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I am frequently asked by life sciences PhDs whether an MBA would improve their chances of finding a job in industry. And, my response is always “maybe— because it depends. I don’t think that getting a traditional MBA really gives you that much of an edge especially if you are an established PhD looking for career advancement or change.  However, if you are a graduate student or postdoc who has already decided that academia is not for you, then getting a certificate or M.S. through an established graduate program in biotechnology (Georgetown University’s M.S. in biotechnology or The New York Center for Biotechnology's  Fundamentals of Bioscience Program) may increase the likelihood of winning a job in industry. This is because hiring managers recognize that in addition to a job candidate’s technical competency, they possess an understanding of the business aspects of the industry—something that is vital for scientists to be successful in the biotech biz.

Recognizing this, Rutgers University recently created a program that they call ‘a mini-MBA for the biopharmaceutical industry’. In contrast with traditional MBA or M.S. programs, the mini-MBA is a 12 week long, degree-granting program that was designed to familiarize students with the nuances and intricacies of the business aspects of the biopharmaceutical program. The good news is that they are actively recruiting students to fill the slots available in their inaugural class. The bad news is that it costs $4,995 to enroll. That said, it may be worth the time to check it out because—in the end—the investment may be worth it!

Until next time…

Good Luck and Good Job Hunting!!!!!

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 As you may have heard, three scientists Osamu Shimomura, Martin Chalfie and Roger Tsien shared this year’s Nobel Prize in chemistry for their pioneering work on the Green Florescent Protein (GFP). GFP revolutionized the fields of molecular biology and cell biology and led to a greater understanding of the roles of proteins in cell, physiology, development and molecular trafficking.

I first became acquainted with GFP back in the mid 1990s when I was working in Bill Ward’s laboratory at Rutgers University. Bill had worked on GFP for over 25 years and I convinced him that GFP would be an ideal educational tool to teach biochemistry and molecular biology to undergraduate students. Prior to my arrival in Bill’s lab, a couple of graduate students had created so-called, “brightness” GFP mutants using molecular evolution techniques that were en vogue at the time. Because they were much brighter than wild type GFP, I used these mutants to develop laboratory exercises that showcased the principles of protein purification, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and molecular cloning.  Although I published a paper on my work, it was the pioneering work of Ron Mardigian at BioRad that ultimately led to the development in 1997 of GFP-based education kits. Ron’s GFP kits were a huge success and are now used to teach biochemistry and molecular biology at the high school and college levels throughout the world.

GFP is an effective educational tool because everyone including children and adults is fascinated by things that glow. This brings to mind something that happened at a global GFP conference that Bill Ward organized in 1997 at Rutgers University. There were over 300 GFP researchers from all over the world in attendance. Bill, who is something of character and has a flair for the dramatic, wanted to WOW the conference attendees. Prior to the meeting, Bill asked us to prepare 2 liters of bacteria that over expressed the GFP “brightness” mutant. During the opening session of the conference, Bill had the 2 liter flask (sitting on a UV lamp) at the podium with him. The room was very dark (on purpose) and without warning he switched on the lamp—I will never forget the collective, audible gasp from the audience upon seeing the intense green glow emitted from the flask.

Even though I don’t work much with GFP anymore, I still get very excited when I see it.  I suspect that many other people who also work with GFP or any of its color variants BFP (blue), YFP (yellow), RFP (red) etc feel the same way I do about GFP--you just can't wait to see it!

Until next time….

Good Luck and Good Job Hunting!!!!!!!!!!!

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Stemcyte, a Taiwan-based company engaged in embryonic stem cell research announced yesterday that it would locate its East Coast operations in NJ. The company already has a research facility in California and is establishing operations in India. Earlier this year, Stemcyte inked a deal with Rutgers University to provide financial support and embryonic stems cells for research conducted by Dr. Wise Young, a long time spinal cord injury researcher and champion of embryonic stem cell research.  New Jersey induced Stemcyte to locate its facility in the Garden State by offering the company $589,000 in business development incentive grants. The new facility is expected to create new jobs and initially employ about 12 people.

This is a small but significant step in New Jersey’s quest to establish itself as leader in embryonic stem cell research. As many of you may know, last fall, New Jersey voters defeated a statewide referendum that would have allowed the State to spend almost $500 million on embryonic stem cell research initiatives. California passed similar legislation several years ago.

The defeat had little to do with the ethics or morality and everything to do with the oppressive property taxes in New Jersey. In case you’re wondering, New Jersey has the highest property taxes in the US!  Many voters simply didn’t want the State to increase its already staggering debt to borrow more money to fund stem cell research (and raise property taxes).

After the announcement, New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine, and former head of the investment firm Goldman Sachs, suggested that he is considering reinstating the referendum for a second vote. However, he noted “not until the economy shows some improvement”.

Until next time…

Good Luck and Good Job Hunting!!!!!!!!!!

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