Research in Biotech & Pharmaceutical Industry

The Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical industry develop products that combat disease, protect the environment, increase food production, and improve health. As with other forms of industry, there is a product design cycle that goes from conception to development all the way to the final stages of marketing, manufacturing, and sales. The life cycle can be thought of as two basic phases: R&D and commercialization. R&D is about developing the product and commercialization is about selling it. There are entry-level roles for doctoral trainees in most stages of the product development cycle. Those wishing to stay closer to the bench should look for positions on the R&D side. Those who are interested in the business side have a number of choices on the commercialization side.


Example Job Titles

Discovery researcher | Preclinical researcher | Postdoctoral Scientist | Scientist | Senior research associate | Senior Scientist | Discovery/preclinical research Scientist


Get Training & Experience

  • Build your knowledge of the industry sector and industry lingo by reading books and articles, and attending workshops and seminars featuring industry scientists
  • Follow trade magazines and e-newsletters (e.g. MassBio news page, Boston Business Journal Biotech News, BioSpace news subscriptions and career resources, BioWorld, Biotechnology Industry Organization, etc.) to get a better sense of current industry news and trends.
  • Start to learn industry terminology and acronyms
  • Read within your scientific field and broadly. Make connections between your research and other areas.
  • Get additional advice on how you can prepare for this career from scientists who have recently transitioned into a new role, as well as from those who have made hiring decisions.
  • Attend scientific conferences. Large conferences tend to attract industry scientists; seek out their talks and posters and/or attend industry networking/social events and vendor fairs at the meeting.
  • Attend events with local industry scientists, such as those hosted by organizations like MassBio, MASS AWIS, WEST, M2D2, etc.
  • Apply for Stay in MA funding to attend events of technology and business organizations in the region to further your professional development
  • Ask your research advisor and colleagues if they can connect you with someone they know in industry.
  • Demonstrate success in your research; e.g. apply for fellowship, attend and present your work at national conferences, etc.
  • Consider how you can build a record of working on projects in collaborative, cross-functional teams within your current research experience.
  • Take a leadership role by supervising others in the lab. Mentor a student in your research group, applying best practices in leadership and management.
  • Hone your presentation skills. Industry leaders value scientists who can quickly learn about a new research area, identify next strategic steps in that field, and pitch this in a brief oral presentation.

Additional Resources

 

Articles:

 

Books:

Career Opportunities in Biotechnology and Drug Development

  • (Chapters 7, 8, 15)
  • Toby Freedman
  • Cold Spring Harbor, NY: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press 2008

 

Understanding Pharma: A Primer on How Pharmaceutical Companies Really Work

  • (Chapters 1, 4, 5)
  • John J. Campbell
  • Raleigh, NC: Pharmaceutical Institute 2008

 

Professional Societies:


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