On September 18, the Teófilo Hernando Foundation Institute for Drug R+D (IFTH) offered a session on employment opportunities in the pharmaceutical sector in the Park. Its objective was to show in detail the professional horizon available in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry for scientific profiles. The session was led by Alberto León, with extensive experience in the sector and great didactic capacity.
A 360º view of the pharmaceutical industry
Initially, León offered a general context of the pharmaceutical industry, detailing its structure, main actors, processes and regulations. At this point, he outlined the life cycle of the drug, explaining the path it follows from basic R+D, through clinical development, to its manufacture and marketing.
Once the conceptual framework was established, he presented the structure and organizational models of pharmaceutical laboratories and health biotechnology companies. Based on this structure, he focused on the main positions and responsibilities that graduates in scientific careers can find.
Employment opportunities in the pharmaceutical sector
León first reviewed the opportunities in the scientific management of pharmaceutical companies. In clinical development, a very common position is that of Clinical Research Associate (CRA). In addition, there are several other opportunities around testing: coordination, management, quality assurance, CTA, etc. On the other hand, in the medical-scientific departments (Medical Affairs) a position of great interest is that of medical-scientific liaison (MSL), who works together with the commercial department and with prescribers and medical opinion leaders. Associated with this area there are also other positions, such as product doctor, therapeutic area manager, CIM, etc.
Another niche of scientific-technical use is pharmacovigilance. Here León detailed the possibilities in the registration and regulatory departments, fundamental for the commercialization of the drug. In the next link in the chain, the market access and institutional relations department, there are also positions of responsibility for scientific profiles, as well as in the commercial and business management.
Finally, León focused on pharmaceutical production plants. In this field, there are multiple job opportunities in manufacturing, quality assurance, industrial development or validation, for example.
In short, a session of great interest and usefulness for those who attended, and which we recommend for future editions. People interested in this sector will find numerous offers through the IFTH’s job opportunities portal.
