As you probably have heard – life science job market is in decline worldwide.
Which makes it even more difficult to land a job in this area in Japan as a foreigner.
I would like to hear stories of people who managed to find job in the field in Japan – especially with no sophisticated Japanese language proficiency. Any company around with foreign mindset? Any remote jobs?
by stray-nekochan
3 comments
Why is it in decline? I thought genetics, biotech, etc were the future.
I’m doing a biology PhD right now but considering applying overseas for jobs after graduation because though life science job prospects are horrible everywhere the shinsotsu system leaves me at a disadvantage (Japanese skills, SPI etc. even though I am native and fluent). I don’t know about people with experience though. I think it is better to set your choices wider because many life science opportunities in Japan are outside Tokyo.
Tokyo may not be the best place for a foreigner for biotech as its mostly old school big companies. They also tend to have thier office in Tokyo with RandD elsewhere.
Areas like Tsukuba and Fukuoka have a lot of foreigner friendly companies and lots of small start up/ventures.
If applying to companies I recommend going for smaller ones as they value your skills on a personal level. Bigger companies just see you as a cog in the machine so they value fitting in more.
The job market is a little sluggish at the moment especially with the Iran situation. You’ve also missed a big hiring season especially if you are a new grad.
The disadvantage for small companies is salary and lack of career progression.
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