1. cell biologist
Competition for top cell biologists has long been at a fever pitch, and now that competition is increasingly stratified along geographic lines as well. For companies headquartered around major medical research hubs in California and Massachusetts, for example, it has become nearly impossible to find the talented resources they need. So if you've got the degree and the skills to land a position as a cell biologist at a life sciences firm, you can pretty much write your own ticket.
about this job2. clinical research associate (CRA)
The best CRAs boast a rare blend of soft and hard skills: interpersonal skills (site monitoring), familiarity with complex technical documentation (case report forms), digital savvy (Google Cloud Platform), plus a whole lot more. Well-rounded professionals, they’re also extraordinarily hard to come by, which means compensation is competitive. Depending on skills, experience and location, clinical research associate salaries can range from $51k to $136k. For these reasons and more, CRAs are on our list of in-demand jobs in life sciences.
about this job3. medical writer
Medical writers are absolutely indispensable to the operations of healthcare, life sciences and pharmaceutical companies alike, and it’s not hard to see why. After all, making complex scientific information accessible to the general public is no small task. As such, medical writers are well compensated, with salaries ranging anywhere from $82k to $134k. Those who have any kind of significant experience are extremely in demand.
about this job4. quality assurance (QA) specialist
QA specialists ensure the highest standards are upheld at all times and across all areas of operations. Plus, these professionals touch everything from research and development (R&D) to clinical trials, and their work has implications that can make or break high-stakes discovery efforts. Good QA specialists are worth their weight in gold, and mid-range salaries are anywhere from $85k to $111k.
about this job5. regulatory affairs associate
“After X years of development and Y dollars invested, is this drug going to make it to market or not?” For many life sciences companies, that is literally the question — and how it gets answered is partly a regulatory equation. So, is it really a surprise that there’s red-hot demand for savvy regulatory affairs associates? These are skilled pros who excel at navigating complexity, and life sciences companies can’t effectively navigate without them. While compensation varies by specialty and location, entry-level regulatory associates can expect to make at least $46k, and those with more experience can make upwards of $120k.
about this jobessential life sciences skills and certifications
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adverse events (AEs)
Adverse events refer to any negative patient reaction to a drug throughout the course of a clinical trial. Experience with monitoring and addressing adverse events is a critical skill for clinical trial professionals, as patient health and safety are on the line. Once patients are safe, analysis must take place to determine whether the adverse effect was a result of the drug or an unrelated condition.
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assays
A key procedure in the scientific process for biologists, assays are the process by which biologists measure and assess the presence and quantity of the target entities they're studying. Given how essential these are to the biologist's work, familiarity with assays is essential for job seekers in this field.
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case report form (CRF)
In the field of clinical research, data management is less routine and more life-saving. Case report forms (CRFs) are documents used to collect individual patient data during clinical trials in the proper, regulatory-compliant format, and they're essential in making decisions about a drug's safety.
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cell biology
Knowledge of cell structure and function is vital for biologists interested in life at its most basic form. In addition, knowledge of chemistry, physiology and biology is also helpful.
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clinical research
"Safety first" is the mantra for clinical research, and it's an important skill set for anyone looking to start a career in life sciences. Clinical research involves the study of new medications to ensure their safety and efficacy before gaining approval for consumption by the general public.
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corrective and preventative actions (CAPA)
Another key set of regulations for quality control specialists to keep in mind, corrective and preventative actions refer to guidelines imposed on clinical research organizations in order to eliminate what's known as "recurring nonconformance." This can usually be achieved by adjusting organizational procedures, documentation processes and other standardized processes to improve operations and keep them on track.
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drug safety reports
An ongoing process, drug safety reporting involves the monitoring of patient reactions throughout the course of the trial to eventually come to a determination about a drug's overall safety. Those compiling drug safety reports must also stay on top of all regulatory guidelines to ensure their drug meets current safety standards.
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good manufacturing practices (GMPs)
High standards of safety and quality don't end once the clinical trial is done. In this case, good manufacturing practices refer to the essential guidelines and quality standards drug manufacturers must meet for their products to be released to the market.
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medical and technical writing
A lot of complex research and concepts go into leading and executing a successful clinical trial — and that’s where medical and technical writing comes in. Medical writing is needed to help convey complex trial results in easily digestible language for medical professionals or journalists to analyze and use. These skills are also used in the development of marketing materials and educational copy.
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molecular biology
The study of life at the molecular level, molecular biology is an essential skill for aspiring biologists to master. Various strains of science converge in the molecular biologist’s skill set, with knowledge of other fields like chemistry, biology and physics also needed in order to become a well-rounded practitioner in this sector.
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pharmacovigilance (PV)
The process by which drug safety is ensured, pharmacovigilance is a key skill in occupations like regulatory affairs. Pharmacovigilance involves monitoring drugs to detect any previously undiscovered adverse effects and communicating findings to the relevant regulatory bodies to ensure marketed drugs remain safe for human consumption.
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pre-study visit (PSV)
Before a sponsor can officially award your site with a clinical trial, they’ll want to conduct a pre-study visit. Specializing in pre-study is a valuable skill set for clinical research associates to learn, involving steps like scheduling department tours, anticipating points of concern and outlining plans to address them to secure new business.
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quality control (QC)
For a drug to secure approval, it not only needs to demonstrate safety and efficacy — it also needs to demonstrate those qualities in a compliant environment. Quality control, in this context, involves monitoring standards throughout each phase of a clinical trial to ensure compliance with pertinent regulations and guidelines.
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site monitoring
Site monitoring involves the oversight of clinical trials to ensure adherence to relevant regulatory guidelines and overall standard operating procedures. Site monitoring is one of the occupations under the clinical research umbrella that requires a solid blend of hard and soft skills, with project and people management needed to excel in this role.