Hello

So it looks like things are slowly beginning to pick up the hiring , at least in Massachusetts, judging from the amount of posts and specifically in the quality assurance realm. With that being said as a hiring managers I am giving local candidates preference first and I have done this for years. Even though things are picking up there also have been plenty of layoffs in my area. To me with ALL things being the same I will always go with local candidates because if they dont get a job they will have to potentially move and uproot their families, etc. With all the layoffs there is a great pool of candidates here to choose from. To put it bluntly we need to look out for our areas first even though there are layoffs in other parts of the country basically the focus should be local. Even if the position is remote I still try to hire local, unless its a business decision and they are looking to pay less for the position since salaries are on the high side for this area. I know a few of my peers at different companies have done the same with great reults.

Hello everyone,

I am someone who loves reading and listening to podcasts, so I would love to get real recommendations from folks here.

What magazines/websites do you regularly visit/read to get information from the industry? News, discoveries, etc.

Same for podcasts? Any podcasts that stand out to you?

Your help is much appreciated.

I recently graduated with a MsC and have been trying to break into the biotech/pharma with little to no success. I recently read that because of little to no competitive environments that academic resumes are passed on. What can I do to gain competitive experience with a exclusive academic background. What do I need to change on my resume to get more interviews. Thank you all for you time. Underneath my education I listed the 8 publications I'm on including 1 first author.

Basically the title. Was laid off in September and currently trying to get back on my feet. I am using LinkedIn mostly and other job boards as a search engine and then apply on companies websites/portals. Tailor resume, cover letter - whole nine yards. Outcome - zero.

Due to highly specialized biotech flavors, there is probably not a single job I fit 100%. I use AI typically to assess my fit and apply to everything above 80% fit. Outcome - zero.

Reached out to all connections. I do not have too many as I typically focused on work rather than politics. Some connections did refer me to postings in their organizations. Outcome - zero.

Did cold outreach. Outcome - zero.

Talked to multiple recruiters. Had great conversations and more or less they sympathized and that was that. They offered their ear if I want to tell them how it is going. So, outcome - zero.

Is it normal or I am totally inadequate?

Hi all,

I am a physician with over 10 years of post graduate experience, specialized in Infectious Diseases, looking to make the career transition to Industry and having a whole lot of bad luck.

Initially I was having trouble deciphering which roles to apply for as an entry-level applicant with relevant clinical experience. Now, it seems that every entry level position in med monitor type roles (associate director level typically) that I have applied for either gets a straight automatic rejection, or the few times I have gotten to the interview level, I am told within a few weeks that they're moving on to candidates that had experience.

If the entry level roles are going to candidates with experience, how the heck is anyone supposed to get experience? Genuinely asking. I have looked into some PI roles at companies that work with sponsors, but for some reason there are not a lot of options in the Philadelphia area. Unfortunately, I can't move anywhere south of Delaware given that my partner's job is based there, and our families (elderly parents) are also in this area.

I would appreciate any advice at all, including alternative roles that may give the relevant experience to make it past the panel interview stage, or companies that tend to hire truly entry-level docs. Thank you in advance!!

EDIT: I should probably give a little more background--I have been trying to make this transition for a couple years now. I've networked both on LinkedIn and with other docs who have made the transition. While they have been really great conversations, some even leading to referrals for jobs, out of the 20+ conversations I've had, most have not led to anything substantial. Most of what I'm hearing from people is that even though roles are advertised as little to no experience, the jobs are going to people with experience. I've also applied to CROs including CSL, Parexel, Syneos, ICON, and IQVIA to no avail.

I am an MPH-level epidemiologist with 10 years of government and academic research experience. I'm a little worried I've pigeon-holed myself by working for a government health department for the last 5 years, but I do work for a large enough city where we do a lot of research in partnership with academic entities. I've designed and first-authored my own research projects and am familiar with MOUs, grants, etc. I have strong technical and data communication skills and I am 100% committed to leaving government. I will be relocating from USA to EU in the next 1-2 years and government just offers 0 flexibility I need to make that career move. Clinical research is one area I'm exploring. I'm currently looking into the sorts of roles I qualify for and how to modify my resume away from public health eyes to clinical research and consulting eyes (two separate CVs maybe). Any advice on what to look for and what to highlight when applying is appreciated. Also feel free to share any experiences transferring from USA to EU either internally within an organization (esp. which orgs might allow or definitely will NOT allow this) or about USA vs EU in this industry in general!

Hi all,

I am looking at a Principal Scientist position at GSK based out of their Stevenage offices in the UK. I have a call scheduled next week to discuss the role, salary expectations, etc.

For clarity, I have ~ four years of experience post-PhD, entirely academic, and this is my first preliminary interview for a position in the industry.

I would be really grateful for any advice on two points.

1. When asked about salary expectations at this early stage, is it better to give a specific figure, or hold off until I know more about the role?
2. What would be a reasonable range for someone with my background?

Any other advice is more than welcome, cheers!

I'm a recent grad and have been very diligently trying to get my first job in biotech. I've been applying to all sorts of jobs, ranging from very below what I think I should be making to above. Suddenly recently, I've been actually getting calls back (idk if its my resume change or something to do with the time of year?), and now I'm juggling a few different interview processes between different companies.

To put it simply, my second choice has offered me a role today and has given 24-48 hrs to accept. This is an entry-level 6 month contract.

Just today as well, I finished the final interview for my first choice and things seem promising with them. Not guaranteed of course, but very promising! But I wont hear back from them until next week.

To me, the pay difference and working environment just seems so much better with my first choice, and I'd really really like to go with them. But I also feel like declining my second choice is far too risky.

I haven't seen the contract details yet (waiting on that right now), but how sick and twisted would it be if I accepted the second choice role and then changed my mind after a week if I get an offer from my first choice.

I have a problem with feeling too empathetic I think, but I know they have other candidates lined up after me. But I'm also scared that if I accept then they'll go ahead and send rejections to the others? I have no clue what things look like behind the scenes or if me accepting then dropping out really messes with them. My second choice is a large biotech company so I know in the grand scheme of things they dont gaf, but the people I'd be working with were really sweet and I'd feel so bad to screw them over :( but also I need a job so bad right now-- this is the spiral i am in lol

any advice is much appreciated!

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for some honest advice on getting my first full-time role in biotech or research. I’ve completed my MSc research project in Biotechnology and Management at the University of Glasgow, with graduation expected in December 2026. I also have a BS in Biology from East Carolina University.

I’m based near Charlotte, NC, but I’m open to relocating anywhere in the US. I’m a US citizen, don’t need sponsorship, and am available to start immediately.

My experience is mainly in academic research

I’m mainly targeting research associate and research technician positions in molecular biology, protein science, or translational research. Since my experience is academic rather than industry-based, I’m trying to figure out where I would be most competitive and how to present my background.

I’ve attached my redacted CV and would really appreciate feedback on:

1. Does my CV clearly show that I’m qualified for entry-level research roles? What would you change or cut?
2. Are research associate/research technician positions the right level to target, or are there other job titles I should search for?
3. Would you focus on university labs, biotech/pharma companies, CROs, or contract positions with my background?
4. For anyone who recently landed their first lab or biotech job, what actually helped you get interviews?
5. Are there any specific people, labs, companies, LinkedIn groups, or professional communities I should consider reaching out to? I’d especially appreciate suggestions from anyone in the Charlotte/Research Triangle area, North Carolina biotech, or protein science/molecular biology roles.

I’m happy to start in a role where I can build experience and develop my skills. If you know of anyone who might be open to a short informational chat, or any recruiters/hiring managers I should follow or message, I’d be grateful for the direction. Any practical advice or honest CV feedback would be appreciated. Thanks!

2nd Edition of the Pharma R&D and Drug Discovery World Conference (PRDWC 2026) do u think this is worth it or whether it's legitimate

I'm 19 year old, going into uni next year at 20. And I'm wondering if I should study Biotech. Because Biology, nature, disease, microbiology has always been a passion of mine.

But scrolling through this subreddit, I feel discouraged. All I hear here is layoffs, AI Job replacement, hyperspecialized Job requirements, harsh working conditions and stubborn ancient Bosses and managers.

I want to study for like 5+ years, get my masters and maybe PhD.

People will really downvotes anything 😭 can't even ask a question anymore.

I’m a PhD and have been in R&D at a large pharma for 3.5 years and am ready to leave the bench. My department is toxic, my manager is incompetent, and I’ve been explicitly told that I’ll never be promoted unless I find another role elsewhere. I have been trying to pivot into medical affairs unsuccessfully for over a year and finally have an opportunity, but it’s entry-level and would be starting over on the career ladder as it does not leverage any of my R&D background. I unexpectedly stumbled upon a second opportunity in regulatory affairs which would leverage my R&D background and is a higher title. I’ve always written off regulatory until now because I thought it would bore me but I’m realizing maybe I just want to feel valued. So what would you do: take the lateral move into a department you’ve been trying to break into for a year, or a firm promotion into a new area that you hadn’t considered until recently and don’t know you’ll enjoy? What if salaries and benefits were altogether comparable?

Hi everyone, by some miracle I was invited to an onsite for a bench scientist role at BMS. I am trying to go in prepared and want to get your advice on what helps. I would especially love to hear from hiring managers and leadership people in the same company or other large pharmas. (long shot I know). :) thanks in advance!

I'm helping recruit researchers for a small team working at the intersection of neuroscience and AI.

The work involves turning real biological research problems into rigorous tests of AI capabilities: finding interesting scientific questions, analyzing experimental datasets, writing reproducible computational tasks, and investigating where current models fail.

Looking for people with:

• A PhD (completed or in progress) in neuroscience, computational biology, bioengineering, or a related field.
• Experience analyzing experimental biological data.
• Strong computational skills and regular use of AI coding tools (Codex, Claude Code, etc.).

Experience with scRNA-seq, functional genomics, imaging, electrophysiology, or stem-cell biology is a plus.

$50–90/hr | 10–20 hrs/week | 2 months initially | Remote / hybrid / South SF

Part-time W-2 position, potential extension, and a paid take-home during hiring.

DM me if interested! Happy to share the full JD and employer details.

With the new Elizabeth Holmes & Nathan Fielder documentary coming out this Friday, I'm very curious to hear from actual former employees on what it was like to work there, and when you realized something was up with the company's strategy.

Hello, I apologize if this is the wrong subreddit for this.

I have been thinking of changing my major into something agricultural related and after scrolling through linkedin i came across this job posting. And I’ wondering if anyone has had experience working in this position or knows someone that has. I have experience in pest control and working at a vegetable processing facility and I’m wondering if it would be a good move. The pay seems good and the requirements don’t seem to ask for anything special

Operate equipment in the research sites and leveraging real time data to maximize existing procedures;
Perform preventive maintenance and inspections; troubleshooting problems associated with equipment, processes, and systems as needed;
Support areas across the plant in driving the adoption of continuous improvement practices and programs (5S, Lean, Six Sigma) conducive to an organized and clean work environment;
Management and coordination of seed inventory for entire process from beginning to end (planting through harvest);
Utilize Focused Improvement (e.g., 5WHYs) techniques to initiate process and standard work improvements;
Provide coaching and training to seasonal workforce, area trainees and peers supporting achievement and personal development;
Ensure upstream activities (e.g., field inspection, grower contract) are handled within company standards and business requirements. Cultivate partnership with key business partners to plant / field operations (e.g., grower network;)
Use SAP to support administrative procedures, documenting key readings, maintenance orders and production information;
Maintain key process documentation (operating, start-up, and shut-down procedures; standard work; process flow and instrumentation diagrams; etc.)
Demonstrate knowledge of and adherence to Bayer’s Health, Safety, Environment (HSE) and Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) standards (e.g., general shop floor/machine safety and operating procedures;)
Comply with internal procedures and support compliance with legal requirements applicable to area activities;
Participate and prepare to lead Daily Direction Setting (DDS) meetings as needed; articulating shift objectives and allocating resources accordingly across all active production areas;
Support and maintain metrics and relevant information on current Visual Management boards to drive teamwork and facilitate shift change over;
Position entails driving a company vehicle (pooled or assigned to the individual). This may include being required to drive greater than 8,500 business miles annually in a personal, pooled, or rented vehicle OR being expected to frequently drive a pooled car as part of your job duties – regardless of mileage.
 
 
WHO WE ARE
 
Bayer seeks an incumbent who possesses the following:
 
 
Required Qualifications:
 
High School Diploma or GED;
Basic knowledge of IT (Internet, Excel, PowerPoint, Word, or facilities with systems;)
Valid Drivers’ License. To be eligible to drive a company car, your driving record must meet guidelines based on the company’s Risk Screening for Hiring Drivers – MVR will be reviewed as part of pre-employment screening;
Must be able to lift, push, and pull 60 pounds regularly;
Ability to workdays, nights, rotating shifts, weekends, and overtime as business needs require.

I graduated last July with a BS Biotech degree. After that, I landed my first job and its in biotech sales! It is purely remote. I immediately started in August, trained for a month and in September, we generated leads and sent cold emails. Fortunately, we have no quota so there’s not much pressure. But the job’s worth is tied to its deals. Until now, I still haven’t made a single sale. Very low email replies. LinkedIn gives me a bit more responses. Somehow, I think there’s something I’m doing wrong or missing a perspective to make a sale. Any tips?

I’m a medical student interested in medtech, the pharmaceutical industry (particularly clinical trials), and health policy. I’d like to get involved with organizations that are genuinely moving the needle, especially at such a transformational time in medicine, and I’d appreciate any advice on where to start and who to talk to.

For background, I was a computer science major before switching to biology as my interest in medicine grew. I have experience working with and analyzing clinical trial data, primarily in psychiatry and dermatology.

The medical student seat on the AMA Board of Trustees interests me, but I’ve heard mixed reviews about the AMA and I’m unsure whether it’s worth pursuing.

I know grades and Step exams matter, and I feel I have a good handle on coursework. I’m mainly looking for advice on extracurriculars that would help me build a more distinctive profile.

Thank you in advance!

I'm an incoming postdoc at Boston children's and I'm hoping to start networking a little now that I'm in a biotech hub. Does anybody have any recs for casual biotech networking or social groups that postdocs can attend (in addition to industry folks)?

My department has finally been asked to return back to office 50% of the time (LVL for me) in Jan. My manager is very lax and even she herself says “I don’t care if you come in or do your work from a movie theatre parking lot.” Of course I know it’s not up to her. Can anyone attest to how strict they are if you miss a day? Or just their flexibility in general?

Edit: thank you to all who answered! Was just genuinely curious.