After obtaining a degree in Science you can choose between many career possibilities, but making that choice is often not easy because there are many different directions to choose from. In this article we hope to bring some clarity out of this confusion by summarising the different directions a young scientist can follow, and where that road leads him or her. The list we present below is not exhaustive.
Research and Development
The R&D department within a company is responsible for discovering and developing new products. At entry level as a BSc or MSc you start as a Research Associate or Assistant. Your main responsibilities are performing research and development experiments for projects and products, in collaboration with others. This level of work can then progress into becoming a Senior Research Associate.
A Scientist designs, implements and executes scientific research and develops new projects in collaboration with a larger research team. For a person with (usually) a PhD or an MSc a minimum of 8 years of experience is required; and after working in this position at least another 4 years is needed to take the next step upwards to become a Senior Scientist. A Senior Scientist initiates, directs and executes scientific research and development projects that are critical to corporate strategies.
Clinical Research
Pharmaceutical products must be clinically tested to assess if the compound works as intended, and to make sure that there are no harmful side effects. A Clinical Data Associate is primarily responsible for the validity of clinical trials, and formats them for statistical purposes. A BSc degree is necessary for this position.
Biostatisticians are responsible for the statistical integrity, adequacy and accuracy of the clinical studies/databases. A BSc or MSc degree at entry level is required, and for senior positions an MSc or PhD is preferred.
A Clinical Research Associate is a key participant in the design, implementation and monitoring of clinical trials and the preparation of many reports. A BSc degree is required.
Manufacturing and Production
After a product is developed a Process Development Engineer will develop and optimise the processes and equipment to manufacture the product. From the laboratory, through a pilot plant and on to the manufacturing scale, many steps and processes are needed. For this function a BSc with 2 years experience in manufacturing is essential.
Process Development Associates are responsible for evaluating, improving and scaling-up the manufacturing processes. Companies look for an MSc or BSc as a starter for this position.
Another job in manufacturing and production, amongst others, is the Production Planner/Scheduler, who coordinates the final approval of products through the production cycle. A BSc degree is required.
Quality Control
To ensure the quality of the products the department of Quality Control analyses samples of the product. The Quality Assurance (QA) Officer performs audits of production and quality control to make sure that production takes place according to in-house specifications and good manufacturing practice (GMP) regulations. The job requires a minimum of 2 years of working experience, and a BSc degree. A Quality Control Analyst conducts routine and non-routine analysis of raw materials, and of in-process and finished formulations, under supervision and according to Standard Operating Procedures. For this position a BSc degree with no experience is sufficient.
There are also administrative jobs in this department. A Documentation Specialist provides the required documentation and implements documentation systems. He or she ensures the accuracy and completeness of the QA document system, performs daily filing and organises file contents. A BSc or MSc with a minimum of 2 years experience is required.
Regulatory Affairs
After intensive testing a product has to be registered. A Regulatory Affairs Associate ensures all company products meet worldwide regulatory requirements, by supporting all assigned regulatory aspects of product approval, and post-marketing compliance. A BSc or MSc is required at entry level.
After working of a minimum of 10 years you have the possibility to become a Regulatory Affairs Manager. He or she is responsible for long- and short-term planning and directing of regulatory activities. He or she interprets corporate policy, develops and implements strategies for the earliest possible approval of regulatory submission, advises and manages the regulatory teams, and reviews ongoing projects. A PhD degree is preferred for this position.
Marketing and Sales
Once the product is ready for the market a marketing strategy must be put in place. A Product Marketing Manager is responsible for managing all aspects of product marketing, product strategy and development, strategic planning, and creation and implementation of marketing strategies. You will need a BSc or MSc degree for this position.
A Market Research Analyst provides information on marketed and pipeline products, including assessment of strategic direction and market place analysis. This position requires BSc in Economics, Econometrics, Statistics or Financial Analysis, combined with 1-3 years experience in data analysis and marketing research in a healthcare/pharmaceutical environment.
Another function in Marketing and Sales is the Sales Representative.
Business Development
The Business Development Department is responsible for finding new business opportunities. The Business Development Director manages the identification, evaluation and development of these opportunities. He writes proposals and term sheets and manages the day-to-day aspects of closure, including the utilisation of legal counsel, and coordination with accounting, finance, human resources and other areas of the business.
For this job detailed information on the market is needed. A Director will have a Business Development Research Analyst to provide this information. He or she assists the Director in the formulation and execution of strategies and tactics, and advises the management of the company in the definition and development of investment growth strategies for the company. This position requires an MSc or PhD degree in a scientific area, with a minimum of 3 years work experience.
Administration
The Patent Administrator is responsible for preparing and coordinating all procedural documentation for patent filings and applications. The agent tracks in-house research studies and recommends the need for, and timing of, patent filings. A BSc degree at entry level is required.
Source: http://massbio.org/directory/careers/descriptions_rd.html
