PostDoc Discussion Forum

I got offer for a research technician job. This is the 1st offer I got after my PhD. I am looking forward to accept the offer as I need experience in some of the experimental techniques and to boost my skills. Please let me know is this something weird doing a research technician job as a PhD? Thanks

I know a few people who took research technician jobs after a PhD and they done great. Not only were they earning money (for the first time in years), they were getting loads of experience. They also saw what researchers needed and were able to tailor their CVs to show that they know more than just their own research field. Unless you really think that you will get a better job soon then I would saw go for it, it alwts seems easier to get a job when you have a job already.

Personally, I wouldn't do it. I understand about the need to pay the bills, and I've taken other jobs to do so, but a PhD is not required for a technician position and it feels like a step in the wrong direction for me. I would find it hard doing the crappy repetitive stuff which no one else wants to do, which is basically what I have seen technicians doing. I know I wouldn't enjoy a tech position, because doing bench work all day is not fun for me.

I think it's ok to do whilst looking for something else but I wouldn't do it for long if a research career is what you are ultimately looking for.

I do know two people who did short term technician jobs after their PhDs and both have now gone on to do post docs so it definitely can be a short term stop gap.

Good to know I am not the first one