Life Sciences jobs

Are you a Life Science professional looking for your next career move? Michael Page is ready to help you make that happen. We work intimately with top employers across the US to bridge talented candidates with the perfect job opportunities in the Life Sciences sector.  

Whether you are just starting or are an industry veteran looking to go to the next level, we can help you find the right Life Sciences job to bring together your skill set and interests.

Finding a Life Sciences Job in the Current US Market

Michael Page Life Sciences is a global Michael Page brand operating in 26 countries and 44 offices, with more than 220 specialist consultants. We recruit across the full drug life cycle from discovery to patient delivery, focusing on entry-level to C-suite roles. We work with pharmaceutical, biotech, biopharma, and medical device companies, as well as CROs and consultancies across the UK and EU.

With deep expertise and market knowledge, we are well-placed to assist you, whether you are looking for your next role or hiring top talent to join your team. We hire for roles in:

• Biometrics 
• HEOR
• Quality & Validation 
• Newly Qualified 
• Corporate Finance and Equities 
• Operations, Middle Office, and Trade Support 
• Market Access
• Scientific 
• Clinical Research 
• Medical and Regulatory Affairs 
• Drug Safety and Pharmacovigilance (PV)

Finding a Life Sciences job in the US typically involves several key steps, including researching potential employers, tailoring your resume and cover letter to the specific job, networking with industry professionals, and preparing for interviews.

First, you should explore potential employers and job opportunities by browsing job boards, company websites, and professional networking sites. Look for companies that align with your career goals, and review job descriptions to determine which positions best match your skills and experience.

Next, tailor your resume and cover letter to each job you apply for, highlighting your relevant experience and accomplishments. Your resume should include detail of your achievements in every role you’ve had, and you should be able to speak on the lessons you have learned along the way and why you are looking to work for this employer in particular.  

Hiring managers will want to know about your work experience in the Life Sciences sector. Aside from finding a technical fit for the role, recruiters are also testing to see whether they can envisage you working alongside their team. Therefore, making a positive first impression is one of your strongest tools during the early stage of the interviewing process.

Our Services: 

At Michael Page, we offer a range of services to help you find your next Life Sciences job, including

• Retention, Attraction, and Acquisition in Life Sciences 
• Life Sciences Salary Guides 
• Access to our vast network of job opportunities with leading employers
• Personalized career advice from our experienced consultants
• Information on how to create a cover letter and build a resume 
• Advice on how to make your next career move 
• Examples of soft skills you will need in your next role 
• Guidance with interview preparation tips
• Help with salary negotiations and job offers 

Our Jobs: 

We have a variety of Life Sciences placements across the US. There are currently over 96,000 roles being recruited across the country. According to Michael Page databases, the most in-demand roles in the Life Sciences sector are

Principal Scientist, Senior Quality Manager, and Director of Regulatory Affairs, among a dozen others. While there are many open roles and a candidate shortage, Michael Page has been able to place talented professionals in these positions in relatively few interviews. This is essential when a quick hiring process in this market is needed to acquire specialized candidates. 

Currently, there are dozens of positions available, mostly concentrated in the Healthcare/ Pharmaceutical and Property industries. No matter your interest or experience level, we can help you find the perfect job matching your skills with the kind of company you want to expand your career with. 

Search the Life Sciences jobs currently available and discover your next role today.

FAQs about Working in Life Sciences:

What qualifications do I need to work in Life Sciences? 

According to Daniel Ferzoco, the Associate Director of Michael Page Life Sciences Boston, this market is among the most saturated. Also, many professionals in this space have powerful networks, which makes recruiting them from the outside a challenge. 

The qualifications to begin your career in the Life Sciences field typically include a bachelor’s degree and specific skills related to your duties. You should major in biology, ecology, chemistry, or a related college field. Getting experience in laboratory and research settings through campus jobs or summer internships is also important. 

Most life sciences careers require a professional qualification such as a Ph.D. or MD to level up to higher-tier placements. Attending life sciences exhibitions, conferences, and events is also helpful to keep current and add any additional workshops or courses you’ve attended to your resume.

What skills do an excellent Life Sciences professional need to have?

The life sciences industry comprises companies operating in the research, development, and manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, biotechnology-based food and medicines, medical devices, biomedical technologies, nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals, food processing, and other products that improve the lives of organisms.

The skills needed for a job in life sciences vary depending on the specific occupation. However, a few skills are essential for just about any job in the life sciences industry.

1. Research and Analytical Skills- Life Science professionals must understand complex data sets and make sound conclusions based on that data. They must also be excellent communicators, both in writing and in person. 
2. Broad Understanding of Science- The exact type of science you need to know will depend on the specific job you're applying for. Still, another important skill you need for a career in life sciences is a broad understanding of science. Life sciences is a broad field that covers many different subtopics, from biology to chemistry to physics. Employers often look for candidates with a degree in one of these fields.
3. Computational Skills- Life scientists need to be able to use basic statistical software (such as Excel) to analyze data sets. They also might need to be familiar with more sophisticated programs (such as R or SAS) often used in research. 
4. Marketing- While marketing is not traditionally considered a "skill" for life scientists, it is becoming increasingly important for industry workers. This is because many life science companies are now selling their products directly to consumers. 

In addition to the skills mentioned above, a few other skills are often required for jobs in the life sciences industry. These include:

• Project Management skills 
• Data Analysis Skills 
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills

What Life Sciences jobs pay the most? 

Several Life Sciences jobs typically pay well, depending on the industry, level of experience, and performance. Here are some examples:

• Director of Regulatory Affairs | $200,00
• Senior Director of Regulatory Affairs | $250,000
• Executive Director of Regulatory Affairs | $275,000
• Executive Director of Quality | $300,000
• VP of Business Development | $350,000

Can I get a Life Sciences job with no experience? 

Having a bachelor’s degree to obtain a job in the Life Sciences field is highly recommended to be competitive with this particular market of candidates. Demand for quality candidates is incredibly high, especially those with highly technical or scientific profiles. A star candidate in this market will also have a relevant Ph.D. (for example, virology, biology, or medicinal chemistry) plus at least five years of experience, specifically in a Biotech or Pharma setting. Requirements regarding that experience will be as granular as a molecular or therapeutic background; candidates must have a history working in the relevant field to be considered. 

However, having a degree is not enough. To succeed in life sciences, you must deeply understand the subject matter. You should be able to explain complicated scientific concepts clearly and concisely. You should also be comfortable working with complex data sets, such as analyzing DNA sequences or modeling protein interactions.

How can I get a Life Sciences job? 

If you're a Life Sciences professional looking for your next opportunity, Michael Page is here to help you realize that dream. Our team of experts can connect you with the best employers in the US and help you find the perfect job to match your skills and interests. Each of our consultants has, on average, a minimum of 4 years of Life Science recruitment experience and is well-versed in hiring for roles, no matter how technical or niche.  Submit your resume today to take the next step in your career.