A job interview today and a moral issue

[Kirsten]

Congratulations on being offered the job and take it

Oh, it hasn't been offered to me yet, it was only the interview today. They have also invited two other persons, and they promised to let me hear about their decision next week. I'm sorry if my previous post was confusing.

Kirsten

[ChrisH]

Originally posted by Cataholic
Kirsten,
I think you should accept the job, if offered. Times are too tough for you right now.

I agree.

[Edwina's Secretary]

Kirsten,

I have a close relative who is involved in reseach. He is an animal lover, but as a scientist, understands the realities of research. His career is devoted to improving the lives of the research animals. Do not suppose that those who are involved in research involving animals are immune to the sacrifices of those animals. They hate suffering or they would not be involved in research. So they are in a way bifercated....devoted to easing suffering of both animals and humans!

Sara

[popcornbird]

Originally posted by 2kitties
The truth is that I'm still on the animal testing fence in general. I am almost always against it. And I am invariably against cruelty. I def don't think an animal should have to suffer so I can have a papaya scented shampoo. But I do understand that some of our most valuable medical breakthroughs we owe to a little white mouse. Those little mice save the lives of millions.

I'm no scientist, so I don't have the answer for either side.

I totally agree with you. Although I find most animal testings cruel and unnecessary, sometimes, you just have to. Many of those animals have saved millions of lives, that couldn't have been saved otherwise.

[smokey the elder]

I'll stick my oar in. I also work for a pharmaceutical company. While it would be ideal to be able to use 100% human cell lines (and would have a better success rate making meds, BTW!) we ain't there yet folks.

The people that work with the animals have a very respectful attitude, from what I've seen. Efforts are made to minimize cruelty. In fact when I took GLP training the trainer asked, "What do you think we do if an animal is obviously in pain or distress?" I answered, correctly, that they put it to sleep.

MS is a devastating disease for humans, and it is a worthy project to be working on.

Sorry this was so long winded! Good luck.

[Cincy'sMom]

I too, think you should take the job. I do not agree with animal testing for cosemetics and such, but for medical purposes there often is not another way.

I also have recently been faced with this dilemna. I have a job that love the people I work with, but not usch much those I work for. It is a small company, owned by 3 men, all 63 and up, and there is no oppertunity atall for advancement (I'ma chemist). A former co-worker called and said the company she now works for (also a pharmaceutical company) is hiring and they wouldlike me to submit a resume. I know they do animal tesing, but she assured me their department does not do it...but it would still be in the same building. I decide to go ahead and submitt, becuase the company pays better, has better benefits, and advnacement oppertunites... as of now I have heard nothing fromthem, and if I don't fine. If I do, maybe I could use this as leverage to get a better raise where I'm at now. Only time will tell....

Good luck Kristen!!!

[Barbara]

Kirsten I think I agree with everybody. I can't accept animal testing for cosmetics but in a research centre for a cruel disease like MS it's a little different.

Your intelligence and excellent command of English will help you in your job. And anyway: I have the impression that in a year or 2 it would be possible to change to another job -this one sounds like a good reference.

I wish you good luck

[carole]

Kirsten I can only say as the others if you get offered the job TAKE IT, I understand exactly how you feel, I have a very horrible hereditary disease in my family called " Huntingtons Chorea " its a devasting disease, one of the bad ones, so for me its also a very tricky situation, being an animal lover, I don't want to see any animal suffer, but I do want a cure for this awful disease.

[IttyBittyKitty]

Originally posted by 2kitties
The truth is that I'm still on the animal testing fence in general. I am almost always against it. And I am invariably against cruelty. I def don't think an animal should have to suffer so I can have a papaya scented shampoo. But I do understand that some of our most valuable medical breakthroughs we owe to a little white mouse. Those little mice save the lives of millions.

I'm no scientist, so I don't have the answer for either side.

Well said. I definitely agree with this sentiment - animal testing is awful, something we don't even want to think about. Animal testing for non-necessetities such as cosmetics should be banned - I could find 12 in every dozen animal lovers (myself included) who would gladly allow them to test on themselves for free or for a little cash instead of hurting animals. As for medical testing, it is awful, but unfortunately sometimes it is necessary.