[dinopete]

I was in academia for a decade or so and was at stage of applying for academic positions and now work in a scale-up. I was in Genetics research and now work as a data scientist so not exactly the same but anyway.

The thing you lose leaving academia is freedom to work on whatever you want. What you gain is as you say a group of smart people working towards a common goal. About 20% of my team have PhDs! I now make more money 2 years in than I would have at Assistant Professor level. I also work remotely which means I can live where I want to and not where the university is. Overall I’m very glad I made the jump.

If you decide to do it I would say don’t rush into it and take some time to find the right position working with people you will enjoy working with.