would you stay in the bio field at all?

or completely change?

Hi everyone! I’m an undegrad deciding between majoring in Global Public Health with a Statistics minor or double majoring in Global Public Health and Applied Statistics.

My goal is to work in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry, particularly in Medical Affairs, Market Access, product management, or commercial strategy. I’m interested in using data and clinical evidence to inform business decisions, but I don’t necessarily want a career focused heavily on statistical modeling or programming.

For anyone working in pharma/biotech or hiring for these roles, would I be less competitive with a Statistics minor rather than the full major? Does having the additional quantitative degree make a meaningful difference in recruiting, or do relevant internships, research experience, and business skills matter more?

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for some genuine advice from people working in the US biotech/pharma industry, particularly those who have navigated international career moves.

A little background about me:

I spent around seven years in the US working as an oncology translational scientist in academic research before moving back to my home country last year. I’m currently working in the biotech/pharma industry in a senior-level scientific role at a reputed organization and have been here for about nine months.

Recently, my EB-1A I-140 was approved, with a priority date of June 2023. I’m currently going through consular processing and hoping to eventually return to the US as a permanent resident once the remaining immigration steps are completed.

I’m genuinely trying to figure out whether returning to the US would be the right career move given the current biotech/pharma job market.

My long-term goal is to continue building my career in the US biotech/pharma industry, leveraging my oncology research background and current industry experience. However, I’m now in a good senior-level position, and I’m trying to weigh the potential opportunities against the risks of leaving an established role and entering a competitive job market.

A few things I’d appreciate honest opinions on:

• The current job market: How realistic is it to secure a good biotech/pharma position in the US right now?
• My profile: Would seven years of US academic oncology translational research experience, combined with my current biotech/pharma industry experience, make me competitive for US industry roles?
• The financial risk: If I return and the job search takes six months or longer, how difficult could that period be financially and professionally?

I understand that an approved EB-1A petition is a significant milestone, but it does not guarantee an immediate green card or a job offer. I want to make this decision realistically rather than assume that moving back automatically means better opportunities.

I’d especially appreciate perspectives from people who have made a similar move, work in biotech/pharma hiring, or have firsthand experience with the current US job market.

If you were in my position, would you return to the US and start looking for industry opportunities as soon as the immigration process permits, or continue building your career in your current role before making the move?

Thanks

I’ve considered alot of issues you guys pointed out with my resume, thanks so much btw. If I could ask for more help, how do we feel about this version? I got it down to a single page. I’ve included the previous one for comparison. Thank you!

It’s been over a year since I was laid off, and I’m getting really nervous that I’ll never get a job in biotech again after working in it for 30 years. I only needed to work for three more years to retire. Hundreds of applications, countless final interviews only to lead to nothing. I’m so tired. I give up.

I (a non-EU citizen on 18d visa) have been applying for industry jobs and (lately) some postdocs for over 10 months in Germany. I only had one interview so far that went nowhere despite making very targeted (over 100) applications. It definitely has to be my CV but perhaps also the German proficiency and that I'm still finishing my thesis.

Roles I'm targeting: Field application scientists, technical sales scientists, scientists, research associate

Hi guys,

For those of you who have biotech degrees and worked in both medical and industrial settings. What was the difference and can you advise me if I want to have a career shift?

I have 4 years experience as an MLT abroad and I'm currently working as an MLA in NHS but I'm so sick of minimum wage and I have so many top ups and I don't know if it's the right option for all the work I'll put to still be paid almost minimum wage after registration. I have no interest in being anything above a band 6 and I was thinking to switch to pharma/application specialist. Please give me advice.

Thank you

Cross posted on r/managers

Hi all.

My manager is the kind of person who seems to have no life outside of work. She spends all weekends and evenings doing something related to work, she almost refuses to delegate responsibilities, and she never takes the time to review my work or results.

I've exceeded expectations in my role 3 years in a row, expecting that even if there may not be budget or room for promotion in my group, that I would at least be treated with autonomy and given more independence. I've clearly demonstrated my competence. I've gotten positive feedback from everyone else in my group (including her boss). There is no evidence whatsoever that I am incapable of handling that independence. But alas, my manager refuses to let go of any work.

I've been applying for external roles for months, but nothing bites. I'm looking for advice on two fronts:

\- Is her management style normal? Is it sustainable? Will it get worse? Have you had a manager like this and what did you do about it?

\- How should I adjust my behavior and mindset so I can better cope with this kind of work environment?

I've always been ambitious but honestly I can't handle caring about my work when I show up every Monday and find out \*everything\* related to my projects has changed somehow because my manager is disorganized and has no boundaries. I refuse to work outside my contracted hours because nobody gets rewarded for that, and I have the performance track record to prove that I don't need to go above and beyond. I'm seriously considering just accepting that this is the farthest I will go in my career, not because of my performance, but I'm just so fucking tired to racing with my manager.

ETA: Context for this being in r/biotech: we work in industry R&D, so the tasks of my job are largely benchwork. My boss is a PhD + 8 years experience and I am an MS + 8 years experience. I finished a major project earlier this year with flying colors, good reviews, gave her credit, and perform tasks above my title like reviewing and writing internal papers. This problem started in the last 6ish months when my project was completed.

Hi all,

Posting my boyfriend’s resume on his behalf as he tries to navigate this job market. He is currently a temp Research Scientist in the same lab where he did his PhD. He has been applying to Scientist 1/2 roles in the industry as well as post-doc positions in both academia and industry, but has not received very many responses. I know the current biopharma market is not the best but wondering if his resume is the issue and would appreciate any feedback that would make him a better candidate on paper. Thank you!!

Hi everyone!

I'm a Canadian biotech professional looking to move to the US, as my partner is American. I'd love to hear from Canadians who have successfully made a similar move. FYR I have 5+ years of experience in biotech/pharma/R&D across quality, project management, and consulting.

I'm curious about a few things:

• How did you land your first US job? Did you use recruiters, apply directly, or rely on networking?
• Did you find an employer willing to sponsor your move, or did you pursue another work authorization pathway?
• Were there any recruiters or recruiting agencies that were particularly helpful for biotech and pharma roles? Or any companies you know that are open to hiring Canadians?
• Looking back, is there anything you wish you'd known before starting the process?

I'm open to opportunities across the US and would really appreciate hearing any input you can provide. Thanks!

I recently started work with a CDMO and was given the opportunity to transfer departments (QA to R&D) due to my previous career experience with method development as an analytical chemist with small molecules. I would get the chance to train under extremely capable professionals in developing analytical methods for proteins with a variety of platforms(SEC, IEC, ELISA, SDS page, ect) in addition to learning project management. The caveat is that the pay would be low. I got an offer from a state lab that would pay significantly more money, and would have the potential for leadership opportunities, but less opportunities for R&D. Career wise, which path do you guys think could potentially be the more beneficial in terms of career growth and finances?

I have been trying for one year now to break into the Product side of Life sciences.

Short Background: I started my career as an Associate Product Manager in pharma after my pharmacy degree, and then went on to do a Master’s in Biotechnology Management.

For the past 1.5 years, I’ve been working as a Research Associate in cancer diagnostics. My role is mainly lab-based, but I’ve also spent a lot of time troubleshooting product-related scientific problems and understanding diagnostic products from a technical perspective.

I’ve realized that I really want to move back to the product side of the industry, ideally into product management in biotech, diagnostics, health tech, or healthcare startups, where I can combine my scientific background with product thinking.

But to be very honest, I don't know what is needed. I have completed Project management courses. I have a practice of solving case studies, I have read few books about product management. But I feel like, I need a good opportunity. What else should I do?.

Do you guys know any resources which can help me?

Thanks.

I am currently in the west coast working as a Hematology/Oncology Pharmacist at a major hospital. I have been in this role for about a year and a half

An opportunity came up for me to get a position as an IDS pharmacists at a major comprehensive cancer center

If my goal is to get into Pharma, which route would be best for me? Should I keep my current position as a Hematology Oncology pharmacist? Or should I take the IDS pharmacist position.

Does anyone know the 401k % match???

Hi everyone!

How do you keep track of new biotech tools before they launch or when major updates are coming?

Where do you usually go to discover upcoming releases, new models, or tool updates like Protenix?

Getting a phd or getting an industrial job which is easy? I want to work in industry in my future but am not sure what if i do a phd and later went to industry. Am so confused in b/t the two options. Shall any one guide me what are the things that i want to do to get a biotechnology related job in industry. I am a masters student now.

I’m 43, based in London, and looking to move into biotech quality, compliance or governance roles.

I spent four years at a large pharmaceutical company in PV governance and compliance, supporting QPPV oversight, coordinating regulatory documentation, reviewing quality information and maintaining inspection-ready records in Veeva Vault.

Before that, I worked in operations and quality/compliance in the regulated food industry, including implementing a quality management system and achieving SALSA certification. I also have an MSc in Occupational Psychology.

I’ve been job hunting for around ten months with very few interviews, despite applying for both pharma and adjacent roles. I’m currently doing part-time quality/documentation work and really need to find a stable position.

I’d particularly appreciate help with:
- Recruiters or contacts: Does anyone know UK recruiters specialising in these areas, or hiring managers who might be worth approaching? I’d be grateful for introductions.

- Transferability: Would biotech employers realistically consider my experience for quality systems, compliance, document control or governance positions?

- Job opportunities: Which job titles or companies should I target? Are there routes into the sector I might be overlooking?

I’m open to training and adjacent roles, provided there’s a realistic route into employment.
Any practical advice, contacts or leads would be hugely appreciated. Happy to connect privately if appropriate.

Hay alguien que haya hecho biotecnologia que tenga buenas experiencias en empresas o que no haya tenido dificultad para encontrar trabajo.

Se que el mercado en España y los sueldos son flojos pero de verdad eso es así siempre .

Yo por ejemplo estoy mas interesado en industria que en invesitgacion y estoy en el segundo año de la carrera, que consejos le darías a alguien en mi posición.

Debería hacer mas contactos, mejorar las notas, adentrarme en proyectos opcionales o programas ...?

Muchas gracias de antemano a todo el que responda espero que podamos ayudarnos entre nosotros

hey, I just started my bachelor's in biotechnology in Italy and honestly I'm a bit anxious.

every time I read about the job market I see layoffs, "is biotech dead", low salaries, "you need a PhD"...

and I keep thinking: I'll spend 5 years between bachelor's and master's and maybe end up in a shitty job, when I could have worked those 5 years, saved some money and been independent.

I don't want to be rich, I just want a job that makes sense and a normal life.

for those who did it: was it worth it? what do you do now?

if you were back in first year what would you do differently?

and if you quit or switched paths tell me too, I need to hear that as well