<p>Hey, I never stated someone was going to wash test tubes. You still never told me as to why you are such a credible source on biotech. Have you even seen the entry level jobs most students get? You are really getting on my nerves since you obviously have no industry experience and all you can do is to point to articles written by the UW-M. It seems you must be their PR guy since they it to compete to get better talent from areas like San Diego, Boston and SF.</p>
<p>You can do top research with cool experiments but if the skill set isn’t applicable to the job you are applying to then it doesn’t mean ****. </p>
<p>Lets look at this ENTRY LEVEL position from Medimmune (no Barrons is not glass washing)</p>
<p>Position Title: Research Associate I
Department Name: Analytical Biochemistry
Location: Gaithersburg
Job ID Number: 3250-056</p>
<p>Job Description
The candidate will be responsible for being trained on and performing various immunoassays in the combined Immunoassay/Electrophoresis Areas within Analytical Biochemistry. They will be responsible for obtaining the sample to be analyzed, assaying the samples in the appropriate assay, recording all information in a GMP-compliant notebook, and reporting the results via written and electronic means. The candidate will be expected to make detailed observations, analyze data, and interpret results with supervision. The expectation would be to prepare technical reports, protocols, experimental summaries, and to give oral presentations when required. Previous immunoassay experience (ELISA, etc.), familiarity with assay instrumentation (plate readers, washers, reader software, etc.) and strong pipetting skills are a plus, as is previous experience working in a GMP compliant facility.</p>
<p>Job Requirements
Requires a Bachelors degree in a scientific discipline with a minimum of 0-2 years experience in a research or development area. *************************************************************************************************MedImmune, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.</p>
<p>basically, all you do is run an ELISA assay and gels on many different samples all day and record the results according to good manufacturing practices (GMP). First, GMP is not taught at many universities since it is not an academic topic. It won’t matter since 0-2 years they don’t expect you too know GMP but if you do it’s a plus. So you did top research on lets say stem cells or a new medical imaging device. That’s impressive but those are different skills than what this job requires. Second, if you come into the interview for the job after doing that great research academically where you had individual freedom and since this position isn’t as glamourous, you will kick yourself out of the position because you will be seen as a flight risk (aka someone who quits early because they are bored). </p>
<p>They are many other jobs in biotech such as Quality Control such as this one from Genetech that are entry level for new college graduates:</p>
<p>Performs collection, handling, testing, and documentation of samples from plant utilities to support routine manufacturing operations and facility qualifications. Performs sample management functions for all in-coming test samples;QC assays for In-Process product samples and associated lab support functions. Compiles, tabulates, and organizes QC data for tracking and trending purposes. Performs all functions in strict accordance to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Safety procedures, and established Genentech business processes. Applies current Good Manufacturing Practices and Good Documentation Practices to all QC testing and laboratory operations.
Key Responsibilities:
-Must work effectively in a fast-paced environment with a team of analysts to collect samples and perform routine testing for utilities (waters, clean steam, and compressed gases).
-Perform compendial microbiological and chemical assays such as Bioburden, Endotoxin, pH, TOC and Conductivity.
-Perform automated (bio)chemical assays of In-Process product samples according to SOPs.<br>
-Must be accurate and efficient at performing required testing and calculating/recording results in order to support tight timelines of manufacturing production schedule.
-Documentation of data and test results must be legible, complete and correct per cGMPs and SOPs.
-Perform sample management functions for all in-coming test samples to ensure that they are properly received, logged, stored, and transferred to appropriate QC lab for testing.
-Resolve problems with sample labeling and documentation by effective, professional communication with customers from various work groups including QC, QA, Manufacturing and Validation.
-Responsible for entering and verifying data and generating reports from electronic systems such as LIMS and DMS.
-Organize, tabulate and publish QC test data for tracking and trending purposes.
-Perform lab support functions, such as aliquoting of samples, reagent preparation, equipment cleaning, and temperature monitoring
-Compile, reconcile, verify and distribute sample submission data to QC and other departments.
-Generate and maintain logbooks for sample management and lab support functions.
-Must have excellent computer skills with working knowledge of office programs such as Excel, Word, Project, PowerPoint, Visio, etc.
-The individual must be willing and able to work non-rotating 4 day/10 hour shift (day/swing/night) that includes with one weekend day and holidays; Overtime will be required on an as-needed basis.
-Must be able to work effectively in controlled environments (e.g. clean rooms) wearing appropriate aseptic apparel and/or Personal Protective Equipment.
-Good organizational skills and attention to detail; Good written and verbal communication skills; Ability to interpret technical data.
Supervision Received:
-Progress on work assignments is supervised, as required, and reviewed on a regular basis.
-Manager/Supervisor provides work priorities, timelines and resources.
Education and Experience:
-Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Biochemistry, or related science.
-Minimum of 1/2 - 1 year related experience in a scientific discipline.
Work Environment/Physical Demands/Safety Considerations:
-Work in office and laboratory environment; expected to be on feet for 8 to 10 hours a day</p>
<p>Honestly, the key factors to getting the job are relevant previous job experience, good attitude, some scientifc appitude and the ability to work well with others. Going to a top school is nice but not necessary. Doing top research looks great but only if you highlight transferable skills and most skills are so common that even certain community colleges with biotech courses could teach you them. Granted, most jobs will still require a bachelors anyways. </p>
<p>As for top cutting research, most will be done by start ups and they typically don’t hire new college grads. Most older established companies are departmentalized and streamlined that you only do one aspect and transfer it to another group.</p>
<p>As for people who know about WARF, go ask a majority of people who work in biotech and they probably wouldn’t or even care since they must more pressing things to worry about.</p>