Research & Development (R&D)

Introductory resources

• Industry Drug Discovery (7-min video).
• Six-seven career transitions into Pharma/Biotech R&D (17-min video).
• Some biotech career areas.
• BioBuilder Career Conversations with Biotech professionals.
• Careers in Microbiology (ASM).
• Careers in the Chemical Sciences and Biochemistry (ACS).
• Biomedical Engineers – overview (BU Vault).
• CRISPR Scientists – overview (BU Vault).
• Data Scientists – overview (BU Vault).
• Drug Developers – overview (BU Vault).
• Environmental Scientists – overview (BU vault).
• Genetic Counselors – overview (BU Vault).
• Genetic Engineers – overview (BU Vault).
• Genetic Scientists – overview (BU Vault).
• Medical Scientists – overview (BU Vault).
• Microbiologists – overview (BU Vault).
• Molecular and Cellular Biologists – overview (BU Vault).

Venturing further in this career area

• Industry Research & Development Careers (49-min video).
• What does research outside of academia look like? (1-hour discussion panel).
• Research and Business Development as a Senior Scientist (19-min video).

Learning by doing job-related tasks

Intersect Job Simulations have been designed by PhDs for PhDs. To make the most of them, please set up SMART Goals to perform each simulation in a reasonable timeline. When you have completed the task, fill out the Self-Reflection Sheet, which will help you reflect on what you enjoyed (or did not enjoy) about the simulation, and how it can help inform your career exploration efforts.

• Job simulation – Industry Drug Development & Manufacturing.

Preparing your transition into this career area

• Focus on your skills, Nature article.
• Explore National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals – NIIMBL Education and Training Resources Database (industry bioprocessing, biomanufacturing…).
• PharmiWeb – Global Pharma News to stay up-to-date about trends.
• Explore available fellowships, postdoctoral programs, and other graduate leadership programs hosted by companies, like:
  • the Vertex Pharmaceuticals Drug Development Postdoc Program,
  • the Vertex Pharmaceuticals co-op program to discover about various career areas,
  • the Astra Zeneca R&D Postdoctoral Program.
• Look for and join relevant thematic groups on LinkedIn, online communities, etc.
• Seek mentors to support you in your transition:
  • Look for GMS Alumni who have transitioned into this career area.
  • The SMDP program provides mentorship and training to ethnically diverse and/or economically disadvantaged students (from undergrad to PhD) and postdocs, and support their career transition into Biotech and Medtech.
  • The Social Scientist enables early-career scientists to receive mentorship from folks who have transitioned into various careers – connect with industry mentors (scientists, founders, product managers, etc.).
• Analyze job descriptions to learn more about what companies are currently looking for.
• Study company websites, follow them on social media and YouTube.
• Growing your network and having informational interviews with PhDs who have transitioned into careers of interest to you will enable you to learn more about the job’s daily responsibilities, hiring process, career progression, etc., and the sector as a whole.