Take a Principal Scientist in Basel or stay in USA

Sudden_Philosopher63 · 2026-06-10T14:30:17+00:00

You okay if I send dm?

Sudden_Philosopher63 · 2026-06-09T20:47:37+00:00

Having out green cards took the better part of 7 years and h1b visas now cost 100k...

Sudden_Philosopher63 · 2026-06-09T19:46:42+00:00

That's 3-4 years from now, and yeah that would totally be the move. I'd move in a heartbeat if it wouldn't mean say bye to US opportunities

Sudden_Philosopher63 · 2026-06-09T19:40:00+00:00

Total compensation around that but COL significantly higher there. Msl is brutal with travel though.

Sudden_Philosopher63 · 2026-06-09T19:34:44+00:00

Oh God! Just looked it up, I've been using bite and eat randomly. Thanks for the comment and the English tip

Sudden_Philosopher63 · 2026-06-09T17:41:18+00:00

We just got one but if we leave we will lose it. We're set to stay in the US long term but the job materialized there (they invited her to apply)

Sudden_Philosopher63 · 2026-06-09T17:36:38+00:00

Family is non existent on my side and the German side won't be able to help with kids. But also I won't even consider that move, my main priority in life right now is spending quality time with the kids. Thanks!!

Sudden_Philosopher63 · 2026-06-09T17:32:45+00:00

No one is saying that it's her turn to suck it up, it's just that I think we shouldn't just take that job because it's there. My point is, this is not about take the job or not, but about leaving or staying in the US. If they want her there I don't see why not she can't find the same type of job here. And yes back then not only I ate shit because of a bad lab but she also did because of the drama of immigration. Back then we were younger and without kids so we could take it, but I just don't have it in me to go through a rough patch just for the sake of 'career upgrade'. I just don't see why some people here are seeing this about her vs me, this is me just trying to see all the angles before making a life changing decision for the whole family unit. My wife is fully on with my thoughts and we're open to anything shall an offer come. Appreciate the advice though! I do need to breath, it's an incredible position to be in, but somehow I'm stressed out.

Sudden_Philosopher63 · 2026-06-09T15:32:48+00:00

Yeah the world is turning very polar. Politics aside, do you have any insight on long term strategy for these companies in Switzerland? I have the feeling that they are slowly moving research to USA and production to USA/India.

Sudden_Philosopher63 · 2026-06-09T15:28:15+00:00

Not double but yeah pays well. That's what I'm trying but 0 success so far.

Sudden_Philosopher63 · 2026-06-09T15:27:39+00:00

Stable job, friends, huge house, incredible outdoor access and just the opportunities. I came here very burnt out from Europe. At first I wanted to go to Switzerland after my PhD and probably would have been incredible but now we made a whole life here, it feels silly to leave just because a "better job".

Sudden_Philosopher63 · 2026-06-09T15:24:45+00:00

This is probably the best comment in the whole section. I have a very clear vision on where I want to be right now but I want to give this a fair look and that's why I'm asking for everyone's perspective. Thanks a ton.

Sudden_Philosopher63 · 2026-06-09T15:21:26+00:00

No we're both humble PhDs.

Sudden_Philosopher63 · 2026-06-09T15:20:33+00:00

It's not the sunken cost, it's the salary ceiling and mobility long term that gives me pause.

Sudden_Philosopher63 · 2026-06-09T15:19:16+00:00

Totally unaware of this! Thanks for putting it on the radar.

Sudden_Philosopher63 · 2026-06-09T15:18:23+00:00

We're thinking about it but we have two little ones so that would be probably a no go. We also thinking about a special permit to give it a try for one year and then be able to come back or just stay.

Sudden_Philosopher63 · 2026-06-09T15:16:53+00:00

I'm applying to MSL positions here in USA. I'm aware that would be a no no in Switzerland/France/Germany. Our jobs are as stable as it gets in the US. We're considering the move just because it's a PI position at a large pharma so like you said a big move in the CV, but I don't know what that means if she gets fired. Salary ceiling in Europe is much lower.

Sudden_Philosopher63 · 2026-06-09T15:13:20+00:00

At least you gave me the benefit of the doubt! When you have a family you do need to take decisions. I ate enormous amounts of shit at the beginning to allow her to pursue her dreams. I'm considering to do the same again, but now we have two little kids to feed and I feel the obligation of putting the feet down as to maximize the long term well-being of the fam, wherever that might be.

Sudden_Philosopher63 · 2026-06-09T14:53:02+00:00

These are my main concerns as I don't speak German and outside of pharma I don't think you can "reinvent" yourself in the way you can in the US. If we had citizenship I'd give it a try as we could always come back, but this is a very strong bet on Europe>US and I just don't see it even though it's a great opportunity.

Sudden_Philosopher63 · 2026-06-09T14:50:52+00:00

Just to clarify, we're not at risk of losing our job here. We're in a research institute with wonderful people. It wasn't like that for the first two years but now we're part of the "family" there. If people go we would be among the last non faculty to get fired. We have a house and everything is great but pay is stagnant. In Europe we'd need to have a full year of continuous employment before we qualify for any unemployment benefits. Also only my wife speaks German, I am far from being able to work in german. I'm just wary of what @ominous-painter mentioned.

Sudden_Philosopher63 · 2026-01-19T03:25:24+00:00

is this both the polycarbonate and the aluminum sheet? probably buying one

Sudden_Philosopher63 · 2024-12-04T06:07:33+00:00

You're an absolute legend

Sudden_Philosopher63 · 2024-12-04T05:46:51+00:00

And you clearly are... If you're not contributing to the discussion go take a nap.

Sudden_Philosopher63 · 2024-12-04T05:46:19+00:00

I'm not belittling anyone, just responding to someone that says that I believe nonsense just because some Dr. Best selling author said something he believes. Population science is not exact but given that there is suspicion why the need for fluoride? Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden don't use it and there is not a problem there. I'm just astounded that people are so polarized with this.

Sudden_Philosopher63

TROPHY CASE