Types of Research Performed
Every pharmaceutical and biotechnology company has a selection of diseases that the given company’s research and development laboratories explore for potential therapeutic treatments. Epidemiologists examine the causes of disease and the patterns of disease transmission in a population. Research epidemiologists work on research projects that determine the best methods for controlling and preventing a given disease. Clinical epidemiologists who are not physicians work closely with physicians to develop guidelines and protocols for the control and treatment of communicable diseases.
Basic scientific research may focus on the molecular basis of a disease, as well as on the chemical and enzyme pathways in normal and sick patients. Basic research will also explore potential compounds that may interrupt the disease process, either through biochemical or molecular pathways. By designing specific molecules that either block or attach to receptors on certain cells, potential drugs are developed.
Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies also employ people in patent research jobs in their legal departments to determine if, for example, a given molecule may be patented. Patent attorneys and paralegals research previous patents, write new patents, and then submit the patents to the US patent office.
Once a specific molecule is discovered that functions on a disease, researchers with expertise working with Phase I drug development take over. These research-related jobs include those of molecular biologists, geneticists, biochemists, and chemists. The goal is to determine, without causing harm, if the given molecule works in a living animal or in a cellular culture. Toxicology studies are conducted to determine the safety of the compound, as well as any unintended consequences of administering the drug. When the compound passes the initial phase of research showing that the drug is not toxic, then those researchers who work with human subjects begin to work with the molecule. A licensed physician must administer any drugs to human test patients. Researchers and research assistants support physicians in the clinical trial process.
Educational Requirements and Certifications
Researchers may be PhDs in a variety of life sciences or have combination MD/PhD degrees. Research assistants may also have a master’s degree in one of the life sciences or may be in the process of completing a PhD program.
Drug manufacturing also requires the expertise of physical chemists and engineers. Many manufacturing engineers have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. Most manufacturing engineers, meanwhile, have at least a master’s degree. Patent research jobs may be handled either by a paralegal with a bachelor’s degree or by an attorney with a JD degree. Most healthcare companies employ attorneys for patents, as patents are the basis of the company’s profitability.
Job Prospects
Because research-related jobs are highly sought after, competition is strong for every position. However, applicants who hold a combined MD/PhD degree have the best opportunities. Employment growth is expected to be 20 percent from 2006 to 2016 for medical scientists. That said, with the consolidation of pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, the number of science and research jobs is not growing as rapidly as in the past, creating additional competition for positions.
Some lower level research positions have been outsourced overseas, resulting in greater competition for applicants without a PhD or MD. However, with the increased emphasis on molecular genetics and molecular biology techniques, positions for PhDs are still growing.
Areas to Highlight on Resumes and Cover Letters
Most research facilities look for specific areas of expertise, as well as at prior research experience and publications. Every applicant should prepare a curriculum vitae, also called a CV, of publications and presentations to share with the prospective employer.
Communication skills and presentation skills should also be highlighted, as most research is conducted in a team environment, where results will need to be presented to colleagues.
Because medical research is a rapidly changing field, applicants should be familiar with and highlight the latest tools and techniques that are used in the particular research area. Applicants who have successfully led research projects have an advantage and should highlight this on their cover letters.
Applicants should also highlight continuing education, as every research field is adding new tools and techniques annually. If the applicant has taken any advanced training on biotechnology techniques and equipment that should be highlighted on the cover letter as well.
For manufacturing science and research jobs, highlighting the latest techniques is also critical. Because the manufacturing side of pharmaceutical products is highly regulated, experience handling audits, design changes, and documentation will be helpful in gaining a position.
Conclusion
While pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies are consolidating, the growth rate for research-related jobs is still expected to outpace the general economy. While much lower level research will be outsourced overseas, growth in positions requiring advanced degrees will only increase. Applicants with PhDs, MDs, or an MD/PhD combination have the best outlook for job opportunities.
