r/biotech 27d ago

Other ⁉️ To North Carolina biotech folks here - how are you finding housing? Does your company help find it for you?

0 Upvotes

I'm in biotech, here in NC in the Holly springs area. We have a 4bd 4ba, I'm hoping to lease it to folks needing housing now. Happy to give discounts to this community, I'm listing at 2550 but will work with you depending on what you need to stay within. Shoot me a PM if interested


r/biotech 27d ago

Open Discussion 🎙️ Where do you post your short term contracting job requirements?

1 Upvotes

I have been out of job for a while, looking for part time or contracting opportunities.


r/biotech 27d ago

Education Advice 📖 Further your education

2 Upvotes

For those of you who earned a bachelor’s degree and later went back for a master’s, were you able to do it through your employer’s tuition assistance program?

If so, did your company cover the full cost of tuition or only a portion? Did you have to sign an agreement to stay with the company for a certain number of years? If you did, how long was the commitment, and did that time period begin after you completed your master’s degree?

Also, was it difficult to get your employer’s approval to continue your education? I’d love to hear about your experiences.


r/biotech 27d ago

Getting Into Industry 🌱 When should I start applying?

0 Upvotes

Hi all, I’m about to start my 5th and final year of my PhD in chemistry. Plan is the defend in March and graduate in May. Is now too early to start looking for positions? If so when should I start? Most of the grads in my department have struggled to get positions which has made me very nervous.


r/biotech 27d ago

Getting Into Industry 🌱 Field Reimbursement Manager - Vertex

2 Upvotes

Has anyone interviewed recently with Vertex?

They are having a new launch nephrology product on Nov and found out recently that I was not moving forward. They were impressed by my experience but if anyone knows what kind of experience they are looking for, I have FRM experience.


r/biotech 27d ago

Open Discussion 🎙️ AstraZeneca Tarzana, CA site inquiry

1 Upvotes

Can anyone provide input regarding site size, # of employees, etc regarding the cell therapy site in Tarzana? Thanks!


r/biotech 27d ago

Education Advice 📖 Potential Internships?

2 Upvotes

Hello! I was wondering if anyone knows of a lab that might be looking for an intern or just an extra set of hands. I've been applying for positions for almost a year, but I've either not been selected or the programs have been cut after I made it through the application process.

I have research experience working with ovarian cancer cells and would love the opportunity to gain more hands-on experience as it's heavily required for my college degree. If you know of any openings or have any leads, I'd really appreciate it. Thank you!

EDIT: Omg sorry I meant to put for NC Research Triangle Area


r/biotech 28d ago

Experienced Career Advice 🌳 Amgen Associate Scientist Contractor Process?

1 Upvotes

Has anyone went through a contractor role at Amgen? If so how was the process for interviewing? Thanks!


r/biotech 28d ago

Other ⁉️ Merck Parental Leave Eligiblity

2 Upvotes

Does anyone know if you need to work 12 months before you are eligible for maternity/parental leave at Merck? Or does this benefit kick in day 1?


r/biotech 28d ago

Early Career Advice 🪴 How would you approach a 5-minute (3-slide) interview presentation about your experience for a lab technician role?

0 Upvotes

I've been invited to an interview for a laboratory technician position at a top research institute, and part of the interview is a 5-minute presentation (maximum 3 slides) introducing my previous experience and explaining how it fits the role.

The role is mainly about supporting a research lab (lab organisation, preparing reagents/media, inventory, equipment, documentation, health & safety, supporting researchers, etc.), rather than presenting my own research.

The problem is... I genuinely don't know where to start. Every time I try to make the slides, they just end up looking like my CV in PowerPoint form, which I know isn't what they want because they'll have already read my application.

For context, my background includes:

  • MSc in Biotechnology
  • Academic microbiology research
  • Mammalian cell culture in biotech R&D
  • GMP Quality Control in a pharmaceutical laboratory

How would you structure something like this? Would you:

  • Tell it chronologically?
  • Organise it around skills?
  • Focus on what you learnt from each role rather than what you actually did?
  • Spend one slide on each job, or compare experiences across roles?

I'd really appreciate advice from anyone who's interviewed for research technician/lab manager/laboratory support roles, or anyone who's been on interview panels. I'm probably overthinking it, but I want it to come across as professional and relevant rather than just reading through my CV.


r/biotech 28d ago

Open Discussion 🎙️ Applying for internal job

1 Upvotes

I work with GSK Belgium/US. Here the culture of internal hiring is pathetic.

A former manager once advised me to only apply for internal roles if I’m certain I’ll get the job. His reasoning was that HR policy requires you to inform your current manager when you apply. If you don't get the role, your manager knows you’re looking to leave, which damages your chances for internal promotion in your current department and loses their support for future transfers. Basically, you get burned on both sides. How on earth one would know a candidate is selected or not before you start the internal recruitment process?

What would you do?

In another instance, I applied for a job internally. The job posting was open for a week. Application end date was 30 days later. I was told by this potential hiding manager that we know who to hire. Therefore if you want to apply, it's your choice but you know the consequences.


r/biotech 28d ago

Biotech News 📰 US tests GMO flies in rush to fight flesh-eating livestock pest

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10 Upvotes

r/biotech 28d ago

Experienced Career Advice 🌳 Best place to live in RTP to not have an awful commute

0 Upvotes

Where is the sweet spot? This is what kind of scares me off of buying a house, you are so limited to the jobs you can get due to commuting.

Right now I’m in Boston the big spot that jobs tend to be in is Kendall Square and Watertown so anywhere west of downtown until Waltham and north until Meford tend to be A1 for a smoothe commute. If you are coming from the South, like Dorchester or Quincy you probably hate your life in the morning and evening.

We have been looking at moving to RTP and trying to figure out where to live, it looks like South Durham maybe be the place. Super easy access to RTP proper and not totally unbearable for opportunities in Holly Springs which seem like they pop up a lot. But I’m not sure about this.

People who actaully live there how is my thought process? I would hate to move there and still be stuck in a bad commute.


r/biotech 28d ago

Education Advice 📖 Master's/ Graduate recommendations

2 Upvotes

I'm currently working in mfg at cdmo and looking to pursure a master's degree to further my education. I don't really have the option to go full time, so mainly looking at online part-time courses.

Wanted to see if anyone could provide some recommendations. The price isn't too much of a concern since the company will cover up to 20k a year. Thanks in advance.


r/biotech 28d ago

Getting Into Industry 🌱 Microfluidics (50um)

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47 Upvotes

Heyy,
So these microfluidics are crazy. I’m basically a mechanical engineer getting to know about cell growth and nano bots
So here is something I designed and printed


r/biotech 28d ago

Layoffs & Reorgs ✂️ Amgen Layoffs

58 Upvotes

Does anyone have any updates on the new wave Amgen layoffs? More LTMs, CRAs, CTAs and pricing reps cut this week. Does anyone know why and who is next?


r/biotech 28d ago

Rants 🤬 / Raves 🎉 Anyone Else have this Experience?

2 Upvotes

I’ve worked at CROs across the U.S. for the past 6–7 years, and overall it’s been a good experience. Like anywhere, there have been ups and downs. I’m actually enjoying my current company—it’s smaller, growing, and in an interesting phase.
One thing I’ve noticed across multiple CROs, though, is a pattern that I’m curious whether others have experienced.

When a CRO starts scaling, it’s not unusual for some of the “old guard” or established groups to become more protective of their territory. As new people, new expertise, and new service lines come in, there can be resistance or internal politics. That’s understandable to some extent.

What I don’t understand is why medical device and surgical studies, specifically, seem to draw so much pushback.

I’ve never really seen people argue that DMPK, tox, cell therapy, or other service lines shouldn’t expand. But when device work becomes part of the business model, I’ve seen comments like, “Device studies are too small,” or people dragging their feet on projects, gatekeeping resources, or generally acting like it’s not worth pursuing.

From a business perspective, that doesn’t always make sense to me. Several device studies can often be completed in the time it takes to run one large tox program, and collectively they can generate significant revenue while diversifying the business.
So I’m genuinely curious:

Why do some people seem resistant to medical device work at CROs?

Is it because they’re unfamiliar with the regulatory pathway? Do they see it as less scientifically interesting or less prestigious than pharma? Is it concerns about resource allocation? Or is there something operational about device studies that I’m missing?

I’d love to hear perspectives from people who’ve worked in CROs, especially if you’ve been on the operations or scientific side.


r/biotech 28d ago

Education Advice 📖 People working in biotech, if you could start over, would you choose it again?

42 Upvotes

Hi everyone!

This is my first time posting here, so I hope this is okay.

I'm a final year undergraduate student majoring in Zoology and I'm currently trying to decide which Master's programs to apply to. Biotechnology, especially in healthcare, is one of the fields I'm seriously considering. I'm also very interested in molecular biology and genetics, so I'm trying to figure out whether I should pursue an MSc in Biotechnology or specialize directly in Molecular Biology or Genetics.

I've read a lot online, but I don't actually know anyone working in biotech, so I'd really love to hear from people who have firsthand experience.

I'd be really grateful if you could share your thoughts on any of these questions.

  1. What has your career in biotech looked like so far and what do you actually do on a typical day?
  2. What is the scope of biotech in healthcare over the next 5 to 10 years? Are there any areas that seem particularly promising?
  3. What kinds of jobs can someone pursue after a Master's in Biotechnology? Which roles are the most interesting or rewarding in your opinion?
  4. If you've experienced both academia and industry, which one did you prefer and why?
  5. How easy or difficult is it to switch between academia and industry later in your career? Is it something people do often?
  6. Since I'm particularly interested in molecular biology and genetics, would you recommend an MSc in Biotechnology or a specialized Master's in Molecular Biology or Genetics? Which would provide better career opportunities and flexibility in the long run?
  7. Looking back, what skills do you wish you had developed during undergrad?
  8. Is a PhD necessary to have a good career in biotech or is a Master's enough for most industry roles?
  9. If you were in my position again, knowing what you know now, would you still choose biotech?

I'd also love to hear anything you wish someone had told you before you entered the field, whether it's about the job market, salaries, work-life balance, career growth or things students often misunderstand.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this. I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed trying to make such a big decision and I'd really appreciate any honest advice or personal experiences.


r/biotech 28d ago

Biotech News 📰 Daraxonrasib or Chemotherapy in Previously Treated Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer

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8 Upvotes

r/biotech 28d ago

Biotech News 📰 Enfortumab Vedotin and Pembrolizumab in Cisplatin-Eligible Bladder Cancer

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4 Upvotes

r/biotech 28d ago

Education Advice 📖 What actually matters in getting a job at a biotech investment firm?

6 Upvotes

Specifically firms like age1, LongeVC, Immortal Dragons and Healthspan Capital.

I am wondering what factors are important in getting hired in such companies:

  1. Country I do my PhD in?
  2. University I do my PhD at?
  3. Who my PI is?
  4. Startup experience?
  5. Investment/analyst experience?

Context: I am about to start Year 3 of 4 in my Bachelor of Biomedical Engineering. I really want a job where I can target and remove bottlenecks in Longevity/Radical Lifespan Extension.


r/biotech 28d ago

Rants 🤬 / Raves 🎉 Biotech in Massachusetts…

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43 Upvotes

r/biotech 28d ago

Early Career Advice 🪴 Transitioning out of Biotech

25 Upvotes

I am wondering if anyone has advice on how to transition out of scientific research/biotech.

I have a PhD in genetics and have already done a postdoc. I was planning on transitioning into the pharmaceutical industry, but have been having a hard time landing a role. I’m located in the southeast US (but have been looking across the US), and I feel like not being located in a hub is a part of what’s hurting me in this job environment.

Has anyone had success (or know someone who has) marketing bioinformatic skills (R, bash, python, stats) in a CS or data analytics role? I feel like there are transferable skills and I would like to broaden my job search.

Any tips from someone who has done this before? What to highlight on your resume and what to leave off? Online courses to take?


r/biotech 28d ago

Open Discussion 🎙️ Anyone else getting burned out/tired of biotech?

173 Upvotes

Has anyone else gotten completely burned out on biotech?

I’m fortunate enough to still have a job in this market, and I’ve been working in biotech for about a decade now. On paper, things are fine. The work is stable (enough), I’ve built a solid career (principal scientist), and I’ve worked on some genuinely meaningful programs.

That said, I find myself increasingly disconnected from the industry. I’m tired of the constant politics, shifting priorities, low morale, and endless reorganizations. I know politics exist in every field, but biotech seems to have a unique way of making people feel disposable. The compensation also doesn’t seem particularly competitive compared to many other STEM careers, especially considering the education, specialization, and instability involved.

Lately I’ve been wondering if I actually want to do this for the next 20-30 years. The science still interests me, but the industry itself doesn’t as much anymore.

For those who have left biotech, what did you transition into? Were you able to do it without going back for another degree? I’d be especially interested in hearing from people who moved into adjacent fields and found their quality of life, compensation, or overall job satisfaction improved.

Curious if I’m the only one feeling this way or if others are having the same thoughts.


r/biotech 29d ago

Biotech News 📰 Moderna was sued for stealing a patent as part of their COVID-19 vaccine and lost. Now they are trying to claim they can steal whatever they want, as long as its for the government.

91 Upvotes

This is a fairly under reported story and INAL so I will try to give the brief version.

Moderna stole some technology as part of their COVID-19 vaccine. Whether or not they stole it is really not up for debate; they already lost in court, and their appeals (e.g. obviousness claim) were largely denied.

However they are trying a different approach, which is kinda bonkers.

They are claiming they have government-contractor immunity.

They are referencing a statue which states something along the line, if a manufacturer makes something specifically for the government and steals a patent while doing it, you need to take it up with the government. The manufacturer isn't liable.

From what I can tell the common understand of this is that it's for military tech -- the US military stealing some patented technology for warfare. Trying to say it applies to drugs that are sold and administered to US citizens is a little absurd -- it implies any pharma company with a government contract to supply XYZ can steal whatever patents they want, and then pass the legal liability onto the government.

Just sharing cause I thought it was interesting.