Finding life science related jobs in Taiwan

[coconut]

Hi everyone, like the title implies, I would like to know how to find life science related jobs in Taiwan. Preferably research position.
The department advisers at school seems to be clueless about finding jobs overseas, so hopefully I can find some answers here.

I will be graduating with a BS in biochemistry with minor in microbiology this December. While grad school is also in consideration, I would prefer working since I'm lacking experience. Ideally, I would love to get a paid research position but since I'm so desperate, I'll take unpaid internship too. Where do I look? (So far only thing I found is the job listing for Academia Sinica). Also, when is the best time to apply if I hope to go to Taiwan soon after graduation?

I'm a Taiwan born who grew up in the US, I have Taiwan passport and ID. (So I'm assuming I don't have to worry about legal issues? However, would there be positions that favor Taiwan students? My college is a decently reputable school, any benefit there?)
My Mandarin speaking and reading levels are conversational, can't hand write but ok to type. But I'm assuming this shouldn't be a big problem since I've been told research is heavily English based?
I'm not sure kind of job a BS can give me but at least a minimal lab rat position right?
Also, anyone know much about pharmaceutics industry in Taiwan? I would love get involved in drug research but I don't know how to find info about the industry.

And yes, I know the field I'm looking at isn't exactly Taiwan's expertise since most people in this field stay in the US.
But.. For now I just want to go back... I've been in the US for +13 years now, I want to go home... Someone help me?

[headhonchoII]

Hi ray

First things first, get your ass over to Taiwan and do some interviews face to face. There are plenty of labs who would like to have you but they won't pay much.

As you know it would be better to have an advanced degree, the problem is in Taiwan it can take up to 6 years to complete a life science phD and the conditions are not that great.

Anyway, there are plenty of pharmaceutical companies too so get over here, put your resume on 104.com.tw and 1111.com.tw and start applying for jobs, it is easy to get a job in Taiwan because many are low paid, there is no actual shortage of jobs here. Once you start a job and settle a bit look at all your options again.

[PigBloodCake]

Hi ray

First things first, get your ass over to Taiwan and do some interviews face to face. There are plenty of labs who would like to have you but they won't pay much.

As you know it would be better to have an advanced degree, the problem is in Taiwan it can take up to 6 years to complete a life science phD and the conditions are not that great.

Anyway, there are plenty of pharmaceutical companies too so get over here, put your resume on 104.com.tw and 1111.com.tw and start applying for jobs, it is easy to get a job in Taiwan because many are low paid, there is no actual shortage of jobs here. Once you start a job and settle a bit look at all your options again.

I echo HH's sentiment as well. Come here first and see what's available.

But.. For now I just want to go back... I've been in the US for +13 years now, I want to go home...

After a few years here, I'll bet you'll change your mind about this.

[Isha]

I would strongly advise against coming here first and finding the Life Sciences job. Companies do not prefer foreigners unless they are fluent in chinese..read/write and speak (there will be some exception to this but not as often as you would like). You can always apply for research institutes from abroad, get the position and then move here. If you move first and then try to find a position in an Institutes, you will have disadvantages ranging from no employment to very bad salary with no negotiations.

I've been told research is heavily English based?

Not so. I still have to see one local talking to another in English for research related work. Your chinese should be ok as you are born here. As in first comment, submit resume to 104 or 1111 and see what happens. Also, send your resume to Academia Sinica and other Universities, preferably outside Taipei.

[Isha]

But.. For now I just want to go back... I've been in the US for +13 years now, I want to go home...

After a few years here, I'll bet you'll change your mind about this.

I second that comment. Most people I have talked to, who returned for home, regret their decision.

[cranky laowai]

Since you'd be willing even to intern, then Academia Sinica or NHRI might be good for you -- and allow you to work toward a graduate degree at the same time.

But if you're male you should keep in mind that you might well end up in mandatory military service for about a year.

[headhonchoII]

You can do research in lieu of military service. If you want to come home do it but remember that if you have a PhD degree from the US that is much better if you want to work in research or a university, they adore foreign PhDs here. It may make your life easier later if you added a few more years in the US. Having any type of PhD is better and you can easily find a position here but it is a long haul and hard work. Personally I have a MSc and it has worked out fine after some ups and downs but I work in sales in marketing after initially working in research here in Taiwan.

[Petrichor]

I was looking for biological science internships the other day for my son and came across this page that you might find useful: http://www.ibc.sinica.edu.tw/Practial_E.asp

[coconut]

Oh wow, you guys are so helpful! I'm glad I found this forum!

Hi ray

First things first, get your ass over to Taiwan and do some interviews face to face. There are plenty of labs who would like to have you but they won't pay much.

As you know it would be better to have an advanced degree, the problem is in Taiwan it can take up to 6 years to complete a life science phD and the conditions are not that great.

Anyway, there are plenty of pharmaceutical companies too so get over here, put your resume on 104.com.tw and 1111.com.tw and start applying for jobs, it is easy to get a job in Taiwan because many are low paid, there is no actual shortage of jobs here. Once you start a job and settle a bit look at all your options again.

(First.. Ray?. I think you've mistaken me for someone else?..)

So, you would suggest going over then start job searching? I just don't want to go back and end up wasting time and not find anything (but your input makes everything more promising). I thought I should look while I'm still here so I would only go back if there's something promising. I'm also considering to apply to grad schools in Taiwan as a returning Taiwanese (not sure what the English term is...) but since I realize I need more experience to be more qualified for grad school, I'm putting more focus on finding some sort of work. I'll definitely check out those sites.

After a few years here, I'll bet you'll change your mind about this.

I second that comment. Most people I have talked to, who returned for home, regret their decision.

If regret happens, then oh well, it's not like I can't move :P I had no choice about coming to the US but I have choice about going back. As for now I like the lifestyle (and weather) in Taiwan way better.

I would strongly advise against coming here first and finding the Life Sciences job. Companies do not prefer foreigners unless they are fluent in chinese..read/write and speak (there will be some exception to this but not as often as you would like). You can always apply for research institutes from abroad, get the position and then move here. If you move first and then try to find a position in an Institutes, you will have disadvantages ranging from no employment to very bad salary with no negotiations.

I've been told research is heavily English based?

Not so. I still have to see one local talking to another in English for research related work. Your chinese should be ok as you are born here. As in first comment, submit resume to 104 or 1111 and see what happens. Also, send your resume to Academia Sinica and other Universities, preferably outside Taipei.

Salary isn't top priority right now, as long as I can get work experience (pretty desperate..). Why preferably outside Taipei?

Since you'd be willing even to intern, then Academia Sinica or NHRI might be good for you -- and allow you to work toward a graduate degree at the same time.

But if you're male you should keep in mind that you might well end up in mandatory military service for about a year.

Ohh, I'll check out NHRI too. I'm female, so no worries

You can do research in lieu of military service. If you want to come home do it but remember that if you have a PhD degree from the US that is much better if you want to work in research or a university, they adore foreign PhDs here. It may make your life easier later if you added a few more years in the US. Having any type of PhD is better and you can easily find a position here but it is a long haul and hard work. Personally I have a MSc and it has worked out fine after some ups and downs but I work in sales in marketing after initially working in research here in Taiwan.

I would love to get PhD but for right now, I don't feel that I'm qualified for PhD programs, especially in the US. So this will be my break from school for a while and learn to apply what I've learned so far.

I was looking for biological science internships the other day for my son and came across this page that you might find useful: http://www.ibc.sinica.edu.tw/Practial_E.asp

Ohh, I'll be sure to check this out too.

[headhonchoII]

You can of course start your search overseas and get some interviews lined up but it makes more sense to personally check the places out and have interviews face to face. The companies and labs will take you more seriously if you are in Taiwan. Being Taiwanese you should have a place to stay and you speak Chinese so it should not be too difficult. I found jobs in research here after a few months with no Chinese and no experience, can't say it was the easy way to do it though! At that time they had no program for overseas students in academia sinica but they do now.
My advice is to come to Taiwan and get a bit of experience and go back to America but hey see how you like it yourself!