Industry Optimism Outweighs Personal Job Security

Amid the environment of a gradual economic recovery and continued consolidation of bio/pharmaceutical companies, scientists, technicians, and professionals involved in drug development expressed a mix of muted optimism and stagnant employment options. Readers of Pharmaceutical Technology shared their perspectives on the current employment situation in the magazine’s annual employment survey. The respondents represent a cross section of small- and large-molecule drug development functions from facilities in North America, Europe, and other locations. Approximately 60% of the respondents held advanced degrees, divided evenly between Master’s and doctorate degrees.

In 2013, more than half of the respondents said they were involved in a merger, acquisition, downsizing, or restructuring. This represents a significant jump from 2012, when 36.1% of survey participants experienced similar company changes. This activity could be a reason for the slight pullback in confidence in job security.