STEM PhD wanting to do life sciences equity research, is CFA necessary?

Hi all, I'm an international Ph.D. (chemistry major, had some experiences with start-up of a medical device) wanting to find equity research jobs in the USA in the life sciences field. I'm wondering: 

(1) do equity research positions typically sponsor h1b visa

(2) for life sciences ER, is a CFA necessary? How much more helpful would it be? 

(3) I'd love to connect with people going through similar stuff! 

Thank you!

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(2) for life sciences ER, is a CFA necessary? How much more helpful would it be?

I’ll comment on this one based off what I’ve seen of the biotech team at my bank and from what they’ve said during “water cooler conversations.” Going on LinkedIn and searching “biotech equity research” may help you get an idea of common backgrounds as well. 

The CFA isn’t necessary but it could help (no guarantees). If you’re breaking in from grad school or a post doc, completing at least one level of the CFA will show interest in finance and may signal that you may be able to get through the Series exams in less time. It probably gets more incrementally important the more senior you are just to have an additional selling point if you shop your resume around. Most of the biotech equity research team members have an advanced science degree, such as yourself. 

 

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