Biochemist or Biologist?

moonrider_99
Junior Member



Joined: 24 Jul 2007
Posts: 14
Location: NY

Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2008 3:47 pm

 

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Here's my dilemma,

I'm a Biologist (M.Sc in Biology) but all my research/graduate work was focused in Molecular Biology which essentially is the same thing as Biochemistry. I'm currently getting a position with a biotech company in the USA as a research scientist in protein purification. The job's description pairs up perfectly with NAFTA's biochemist job description.

What should I write on my employment letter? Should I apply as biochemist or biologist? I can't really write molecular biologist (and certainly not biochemist) because on my degree it says Biology. Again, I think I took one organismal biology class during my whole education, lol.

thank you for your input,

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kevinlg
CanuckAbroad Regular



Joined: 04 Dec 2007
Posts: 59

Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2008 4:49 pm

 

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I was having same the dilemma as you earlier. Although the situation is slightly difference.
I had posted a question or thread on a similar issues. Degree / experience need to be exact equivallent of job?

The answer is not necessary.

Here is my case.

I have a BS and MS in Electrical Engineer.
I asked this question, can I get a TN with a Application Engineer or Product Engineer job?

The Application Engineer job is with a company that makes semiconductor manufacturing equipment. And the Product Engineer job is a company that makes CMOS Integrated circuit chip imager. In both case I need to use my EE skills in the job , yet, the title is no where close to Electrical Engineer nor my offer letter ever mention electrical.

The answer from a few people in this forum said, it shouldn't ,matter as long as it is some what relevant. The job description matters. Of course I won't qualify for your position Biologist.

The reality truth is 1 week ago I approach Pearson Toronto and successfully get a TN with no question on the Product Engineer job.

Conclusion is: do not get tied up with Degree and Job name match. The CHP officer is no where close to an expert to judge your qualification when it comes to such a close near equivalent. If you are skeptical and want to prepare the worst, bring your transcript which listed the courses you have taken ( Basic biology or knowledge in protein). Nevertheless, it is logical enough to have a degree which qualifies to a wide range of job ( inside your narrow field, for you Biology, protein, me electrical/ semiconductor)

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moonrider_99
Junior Member



Joined: 24 Jul 2007
Posts: 14
Location: NY

Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2008 5:10 pm

 

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thank you very much for your response and congratulations for your TN! Based on what you said, are you advising me to put down "biochemist" on the letter?

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kevinlg
CanuckAbroad Regular



Joined: 04 Dec 2007
Posts: 59

Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2008 5:24 pm

 

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How difference is your job description to Biologist?

Honestly,
my 2 cents opinion is
People with Biologist degree would qualify for both ( biologist, and Biochemist) ,
same for Biochemist degree would qualify for both too.

In outsider eyes they are just the same.

If your job is really Bio Chemist just put as down bioChemist.

I wonder is there even a B.S. Biochemist degree? It is not so common I guess. maybe BS in Biology with such specialty.

Another example is that there aren't such a degree in Product Engineer or Application Engineer elsewhere. But yet they are Engineer prof. which cross reference to other broader classical discipline.

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moonrider_99
Junior Member



Joined: 24 Jul 2007
Posts: 14
Location: NY

Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2008 8:32 pm

 

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Well, there is such a thing as a degree in biochemistry. In fact most universities have a biochem department and a biology department. So both exist and used to be somewhat distinct (maybe 10 years ago, lol.)

So here's my job description:
"The successful candidate will be a part of the Purification Process Development group at XXX and will be primarily involved in late stage process development of biological drug candidates (biologics). The candidate should possess a B.Sc. or M.Sc. in Biochemistry, Biology or Biochemical Engineering and will be working in a research laboratory setting. Prior lab experience with chromatography and/or membrane filtration and a thorough understanding of protein structure is a plus. Must be motivated, enthusiastic, effective in communication and willing to work in a team environment. "

NAFTA (TN visa Expert) Biologist description is more toward organismal biology and ecology, it completely ignores the molecular facets of it.

NAFTA Biochemist (TN Visa Expert):
".May clean, purify, refine, and otherwise prepare pharmaceutical compounds for commercial distribution and develop new drugs and medications."

Though I wonder, what document DO the HSP officer use to get job definitions? Because the bureau of labor definition is different.
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos047.htm#earnings

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moonrider_99
Junior Member



Joined: 24 Jul 2007
Posts: 14
Location: NY

Posted: Wed Jul 02, 2008 3:29 pm

 

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bump!

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Tony Montana
Junior Member


Big Blue Bull

Joined: 02 Jul 2008
Posts: 20
Location: Montreal

Posted: Thu Jul 03, 2008 7:28 am

 

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USCIS and CBP use the Occupational Outlook Handbook. Just google and you will find the definitions.
Immigration officers don,t have a precise knowledge of the 4500 different descriptions in this handbook. Be sure that your credential(education in your case) permit you to fulfill your functions and that these functions are under one of the definitions.Interpretation of NAFTA and job description are different from one port of entry to another. Just be well prepared and when you will lose them in the technical aspect of your functions you will get the visa. Good Luck

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