Job Profiles

 

 Job profiles cover

 

About Job Profiles in Life Sciences

Young life scientists and young professionals are often not aware of all the job possibilities “out there in the field” and job titles certainly are not self-explanatory.

With this initiative ÖGMBT-YLSA strives to present various job options in life sciences, biotechnology and in the pharmaceutical industry.

Each job profile covers four main points: Education, Experience and Soft Skills required for the job and a description of Key Responsibilities. For some job profiles we also included a summary, which gives the gist of the position. We hope that these job profiles will assist in unravelling the secrets behind job titles and help you find the job that interests you!

 

The bouquet of job profiles cover 15.12.2021

                        

 

 

Disclaimer

This compendium of job profiles will never be complete, it is work in progress. Furthermore, companies might have different descriptions for the same title or put more emphasis on certain requirements. This is an overview of jobs “out there” – the possibilities with a degree in life sciences are ever increasing, changing and manifold!

The information for and content of the job profiles was acquired from a variety of career and job websites. Each job profile is a summary from different sources. We hereby draw your attention to the fact that job descriptions may vary depending on employer. It is our aim to deliver valuable information to young life scientists or any users of our webpage. Please feel free to contact us share your input/comments to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Furthermore, if you find an exciting profile of a job we haven’t yet covered, do send it to us, and we will take it into our catalogue.

Further career sites, job description sites:

 

 

Bioinformatician

Bioinformaticians apply information technology to biological, medical, and health research. They use computational tools to gather and analyze data in fields such as population, biology, genetics, and pharmaceutical development. Careers related to bioinformaticians include biochemists, biophysicists, and medical scientists. A Ph.D. is usually required of these medical professionals. Those interested in this career path should be prepared to undertake a significant period of formal education and research.

 

Education

  • A master’s degree in bioinformatics, computational biology, or genomics
  • Doctoral programs typically offer teaching and collaborative research and training opportunities
  • Statistical skills, programming skills, general biology knowledge, knowledge of genomics and genetics, database management, data mining and machine learning

 

Experience

  • Proven ability to use sequence alignment tools such as: Blast or Bowtie, the Genome Analysis Toolkit (GATK), software for next-generation sequencing, microarray, qPCR and data analysis (Partek), tools for handling high-throughput sequencing data (e.g. samtools), tools such as Ensemble to gather gene data sets, tools for database search systems (e.g. Entrez)

 

Soft skills

  • Diligent, accurate
  • Solid presentation skills to transport research results to stakeholders
  • Communication skills to direct and explain the work to co-workers and the technical staff

 

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop new software applications or customize existing applications to meet specific scientific project needs
  • Develop software or applications for scientific or technical use
  • Communicate research results through conference presentations, scientific publications, or project reports
  • Analyze large molecular datasets such as raw microarray data, genomic sequence data and proteomics data for clinical or basic research purposes
  • Analyze biological samples
  • Keep abreast of new biochemistries, instrumentation, or software by reading scientific literature and attending professional conferences
  • Compile data for use in activities such as gene expression profiling, genome annotation and structural bioinformatics
  • Direct the work of technicians and information technology staff applying bioinformatics tools or applications in areas such as proteomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, and clinical bioinformatics

Clinical Research Associate

A clinical research associate performs monitoring and site management work to ensure that sites are conducting the study(ies) and reporting study data as required by the study protocol, applicable regulations and guidelines and sponsor requirements.

Education

  • Bachelor's Degree and sometimes Master´s Degree in scientific discipline or health care preferred
  • Equivalent combination of education, training and experience may be accepted in lieu of degree

Experience

  • 2+ years of prior clinical research experience
  • In depth knowledge of, and skill in applying, applicable clinical research regulatory requirements, i.e., Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines.
  • Strong therapeutic and protocol knowledge
  • Understanding of laboratory procedures and equipment
  • Computer skills including proficiency in use of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint 

Soft skills

  • Must possess superior analytical and creative thinking skills
  • Excellent attention to detail and the ability to keep detailed, accurate records
  • Effective time and financial management skills
  • Written and verbal communication skills including good command of English language.
  • Organizational and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, managers, and clients

 

Key Responsibilities

  • Perform site monitoring visits (selection, initiation, monitoring and close-out visits) in accordance with contracted scope of work and regulatory requirements, i.e., Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines
  • Work with sites to adapt, drive and track subject recruitment plan in line with project needs to enhance predictability
  • Administer protocol and related study training to assigned sites and establish regular lines of communication with sites to manage ongoing project expectations and issues
  • Evaluate the quality and integrity of study site practices related to the proper conduct of the protocol and adherence to applicable regulations. Escalate quality issues as appropriate
  • Manage the progress of assigned studies by tracking regulatory submissions and approvals, recruitment and enrollment, case report form (CRF) completion and submission, and data query generation and resolution
  • Ensure copies/originals (as required) site documents are available for filing in the Trial Master File (TMF) and verify that the Investigator's Site File (ISF) is maintained in accordance with GCP / ICH and local regulatory requirements.
  • Create and maintain appropriate documentation regarding site management, monitoring visit findings and action plans by submitting regular visit reports, generating follow-up letters and other required study documentation.
  • Act as a mentor for clinical staff including conducting co-monitoring and training visits
  • Collaborate and liaise with study team members for project execution support as appropriate.
  • If applicable, may be accountable for supporting development of project subject recruitment plan on a per site basis.
  • If applicable, may be accountable for site financial management according to executed clinical trial agreement and retrieve invoices according to local requirement.

Lab Technician

Education

  • Bachelor´s and sometimes Master´s Degree in biology, chemistry or relevant field
  • Valid laboratory technician license

 

Experience

  • Proven experience as Lab Technician or relevant position
  • Experience in operating electrical and nonelectrical laboratory equipment and potentially dangerous substances (flammable liquids, infectious bacteria, biohazards etc.)
  • Working knowledge of MS Office (especially Excel) and database systems
  • Experience with QHSE Systems, preventative measures and laboratory best practices
  • Ability to use electronic and computerized equipment in laboratories

 

Soft skills

  • Excellent eye-hand coordination (especially in the case of Lab Technicians in the medical field, who have to use needles and microscopes when collecting and preparing specimens for analysis)
  • Good communication and teamwork skills
  • Attention to detail and good organizational skills
  • Ability to work autonomously and under pressure
  • Excellent physical condition and endurance
  • Able to follow instructions and strictly follow procedures

 

Key Responsibilities

  • Receive, label and analyze samples (blood, toxic, tissue etc.)
  • Design and execute laboratory testing according standard procedures, make observations and interpret findings
  • Conduct experiments under defined conditions to verify/reject various types of hypotheses using refined scientific methods
  • Organize and store all chemicals substances, fluids and compressed gases according to safety instructions
  • Record all data and results in specified forms (paper and electronic) with accuracy and responsibility
  • Maintain equipment and assist in ordering laboratory supplies
  • Ensure that all safety guidelines are followed strictly at all times and maintain a clean and orderly environment
  • Maintain, calibrate, clean and test sterility of the equipment
  • Keeping up to date with relevant scientific and technical developments
  • Ordering and maintaining stock and resources
  • Writing reports, reviews and summaries

 

 

Medical Science Liason

Education

  • Pharmacy Doctorate; PhD Degree in Health Sciences (preferably in related disease area); Doctorate in Medicine
  • Good knowledge of therapeutic area (both basic and clinical literature)
  • Good knowledge of English and the official language of the country

 

Experience

  • Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in the field
  • Knowledge of industry standards, as well as laws and regulations in the field
  • Demonstrated ability to acquire and maintain product, disease and competition knowledge
  • Ability to analyze and understand local community of practice
  • Ability to understand and integrate complex scientific concepts
  • Basic knowledge of company structure, administrative procedures and guidelines
  • Advanced analysis, planning, implementation and control skills
  • Budget management skills and advanced project management skills

Soft skills

  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • Advanced negotiation, presentation and facilitation skills
  • Being able to convey scientific knowledge to various stakeholders
  • Exceptional presentation and public speaking skills with the ability to breakdown complex topics and present them in a clear and concise manner

 

Key Responsibilities

  • Engaging in non-promotional peer-to-peer exchange of medical and scientific information with scientific leaders or key decision makers to the extent permitted by law and local regulation, local industry codes, and other provisions of the field medical standard operating procedure
  • Gaining deep insights on disease, therapeutic area and healthcare needs, data gaps and challenges in their local geography
  • Representing medical affairs at local or regional non-promotional medical events (e.g. medical congresses and symposia)
  • Collaborating in the coordination of pre-event scientific information and post-event scientific summaries
  • Responding to unsolicited requests for medical, scientific, pipeline or marketed product information or indications from scientific leaders or key decision makers utilizing appropriate approved scientific materials
  • Responding (one-to-one) to unsolicited requests for information on company research and/or grant activities by directing scientific leaders or key decision makers to appropriate company resources for grants, sponsored clinical trial involvement, our company’s investigator study program, and outcomes research
  • Participating in scientific advisory board meetings or expert input forums when there is a defined role
  • Participating in the development of medical affairs plans and implementation of activities identified in the medical affairs plans
  • Supporting the identification of potential study investigators for sponsored study(ies) at global Clinical Trials Organization or Center for Observational and Real World Research

 

 

Pharmaceutical Marketing Manager

The pharmaceutical marketing manager is responsible for the marketing activities of a pharmaceutical organization in the constantly changing industry scenario.

 

Education

  • Bachelor's Degree and Master´s Degree in marketing, science related field (BA/BSC) or equivalent
  • Life Science degrees need to be backed up with additional courses in marketing, business and experience in communication and marketing related activities

 

Experience

  • 1+ years of marketing or brand management experience
  • Track record of developing new concepts across different media to break barriers and engage difficult to reach audiences
  • Thorough understanding of the use of managing, curating and pruning of an online panel preferred
  • Experience in marketing, experience in identifying target customers and in creatively devising and leading across channels marketing campaigns that engage, educate and motivate
  • Experience working directly with print or digital media agencies
  • Proven computer literacy, numerical skills
  • Updated knowledge of latest trends and best practices in the pharmaceutical field
  • Input into or management of project and team budgets

 

Soft skills

  • Organizational, communication, problem-solving skills
  • Ability to follow directions with minimal supervision, and judgment to know when to escalate and ask for guidance
  • Analytical, project management and planning skills
  • Interpersonal skills and networking ability
  • Adaptability, creativity, writing skills

 

Key Responsibilities

  • Overseeing the implementation of the marketing strategy
  • Determining and achieving the sales goals of the organization
  • Executing promotional sales activities, placing advertisements Responsibility for product introduction / management of the product life cycle
  • Designing, developing, implementing and analyzing the various marketing strategies and media used to market and promote new products
  • Analyzing the effectiveness of the strategies and rectifying the variances
  • Having an eye on competitors and identifying new market segments
  • Participating in trade shows and conferences - travel widely to work in field with sales and marketing team
  • Designing and writing advertisements for medical magazines, conference, journals
  • Writing newsletters for updating field persons, mentioning success stories and education material

 

 

Product Manager

Education

  • A Master’s or Ph.D. degree in a scientific discipline (Biochemistry/Cell Biology/Molecular Biology)
  • A successfully completed (medical) technical, scientific or economic training (University, FH, HTL)

Experience

  • 2-3 years relevant experience (prior sales or PM work) in a Life Science industry
  • Experience in positions of responsibility for example: leading a university society, taking part in business competitions and challenges, becoming a trustee for a charity or asking to lead on important projects during an internship, part-time job or voluntary position.
  • Acquired knowledge about product users and industry
  • Record of project management / commercial success

 

Soft skills

  • Good at planning/prioritization
  • Organized and able to work to deadlines, multiple priorities and roadmaps
  • Able to analyze complex data and look for trends in the market and users' opinions and behavior
  • Good sense in market trends, be able to adapt to rapidly evolving market
  • Exceptional presentation and public speaking skills with the ability to breakdown complex topics and present them in a clear and concise manner
  • Strong collaborator with demonstrated experience working with diverse groups
  • Excellent written/verbal communication and interpersonal skills, relationship building
  • Decisive, visionary and able to support your decisions with research
  • Problem-solving skills and a hands-on approach to problem solving

Key Responsibilities

  • Assisting in the development and implementation of various product launches, pricing strategies, content generation and messaging
  • Driving the product development process through commercial launch
  • Developing and implementing the strategic marketing plan to grow the business as well as to increase the market share for existing key products
  • Identifying, establishing and managing relationships with customers, suppliers and industry opinion leaders to gather input to develop new products
  • Responsible for revenue, margin, customer satisfaction, and market share objectives
  • Performing market research, defining market trends, investigating customer needs, defining product concept, customer requirement and product requirement

 

 

Regulatory Affairs Manager

Education

  • Completed scientific education- at least Bachelor´s degree
  • Typical majors include biochemistry, biological sciences, chemistry, pharmacy, pharmacology, toxicology, medicine and engineering
  • Coursework in law, marketing, business and statistics is useful
  • Those who advance in the profession often have a Master (e.g., in business administration, clinical research studies, engineering, or a life science) or a terminal degree (e.g., PhD, MD, or PharmD).  Advancement may require credentialing, for example via a Regulatory Affairs Certification (RAC).

 

Experience

  • Entry-level: may require up to 2 years of experience in a related field (f.e. internships to gain regulatory experience and start to build contacts within the industry)
  • MS Office / excellent excel skills
  • Excellent English (oral/written), other foreign languages ​​are a plus

 

Soft skills

  • Analytical skills
  • Well organized and solution-oriented
  • Team worker & team coordinator
  • Ability to work independently and proactively

 

Key Responsibilities

  • Keep abreast of the ever-changing legislation and guidelines relevant to the company
  • Evaluate applicable laws and regulations to determine impact on company activities
  • Give strategic advice on the legal and scientific requirements that products must meet
  • In charge of collecting, collating and evaluating data
  • Responsible for registration documents and carrying out any necessary negotiations that affect a product’s market authorization
  • Explain regulations, policies or procedures
  • Maintain data in information systems or databases
  • Ensure compliance with regulations / advise others on regulatory and compliance matters
  • Provide technical review of data or reports
  • Coordinate regulatory documentation activities
  • Creation of export documents and dossiers for approval procedures for feed approvals
  • Management and creation of the labels including assistance with the implementation of a label software
  • Coordination and cooperation with contact persons, both within the group (product development, export, production preparation, etc.) and outside the group (authorities, distributors, etc.)
  • Administrative activities and official channels
  • Identify and interpret relevant regulatory guidelines

 

Research and Development Project Manager

Education

  • A master’s degree in the relevant field: chemistry, biology, physics-life sciences in general
  • Robust IT Skills: MS Office, MS project and SharePoint

Experience

  • 5+ years of progressively responsible experience in the research, pharmaceutical or biotech industry
  • 2+ years of hands-on experience in managing or leading a team of employees
  • Experience managing branded or private brand R & D or commercialization process
  • Proven proficiency in scientific, technical, and business elements associated with R&D projects
  • Experience in project management activities such as budget, risk and timeline management
  • Proven ability to manage communication up, down and across organization

Soft skills

  • Excellent client facing skills (external) and the ability to communicate at all levels within the organization (internal)
  • Strong collaboration skills with experience working with people from multiple disciplines and departments
  • Great problem-solving and conflict resolution skills
  • Team orientation, with effective delegation skills and ability to hold yourself and others accountable
  • Strong time management, planning and analytical skills, detail oriented
  • Creativity to think of new product ideas and for solving problems

Key Responsibilities

  • Determining, implementing and monitoring research and development strategies, policies and plans
  • Developing and implementing research projects, priorities and targets to support commercial and policy developments
  • Leading major research projects and coordinating activities of other research staff
  • Assessing the benefits and monitoring the costs and effectiveness of research and development activities
  • Interpreting results of research projects and recommending associated product and service development innovations
  • Providing advice on research and development options available to the organization
  • Monitoring leading-edge developments in relevant disciplines and assessing implications for the organization
  • Publishing results of significant research projects
  • Developing research programs incorporating current developments to improve existing products and study potential of new products
  • Overseeing all aspects of research program and experiments
  • Reporting to senior management on company product technical issues as well as technical developments within the market
  • Presenting at industry conferences on research topics of interest
  • Establishing and maintaining testing procedures for assessing raw materials, in both process and finished products
  • Managing trial or testing programs for products/services through the management of staff and assignment of staff and utilization of resources
  • Managing or mentoring a team of research staff
  • Budgeting and cost forecasting of technical development or research programs.

 

Sales Representative in Pharmaceutical industry

Education

  • Bachelor degree in relevant field
  • A specific major isn't required, but many pharmaceutical sales representatives study life sciences, especially biology and chemistry
  • Familiarity with databases, statistics, product lines and latest medical issues
  • Robust knowledge of MS Office

Experience

  • Proven work experience as a Pharmaceutical Representative or in Medical Sales – alternately jobs and traineeships that enabled development of similar set of skills
  • Highly motivated and target driven with a proven track record in sales
  • Good scientific knowledge to know exactly how different drugs impact the human body's chemistry

 

Soft skills

  • Excellent communication, negotiation and sales skills (without seeming aggressive)
  • Organization/time management skills to handle multiple contractors autonomously
  • Exceptional interpersonal abilities
  • Self-motivated, polished, polite and determined
  • Mental stamina to handle the pressure of sales quotas

Key Responsibilities

  • Assess clients’ needs and present suitable promoted products
  • Build positive trust relationships with medical representatives to influence targeted group in the decision making process
  • Liaise with and convince targeted doctors to prescribe company´s products utilizing effective selling skills and performing cost-benefit analysis
  • Provide product information and deliver product samples
  • Attend sales meetings, conference calls, training sessions and symposium circuits
  • Work with sales team to develop and implement brand strategies to ensure a consistent marketing message
  • Monitor and analyze data and market conditions to identify competitive advantage
  • Keep accurate records and documentation for reporting and feedback
  • Pursue continuous learning and professional development and stay up-to-date with latest medical data

 

 

Science Communication

Science communicators work to increase public engagement in science related topics of interest, focusing on making the field of scientific development more accessible to non-experts.

Education

  • Advanced degrees in an area of science relevant to the work of their employer
  • Science communication degrees / apprenticeship routes / short courses and programs for writing skills, on “how to communicate scientific topics effectively”

Experience

  • Ability to communicate effectively and interest in science
  • Some relevant experience. F.e. volunteering for union media groups or societies, engagement or outreach activities within your school/ faculty, organization of science festivals and symposia, science writing competitions, internships, starting your own blog
  • Experience or understanding of social media platforms and photo or video editing software

Soft skills

  • Organizational skills
  • Knowledge and passion for science
  • Ability to communicate complex ideas in an engaging and accessible way to a huge range of ages and knowledge base at an appropriate level
  • Outstanding oral and written communications skills
  • Critical thinking skills
  • Creativity for making complicated concepts seem simple to others

Key Responsibilities

  • The development and use of high quality written and visual content for a range of marketing, recruitment and communication purposes via digital and print media, including hard copy publications, advertisements, videos, presentations and web content
  • Working hours can be highly varied and will often involve a lot of travelling either nationally or around the local area, visiting schools, universities and events
  • The development and delivery of a strategy to raise the profile of the hiring institution with a range of external stakeholders other than prospective students, including: the general public, government departments, research councils, European institutions, charities, learned societies, politicians and higher education institutions.

 

Science Illustrator

Scientific illustrators combine their love of the natural world with drawing / graphic skills and a keen eye for detail. They can take the viewer to the microscopic world of molecules and single-celled organisms, geologic cross-sections and reconstructions of dinosaur anatomy. It can be a fascinating career that combines science, technology and aesthetics.

 

Education

  • Bachelor´s and Master´s Diploma in one of these scientific majors is preferable: Anatomy and physiology, Biology, Cell biology, Chemistry, Developmental biology, Vertebrate Anatomy, Zoology
  • Art classes with the standard college preparatory curriculum, including English, communications, mathematics, life sciences, chemistry and physics
  • Optional: Doctorate in education or an area of scientific interest, particularly for those wanting a career in academia
  • Skilled with various software programs incl. Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign

Experience

  • Completed scientific illustration internship or worked freelance projects
  • Volunteered at one of these institutions: libraries, schools, museums, recreation centers, summer camps, publishing companies or advertising agencies
  • Proven creativity, imagination with an eye for color, balance and layout
  • Proven ability to create a drawing that expresses an idea or concept
  • Proven excellence at drawing, sketching and painting skills
  • Proven photography skills
  • Proven ability to produce clean, crisp, eye-appealing designs
  • Proven ability to see close detail and have good hand-eye coordination
  • (Science Illustrators will provide a portfolio of their work / f.e. on a website)

 

Soft skills

  • Able to work independently and in team
  • Excellent listening, reading and writing skills
  • Able to work under pressure and to meet deadlines
  • Adaptable enough to handle concept changes without getting frustrated - great negotiator, problem-solver, patient and emotionally stability
  • Self-motivated / intensely focused / visionary

 

Key Responsibilities

  • Liaise with management or client to gain thorough understanding of project requirements and specifications
  • Work closely with scientists to translate primary image data accurately into illustrations
  • Seek management or client approval at all stages of illustration process
  • Work with informatics and IT departments to ensure product meets web specifications
  • If working as a freelancer, must promote services by devising and executing marketing strategies
  • May use various illustration methods: more traditional such as pencil, charcoal, ink or modern illustration methods, such as computer aided design software

 

 

Quality Assurance Manager

 

A Quality Assurance Manager helps develop and safeguard quality standards in a production company. Before any product reaches consumers, the Quality Assurance Manager – along with their team of specialists – will assess the item in depth and confirm it meets all company requirements, compliance standards, and that it has no defects. In essence, Quality Assurance Managers ensure products are safe to use, operate properly, are uniform, and follow all specifications.

 

Education

  • Bachelor’s degree or associate’s with experience in the field
  • Math skills: f.e. data reporting, measuring, calibrating and calculating specifications
  • IT-proficiency

 

Experience

  • Three to five years of experience in related field required
  • Experience with quality management systems (QMS)
  • Leadership experience, to manage cross-functional projects and teams (preferred)
  • Proven record to help work through customer problems and production issues, as well as develop strategies for improving product quality
  • Reading blueprints, technical documents and manuals

 

Soft skills

  • An proven eye for detail, catching defects
  • Excellent communication skills
  • A desire to achieve the best and to ensure top-quality products
  • A desire to help others achieve their best: willingness to assist other departments to develop solutions and metrics
  • Physical strength and stamina, as they will be on their feet much of the day

 

Key Responsibilities

  • Designing, implementing and improving company quality standards, creating reports to track progress
  • Establishing strategies to improve efficiency and profitability in the organization, in order to deliver higher quality goods
  • Analyzing data in order to find areas for growth
  • Testing and sampling products, ensuring they meet set standards and specifications
  • Developing quality control policies and standards for the company to follow
  • Training, motivating, coaching and correcting employees to ensure that standards are
  • Overseeing quality control processes, and a team of QA specialists
  • Conducting in-house audits of product inventory and documentation
  • Confirming all products are properly labeled before output
  • Investigating customer complaints
  • Ensuring safety procedures and processes
  • Assessing operational data and identifying quality problems