>>12185790I got a job as a research chemist in pharma directly after a chemistry masters (UK), so it's doable without a PhD - although I was quite lucky as I got the job through an internship.
It's probably much easier to apply for jobs with a PhD, as well as getting into higher level positions later down the line. So it's up to you really, whether you want to delay going into industry to earn a PhD first. My plan at the moment is kind of the opposite. Depending on where this job takes me I might look at going back to do a PhD later down the line, hopefully my grades and industry experience by then will give me some good options.
Make sure it's a decent and relevant PhD if you do go for it though. From what I've heard from others, first and foremost you want something focused on synthetic chemistry. You don't need to dabble too much in the biology/biochem aspects if you want to be a synthetic organic chemist, even in pharma. You can learn the biology on the job.
