The Pipeline

The path a compound takes from preclinical testing to the market is known universally as "the pipeline." Life scientists play key roles in every step of the process. The eight science professionals profiled on the following pages illustrate the tremendous diversity of career opportunities available along the pipeline, from bench scientist in drug discovery, to bioinformatician, to quality control specialist, to executives in marketing or clinical development. And people skills are just as critical as scientific know-how to succeed. Many leaders in pharma, like the staffing manager and the independent regulatory consultant we meet in the following pages – wind up working with men and women rather than molecules.