TechAtlas is the perfect job for scientists who love data, but hate pipetting
Pros
Whenever someone asks how I like my job, I reply with, "It's... weird how much I love it." The job: TechAtlas is a great place for scientists. I have access to all the data, but I don't have to run any experiments! It's a very data-driven firm that invests on strong scientific principles. I get to do deep diligence and spend months learning about one therapeutic area, but I still have opportunities to be flexible and learn about something new every day. We've got access to every resource we could want, from journal articles to clinical trial databases to a network of physicians and scientists we can call for expert advice. We also get to go to conferences. Importantly, my role here is helping to identify great science that will have a positive impact on patients' lives, which I much prefer to toiling away for years on projects that feel so far removed from having any real-world impact. There are many opportunities for learning, so there isn't pressure to learn all the financial stuff right away. We work through our ongoing projects at team lunches (which feel like my lab's data club) and we present final products in seminars (which feel like lab meeting). Coworkers: I couldn't have imagined myself at an investment fund, but this is NOT a finance-bro-y place. Nearly everyone on the financial side has a science PhD, and they're all incredibly smart and down-to-earth. We're also lucky enough to work as part of a larger team of graphic designers and writers who are all exceptionally talented and serve as great thought partners for our work. Plus, everyone here is super fun! The management: It's a very flat company. There's zero hierarchy preventing me from interacting directly with more senior people. We get together weekly for team discussions and everyone's ideas are treated fairly. I have a lot of respect for our management and never doubt their dedication, vision, or abilities. Work-life balance: RA has a pretty good culture of work-life balance, though it's what you make of it (you can always find work to do). Our hours aren't anything like some crazy consulting firms where you're there from 7am til 10pm every night and working through weekends. We all get nice Mac laptops and the company is reasonable about letting you work from home once if you need to (which is useful when there's a Snowpacalypse or if your kid is feeling sick). You'll get emails on the weekend, but they're rarely so urgent that you need to drop what you're doing and run to the computer. Other benefits: The location is super convenient, near Back Bay station and several T and bus lines. It's also nice to be right across from the Public Garden. I love our office snacks and our selection of local craft beers for Thursday seminars (or any day you need one). The culture feels like a lab experiment. We're constantly evolving and optimizing to become the best version of ourselves. RA Capital is a great place to work and I feel so lucky to have found a place here.
Cons
The interview process is the biggest drawback. It takes a lot time to complete the map and make the presentation. It's good to get a feel for what our work is like, but it can be frustrating to invest so much time into a single application. Other than that, there are few cons I can think of. I suppose I wish our healthcare was a bit better. We don't pay any monthly premiums, which is awesome, but the deductible is kind of high and we end up paying out of pocket for any lab tests or PT until we hit the deductible. But that's really the only thing I can think of that I'd change about this job.
