need some advice on directions...

[degeneral]

I just left my lab where I did my PhD for years -and standing here with an Master's in MolBio, and Immunology (back to square one: I started the PhD program with it).
Anyway, I'm stuck with an F-1 visa that expires as I finish school with another Ms degree in August, and I'll have a year of OPT (optional practical training), that I can at least use to get... what? Some training in real life labs? Some inspiration?
Anyway, it's a time to change the course. What kind of jobs can someone holding a Master's in Molecular Biology should look for? How could I explain the fact that I quit after 4 years? Do my years in lab count as experience? Do you think I could switch to other major -like Marine Biology, or Paleobiology? How should I start that? Most PhD programs require courses in their respective majors. I'm kind of lost now, and since I invested so much time, and money (the latter not necessarily mine), I can't just go home with my tail between my legs just yet.
Thanks. I hope this post wasn't off-topic.

[danfive]

First, you should aim high, so that if you miss you land somewhere in the middle don't aim low. It's a great credential to have your master's, plus the extra grad school. I recommend applying to positions like Research Associate and post-docs positions at University research depts. Better yet, consider research labs/departments headed by MDs, you will know more science than they do and they will most likely not care about you dropping the PhD program. I work at the Texas Medical Center in a cancer research lab and have found that MDs get grants and funding a lot easier than PhDs---they bill their research as translational research---taking lab discoveries into the medical field faster...BTW If you like marine biology/oceanography look at Texas A&M---when I was there even engineers were welcome for a graduate position in Oceanography.

[danfive]

Originally Posted by degeneral

What kind of jobs can someone holding a Master's in Molecular Biology should look for?

Research Associate in academic lab, Sales/Service Rep corporate.

Originally Posted by degeneral

How could I explain the fact that I quit after 4 years?

People will understand, it is common for the PI to screw the graduate students, everyone knows it. It is perfectly fair to put blame were blame is due. Could be the school, mentor, another student stabbing you in the back, crappy research study/equipment/bad relationship in lab. Expect a lot of sympathy and understanding and you will find it.

Originally Posted by degeneral

Do my years in lab count as experience?

Yes.

Originally Posted by degeneral

Do you think I could switch to other major -like Marine Biology, or Paleobiology? How should I start that? Most PhD programs require courses in their respective majors.

Two things word of mouth--like Texas A&M is desperate for Oceanography grad students--can let you know where the doors are open, secondly, work as an associate or tech for a full professor--he/she can get you into the program. They will usually offer this up front if you impress them in the interview.

Good luck.