The pharmaceutical industry offers a wide and exciting range of job opportunities for those looking to work within this field, and can usually be broken down into three main categories; discovery research, development and commercialisation. While some of these roles will indeed require a background in science, it by no means you need to be a fully qualified pharmacist to find a fulfilling role in the industry.

The professional pharmaceutical sector is not just limited to medicines for human or animal use, but also covers everything from medical devices, diagnostics and nutriceuticals through to academia, clinical investigator sites and sales-based roles.

Here are six potential employment opportunities for those wanting to work within the pharmaceutical sector that you may not have considered.

Laboratory Analyst

A Laboratory Analyst is responsible for testing the microbiological makeup of new products and samples to ensure they are safe for use or consumption. Typically, a laboratory analyst would undertake duties such as the receipt, preparation, registration, storage and disposal of samples, which could include environmental, food, pharmaceutical and bio-hazardous materials.

If the product isn’t correct, they would be responsible for evaluating the sample to determine what errors were made and communicating this with internal and external clients, so good communications skills is a desired trait. It’s a role that also requires a strict knowledge of federal compliance regulations and standards.

Quality Manager

Given the importance of precision when working with pharmaceuticals, the role of a Quality Manager is incredibly important and is an excellent opportunity for anyone who enjoys investigating and resolving issues and ensuring products are up to standards. The role requires managing records, delivering reports, implementing safety procedures for testing, and ensuring products meet the highest standards possible.

Research and Development Manager

This role is ideal for those who excel in the research and development area of pharmaceuticals, and involves research, project management, personnel management, and staying on top of large amounts of data.

Many innovative pharmaceutical companies, academic centres and start-ups look for highly educated and talented individuals with at least a master’s degree – and preferably a PhD – in the industry. However it also requires a creative mindset, the ability to work in a multidisciplinary team and high-level organisational skills.

Sales Representative

Pharmaceutical Sales Representatives do not work directly with the development or testing of medicine, but instead are employed by pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors to introduce their medications and products to prospective customers, which usually include physicians, pharmacy owners or other health professionals.

While a Pharmaceutical Sales Representative isn’t necessarily required to have a science degree, an understanding of the pharmaceutical field will be advantageous. To be successful in this role, they would be expected to have exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, allowing them to develop and maintain client relationships.

Scientific and Medical Writers

Much of the activity performed during the development and research of pharmaceuticals generate a lot of study reports, publications, regulatory documents and applications, all of which will need to be written – and many in several languages.

Most large pharma companies will have a scientific and/or medical writing department responsible for this role, ensuring that accurate information is communicated to stakeholders and the public. These departments are typically populated by life scientists and translators with excellent writing and communication skills, making it an ideal job for someone with these traits who has a keen interest in the pharma industry.

Regulatory Compliance Officer

A Regulatory Compliance Officer acts as the link between a company and the pharmaceutical regulatory authorities, ensuring that products are manufactured and distributed in such a way that adheres to legislation and industry standards.

Their key responsibilities include undertaking and overseeing product trials and regulatory inspections, implementing quality standards around the workplace, liaising with regulatory bodies and offering advice about company policies, practices and systems to ensure best practice. This is a great position for someone with skills in problem solving, time management, communication, and who has an understanding and appreciation of relevant legal, scientific and manufacturing areas.



If you’re looking for a job within the pharmaceutical industry, contact us today and speak with one of our experienced consultants, or search available jobs now.