From PHD grad to gas man

He has a BSc and a PhD to his name and has conducted significant studies into arthritis and cancer.

But after ten years as a university researcher, molecular biologist Dr Karl Gensberg is abandoning his academic career . . . to become a gas fitter.

The reason for the switch is simple: Money.

Dr Gensberg, a 41-year- old father of one, believes he can more than double his £23,000 annual earnings by exchanging his lab coat and test tubes for a boiler suit and a tool kit.

The Birmingham University scientist reached his life-changing decision after asking a plumber to fit a boiler at his home. The plumber thought Dr Gensberg's PhD was a guarantee of a good income.

'I showed him my payslip and he was stunned,' said Dr Gensberg. 'He said he earned £33,000 and some of his mates could bring home double the amount I was paid.

'That made me realise just how bad my job is - not only was I being undervalued but underpaid as well.'

He started training as a gas fitter last year and starts his new career in July.

Meanwhile, he is still working at the university, researching the effects of electromagnetic fields on the body. 'I am passionate about the research I do but I have decided enough is enough,' he said. 'I have got a family to support and although I love the job that I do I can't continue with it.'

Dr Gensberg lives in Walsall with his wife Fatima, 40, an IT worker, and son David, six. He has a degree in applied human biology and a PhD in molecular biology.

Since getting his doctorate at Birmingham in 1994 he has worked on a series of short-term contracts there, with research he believes could herald a breakthrough for arthritis sufferers and even cancer patients.

Looking ahead to his new career, he said: 'Even if I make the same amount as I do now, I won't be worried about what will happen to me when my short-term contract ends. I love molecular biology but I'm looking forward to a better way of life.'

The disillusioned scientist said that unless conditions improved more and more people would be forced to make a career change.

'If an academic is on short-term contract, then the future is very bleak,' he said.

'Something has got to change otherwise people will be left with no other choice than to leave the job they love just to support their family.

'It's crazy to think that I spent seven years training to get to this position and have worked in the profession for ten years but can earn more working as a gas fitter.'

He added: 'Three years ago I was forced to take a £5,000 pay cut just to keep my job. Since then it has become more and more difficult to secure the funding to carry out research.

'My work is very important to me and I will be sad to leave the profession but I feel like I've been left with no choice.'

He spoke as university lecturers yesterday started a week-long series of strikes over pay.

Paul Rees, spokesman for the Association of University Teachers, said yesterday: 'The fact that Dr Gensberg feels compelled to leave higher education comes as no surprise.

'It is a tragedy for British higher education and the country at large that people such as Dr Gensberg are being forced out of the sector because of appalling rates of pay.'