kim_rutherford
Joined 13 years ago
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238
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11
Member since
May 29
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Comment · 8 years ago
Some New Zealand ancient DNA experts have concerns about the analysis:
“So, the data that the whole argument is based upon is DNA from one sample that was produced without using standard ancient DNA protocols and analysed without using standard ancient DNA authentication methods. The data presented, to an ancient DNA researcher, ring alarm bells and appear very much like damaged and/or contaminated DNA."
https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2018/04/13/when-did-swe...
Comment · 13 years ago
I definitely recommend scientific programming as a career.
I've worked as a programmer on bioinformatics projects in academia for the last 15 years. Everything has been open source.
Academia doesn't pay as well as the Real World but there are many benefits. As well as being able to work on open source software, the work is usually interesting. Job security has been excellent and I've moved jobs when I've wanted to (5 jobs in 15 years). Everywhere I've worked has had plenty of vacation days, sick days and a good pension plan.
The most useful benefit to me at the moment is flexibility: I mostly work remotely and I choose my hours.
Many bioinformatics jobs don't require prior experience of the field. I started with a computer science degree and no knowledge of biology and learnt the rest on the job.