Your Global Recruitment Partner for the Life Sciences Industry

Both offer valuable experience: Big Pharma provides structure, training, and stability, while Biotech offers broader exposure and faster impact. Think about whether you prefer established systems or a hands-on, entrepreneurial environment. Early career experience in either path can be leveraged later.

Global leaders like Pfizer, Roche, Novartis, Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca, and GSK are among the largest. Beyond Big Pharma, major CROs like IQVIA, Syneos, and ICON also employ thousands. Keep in mind that Biotechs and mid-sized companies may offer faster career growth despite their smaller size.

Tailor your CV to each role, focusing on measurable achievements and transferable skills. Use industry-relevant keywords so your application is visible in digital screening. A strong LinkedIn presence and targeted networking also increase your visibility to hiring managers.

Many roles, especially in clinical operations, regulatory, medical affairs, and data-focused functions, can be remote or hybrid. Lab-based and manufacturing positions typically require on-site presence. Flexibility varies by company, role, and region, so check policies before applying.

To move from Pharma to Biotech, emphasise adaptability and an entrepreneurial mindset. Highlight times you worked cross-functionally, solved problems with limited resources, and contributed directly to innovation. Tailor your CV to show agility rather than process-heavy achievements, and grow your biotech network to access opportunities.

Tailoring your CCV to reflect agility rather than process-heavy achievements may help to make you seem more relevant for the role and the industry.

To transition from an MSL to a Medical Advisor, you must build on your scientific and stakeholder engagement skills by showing strategic thinking and cross-functional collaboration. Highlight experiences where you contributed to medical strategy or worked with commercial teams. Position yourself as someone who can bridge science and business objectives.

Emphasise transferable skills like clinical trial management, regulatory knowledge, and cross-functional collaboration. Show how your CRO experience has given you broad exposure to different studies and therapeutic areas. Networking and tailoring your CV to highlight strategic contributions can make the transition smoother.

If you haven't worked with a recruiter in the industry before, we understand the hesitation. Working with a consultancy like us gives you an external partner to make the process of hiring the perfect person as streamlined as possible. You'll also get access to our network and relationships, giving you the best possible chance of reaching the best possible employees.

Top talent pools are found in established hubs like Boston, San Francisco, Basel, and Cambridge (UK). These regions offer strong academic pipelines, established pharma/biotech ecosystems, and access to investors. Local clusters often shape the availability of specialist expertise.

Successful Biotech hubs combine scientific talent, funding opportunities, and supportive regulation. Boston, San Diego, Cambridge (UK), and Basel are leading examples. Emerging hubs in Ireland, the Nordics, and Singapore are also growing rapidly due to strong government support.

Biotech candidates are drawn to impact, flexibility, and career growth. Clearly communicate your scientific vision and culture, while offering competitive packages and development opportunities. Building your employer brand and partnering with specialist recruiters helps reach niche talent.

Consultants provide access to specialist knowledge without long-term overheads. They can bridge skills gaps in regulatory, clinical, or commercial areas and support during critical growth phases. This flexibility allows Biotechs to scale resources as needed.

Focus on candidates with adaptability, problem-solving, and entrepreneurial qualities. Pharma professionals can bring valuable expertise, but highlight the cultural shift towards broader roles and leaner structures. Setting clear expectations ensures a smoother transition.

Therapy area experience can be critical in regulatory and clinical functions where depth of knowledge accelerates success. In other roles, transferable skills and adaptability may be more valuable. The right balance depends on the stage and focus of your company.

Define which roles can operate effectively remotely, such as regulatory, clinical operations, or medical affairs. Invest in strong digital infrastructure and clear communication practices. A hybrid model often balances flexibility with the collaboration Biotechs need.