Like a small but growing number of other life scientists with newly acquired Ph.D.'s, Malvar chose industry. He's doing his postdoc at Ecogen Inc., an agricultural biotech firm in Langhorne, Pa. There, he's using recombinant DNA technology to study the lethal effects of microbial toxins on beetles and caterpillars. And he says he made the right decision.
"Coming out of academia, you're kind of biased against industry," he says. "But I no longer have that negative view.
"I've found this to be a very positive experience. The company has a very academic atmosphere. They recognize what the postdoctoral position is all about--that you have to be able to publish and develop your career."
Doing a postdoc in industry can be a stepping stone to a first- rate career in basic research--but it can also be a stumbling block if you're not careful, industry experts advise. "At the best companies, your ...
