This COVID year has been tough. I was doing my research project with Dr Edith Chan in London during lockdown from March to July. I returned to China afterwards and graduated with a Distinction in MSc Drug Design (2019-20).
Finding a job is harder in the COVID-19 crisis, but for a Drug Design alumnus it proved not too difficult, especially in China where the drug industry is expanding rapidly.
I started my job search in July and finally got something I really like in October.
Initially, I applied for R&D scientific jobs related to computer-aided drug design, but it turned out these are usually senior positions requiring at least 3-years research experience as well as a good publication track record. I was rejected by several companies.
Then I realized I have other skills to offer: a good Masters from UCL; my spoken and written English are good; a good background in all aspects of drug design and discovery.
So, I applied to two different jobs/companies, both requiring proficiency in English and domain knowledge in biomedicine. One was a Regulatory Affairs Associates, who prepare documents for CE certification and IND and NDA applications to both NMPA and FDA. The other, a project manager in a pharmaceutical company.
I got offers from both companies and finally decided to work in the project management office in Chengdu Brilliant Pharmaceutical Co Ltd.
My major responsibility now is to manage their innovative drug projects and I'm involved in the whole process of drug design - which was my goal when applying for the Drug Design MSc.
