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twirl

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  1. I think for a long time PI was the only goal of academia, but the times they are a changing! And of course! So, I'm at the opposite end of the neuroscience career path, I fell in love with it early and my entire undergraduate career was centered on it. Currently, I'm doing a joint masters with the NIH and a university in the DC area. I applied this application cycle and I'm deciding between a few different places. My career goals are to continue doing as much hands on research for as long as I can and to do policy and advocacy work (another unique advantage that comes with living in DC). I don't plan to stay in academia forever-- but maybe I will, who's to say lol. If you want good research experience I hear nothing but good things about the NIH postbac program. They aren't shy about taking people from different backgrounds and there are free classes that anyone can take, you don't have to be enrolled in a degree seeking program.
  2. Yeah no problem! So it's always variable (blah blah-- you know the qualifying drill) but from what I've heard, becoming a PI at a University is something like a 1:4 chance. But, if you're trying to become an intramural PI at the NIH (the best funded) depending on the institute it can be as low as a 1:20 chance. I don't know about other private institutions but I'm sure they're very competitive as they are usually very results focused. You also don't HAVE to become a PI, you could aim to become a staff scientist (though I wouldn't write that in an admissions essay). If you're a PI and not at the NIH you aren't really doing the science anymore, you're applying for grants and giving talks. At the NIH it's a little different because you don't necessarily compete for your funding so the PIs can afford to spend some more time in lab. I guess it all depends on your research goals, do you like being at the bench doing the work or would you rather be more focused on a career outside the lab. Both are valid and just things to consider.
  3. I got a call yesterday too! Congratulations to you, maybe I'll see you there.
  4. Well... I'm biased because I am a neuroscientist so for me it is worth it. But it also doesn't sound like you're interested in doing long postdocs. Neuroscience is becoming increasingly competitive and it is also more common to do multiple postdocs and for postdocs to take a long time. Also, getting a neuroscience PI position is incredibly difficult. I think everyone wants to work in a well funded/prestigious lab but there are only so many of those positions. Maybe make a pro and con list? My guess is that it would take 2 years for real wet lab experience/ classes, then 6 for a PhD, then at least 5 for a postdoc.
  5. Are you currently an undergraduate? If so, would you be able to take the necessary requirements for neuro and still graduate on time?
  6. Has anyone heard anything from UCSD post-interview regarding acceptances/wait list?
  7. Someone just posted in the results that they got an interview from UCSD yesterday...
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