<p>I’ve been working in a biomedical lab for a few years now and of course, I know about the job prospects of a PhD in biology (one recently left the lab to get a job in a pharmaceutical company), in addition to the low pay of postdocs.</p>
<p>I’m curious though, is the situation similar for PhDs in the “hard” sciences like physics/chemistry (I choose to include math/statistics/bioinformaticists here too)?</p>
<p>I am considering a change in the direction of my studies here from life sciences to something else.</p>
<p>I work at a semi-pharm company. We employ all the sciences mentioned above. Logically it would seem though, that there are fewer physics/chemistry etc. Ph.D.'s and therefore you would be a hotter comodity.</p>
<p>PhD’s in math/stats have greater flexibility since their craft is in demand across so many different industries, i.e. finance, pharmaceuticals, etc. so their salaries tend to be higher. Biology PhDs can’t be as choosy in their job prospects and companies know that (along with the fact that there are so many of them), which is why the salaries will be lower.</p>
<p>i am not sure what you mean about job prospects in biology. are you talking about in academia? to my knowledge job prospects with a biology phd (or any science phd) are very good.
are you considering changing because of salary? are you going for a phd (sorry, not going to take the time to look this up)?
i would recommend doing whatever excites you, the jobs will follow. however, if one of your primary motivations is money you may also consider parlaying into the business side of things (not uncommon- science phds are sought after in many areas) or go to law school or something.</p>