Working in Industry: Researchers Balance Work and Life

Indianapolis is the center for research and development for Eli Lilly and Co. Scientists at large pharmaceutical companies have access to colleagues in diverse areas. As a result, an individual may stumble across an opportunity that leads to a diversion from a logical career progression. Hedberg adds, "It is important to know that you have the responsibility for your own career management. If you are interested in pursuing these opportunities they are there for you to sample, but you have to do the footwork yourself." This may mean, for example, making an appointment with a company patent lawyer to find out more about his or her daily routine. Also, lists of job openings throughout the company's different departments are available through human resources for employee consideration. Sometimes it is a matter of finding the right person to talk to about career options. Though at one time researchers in academia may have looked down upon industry science, this is no longer true. Posada recalls, "When I went to graduate school there was the sentiment that people who couldn't make it in an academic setting would go into industry. That was very clear." However, in the last 10 years attitudes have changed. Advertisements for pharmaceutical companies are generating applications from talented people at top-level labs. Posada still serves on a National Science Foundation study section panel reviewing grants twice a year. He adds, "If anything, I see academic scientists wishing they could tap into our resources. In fact, we work a lot with [researchers in academia] so we are actually seeing the line between public and private [sectors blurring]." Hedberg agrees, "Technologically and conceptually advanced science is pursued here, and it couldn't be any other way. We are driven by a competitive market, so nothing but the best can come out of our laboratories." The pharmaceutical industry seeks talented and creative individuals who will generate quality research. Posada mentions, "[We look for] people who have proven their ability and contributed in a meaningful way to a basic science project." By the time new hires make it into industry, they have substantial lab experience either in graduate or undergraduate research. The pharmaceutical industry also looks for people who will thrive in a team-oriented environment. Pharmaceutical science combines a broad range of scientific disciplines critical to the discovery and development of new therapies. At the preclinical stage teams of chemists and biologists must work together to achieve a common goal. Some members of such a team will then work with clinicians and regulatory affairs people as a drug moves to the clinical stage. Hedberg points out, "Individuals who do well in communicating, sharing their findings and ideas, [should work well in] teams and get exposed to many opportunities." Another aspect of this is having respect for others and the work they do, since teams work together closely. Often there is a sense of urgency, so people must meet deadlines and be responsible for their work. American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists www.aaps.org Commission on Professionals in Science and Technology www.cpst.org Though recent, comprehensive salary surveys are difficult to find, there is no doubt that industry incomes are significantly higher than their counterparts in academia or government. Entry-level biologists with bachelor's degrees are starting between $25,000 and $35,000 per year depending on specialization and the area of the country. With a master's degree and a couple of years of experience, the salary jumps to $40,000 to $55,000. Research scientists with doctoral degrees working as lab managers are earning between $60,000 and $85,000.1 It is generally acknowledged that today's college graduates with degrees in the life sciences will not find many jobs in academia, where the turnover rate is slow. They are more likely to be offered jobs in industry, both large pharmaceuticals and biotechnology companies. This trend is even extending into academic researchers switching to industry.2 The combination of lucrative salaries and industrial culture may be drawing some of the best talent away from academia, a trend that is likely to continue into the future. Nadia S. Halim can be contacted at nhalim@the-scientist.com. 1999 Salary Survey and Career Navigator, Romac International. P. Smaglik, "The call of commerce: former academics cite advantages in industry," The Scientist, 21:1, May 25, 1998.

Working in Industry: Researchers Balance Work and Life

Sep 26, 1999

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