Career FAQs - Pharma

What is Pharma?

The pharmaceutical industry works to discover, develop and commercialize the medicines of the future. Companies conduct drug development research in-house and/or license products from academia, other pharmaceutical companies, or small biotechnology companies. Many firms also develop other goods, such as medical devices and personal care, nutritional and animal health products.

Why switch?

A career in pharma allows you to work on developing products that directly improve people’s lives. Pharmaceutical research is usually very focused, with a clear aim and a practical application, and is conducted in well-resourced facilities. Pharmaceutical companies comprise diverse departments ranging from research & development to business development or law, and thus provide PhD holders with diverse opportunities and the flexibility to explore careers that extend beyond bench research. Pharma is a great choice for those who enjoy working with others in highly collaborative, multidisciplinary teams. Other advantages include attractive financial and benefit packages and the ability to maintain a good work/life balance.

What positions can one hold in the pharmaceutical industry?

Research scientist: design and execute research to discover new drug candidates

Clinical development scientist: perform clinical trials to determine efficacy and safety of new drugs

Biostatistician: provide statistical support during design, execution, analysis and reporting of clinical studies

Project Manager: oversee multidisciplinary, cross-departmental projects and ensure collaborative and timely execution.

Business management: co-ordinate the overall running of the company or a department

Business development: identify, analyze and implement new growth opportunities for the company

Regulatory affairs: communicate with drug regulatory agencies (e.g. the FDA) to keep up with government regulations and ensure company compliance

Quality assurance/quality control: design, develop and implement systems to ensure that products are developed and manufactured in accordance with FDA rules

Pharmaceutical sales representative: sell drugs and medical devices to healthcare providers and research institutions

Medical Science Liaison: establish and maintain relationships with physicians working in a specific disease area to maximize effective use of company products

Where will you work?

Pharmaceutical companies range in size from small start-ups to huge global corporations, and are located across the world.  Within the US, companies are situated throughout the country, although many are concentrated in Boston and the San Francisco Bay area.

How to make the transition?

Skills commonly sought by hiring managers in pharma include the ability to solve problems, manage projects, communicate effectively, think flexibly and creatively, take initiative and collaborate with others.  While some research positions demand specific technical skills, others require more general scientific abilities. Many of the required skills can be honed during your academic training, but others - such as the ability to work in a team - are not always promoted in this environment. Identify other opportunities to develop people skills, for example, join a student organization or work on community projects.  While prior industry experience is not essential for many jobs, it can distinguish you from other PhDs, and industry internships are a great way to gain such experience concurrently with graduate studies.

Bench science positions in pharma often require postdoctoral experience, and grad students should think carefully when selecting a postdoc position.  Try to find a lab in which you will gain the skills and subject knowledge required for pharma jobs that interest you. Ask whether previous postdocs have landed jobs in the pharma industry, and whether the lab has any collaborations with pharma companies. Industry postdocs can also help to get your foot in the door, but a postdoc in a good academic lab is just as highly valued by many employers.

            Finally, and most importantly, network!  Reach out to people working in roles and/or companies you’re interested in, and talk to them about their jobs and how they landed them.  Interact with pharma representatives at conferences and meetings, and attend networking events organized by CNSPY and other organizations.  Remember that potential employees are often recommended by existing ones, so a good contact at a company can be an invaluable resource.

Prepared by: Kerry Hollands, Ph.D.