Recent announcements by Pfizer and GSK that they are making significant cuts in worldwide staffing (estimated at more than 19,000 and 4,000 positions respectively) continue to shake the life science industry.  For many of the researchers included in the RIF (reduction-in-force), fear, uncertainty, and foreboding preceded the move, with the falling axe a confirmation of their deepest fears.  For more experienced researchers, the transition is likely to be painful, since it has been many years since they last tested the waters of the job market.  Strong scientific expertise alone is not likely to make the transition easy, since a large number of job seekers with comparable skill sets are also in the competition.  To succeed, job hunters need to reach beyond their science mindset for other tools in their ***, with a focus on more pragmatic and process oriented capabilities.  Project and process management skills, the ability to leverage technology to empower collaboration and improve operational effectiveness, and strong communication skills will be strong differentiators and valued assets in the new life science ecosystem.  With many of the new technical opportunities arising within smaller, more entrepreneurial biotechnology and biopharma companies, individuals that bring a diversity of skills will always be in demand.  Unfortunately for many (especially in the United States), these new opportunities are no longer limited geographically and are expected to arise in emerging players around the world (at a substantial discount to traditional U.S. market salaries).

The age of industrial research sanctuaries is over in the life sciences, courtesy of the impending patent cliff facing major blockbuster drugs.  While the ivy covered walls of academia remain an opportunity for scientific discovery, even these areas have stretched beyond their traditional boundaries towards more applied solutions, often with the encouragement (and funding) from industry.  In many cases, endowed research institutes are also filling the gulf and providing individuals with deep and broad skill sets with opportunities to help advance concepts towards commercial applications. 

It is also clear that the life science industry is moving significantly beyond its traditional boundaries in a number of directions.  The emerging and rapidly growing area of translational research is accelerating understanding of human impacts on early stage research by connecting discovery efforts with human clinical data.  Translational research promises to accelerate the development of promising new drugs by identifying potential human factors early in the process and reducing the risk of failure as drugs advance into development.  Another emerging cross-boundary area impacting the industry is health economics and outcomes research (HEOR).  HEOR provides quantitative insights in attempts to establish the economic and patient outcome benefits that new therapeutics can be expected to deliver once approved.  The field of HEOR is growing as an important contributor as companies seek to persuade regulators and insurers that their new drugs deliver significant value to patients in this increasingly competitive and expensive marketplace.  With companies attempting to price drugs at higher and higher levels, it is becoming absolutely necessary to provide supporting HEOR data if companies hope to be reimbursed for their new drugs.  For individuals with the ability to expand their horizons, these new areas may be opportunistic.

It remains a changing world that is increasing more competitive and agile.  Major job cuts at big pharma are making the change felt at its roots, requiring scientists, researchers, and other industry professionals to change as well.  Survival will require significant transformation, agility, and perseverance.  As always, comments and other insights are welcomed.