Some advice - what can I do?

[thatdude]

Hi everyone

I would like some advice from those of you with an eye for the bigger picture. I'm a PhD-educated chemist (organic chemistry) with now about 18 months experience in industry. However, my previous position was contract (and 50 miles commute to work...) and my current position is a fixed-term contract, ending in December (Xmas eve!). I would like to have more longer-term employment, but opportunities are rare in the south-east (Hertfordshire / Cambridge / London) and the job market is over-saturated with candidates. I cannot relocate since my wife has secured a permanent position, due to start in October (when she completes her PhD) so I am worried about finding my next employment opportunity (I am doubtful my current employer will extend my contract, but even then it will come to an end at some point).

So, I have plenty of skills - technical and practical skills, numerical skills, literacy (even if it doesn't always show here on the internet!), critical thinking, time management and organization ...plenty of things that would lend themselves to other roles in both scientific and out of scientific jobs.

But what could I realistically do? I must say I prefer technical roles, I am at heart a chap who enjoys working with equipment and tools. But at the end of the day, I need something come January in order to earn money to pay the bills. If it means sitting at a desk than so be it, but I'd much prefer something more engaging.

Any advice, insight and general words of wisdom and encouragement are greatly appreciated

Thanks all

[thatdude]

toohuge said:

I'm amazed you say there aren't many opportunities in Cambridge.... the science park has numerous start ups etc. that are looking for well qualified individuals such as yourself.

This is a good place to start:
http://www.startuphire.com/lc/Cambridge-startup-jo...


Chris

Thanks for that - I've tried looking for information and struggle to find anything.

[thatdude]

STW2010 said:

I'm a chemist and am from that area.

How about keeping an eye on the big employers such as GSK (Stevenage) and Johnson Matthey (Royston)?

There are a lot of opportunities for chemists in the area. You could even look at working for the Royal Society of Chemistry, who are based in Cambridge.

GSK did go through a period of hiring, but those positions have since been filled. I've applied for a few things with JM so fingers crossed - they could be a way into automotive-related sciences which would be enjoyable!


I've had a good think about the work I'd like to do. I'm a laboratory scientist through-and-through...I like getting my hands dirty (figuratively speaking!) and I love developing routes to new compounds / materials. I'm not really one for sales and sitting at a desk typing all day long, I really really enjoy the technical, hands-on work. That being said, I also enjoy analytical and preparative chemistry (purification). I like to be kept busy and I dont mind fast-paced environments (a busy day goes by quickly and the fruits of ones labour is there to be seen every day, its rewarding)

Teaching is something I;d like to do in the future, at a university.

I'll look for post-graduate positions, but they tend to be relatively short-term...I would ideally like something long term, and outside of academia.

What are good places to search for jobs? I scoure places like indeed.co.uk and cvlibrary...anything else?

Edited by thatdude on Wednesday 3rd September 11:57