Help! Job offer, interview offer. Research technician.

[FirstAndFinal]

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This is going to come off as annoying and I'm sorry but I do need some insight. It's definitely one of those "should I got to med school ranked #1 or med school ranked #2?" type questions.

I currently have a job offer as a research technician at a VERY good institution. I have to sign and submit the letter very, very soon. However, I had also been applying at another VERY good institution and received notice that they want to interview me for a research technician position. The trouble is that place #2 wants to interview a day AFTER place #1 wants me to start. I like job #1, but the cons: pays ~$3K less than #2, job title is research tech I (entry level) instead of tech II, longer commute (~3X that of #2). Both schools are excellent, both research projects are interesting. Is it worth trying to expedite interview #2 before job #1 starts to have options just for a few dollars more and a title that ultimately won't matter to medical schools (I think, I mean do they really care if it's tech I or tech II?) and a shorter commute? Are there other factors I should think about?

Overall I think I am happy with #1, it's just that academic positions pay horribly and that small extra salary boost, title upgrade, and shorter commute look tempting. Then again, it's an interview and not a job offer but I really think my background is inline with their research and I could get the position. What would you do?

 

[Praefectus]

Try to get that interview bumped up. The shorter commute saves you gas, so think of it as a $4/gallon pay raise. Add a higher base salary, and I think we have a winner.

 

[FirstAndFinal]

The title "upgrade" means nothing. You'll be doing the same work in both positions.

I'd be looking at the increased salary and much shorter commute as a reason to expedite the second interview.

True, but title upgrade also translates into salary increase with academic institutions. They have formulas for positions based on the levels. Right now I'm thinking of being transparent with the interviewing lab, telling them I have an offer but really like their lab and if they can expedite the decision timeline then I'm game for interviewing and considering both. I'm thinking they'll simply say no though because there are many, many top people looking for jobs these days. Darn, I want that extra money!!! Oh well, it's not going to set up my earning wage track for life anyway. I guess I can also try to fit MCAT studying during the commute.

Thanks for the quick response. Sometimes you just need to bounce your thoughts off with someone else.

 

[FirstAndFinal]

Try to get that interview bumped up. The shorter commute saves you gas, so think of it as a $4/gallon pay raise. Add a higher base salary, and I think we have a winner.

Had to give up the car to live in the city. So the metro card is the same regardless since I buy a monthly pass. Just my time is different. I'm trying to think of the positives. Example: gym is on the way from home on the long commute. With the short commute I have to go in the opposite direction to the gym, so that adds time to my day too; makes them about even time on the days I go to the gym.