The search for a biopharma job can be daunting. There are many different types of jobs available in the biotech industry, and it can be difficult to know where to start.

But with a little bit of research and planning, the process can be much easier. Here is a complete guide to the biopharma job hunt, from researching job openings to writing resumes and cover letters.

Before you begin your job search, it is important to do your research and figure out what type of position you are looking for. What are your skills and experience? What type of company do you want to work for? Once you have a good idea of what you are looking for, you can begin searching for positions.

A Guide to the Biopharma Job Search

Some of the most common positions in the biopharma industry include research associate, laboratory technician, and sales representative. Each of these positions requires a different set of skills, so it is important to do your research and figure out what type of job is the best fit for you.

For instance, if you studied biology in college and have experience working in a laboratory, you may be a good fit for a research associate position. If you are interested in sales and marketing, you may be a good fit for a sales representative position.

See below for the top five most in-demand positions in the biotech industry, according to data provided by BioSpace and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2020.

5 Common Jobs in Biopharma 

Title	Job Availability	Median Salary	Education
Sales Rep	1.625m Jobs	$72.3k	High School Diploma
Clinical Scientist	133.9k Jobs	$103.7k	Doctorate
Biomedical Engineer	19k Jobs	$111.3k	Bachelor's
Biophysicist/Chemist	35k Jobs	$94k	Doctorate
Biotechnician	88k Jobs	$46k	Bachelor's

 

As you can see, there are many different types of positions available in the biotech industry. Each position requires a different set of skills and experience. It is important to do your research and figure out what type of job is the best fit for you before you begin your job search.

In your search for your dream biotech job, it is also important to use a variety of resources. The most common places to search for jobs are online job boards. You can also search for jobs on specific company websites. In addition, you can use networking sites and social media to network with people in the biotech industry and learn about job openings.

Build Your Resume

When applying for jobs, it is important to tailor your resume and cover letter to each position. In your resume, highlight the skills and experience that are most relevant to the position you are applying for. In your cover letter, briefly describe your qualifications and state why you would be a good fit for the position.

There are three ways to structure a resume: chronological, functional and combination. The chronological format is the most common and lists your work experience in reverse chronological order (with your most recent job first). The functional format highlights your skills and experience, rather than your work history. The combination format is a mix of the two, listing both your skills and experience as well as your work history.

For the biotech industry, we recommend using a combination resume format. This format will allow you to highlight your relevant skills and experience, as well as your work history in the industry.

If you find a job in particular that you want, you can even edit your resume and cover letter to target that specific job. For example, if you are applying for a sales representative position, you may want to highlight your experience in customer service and marketing.

It is also important to keep your resume and cover letter professional. Avoid using slang or jargon, and make sure to proofread your documents before sending them off. Most importantly, be cautious of ATS (applicant tracking systems), which are often used by employers to screen resumes. These systems are designed to look for specific keywords, so make sure to include relevant keywords in your resume.

You can find out which keywords are most important by looking at the job listing. For example, if the listing mentions “attention to detail” and “organizational skills,” make sure to include these keywords in your resume.

Example Interview Questions and Answers

Once you have applied for jobs, the next step is to prepare for interviews. Research the company ahead of time and practice answering common interview questions. Common questions you can expect in a biotech interview include questions about your research experience, your motivation for wanting to work in the biotech industry, and your future career goals.

Here are some questions you may encounter, as well as good answers that will hopefully help you understand what potential employers are looking for:

Q: Why do you want to work in the biotech industry?

A: I have always been interested in the science behind developing new treatments and cures for diseases. Biotech offers the opportunity to be at the forefront of medical advancements and to make a real difference in people's lives. I am excited to use my skills and knowledge to help develop new therapies that can improve patients' lives.

Q: What are your career goals?

A: I am interested in continuing to work in the biotech industry and eventually moving into a management or leadership role. I would like to use my experience to help mentor and train other scientists, and to help grow and develop new biotech companies.

Q: Tell me about your research experience.

A: I have experience conducting research in both academic and industrial settings. I am familiar with a variety of research methods and have used many different types of scientific equipment. I am comfortable working independently as well as on a team, and I am always willing to learn new techniques.

Q: Why do you want to work for our company?

A: I am impressed by your company's commitment to developing innovative new treatments. I believe that I could contribute to your team's success and make a positive impact on patients' lives. I am eager to use my skills and knowledge to help your company achieve its goals.

Q: What are your strengths and weaknesses?

A: Some of my strengths include being detail-oriented, organized and analytical. I also have a strong work ethic and am always willing to learn new skills. As for weaknesses, I sometimes can be too detail-oriented and need to remind myself to take a step back and see the big picture.

Note: Make sure that even your weaknesses could be perceived as positive qualities by a potential employer. For example, being detail-oriented shows that you are thorough and careful in your work.

Follow Up

After the interview, it is important to follow up with a thank-you note. In the note, reiterate your interest in the position and thank the interviewer for their time.

The job hunt for a position in the biotech industry can be daunting, but with careful preparation, it is possible to land your dream job. By doing your research and following the steps outlined in this guide, you will be able to show potential employers that you are the right candidate for the job.