Should I jump into a PhD or take a research tech job after my master's?

[ScarlettAT]

I’ve just finished my master’s in molecular biology and I’m trying to decide if I should go straight into a PhD program or take a research technician position for a couple of years first. I’m worried that if I don’t start the doctorate now, I’ll lose momentum, but I also feel like I need more hands-on lab time to be sure this is the right path.

[Edward_L]

I think the bigger question isn’t the clock, but what kind of work actually lights you up. I enjoyed the bench, but I hated waiting for approvals. A quick stint in a tech role gave real context to what kind of projects you want to lead.

[JohnTM]

I tried a different route, volunteered on a short-term project outside my main line, and it reminded me that the problem might be something else—mentorship, funding, or training in statistics. It wasn’t a clear fix, but it kept the door open.