ER for scientists with little finance experience

Hello everyone,

I know it is a bit intrusive to start out in a forum by posing a question, but I thought there is no place better to get some of the answers I seek.

I am hoping to break into equity research and I am in need of a bit of guidance and perhaps a reality check. I have an undergraduate degree in neuroscience from a very well known and respected school and a master's degree in biomedical neurobiology from another well known medical school. I have extensive clinical and core research experience and have applied my expertise as a biotech consultant, helping new medical device companies with product development, etc. I also teach first year medical students preclinical courses at Harvard and BU. Over the course of the last few years, especially as a contracted consultant, I have developed a real passion for markets. In many ways equity research mirrors the methods of scientific research, or at the very least it encompasses a dynamic I am familiar with. I have opted not to continue forward with a PhD (hence my master's degree), since a PhD has no real practical value outside of academia in most respects...I would rather gain more work experience and go to business school. I have been networking aggressively and have passed my resume along and have had some information sessions. However, my real finance exposure in a formal sense is limited...I understand the basics of DCF, can "slowly" work my way through financial statements but I have no real modeling experience or knowledge.

In your opinion, what is my best option? Is my lack of real finance experience despite my industry and academic credentials at brand name institutions a real negative?

Thanks so much for your opinions!