I want to further my career in biotechnology with a PhD. I've applied to a number of programs including a standard Molecular Cell Biology program as well as an Engineering program in the same school; the latter has a number of faculty who work in biotechnology and I could work in these labs through either program. I already have a Masters in Cell Biology, so I already have good training MCB-wise (and know what to expect from MCB programs). What are the downsides and upsides of Engineering programs?
Well, the only thing you must consider is, If you have to undergo in the course work, so are you good in engineering or basically in mathematics? If you are good in that then go ahead, it will be fun! Most of the reaserch topics now adays in biotechnology are getting deep rooted in Molecular Biology!
Ask yourself in which field the problem(s) you need to solve are - that is, will your future be in solving an engineering dilemma facing today's world, or in biology? There are vast incentives for organisations and companies to move toward sustainable circular economies (where waste of one production or operational cycle feeds into another as input), and the key to such protocols is that they must be profitable for that organisation. Many times, these are engineering problems, however, almost all will have biological aspect at some stage.
If you fulfill the admission prerequisites, are pursuing research that qualifies as engineering more so than biology, and feel you are capable of keeping up with any required engineering courses, pursuing the engineering path might make sense. Through coursework and research you can complement your existing skills with a new toolset that may be sought after within biotech. However, you should review the admission requirements and required coursework, if any, and keep in mind the department requirements for the composition of your PhD committee. Engineering faculty may have different ideas about a good PhD project compared to biologists so your the nature of your future research should probably be the most important consideration.
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