Industry

Industry research scientists conduct research that aligns with company priorities. Scientists design and perform research in collaboration with internal and external partners (academic researchers, CROs, etc.), analyze data to further product development and research goals, write reports, present their findings to their colleagues and submit manuscripts to academic journals. Research careers are available in clinical research and discovery research. Job titles in research may include: principal scientist, clinical scientist, clinical research monitor, science specialist, advisor and director.

Bench scientists can develop increased levels of responsibility to serve as project or science discipline leaders who provide strategic, technical and scientific leadership to drive scientific products and collaboration. Job titles in research leadership may include: project manager, operations manager, senior advisor, senior director and chief scientific officer.

Large companies often have dedicated governmental affairs and/or regulatory affairs offices whose role is to ensure the company is in compliance with all appropriate rules and regulations, and represents their interests to regulatory bodies. These professionals monitor changes in governmental requirements, work with government entities to provide comments on new guidance and, in some cases, develop submissions for the approval of new products. Job titles in regulatory affairs may include: regulatory affairs specialist, regulatory writer, manager and director.

Medical device and pharmaceutical companies often have dedicated scientific affairs professionals or departments. The role of these professionals is to ensure the company has effective and legally compliant communications and interactions about their science and equipment. Scientific affairs staff may be responsible for maintaining websites and other informational resources about lab news and research breakthroughs; develop public education programs; and respond to inquiries about the company’s research or equipment and objectives. Job titles in scientific affairs may include: science writers, medical reviewer, medical or scientific affairs manager and director.

Communications professionals translate technical research for decision makers, stakeholders and members of the public. These professionals develop a range of documents, including regulatory and research-related documents, disease or drug-related educational and promotional literature and content for websites, magazines or news articles. Communications professionals combine their knowledge of science and their understanding of research to present easy-to-understand information for their target audiences. Job titles in science communications may include: science communication specialist, communications officer, medical copy writer or editor, technical writer and freelance writer.

Pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, CRO and other companies in the health care industry employ medical science liaisons to provide their scientific expertise during the development of new products. These professionals collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to support research activities, respond to information requests and communicate data.

Companies employ professionals who focus on different types of business development functions, including identifying new markets and business opportunities, partnership and collaboration negotiation, marketing, sales and licensing. Business development professionals lead and support the development of relationships with potential markets; design marketing strategies; conduct sales; support customer technical needs; and negotiate and close deals. Job titles in business development may include: sales manager, sales director, business development manager, operations and strategy manager and director. 

Companies that publish scientific journals employ professionals to lead journal development and operations. Professionals with scientific backgrounds serve as scientific editors who review and select papers, and identify topics to address; journal editors  who oversee peer review of submitted research, commission content and oversee article production; and step into business and management roles to lead and develop the company’s work. Job titles in publishing may include: science writer, editor and publisher. 

Consultants generally provide technical, strategic or logistical advice to help clients solve specific challenges. Specialized support may include writing policy for companies or government offices and developing patent and regulatory, or program and product strategy. Large consulting firms, science-specific organizations, government contractors and smaller or self-owned companies typically offer consulting positions. Job titles in consulting may include: scientific program lead, medical, scientific, strategic or regulatory consultant or analyst.