Careers in Physiology
Scientists develop commercial products, technologies or services for private companies.
Physiologists work across biotechnology, pharmaceutical and medical device companies, contract research organizations, scientific publishers, consulting firms and other commercial settings. Organizations range from small startups developing new therapeutics to international companies employing thousands of people.
Industry careers extend beyond laboratory research. Physiologists may work in scientific leadership, regulatory affairs, scientific affairs, communications, business development, publishing or consulting. These positions draw on scientific expertise and transferrable skills such as project management, collaboration and written and verbal communication.
Industry Career Paths
Research
Scientists who work in industry conduct studies that support company priorities, product development and other scientific goals. They may design and conduct research, collaborate with internal and external partners, analyze data, write reports, present findings, and contribute to manuscripts for scientific journals.
Common job titles include:
- Principal scientist
- Clinical scientist
- Clinical research monitor
- Science specialist
- Scientific adviser
- Research director
Research and Science Leadership
Experienced research scientists may advance into positions that combine scientific expertise with strategic, technical and organizational leadership. They may guide research programs, manage projects and teams, establish scientific priorities, and coordinate collaboration across departments or organizations.
Common job titles include:
- Project manager
- Operations manager
- Senior scientific adviser
- Senior director
- Chief scientific officer
Regulatory Affairs
Regulatory affairs professionals help companies comply with laws, regulations and industry requirements. They monitor changes in regulatory requirements, communicate with government agencies, contribute to comments on proposed guidance, and prepare submissions seeking approval for new products.
Common job titles include:
- Regulatory affairs specialist, manager or director
- Regulatory writer
Scientific Affairs
Professionals help companies communicate accurate, evidence-based information about their research, products and technologies. They may develop educational materials, maintain scientific resources, share research findings and respond to questions from health professionals, researchers or other audiences.
Common job titles include:
- Scientific affairs specialist
- Medical reviewer
- Medical or scientific affairs manager
- Scientific affairs director
Science Communications or Medical Writer
Science communication and medical writing professionals translate complex scientific information for decision-makers, stakeholders, health professionals and the public. They may develop regulatory and research documents, educational or promotional materials and content for websites, magazines and news outlets.
These roles require scientific knowledge, writing and editing skills and the ability to adapt information for audiences with different levels of expertise.
Common job titles include:
- Science communication specialist
- Communications officer
- Medical writer or editor
- Technical writer
- Freelance science writer
Medical Science Liaison
Medical science liaisons provide scientific expertise and build relationships between companies and external experts in health care and research. They communicate scientific and clinical information, respond to inquiries, support research activities, and gather insights that may inform product development and medical strategy. Pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device and other health care companies employ medical science liaisons.
Business Development
Business development professionals help companies identify markets, partnerships and opportunities for growth. They may develop relationships with prospective partners and customers, evaluate new business opportunities, support marketing and sales, negotiate agreements, and contribute to licensing or commercialization strategies.
Common job titles include:
- Sales manager or director
- Business development manager or director
- Operations and strategy manager
Scientific Publishing
Scientific publishers employ professionals to manage journals, evaluate research and guide publication strategy. Scientists may work as editors who assess manuscripts, oversee peer review, commission content, identify emerging topics, or support journal development and operations. They may also advance into business, publishing, and organizational leadership roles.
Common job titles include:
- Scientific editor
- Journal editor
- Managing editor
- Publisher
Consulting and Contracting
Scientific consultants provide technical, strategic or operational expertise to help clients address specific challenges. Their work may include developing research or product strategies, providing regulatory or policy guidance, supporting scientific programs or advising on patents and commercialization.
Opportunities are available at large consulting firms, specialized scientific organizations, government contractors and independent consulting businesses.
Common job titles include:
- Scientific program lead or consultant
- Medical consultant
- Regulatory consultant
- Strategy consultant
- Scientific analyst
Members in Industry
Katharine Grabek, PhD
Chief
Scientific Officer and Co-founder
Fauna Bio
Corey Reynolds, PhD
Regional Medical Scientific
Director
Merck
Build Your Skills for an Industry Career
A new industry career preparedness course from APS will equip you with the practical skills and context needed to successfully transition from academia into life sciences industry settings.