Career Advice

Massachusetts’ biopharma jobs increased 2.6% in 2023, according to the MassBio Industry Snapshot. Whether the state’s jobs grow in 2024 remains to be seen based on this year’s layoffs and seemingly slowed hiring based on BioSpace data.
Career Pathing
Carlos Doti has moved countries and changed jobs, but one thing hasn’t changed. Making an impact on patient care has always been a priority for the AstraZeneca executive.
After more than 20 years at Eli Lilly, Leslie Sam moved into independent consulting. To prepare for the transition, she focused on becoming technically deep and earning industry recognition.
Over 80% of those living outside of biopharma’s biggest hubs, like San Diego or Boston, have a tough time finding work, according to a BioSpace LinkedIn poll. Biopharma professionals in Oregon and Connecticut and a BioSpace recruitment manager share their insights on this issue.
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Top career advice and job trends to manage your life sciences career
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Plus, tips on applying to multiple jobs at the same company, making new work friends, and how to ask for more time at the offer stage.
JOB SEARCH STRATEGY
A BioSpace LinkedIn poll showed that just 19% of respondents believe biopharma professionals need Ph.D.s for scientist roles.
Employers have adjusted to higher salaries. That also means they’ve become adamant they get specific skill sets, according to Greg Clouse, BioSpace recruitment manager.
While many describe California as having a tough life sciences market, there’s some optimism that employment opportunities will improve soon, according to California Life Sciences President and CEO Mike Guerra.
RESUMES AND COVER LETTERS
The biopharma industry is moving toward using AI to try to determine how well a given person would perform in a role, with applications that go beyond recruiting.
Being laid off from your job can be difficult and confusing. To help you in your job search, we’ve explained how to address a layoff in your cover letter to help you land your dream job.
A cover letter is an important part of any job application, but for those in the life sciences it is especially important. Find tips for writing a scientist cover letter as well as an outline and examples in our guide.
INTERVIEWS
Here’s what to look for—and what to ask—before and during the interview process to find out whether an employer fosters an inclusive environment.
Preparation is key to ensuring one stands out in an increasingly competitive job market. We asked an expert for tips.
Newer hiring models based on skills applicants have learned and their general potential for growth could avoid the drawbacks of relying on degrees and experience.
BioSpace has updated our Job Search Toolkit, including recent resources to help you succeed with your next job search.
Dealing with a toxic co-worker can be exhausting, and it can make your workplace more stressful. There are a few ways to make it easier, including developing healthy coping mechanisms and even talking it out with your colleague.
Job security is a hot topic among biopharma professionals. A career coach offers advice for how to evaluate and build it up and what to do if that evaluation leaves you worried.
Good company culture is a crucial aspect of professional life. Look at these 11 important indications of good workplace culture before accepting a job offer or use them to evaluate your new employer.
An appreciation for practicality, independent thinking and patient care can help disrupt the bureaucracy of Big Pharma.
Having difficult conversations with the right mindset can build trust and further develop your relationship with your team.
Getting caught between younger team members and older bosses can be stressful for millennial managers. A leadership expert and millennial manager share tips for bridging the gap between these groups.
Join us in this discussion on how you can optimize your chances of landing a new role despite a highly competitive job market.
MORE ADVICE
Looking for an automation engineer job? Check out these seven companies hiring life sciences professionals like you.
Career support is the No. 2 driver of employee engagement while learning and development is No. 3, according to a new Right Management report. A recent BioSpace survey supports those findings.
Looking for a biotech job in San Diego? Check out these seven top companies hiring life sciences professionals like you.
Learn five ways to answer difficult interview questions so you can leave the best impression possible on your potential employer.
Three executives whose combined careers include working at companies including Amgen, AstraZeneca, The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer and Takeda share their career journeys.
A recent legal decision could signal the ultimate demise of the FTC’s final rule banning most noncompete clauses. A biotech talent expert discusses how that affects biopharma job searches.
For the second quarter of 2024, there were 25% fewer jobs posted live on BioSpace compared to the same quarter of 2023. The year-over-year job response rate rose from 14.6% to 15.3%.
When moving to a new role at the same company, it’s important to create a transition plan, understand your responsibilities and expectations and get to know your new team.
It’s important to maintain anonymity when seeking your next executive role, as your departure could impact other employees and the organization.