Is it late for me to switch into NGS field?

[markero]

Dear All,
I have been working on bioinformatics for 8 years. I mainly focus on structure bioinformatics, developing bioinformatics algorithm and software. Now I am interested in NGS data analysis.
Is it late for me to jump into this area?
I am quite familiar with python, C++ and linux cluster.

thanks
markero

[Jeremy37]

Markero -- there couldn't be a better time. From what I can see there is a big demand right now for people to work on NGS data. In the past 1-2 years sequencing throughput has increased so dramatically that there is a lack of people and infrastructure to deal with it. With a background in bioinformatics software development and linux you are very well prepared to work with NGS data.

[SeqAA]

you are probably a better candidate than most current informatics people.

[markero]

Jeremy and SeqAA, Thank you very much. You give me confidence.
Before I was working on protein struture and protein-protein/ligand interaction.
Now I think it is time for me to change to NGS data.

[GenoMax]

Jeremy and SeqAA, Thank you very much. You give me confidence.
Before I was working on protein struture and protein-protein/ligand interaction.
Now I think it is time for me to change to NGS data.

If you are looking to change fields because of one (or more) non-scientific reasons then you should have no problems entering the NGS field considering your experience. I had always thought structural bioinformatics as a significantly more challenging subject compared to sequencing. But if you no longer enjoy doing structural work then go for it.

Good luck.

[jstjohn]

I know of an old time protein structural bioinformaticist who is just now jumping ships as well. I think he is a lot deeper than 8 years into the field though. You're fine.