After many site trips, loads of flying, and a few extra pounds of flesh from all the free feasting, I finally finished my interview season.  All in all I had 8 interviews equally balanced between the two coasts.  In the end my choice was between Gilead and Amgen; two companies both with sites in the bay area.  Ultimately I choose to work for Amgen.  There were a variety of positives about Amgen over Gilead.  One of the appealing aspects of Gilead though was that they are largely focused on anti-viral agents (flu, HIV, etc.).  Most pharma companies don't have active research programs in this vital area.

If you asked me at the beginning of this enterprise called grad school where I would be working following a PhD, I would have told you that 100% I was going back east.  Sounds silly, but the more you're out here the more California grows on you.  This isn't to say I'm never returning east.  Unlike some people I know that I haven't been photo-labotomized, at least not yet.  :)  Remember I've been working in a windowless lab for an assistant professor.  Amgen also has a site on the East Coast, and this was actually a factor in my decision. 

I geuss I enjoy living in California and I know that if I want to live here this is probably the best time in my life to do so.  I have a lot of connections back east, but staying out here will force me to meet new people and try new things.  Which is great.  I know going back east I could easily fall into a routine with old friends.  Hopefully, now that I'm wrapping up grad school you guys will come out to visit once in a while.  I think the first victim will be Joel.

PS hopefully I'll get around to updating this more frequently.  With the prospect of sitting down to write a thesis looming, I think the answer will be yes.