On 11 Feb 1999 02:23:19 GMT, sleepguy at att.net (John G.
Gilligan) wrote:
>Hi,
>>I would like to know if anyone can give me any hints as to how to break into
>the field of computer programming for scientific software?
>>I just got my masters degree in Cell Biology (on top of a BS in Chemistry) and
>I've taken courses (no work experience) in C++, Visual C++ and Visual Basic
>(which seem to be the languages of choice these days). (I know that I need to
>work on UNIX and SQL, but first things first).
>>I've worked in labs as a researcher all through my educational career and I
>have skills that could get me a fairly good position as a lab tech, but I
>don't want to be stuck behind a lab bench for the rest of my life.
>Therefore, since I like working with computers, I want to write software for
>scientific programs - like those that search DNA databases, do structural
>modeling, etc...
>>I know that most programmers enter the financial field (where there is more
>money to be made) or have a strong math/computer science background. I feel
>that my science background makes me a better programmer because I can speak
>the language of science and I can better design software for the "end user"?
>>I've applied for a number of positions as a programmer, but most places want
>3-4 years worth of programming experience before they even look at your
>resume...
>>Does anybody have any helpful hints? Any companies that will train and mentor
>willing students?
>>Should I look at pharmaceutical firms or purely software companies?
>>I live in the NYC area, but I would be willing to relocate - since I've seen
>that most of these jobs cluster in Silicon Valley, CA!
>>Thanks in advance!!!
Hi John. Sounds like a good resume to me. In this part of
the world programmers are worth their weight in gold ;-)
They get snapped up usually even before they complete
their studies. Try doing a web search for dna + software
or molecular+biology+software or bioinformatics. You will
find a number of companies in the field. Try applying to
them. Of course the governmental and university genome
centres always need programmers, but they probably pay
a lot less. If you're willing to try Iceland, you might
even give my company, deCODE genetics a try, we do
need programmers, but I can give you no guarantees.
I don't come near hiring in any way, so I can't help
you in that way. Good luck,
Helgi Briem Bioinformatics dept. deCODE Genetics Inc.
Lynghals 1 IS-110 Reykjavik Iceland
helgi at decode.is Tel:354-8988261 www.decode.is
