Types of Research Performed
Each pharmaceutical or biotechnology company has a selection of diseases that the research and development laboratories explore for potential therapeutic treatments. Epidemiologists examine the cause of disease and the pattern of transmission in a population. Research epidemiologists work on research projects that determine the best method to control and prevent a 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 science research may focus on the molecular basis of the disease, as well as the chemical and enzyme pathways in normal patients as well as in the disease state. Basic science research will also explore potential compounds that may interrupt the disease process, through biochemical and 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 patent research jobs in the legal department to determine if the molecule may be patented. Patent attorneys and paralegals research previous patents, write new patents and then submit the patents to the United States 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 molecular biologists, geneticists, biochemists and chemists. The goal is to determine if the molecule works in a living animal or in a cellular culture, without causing harm. 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 the researchers who work with human subjects begin to work with the molecule. A licensed physician must administer any drugs to human 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 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 have a Master’s level degree or higher. As practicing engineers, they will also have the professional engineer certification.
Patent research jobs may be handled either by a paralegal with a Bachelor’s degree or by an attorney with a JD degree. Most health care companies employ attorneys for patents, as the patent is 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 an MD, PhD combination have the best opportunities. Employment growth is expected to be 20% from 2006 to 2016 for medical scientists.
In addition, 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 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 the cover letter.
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 lower level research will be outsourced overseas, growth in positions requiring advanced degrees will increase. Applicants with PhDs and MDs or an MD, PhD combination have the best outlook for job opportunities.
