R&D career with just a master's?

steevee · 08-13-2007, 09:20 PM

I'm wondering how far you can go in R&D with just a master's. I suppose all the directors of research or department heads have PhDs, which is something I don't think I'll be able to sacrifice 4+ years for.

If it helps, I'm currently in chemical engineering (hoping for a master's in biochemical engineering or related area), and I'd like to get into the biotech area. And no, I don't just want to optimize the production of beer or something, but I'd like to get involved in some cutting edge research (with good pay), in popular topics such as tissue engineering, stem cells, nanotech, etc.

I really hope that these career aspirations exist outside of fantasy island.

Morning_Theft · 08-13-2007, 09:57 PM

With some R and D engineering jobs, you dont even have to have an engineering degree. I work with a few engineers who have degrees in chemistry and biology.

steevee · 08-13-2007, 11:16 PM

Well, yeah I know that there are people out there. In fact, basic science degrees are probably the norm. However, my main question is still in the level of academic degree.

seaweed · 08-14-2007, 02:19 AM

If you wish to pursue research in biotech industry, if you go further with a PhD.

A master's is usually not sufficient to assume team leader type positions in R&D even if your major is chemical enigineering.

I agree with Morning_Theft that if your goal is to do "cutting edge" research, then an engineering degree is not necessary. However, I strongly recommend you to stick with chemE for your undergrad and even grad degrees simiply because the career prospects are way much better. Many chem and bio PhDs are now having a very tough time finding jobs outside of academia.

steevee · 08-14-2007, 08:01 AM

Yeah I'm enrolled in chemical engineering simply because I have more options later on if I decide to back out. I will be working with profs while I study, and use my coop terms to work in industrial settings so I'll get experience on both sides.

My goal is in fact to do cutting edge research, but 4 years is a LOT of time... the commitment, the time, the money foregone...

karm · 08-16-2007, 09:08 PM

hey i would be interested in knowing this as well.

golden_sunrise · 08-17-2007, 10:51 PM

Even if you can do PhD work without a PhD, you won't be respected by other PhD's so it will be much tougher to advance your career in R&D.

seaweed · 08-18-2007, 02:11 AM

Quote:

Even if you can do PhD work without a PhD, you won't be respected by other PhD's so it will be much tougher to advance your career in R&D.

+1

my question is, if you are not willing to put in 4 or 5 years of devotion in phd, what makes you think you are committed enough to do research, which is a career that takes decades of effort? simply put, if you are not sure about getting a phd, don't go for it.

plus that you will have tons of opportunities with a masters degree in biochemical/chemical engineering. don't limit yourself with the option of research only.