Need advice as an unemployed space graduate

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Hi,

I am a MSc graduate with 1st class honours in Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, New Zealand.
My MSc thesis looked at the effects of microgravity on bacterial metabolism. More specifically, I looked at effects of simulated microgravity on a vaginal bacteria’s metabolism, and in addition analysed a combination of transcriptomics, metabolomics, and lipidomics by using spaceflight datasets from GeneLab repository on B. subtilis and S. aureus. This analysis was done using a variety of machine learning techniques (PCA/PCA-variants, PLS, PLS-DA, DIABLO).
I was the first student to propose, initiate, and do research on Space Biology at my university, as the expertise did not exist prior.

I’ve also done some software work on DNA Data Storage, where I’ve been able to invent several of my own original algorithms for stabilising DNA for mass digital data storage.

But for the past 12 months, I’ve been unable to find full-time work, only a few casual jobs.

I have other wet-lab experiences as a tutor, internships, and lab technician work. So I have both wet-lab and digital skills. I was able to self-teach myself to recreate the ebola vaccine design digitally by understanding the literature and using online resources.
I’ve taken additional online courses, but employers and supervisors have responded with mute. I have not been able to find PhD supervision either. I’ve applied globally and domestically, for entry and intermediate level work.

I am a duo New Zealand and RoC (Taiwan) citizen, my Taiwanese citizenship prevents me from competing for New Zealand’s space scholarships.

If anyone have any advice, please let me know. I genuinely need help.

Best,
YK

@MultiOmicsAWG @AnimalAWG @MicrobesAWG @PlantAWG @ALSDAawg @AIMLawg

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Hi, it’s very unfortunate that you can’t find a job, it’s really tough out there now. I’m not sure if it’s of any help, but I know this one slack channel for bioinformaticians in Australia, why don’t you try asking there? They might be more knowledgeable on the Australian market. Here is a link to join the channel:

https://join.slack.com/t/combine-au/shared_invite/zt-2tycyk4tx-H8AvcRucAtw_dCNazubdSA

I know a few more channels but they’re solely about bioinformatics, not really astrobiology. The channel which I shared is also not about astrobiology, but at least it’s focused on Australia.

I also think that it might be worth considering doing a PhD, have you thought about that?

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Thank you for the link.

I have applied for bioinformatics role in Australia before, I do think the issue is that a lot of people are looking for someone who have done a degree or work in exactly what they wanted, there’s no real room for learning on the job.

But I will give this slack channel a try.

Thank you so much.

Yen-Kai

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It makes sense, but maybe there are some labs which need a person with wet and dry lab experience and skills. I have seen many offers like that in US but I’m not sure if you’d be willing to relocate there + it probably wouldn’t be easy (guessing because I’m European so might not be the best person to talk about it).

Anyway, wishing you good luck and if you need anything else, feel free to reach out :slight_smile:

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