my 2 cents worth...good luck with whatever route you choose, and congrats on having some options! :D
@ Mommma: You're not subtle at all...
Man, that poll is neck and neck right now! ;)
This is something a husband is better off not voting on.
At least I didn't say grandBABIES!!!!
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