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What steps can I take to make the transition to a pharma career possible?
Hi, I am 40 years old , working as a production chemist in dental industry,
3 years back I completed MSc pharma course , and I want to transition my career to pharma. But , unfortunately not possible . I am not sure. I need guidance ? I need You
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Nirah’s Answer
My experience is with the Pharma industry in the United States, and I’m not sure if this is relevant to the Pharma industry in the UK, where you are located.
Chemistry is involved in several steps in the drug development process. Medicinal chemists synthesize very small amounts of novel molecules, and help design molecules to try to find new drugs to hit certain biologic targets. There tend to be jobs for medicinal chemists in the drug discovery sites for different pharmaceutical companies, and also for small biotech companies, or for CRO‘s that support chemistry efforts for small biotech companies. These companies/jobs can be located anywhere, but are often in science hubs such as Boston or San Diego.
The next step after a drug candidate is found is to optimize bulk production, which often requires very different synthesis methods, as methods that are practical at very small scale might be too expensive, too inefficient, or too exothermic and explosive to do at large scale. There tend to be limited geographic sites for these production facilities, and I feel like over the years a lot of that has been outsourced and there are fewer of those activities (and fewer jobs) going on here.
However, you mentioned that you were involved in production chemistry, which would be large scale production of drugs, generally after a working drug has been developed/optimized and is being made for production. That is definitely outside of my experience, as I am way down on the discovery end of things, but I have the impression that a lot of that work has been outsourced overseas.
My recommendation is to take a look at the career sites for the pharmaceutical companies located in your area, to get an idea of what kinds of jobs for chemists they offer. If you want to make the transition into Pharma, you may need to initially take a more entry-level job so that you get the Pharma-specific experience and training that will then make you eligible for progressively higher level positions. You may also need to shift your emphasis to the type of chemistry work that is being done in the pharmaceutical industry, and my impression is that there are a lot more jobs on the discovery end than on the production end.
However, your experience in production chemistry for the dental industry may be extremely relevant for certain jobs in the pharmaceutical industry, or in the medical device industry. You didn’t say exactly what you are doing – if you are making dental pharmaceuticals I don’t see how that’s different from already being in Pharma, but if you are making composites and resins, that kind of inorganic chemistry might be pretty far afield from the chemistry involved in making drugs and biologics.
I hope this was at least a little bit helpful, my advice basically boils down to going to the job sites of the pharmaceutical companies in your country, and trying to see where they have options that fit with your training, experience, and interest. Good luck!
Chemistry is involved in several steps in the drug development process. Medicinal chemists synthesize very small amounts of novel molecules, and help design molecules to try to find new drugs to hit certain biologic targets. There tend to be jobs for medicinal chemists in the drug discovery sites for different pharmaceutical companies, and also for small biotech companies, or for CRO‘s that support chemistry efforts for small biotech companies. These companies/jobs can be located anywhere, but are often in science hubs such as Boston or San Diego.
The next step after a drug candidate is found is to optimize bulk production, which often requires very different synthesis methods, as methods that are practical at very small scale might be too expensive, too inefficient, or too exothermic and explosive to do at large scale. There tend to be limited geographic sites for these production facilities, and I feel like over the years a lot of that has been outsourced and there are fewer of those activities (and fewer jobs) going on here.
However, you mentioned that you were involved in production chemistry, which would be large scale production of drugs, generally after a working drug has been developed/optimized and is being made for production. That is definitely outside of my experience, as I am way down on the discovery end of things, but I have the impression that a lot of that work has been outsourced overseas.
My recommendation is to take a look at the career sites for the pharmaceutical companies located in your area, to get an idea of what kinds of jobs for chemists they offer. If you want to make the transition into Pharma, you may need to initially take a more entry-level job so that you get the Pharma-specific experience and training that will then make you eligible for progressively higher level positions. You may also need to shift your emphasis to the type of chemistry work that is being done in the pharmaceutical industry, and my impression is that there are a lot more jobs on the discovery end than on the production end.
However, your experience in production chemistry for the dental industry may be extremely relevant for certain jobs in the pharmaceutical industry, or in the medical device industry. You didn’t say exactly what you are doing – if you are making dental pharmaceuticals I don’t see how that’s different from already being in Pharma, but if you are making composites and resins, that kind of inorganic chemistry might be pretty far afield from the chemistry involved in making drugs and biologics.
I hope this was at least a little bit helpful, my advice basically boils down to going to the job sites of the pharmaceutical companies in your country, and trying to see where they have options that fit with your training, experience, and interest. Good luck!
Updated
Iryna’s Answer
Hello!
Making a transition to a career in the pharmaceutical industry from your current role as a chemical engineer involves several strategic steps. Here’s a detailed plan to help you navigate this transition:
1. Leverage Your Current Skills
Identify Transferable Skills: Your background in chemical engineering provides a solid foundation in processes, quality control, and problem-solving skills that are highly relevant to pharmaceutical roles.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Focus on any experience related to drug formulation, quality assurance, or regulatory compliance from your current role.
2. Networking
Connect with Professionals: Use platforms like LinkedIn to connect with professionals in the pharmaceutical industry. Join relevant groups to engage with others in the field.
Attend Industry Events: Participate in webinars, workshops, and conferences focused on pharmaceuticals. Networking at these events can lead to valuable contacts and job opportunities.
3. Gain Industry Certifications
Consider Certifications: Look into industry certifications that enhance your profile, such as:
Certified Pharmaceutical Industry Professional (CPIP)
Regulatory Affairs Certification (RAC) from the Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society.
Online Courses: Platforms like Coursera or edX offer courses on pharmaceutical sciences, regulatory affairs, and drug development that can enhance your knowledge.
4. Seek Relevant Experience
Internships or Contract Positions: Look for internships or temporary positions in pharmaceutical companies. Even short-term roles can provide valuable experience.
Volunteering: If feasible, volunteer for projects related to pharmaceuticals within your current organization or community. This can help build relevant experience.
5. Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter
Highlight Relevant Education: Emphasize your Masters in Pharmaceutics and any specific coursework relevant to the pharmaceutical industry.
Showcase Your Engineering Background: Present your engineering skills as an advantage for process optimization and problem-solving in pharmaceuticals.
6. Apply Strategically
Research Companies: Focus your job search on pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, or clinical research organizations (CROs) that align with your interests.
Utilize Job Boards: Use industry-specific job boards like BioSpace, PharmiWeb, or LinkedIn to find openings in pharmaceutical roles.
7. Prepare for Interviews
Understand the Industry: Study the latest trends, challenges, and innovations in the pharmaceutical sector. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your interest and readiness during interviews.
Practice Behavioral Questions: Be prepared to discuss how your engineering background can specifically benefit pharmaceutical applications and processes.
8. Consider Further Education
Specialized Programs: If you find certain areas particularly interesting, consider online or part-time programs that provide deeper knowledge in those areas, such as regulatory affairs or clinical trials.
9. Stay Informed
Read Industry Publications: Subscribe to pharmaceutical journals, newsletters, or professional organizations to stay updated on industry news and advancements.
Conclusion
Transitioning to a career in the pharmaceutical industry is entirely feasible with the right approach. Leverage your current skills, network extensively, gain relevant experience, and stay informed about industry trends. Being proactive and adaptable will significantly enhance your chances of making a successful transition.
Good luck!
Making a transition to a career in the pharmaceutical industry from your current role as a chemical engineer involves several strategic steps. Here’s a detailed plan to help you navigate this transition:
1. Leverage Your Current Skills
Identify Transferable Skills: Your background in chemical engineering provides a solid foundation in processes, quality control, and problem-solving skills that are highly relevant to pharmaceutical roles.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Focus on any experience related to drug formulation, quality assurance, or regulatory compliance from your current role.
2. Networking
Connect with Professionals: Use platforms like LinkedIn to connect with professionals in the pharmaceutical industry. Join relevant groups to engage with others in the field.
Attend Industry Events: Participate in webinars, workshops, and conferences focused on pharmaceuticals. Networking at these events can lead to valuable contacts and job opportunities.
3. Gain Industry Certifications
Consider Certifications: Look into industry certifications that enhance your profile, such as:
Certified Pharmaceutical Industry Professional (CPIP)
Regulatory Affairs Certification (RAC) from the Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society.
Online Courses: Platforms like Coursera or edX offer courses on pharmaceutical sciences, regulatory affairs, and drug development that can enhance your knowledge.
4. Seek Relevant Experience
Internships or Contract Positions: Look for internships or temporary positions in pharmaceutical companies. Even short-term roles can provide valuable experience.
Volunteering: If feasible, volunteer for projects related to pharmaceuticals within your current organization or community. This can help build relevant experience.
5. Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter
Highlight Relevant Education: Emphasize your Masters in Pharmaceutics and any specific coursework relevant to the pharmaceutical industry.
Showcase Your Engineering Background: Present your engineering skills as an advantage for process optimization and problem-solving in pharmaceuticals.
6. Apply Strategically
Research Companies: Focus your job search on pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, or clinical research organizations (CROs) that align with your interests.
Utilize Job Boards: Use industry-specific job boards like BioSpace, PharmiWeb, or LinkedIn to find openings in pharmaceutical roles.
7. Prepare for Interviews
Understand the Industry: Study the latest trends, challenges, and innovations in the pharmaceutical sector. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your interest and readiness during interviews.
Practice Behavioral Questions: Be prepared to discuss how your engineering background can specifically benefit pharmaceutical applications and processes.
8. Consider Further Education
Specialized Programs: If you find certain areas particularly interesting, consider online or part-time programs that provide deeper knowledge in those areas, such as regulatory affairs or clinical trials.
9. Stay Informed
Read Industry Publications: Subscribe to pharmaceutical journals, newsletters, or professional organizations to stay updated on industry news and advancements.
Conclusion
Transitioning to a career in the pharmaceutical industry is entirely feasible with the right approach. Leverage your current skills, network extensively, gain relevant experience, and stay informed about industry trends. Being proactive and adaptable will significantly enhance your chances of making a successful transition.
Good luck!
Thank you, Iryna for the advice.
Jawahir