Author: Joy
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Upstream: The Cells Where it Happens
In a previous post, I outlined the basic departments and specialties, along with some of the easily accessible transition points between them, and will now begin a deeper dive into each of those departments in this post series. First in line is the Upstream department, which comprises several vital functions in process development, and without… Read more
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Vendors: Not Just Salespeople!
One of the most underrated resources for biotech scientists is the vendors that produce the products that we work with on a daily basis. Whether there’s a question about the best resin to use to solve a purity problem, or a need to measure endotoxin, or help figuring out the best feed for a tricky… Read more
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Departing From the Usual: A Biotech Department Skill Guide
Recruiting for biotech jobs has a lot of aspects to it, including the different job levels as I wrote about previously, and also including understanding the different departments and specialties. Knowing what each department focuses on, as well as which departments have similar base skillsets, will help you out whether you’re job searching for your… Read more
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Do you need a PhD or do you need Experience?
A requirement I see often in mid-level to senior-level positions in biotech is “PhD required.” But is it really? What is it about a PhD that would make someone more suited to doing a particular position? Is a person with a PhD and three years of industry experience really going to be a better candidate… Read more
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The Most Valuable Skill in Biotech is Not What You Think!
Over the years I’ve been working in the biotech industry, I’ve had several opportunities to be on career panels for high school or college students and to mentor a few interns. Without fail, the question I’m always asked is “what skill did you learn in school that has most helped you in your career?” Most… Read more
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What Timeline are You On?
This is no time to talk about time. We don’t have the time!-Deanna Troi, “Star Trek: First Contact” Timelines are one of the major topics during biotech product development, whether that is performed in-house or via contract with a CDMO. While most scientists working in biotech came into the field to do research and to… Read more
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Why Do Pilot Plants Exist?
Why would you need a pilot plant? I was asked this question at a local industry happy hour recently, as we were discussing some of the available biotech manufacturing capacity here in the greater Seattle area. A former company in the area had an amazing pilot plant, which was later purchased by a different company… Read more
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What Are the Roles and Levels Within Biotech?
Another associate position was opened recently by a large company near me. I know this because by 9:16am that morning, I had been contacted by seven different recruiters from five companies about this role. By the end of the day, the number was 13, and by the end of the week, the number was well… Read more