I was hoping to get some advice regarding my current career position and aspirations.Scope: I am a UK citizen and have a Biochemistry BSc (1st, Uni. Durham) and PhD (Biotechnology, Uni. Cambridge) education. I have worked for a major US Life Science Corporation for the last 4.5yrs. I started working for the company in the UK office (1.5yr) and then took the opportunity for a relocation to their New York global headquarters for the last 3yrs. Work involves Life Science product R&D and technology due diligence and progressive project/team management responsibilities and training. Planning to return to UK in Oct'12 and hope to transition into Life Science/Management Consultancy. I realise this will be a major (and welcomed) career change/challenge.Questions: 1) Assuming I've done company research/case study practice, is it too early to start applying for jobs for a Oct '12 start? 2) Is five yrs post-PhD enough 'industry experience' to warrant an experienced hire position?3) As currently based in New York, is trying to secure a UK position whilst still in US feasable? (I plan to travel to UK probably two times (April/May) between now and Oct and could attempt to tie this into an interview schedule)4) If applying to MBB/Big 4, could at least part of the interview/assessment process be conducted through the NY offices? 5) As I have no consultant experience, I thought a career in a bigger firm (MBB/ Big 4) would be the best place to develop key industry-specific skill sets over a smaller (potentially more Life Science focused) boutique firm. Is that a fair assumption? Any advice on the above would be greatly appreciated.