# Key Points from #hplusroadmap IRC Discussion

• A participant described their experience with bosslab, a small biotech lab with connections to an engineering startup that provides custom equipment at reduced costs, highlighting grassroots biohacking infrastructure.

• Career pathway discussions in biotechnology focused on educational choices between "Life Sciences" (biochemistry-focused) versus "Bioengineering and Nanotech" (microfluidics/bioMEMS-focused) for advancement in genomic sequencing R&D.

• Participants noted that while theoretical mathematics in microengineering can be challenging, hands-on laboratory work in clean rooms provides valuable practical experience for those entering the field.

• The conversation identified potential employment opportunities in genomic sequencing at companies like Ion Torrent, GnuBio, Oxford Nanopore, and major sequencing centers as viable career paths in biotechnology.

• Industry experts suggested that after several years, practical experience becomes more valuable than academic degrees in biotech, though life science companies often require PhDs for advanced positions.

• Job search strategies discussed included researching private capital investment trends, analyzing company publications for keywords, and identifying emerging fields with growth potential.

• Cryonics was highlighted as an underserved field with limited but existing opportunities at service providers like Alcor and CI, with research organizations like 21st Century Medicine offering more research-oriented positions.

• A significant resource for longevity research was shared (http://diyhpl.us/~bryan/papers2/longevity/), recommended as essential reading for anyone interested in life extension work.