Quality

Quality

Even as the life sciences industry transforms at an unprecedented pace, quality issues drain up to 30% of pharmaceutical manufacturing costs. More than 300 drugs and medical devices were recalled in the last two years, highlighting the vital importance of strong Quality teams. A critical function in the manufacturing process, Quality ensures final products are consistent, safe, effective, and predictable. Entrust your Quality talent needs to EPM Scientific, the preferred talent partner of industry-leading companies and mover-and-shaker startups. We will source and deliver the best people for the job when you need them.

How we can help

Since 2012, we have sourced exceptional Quality professionals for clients around the world. Our expertise and efficiency in filling individual and team roles is bolstered by ongoing development and training, as well as investing in top-class technologies. In addition to finding sought-after talent for our clients, we help talented individuals find career-advancing opportunities. Whether you’re looking to fill a Quality role, or looking for your next career opportunity, EPM Scientific can help you.

Quality talent solutions

EPM Scientific takes the time-consuming hassle out of finding permanent, contract, and multi-hire Quality talent solutions aligned with your company’s requirements. Thanks to our global talent hubs, we can find the right people for Quality roles and place them quickly.

Our Quality talent solutions extend to an extensive network of interim managers and contractors who are ideal for long-term and time-critical functions and roles. We also offer retained and contingent services tailored to your company’s unique requirements.

We specialize in finding the best Quality talent, offer superior account management, and support our clients with value adding services such as interviewing tips, remuneration guidance, and bespoke analysis.

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Benefits of working with us

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Experience

We have over a decade’s worth of experience as a leading talent partner in Life Sciences & Pharma.

Network

A vast, global network of the best, in-demand professionals, working with the world’s largest Life Sciences institutions, to take drugs, devices and therapeutic applications through from conception to completion.

Knowledge

Our award-winning talent specialists offer bespoke, tailored guidance on the latest hiring trends and industry news to help you achieve your goals.

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Quality Jobs

EPM Scientific continues to fill a wide range of Quality roles at life sciences companies in the US and around the world, including Quality Control Manager, Director of Quality, Head of Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs, and VP of Quality.

Director of Quality

Director of Quality - Med Device Location: Raleigh, NC Working situation: Hybrid Level: Director Our client, a large, successful med device company and is looking to add to their Quality team! The Director - Quality Assurance will help lead the Quality department and oversee all aspects of Quality Assurance. This individual will work to foster a culture of quality through providing leadership and guidance to their team and company. The Director - Quality Assurance will: Establish and maintain quality management systems (QMS) in accordance with ISO 13485 and other relevant standards. Identify, direct, and monitoring FDA and ISO audits, both internal and external, and assist with supplier audits Manage and mentor Quality management staff to promote personnel development and succession planning. Responsible for reviewing and delivering Quality Budget Collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, manufacturing, clinical affairs, and other departments to support product development, manufacturing, and commercialization activities. Drive a culture of quality and regulatory compliance throughout the organization, promoting awareness and understanding of quality and regulatory requirements among all employees. The Director - Quality Assurance has the following qualifications: Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, or related fields Minimum of 10 years of Quality experience in the Med Device industry 7-10 years of management experience In-depth knowledge of relevant regulations and standards, including FDA QSR, ISO 13485, MDR, and other global regulatory requirements. Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams to achieve results. Company Benefits: Competitive 401K program, health insurance, and HSA accounts Long term incentives in the terms of equity or stock at this level Flexible hybrid working model

Negotiable
Atlanta
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Quality Systems Manager

Quality Systems Manager As the Quality Systems Manager, you will play a pivotal role in championing daily activities for quality excellence. You will develop, implement, and enforce quality systems that meet the highest standards, including FDA Drug and Medical Device regulations, customer requirements, and internal business needs. Here's how you'll make a difference: Oversee and streamline deviation/non-conformance investigations and processes. Lead the Customer Complaint process, including trending, reporting, and investigations. Manage the Product Release Program, batch record review process, metrics, and customer CofAs. Spearhead Annual Product Reviews and Quarterly Management Reviews. Ensure quality and compliance by supervising the Document Control program, including change control and metrics. Develop and maintain quality documents related to job accountabilities. Manage the Internal Auditing program, including training, system development, and metrics. Partner with QA operations, QA lab, and manufacturing operations to develop and maintain quality systems and processes. Represent the company in regulatory inspections, customer audits, and third-party audits. Manage Cost of Quality. Develop and mentor your direct reports. Are you the right fit? Hold a bachelor's degree in a relevant field (chemistry, microbiology, biology, engineering, etc.) with an advanced degree a plus. Possess at least 7 years of experience in FDA-regulated quality assurance systems in manufacturing, including 3+ years in a leadership role. Have 5+ years of experience interacting with regulatory bodies (FDA, TGA). Be proficient in quality control methods like root cause analysis, risk analysis, and document control.

Negotiable
Morristown
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Senior Manager/ Associate Director QA (GLP/GCP)

Overview: QA Leader to support the quality management systems and processes for a CRO based in Burlington. Working within pharma in both biologic development and cell and gene therapy and reporting directly to the Senior Director of Global Compliance. Role Responsibilities: Shape and expand our US quality management systems. Lead audits, ensuring GCP/GLP compliance. Oversee systems, suppliers, and employee training. Drive continuous improvement in quality processes. Champion a strong quality culture within the team. Collaborate with clients, auditors, and internal teams. Previous Experience: 5+ years QA GCP/GLP experience (biopharma/cell & gene therapy a plus) Passion for quality and cultural change leadership Regulatory auditing experience Excellent communication, teamwork, and leadership skills Experience leading/participating in regulatory GCP/GLP audits

Negotiable
Burlington
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Validation Lead

Validation Lead Location: Raleigh, NC Working Situation: Hybrid A global speciality pharmaceutical company is looking to bring on a Validation Lead to support the global quality organization. You will be supporting tech transfer and validation activities while also working cross-functionally to support all GxP related issues at the Raleigh, NC site. The Validation Lead will be responsible for: Develop and implement comprehensive validation strategies for sterile manufacturing processes, equipment, and systems to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements (e.g., FDA, EMA, etc.) and industry standards. Lead the creation, review, and approval of validation protocols and reports, including but not limited to process validation, equipment qualification, cleaning validation, and computer system validation. Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, Engineering, and R&D, to resolve all GxP related issues effectively including discrepancy investigations, CAPAs, change controls, key process development activities, and continuous improvement process reports. Oversight of all GMP Compliance and Operational QA (Quality Assurance) aspects of Product. Provides insight into the creation, revision, review, and approval of validation protocols. The Validation Lead will have the following qualifications: Bachelor's degree in a Science, Engineering or related field Minimum 5 years of experience in validation within the pharmaceutical industry, with specific expertise in sterile manufacturing processes and regulatory requirements. Experience necessary with pharmaceutical process validation, cleaning validation, equipment, utilities, and computer system qualification processes. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. If you are interested in the role of Validation Lead, don't hesitate to apply today!

US$110000 - US$125000 per annum
Raleigh
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Senior Compliance Auditor

Senior Compliance Auditor Role Description: Oversee and participate in audits, reporting on findings. Manage Quality Technical Agreements with critical suppliers. Conduct internal audits to meet GMPs, 820 standards, and company requirements. Lead and support supplier audits (onsite and remote) for GMP and regulatory compliance. Uphold the Supplier Management Program, including drafting and maintaining Quality Technical Agreements. Address and escalate compliance issues to the appropriate teams. Support the Supplier Management Team and medical device supplier project teams. Develop and revise Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Role Requirements: Bachelor's degree or equivalent with 10 years of experience in a pharmaceutical/biotech quality unit. 5+ years of experience as a qualified auditor, assessing supplier compliance with cGMP, QSR, and ICH regulations. Strong understanding of relevant FDA regulations/guidance and ICH Guidelines. Proven ability to independently plan, execute, and report audits. Experience in cell manufacturing/biologics, medical devices, and/or software quality is a plus. Familiarity with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and ICH E6 is preferred. This role is hybrid (Mon, Tue, Thu onsite) with 30% travel within Massachusetts and Michigan.

Negotiable
Cambridge
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Quality Systems Specialist II

Summary: The Quality Systems Specialist II is tasked with implementing Quality System requirements for designated processes, encompassing Change Control, Post Market Quality, Nonconforming Material Handling, CAR/CAPA, Equipment/Gage Calibration & Preventive Maintenance, Environmental Controls, Record Management, Audits (Internal and 3rd Party), Graphics/Labeling, Job Closing, and Production Support. This role operates with autonomy under the guidance of the Quality Systems Manager, demonstrating proficiency in specific processes and providing leadership and mentoring within the Quality Group. Responsibilities also include contributing to process enhancements, exercising sound decision-making, and exhibiting effective time and project management skills. Duties/Responsibilities: Graphics and Labeling: Review, redline, and create label content adhering to customer requirements and company policies. Oversee label control and reconciliation, ensuring accurate documentation of label application and scrap. Change Control and Records: Support Speed to Market and Production teams by implementing product changes. Update job jackets, MOM, and other documents accordingly. Nonconforming Material: Review and evaluate reported material non-conformances, ensuring appropriate segregation, disposition, and corrective actions. Post Market: Investigate customer returns, complaints, and requests for support regarding product conformance. Implement necessary disposition and corrective actions promptly. CAR/CAPA: Review and investigate CARs/CAPAs as requested or assigned. Internal Audits: Conduct compliance and requirement audits of Quality System processes, manufacturing areas, and documentation. Present findings to management. External Audits: Assist the Quality System Manager in managing external audits from customers and regulatory bodies. Equipment and Gage Control: Manage equipment/gage calibration resources or coordinate external calibration. Ensure proper control of records and calibration labels according to procedure. Production Support: Assist in controlling equipment preventive maintenance and work standards. Collaborate with the organization to establish work standards and support continual improvement initiatives. Monitoring: Conduct or facilitate air, water, and surface monitoring for viable and particulate counts. Coordinate cleanroom and HEPA testing with external suppliers. Training/Education/Experience Requirements: High school diploma required. Minimum 2 years of experience in a production environment. Familiarity with quality management systems (e.g., 21CFR820, ISO 9001/13485), particularly in handling nonconforming products. Proficiency in Microsoft Office software, especially Excel and Word. Ability to learn Quality Software Systems like Epicor and Master Control. Preferred Qualifications: BA/BS in Life Science or related field preferred. Knowledge of complaint handling, root-cause investigation, and product change control desirable. Familiarity with FDA Quality System Regulation (QSR), ISO 13485:2016, and associated standards. Up to 5+ years of experience in a regulated industry, such as medical devices or aerospace, preferred. Benefits: Full-time team members become eligible for benefits starting the first day of the month following 30 days of employment. These include: Health Insurance: High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with Health Savings Account (HSA) - with an employer contribution of $1,040 annually. High Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) Low Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Dental Insurance Vision Insurance Basic Life Insurance (Employer-paid) Supplemental Life Insurance Short-term Disability Insurance (Employer-paid) Long-term Disability Insurance 401(k) Plan with a 4% Employer Match Paid Time Off (accrued at 120 hours per year)* 9 Paid Holidays Access to Continuing Education and Seminar Programs Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Fitness Room Access

US$70000 - US$75000 per year
Minneapolis
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Sr. Development Engineer

Summary: The Senior Development Engineer is responsible for creating new converting process designs, primarily focusing on Rotary processes. The goal is to facilitate exceptional customer experiences while achieving an annual revenue target exceeding $500,000. Duties/Responsibilities: Develop converting processes for customer product designs, ensuring alignment with quality, cost, and reproducibility standards. Utilize Lean Six Sigma methodologies to optimize development processes and promote a scientific approach to process development. Serve as the technical liaison with customers, suppliers, and consultants for new product development. Ensure compliance with GMP and ISO13485 requirements and support the sales team in communicating the value of development runs to customers. Conduct Job Hazard Analysis for new equipment prior to production use. Accountabilities: Uphold company Purpose, Vision, and Values. Achieve annual revenue and cost-saving goals. Ensure product quality and success rate of new tools and processing methods. Training/Education/Experience: Engineering degree or equivalent experience required. Expertise in Rotary Converting, including tensions, gearing, tooling, etc. 10-15 years' engineering experience with LEAN and Six Sigma knowledge. Experience with ISO13485 or GMP compliance and validation activities. Competencies/Talents/Personal Attributes: Ideal Team Player with humility, hunger, and awareness. Strong communication skills and organizational abilities. Proficiency in reading blueprints and problem-solving. Ability to challenge assumptions and make data-driven decisions under pressure. Benefits: Full-time associates become eligible for benefits after 30 days of service. Medical Insurance options include HDHP with HSA Plan, High PPO, Low PPO, and FSA. Dental Insurance coverage. Vision Insurance included. Basic Life Insurance provided by employer. Supplemental Life Insurance available. Short and Long Term Disability coverage provided by employer. 401(k) with a 4% Employer Match. Paid Time Off (120 hours/year accrued). 9 Paid Holidays. Continuing Education and Seminar Programs available. Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Access to Fitness Room.

US$120000 - US$130000 per year
Minneapolis
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Head of Operational Quality Assurance

My client, an international contract manufacturer for Medical Device and Diagnostics, are looking for an experienced manager to join the team as Head of Operational Quality Assurance, reporting into the Head of Quality and Director of Global Quality - Medical. You and your team of QA specialists and quality inspectors will ensure that the quality specifications of medical devices are met and continually optimise processes and methods to increase the efficiency and effectiveness. You will also work closely with the other department leads to ensure quality processes are aligned across the business. Responsibilities: Coordination and organisation of incoming goods inspection processes. Maintaining clean-room qualification, including carrying out regular monitoring. Recording and processing deviations, changes and CAPAs Coordination and organisation of the batch release and conducting a documented batch record review Timely release or blocking of incoming goods, semi-finished goods and finished goods. Timely communication of deviations according to their importance. Personnel management of 7 employees. Requirements: Technical qualification/university degree and experience in a relevant field e.g. medical engineering Good knowledge of ISO 13485 / 14644 / 14971 IT tools (e.g. Office, SAP, QM tools) Excellent German and English language skills Previous management / leadership experience

Negotiable
Rapperswil-Jona
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Sr. Manager, Quality (Medical Device)

Title: Manager/Sr. Manager, Quality (Medial Device) Location: Billerica, MA A leading pharma/med device company is seeking a Manager/Sr. Manager to spearhead Quality activities related to their combination products. The Sr. Manager of Quality will be responsible for all aspects of QA for medical devices manufactured on site or through third party contractors. Responsibilities: Review and approved Device History Records Work on technical investigations relating to product complaints Oversight of vendor/supplier management program - change notifications, audit schedule, status tracking, etc. Ensure site inspection readiness for both internal and external audits Qualifications: Bachelors degree with approx. 8-10 years of Quality experience in medical device, combination product experience preferred Direct experience with medical device complaints investigations and inspection readiness Experience working directly with FDA/notified bodies Must be authorized to work in the united states without sponsorship If you are curious to hear more, please don't hesitate to apply!

Negotiable
Billerica
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Quality Control Manager

Quality Control Manager Location: Miami, Florida Work Situation: Hybrid Level: Manager A global pharmaceutical company specializing in oncology products is seeking an experienced and dedicated Quality Control Manager to join their site in Miami, Florida. The QC Manager will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to ensuring our products' safety, efficacy, and quality. With cutting-edge facilities, rigorous quality standards, and a commitment to excellence, we offer an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact on global health. Join us in shaping the future of cancer treatment and improving patient outcomes worldwide. The Quality Control Manager will be responsible for: - Lead and develop a team overseeing all QC operations, including Chemistry and Microbiology Laboratories - Manage lab operations, Quality Record management, LIMS administration, and Stability Program - Implement internal KPIs for Safety, Quality, Operational Effectiveness, and Training - Provide expertise on chemistry and microbiology strategy, procedures, and regulatory compliance - Lead internal projects for formulation, filling, and facility improvements - Perform administrative duties associated with managing a department and staff - Identify and address quality issues, recommending corrective actions The Quality Control Manager will have the following qualifications: - BA/BS in Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, or Life Sciences - 8 years of pharmaceutical experience, including laboratory management - 2+ years of management-level experience - 2+ years of experience in oncology products - Thorough knowledge of cGMPs, GLPs, and pharmaceutical manufacturing - Proficiency in auditing, root cause analysis, problem-solving, and decision-making - Six Sigma Greenbelt certification, preferred If you are interested in becoming a Quality Control Manager, apply now!

US$100001 - US$130000 per annum
Miami
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Quality Control Manager

Quality Control Manager Location: Omaha, Nebraska Working Situation: Onsite Level: Mid-Senior Level We are seeking a dedicate Quality Control Manager to oversee Quality Control projects within our manufacturing site. This role involves managing various activities such as product transfers, automation, and assay enhancements. Working in a dynamic manufacturing environment, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the efficient execution of testing protocols to supply animal health products. The Quality Control Manager will be responsible for: Provide leadership, coaching, and mentorship to a team of 3-4 QC professionals Demonstrate knowledge of final and bulk product testing, raw materials, and analytical techniques essential for supporting manufacturing processes Take ownership of authoring, reviewing, revising, and approving SOPs, Quality Control Procedures, and other essential documentation, including change management oversight Conduct thorough evaluation of generated data, monitor trends in routine assays, and recommend improvements or alternative strategies Lead or support investigations, Root Cause Analysis, and CAPA implementation and effectiveness evaluations Promote a culture of safety and compliance throughout the laboratories. Serve as a liaison between operations, technicians, and support groups to advocate for laboratory needs and ensure alignment with broader organizational goals Collaborate closely with Quality Assurance and Operations colleagues to address quality-related challenges and optimize processes The Quality Control Manager will have the following qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Biology, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a related field. Minimum of five (5) years of experience in Quality Control procedures and technical development within a cGMP environment Minimum of three (3) years of experience in people leadership, leading teams of 2 or more Familiar with Continuous Improvement, Lean Six Sigma, and/or Lean methodologies, preferred Prior experience with automation, preferred If you are interested in joining our team as the Quality Control Manager, apply now!

US$95000 - US$115000 per annum
Omaha
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Quality Technician III

Summary: A leading contract manufacturing firm headquartered in Minneapolis, MN, is seeking a Quality Technician III to join its team. In this role, you will play a pivotal part in fostering a Culture of Quality and Continuous Improvement throughout the organization by encouraging compliance with Quality System standards across all departments. The company, known for its innovative contributions to medical contract manufacturing and its expertise in intricate materials transformation for critical components utilized in diagnostics, wearable technologies, and electronic devices, is specifically interested in candidates with the following qualifications: Knowledge/Experience Needed: Collaborates with Customer Focused Teams and Production Focused Teams to develop and implement inspection test methods, programs, and relevant documentation. Supports Test Method Validation for inspections according to established protocols. Capable of effective communication across all levels of the organization, with customers, and with suppliers. Demonstrates autonomy and leadership within and beyond the Quality Group, requiring minimal oversight. Utilizes a risk-based approach to decision-making aligned with organizational objectives and customer performance targets. Actively participates in process improvement initiatives to enhance customer satisfaction. Adheres to all Quality System requirements and company procedures, ensuring ethical compliance with regulatory standards. Delivers on commitments punctually, with a keen focus on accuracy and attention to detail. Maintains up-to-date knowledge of relevant medical device regulations such as FDA QSR, ISO 13485, and ISO 14971, as well as other applicable standards and guidance documents. Proficiently sets up, adjusts, aligns, and operates advanced inspection equipment, including Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM). Possesses extensive expertise in dimensional metrology and GD&T, with the ability to interpret blueprints effectively. Understands the importance of critical to quality requirements and is capable of assessing associated risks. Qualifications: A bachelor's degree in a scientific, engineering, or technical field. A genuine interest and commitment to process improvement. Understanding of GD&T principles Quality Technician Experience: at least 2 years' experience as a QTII, or Associates Degree in a related field, and at least 2 years' experience in a manufacturing environment including knowledge of CMM programming Vision correctable to 20/20 with normal color vision (where inspection criteria require color discernment) Technical program certification (e.g. ASQ-CQT) or an Associates Degree in Quality Technology preferred Proficient with Microsoft Office software and familiar with CMM program execution and programming and GD&T software (SmartProfile, Measure-Fit) Benefits: Full-time employees become eligible for benefits on the first of the month following 30 days of continuous service. These benefits include: Medical Insurance Dental Insurance Vision Insurance Employer-Paid Basic Life Insurance Supplemental Life Insurance Employer-Paid Short-Term Disability Long-Term Disability 401(k) Plan Paid Time Off Paid Holidays

US$65000 - US$80000 per year
Minneapolis
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Quality News & Insights

Life Sciences Salary Guides of 2023 Image
biometrics

Life Sciences Salary Guides of 2023

Are you aiming to advance your career within the life sciences sector? Are you interested in discovering your competitors‘ offerings for professionals in your field across the APAC region? We are excited to present our new series of Salary Guides for the life sciences industry. These comprehensive reports will furnish you with invaluable insights into the present salary trends in Singapore, China, Australia, South Korea, and Japan.Compiled from the responses of almost 900 life sciences professionals in the APAC region, this is an opportunity you shouldn't overlook. Seize the chance to gain a competitive advantage in the life sciences field, enabling you to make well-informed choices about your career trajectory, compensation, and hiring approaches.

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The Life Sciences Skills Gap: How to Hire Image
management advice

The Life Sciences Skills Gap: How to Hire

​The life sciences industry is rapidly growing, but it is experiencing skills gaps that need to be addressed to allow it to reach its full potential. According to a 2022 life sciences and pharma talent trends report, 33% of C-suite and human capital leaders in the life sciences and pharmaceuticals sector agree that talent scarcity is a major pain point. This problem is widespread, with the UK also suffering a skills shortage that threatens to stall the industry’s trajectory.Skills gaps in digital and computational skills, and industrial, economic, and clinical research are particularly large. However, if phenotypic, genomic, and patient data integration practices can be optimized across the industry, this will support both research and treatment advances in the future.This article shares effective hiring strategies that can help life sciences organizations address skill gaps within their teams and wider business.Understanding the skills gaps in the life sciences industryStatistics from the talent trends report highlight the key skills gaps in the life sciences industry and how they impact key research and development processes. Demand for life sciences products is forecast to grow more rapidly than the global GDP over the coming years, and 45% of the aforementioned talent leaders note that they are looking to hire primarily to avoid talent scarcity from hindering their organizations’ progress. Moreover, the report found that 67% of pharmaceutical and life sciences companies believe that reskilling their current employees is an efficient way to address and mitigate skills gaps. It currently takes 105 days on average to fill a non-executive life sciences position in the US, leading to financial losses of $500 per open role per day, so intentional talent strategies are crucial to setting life sciences businesses on the path to success.Supporting mobility between sectorsSupporting mobility between sectors plays a vital role in closing the skills gaps within the life sciences industry. Enabling professionals to transition across sectors, ranging from Regulatory and Legal Services to Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Engineering, allows life sciences companies to tap into a vast pool of talent. This is also an effective method of sharing intersectional knowledge and developing key skills.Selecting candidates with a diverse range of backgrounds for open roles may also bring more unique perspectives into your organization, thereby driving innovation and helping to meet growing demand. Focus on transferable skillsFocusing on transferable skills is a powerful approach to bridging the skills gap in the life sciences industry. Rather than solely emphasizing sector-specific experience, prioritizing transferable skills enables professionals to adapt and thrive in new roles within the field. The life sciences industry’s talent offers a myriad of transferable skills that can be used to power future growth and innovation. These include analytical skills, leadership and teamwork skills, problem solving, written and oral communication skills, management skills, and scientific peer communication. Additional soft skills to focus on in your talent acquisition strategy include critical thinking, problem solving, and attention to detail.Consider cultural fitSeek out candidates from other industries who align with your organization’s culture, values, and core mission. This alignment promotes employee engagement, retention, and overall job satisfaction, whilst creating a supportive working environment that benefits from a wide range of experiences and perspectives.These candidates should also possess the aforementioned transferable skills, which will help to ensure that they can perform optimally in their new roles without being hindered by common skills gaps.Offer more flexibilityWhile not a priority for all candidates, flexible working arrangements such as remote or hybrid work arrangements are valuable to skilled candidates and may help to give your organization an advantage in the ongoing competition for life sciences talent.Hire top talent with EPM ScientificEPM Scientific is a leading specialist life sciences talent partner, providing you with a wealth of expertise to help you locate the best talent for your life sciences roles globally. Submit a vacancy or request a call back from our team to find the right people to drive your organization forwards.

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How to Ensure Employee Retention in Life Sciences Image
safety-pharmacovigilance

How to Ensure Employee Retention in Life Sciences

​The Pharmaceutical market has expanded considerably in the past two decades, with Pharma revenues totalling $1.42tn in 2021. This has been accompanied by a growing demand for experienced, highly qualified Life Sciences professionals: with more drugs than ever now available, companies require a strong workforce to bring their products to market. The industry has had to deal with an ever-small talent pool as a result, which has been exacerbated by one of the highest employee churn rates, with the Life Sciences and Medical Devices industry alone seeing a 20.6% turnover rate. This is reflected in the results of our Life Sciences survey which revealed that more than 40% of Life Sciences professionals are currently looking for a new role.The COVID-19 pandemic led to a substantial increase in resignations across all industries, as many employees started to re-evaluate their priorities and seek roles that offered flexible remote-work policies. Consequently, companies have found it harder to get the people they need. 47.8 million workers in the U.S. decided to quit their jobs in 2021 – the highest volume of resignations since the Bureau of Labor Statistics began recording this data in 2001. This is equivalent to 3.98 million workers quitting their jobs each month, up from an average of roughly 3m leaving their jobs each month in 2019.Similar trends have been observed in Australia and the UK, where the rate of employed people between 16-64 choosing to switch jobs reached an all-time high of 3.2% between October-December 2021. The resignation rate continued to increase in 2022, with job-to-job resignations in the UK peaking at 442,000 in the second quarter of 2022. In Europe, one in three workers are considering quitting their jobs in the near term, with inadequate compensation and lack of career advancement being cited as the top factors.Why are Life Sciences professionals leaving their roles?The reasons that Life Sciences professionals have for wanting to leave their jobs vary across each industry sector. However, the promise of higher remuneration is invariably the main reason. This is according to findings from our Year in Review, which goes into greater depth about the factors that matter most to Life Sciences professionals when seeking to advance their careers.There are a host of other important factors, however, such as the desire for an improved work-life balance and employees wanting to acquire more new skills that will aid in their professional development. Changes in management can also cause people to want to move jobs, and Life Sciences professionals are increasingly looking for openings that provide flexible working hours and the ability to work from home.How to improve employee retentionThe good news is that there is a wide range of employee retention strategies that you can adopt in your workplace. Let’s take a look at some of the most effective employee retention techniques that you can use to ensure that your employees are satisfied at work and remain highly motivated in their positions, as opposed to looking elsewhere for their big career break.Offer competitive salaries and benefitsDissatisfaction around salary has had a negative impact on talent retention in the Life Sciences sector. As we’ve seen across the board, wanting higher compensation is the top reason for employees wanting to move to jobs; 70% of the R&D professionals that we surveyed within the Pharmacological industry were motivated by the promise of higher compensation at other companies.Paying your team a competitive rate is a simple but effective employee retention strategy that you can use to avoid your workforce shrinking. Our survey results show that the majority of respondents want a pay rise upwards of 10-15% of their current salary, which provides some indication of how much you may need to offer in order to remain competitive. Focus on career developmentYour employees will be far less likely to want to continue working for you long-term if there are few opportunities for advancement – or if their ability to develop their skills is limited. A study by Work Institute found that employees quit in 20% of cases due to career development issues.This highlights the importance of setting clear paths for career progression to give your team the motivation and provide them with long-term goals.Be flexibleOffering flexible working arrangements is a sure-fire way to keep your employees happy. Our Year in Review revealed that the option to work from home is very important to 60% of the industry as a whole. The majority of R&D respondents deemed flexibility as either important or very important, and workers in Pharmacovigilance ranked flexibility higher than salary when asked what is most important when considering a new job.Whilst a lack of flexible working options will not be a deal-breaker for many employees, you will find it far easier to retain your top talent if you grant them greater freedom to work according to their preferences.Build a supportive company cultureThere’s nothing quite like a warm, friendly culture when it comes to getting excellent work out of your employees. It’s also one of the best ways to increase their loyalty to the company.Seeking feedback from employees on a regular basis about how working processes might be improved helps ensure that workers feel that their concerns are being heard and addressed. Providing senior employees with the skills and training that they need to be good managers is also a worthwhile endeavour. Manufacturing professionals regard good leadership as almost as important as salary, according to our Year in Review survey.Promote work-life balanceMore than a third of respondents in our Life Sciences Year in Review report highlighted a poor work-life balance as one of the main reasons for wanting to seek employment in another role. Almost half of the Clinical Pharmacology professionals surveyed cited a need for an improved work-life balance as their main reason for seeking a new position.With higher numbers of professionals re-evaluating their priorities in life in the wake of the COVID pandemic, it’s no wonder that Life Sciences professionals are seeking out positions that allow them to spend more time with their families and friends. Giving your employees more personal time is therefore one of the most effective strategies for employee retention.Offer innovative, up-to-date technologiesFinally, ensure that you have the latest technology in your workplace. Investing in top-of-the-range software, for example, will make it easier for your employees to complete tasks and reduce the errors that are made, thereby increasing company productivity and boosting morale.Employee retention is critical to successThriving companies are characterized by a happy, satisfied workforce and high employee retention rates. Partner with EPM Scientific, a leading executive search firm for the Life Sciences industry, to find out more about how you can implement employee retention strategies that get results. Request a call back and one of our specialist consultants will be in touch. ​

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How to Determine if a New Hire Will Fit into Your Company's Culture Image
Management & Culture

How to Determine if a New Hire Will Fit into Your Company's Culture

There’s no question that a company’s culture and ethos can help its employees feel more satisfied at work, increase employee retention and ultimately serve as a catalyst for its success. Company culture is seen as very important by professionals: survey data collected by Glassdoor shows that more than three quarters of professionals take the culture into account before applying for a job, and 56% say that they see the culture of a company as playing a more significant role than salary in determining overall job satisfaction. Given the role that it plays, cultural fit should be a key priority for employers.Why is cultural fit important?If somebody is a good cultural fit for a company, they are far more likely to be an engaged, motivated employee who derives satisfaction from their role. There is a greater chance that they will see the job as more than just a source of income and as such, they will be more likely to go above and beyond in the workplace and may even inspire others to follow in their footsteps.Hiring for cultural fit therefore makes good business sense. 10-25% of new employees decide to leave within six months of starting work, and one reason that professionals give for quitting is that they feel that they are a poor fit for the company culture. Choosing people for the job who are a natural fit for the company’s values and working practices is a great way to avoid these problems from arising.How to hire for cultural fit?Given the importance of company culture, businesses are increasingly hiring for cultural fit. This involves defining what your culture is all about and incorporating questions at interview stage that relate to your interviewees’ values, motivations and aspirations.Define your company’s cultureThe first step is to describe your company’s culture in writing. What are the values, beliefs and ethics that characterize your company’s operations and working environment? If you are struggling to capture the essence of your culture, it might be worth asking current employees about how they feel about the company and its working practices. It is recommended that you use such feedback when writing or updating a mission statement and articulating your company values. Include these on your website and on all your digital platforms, in addition to testimonials from your current employees.Demonstrate your values throughout the interview processAsking values-based interview questions is one of the best ways to identify candidates who share your values and will be a good fit in the workplace.You should also draw attention to the benefits that you offer your employees. 56% of CFOs in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) have said that they are considering expanding benefits, including flexible working arrangements (FWAs), in a bid to retain their top talent. If you offer flexible working roles, ensure that your staff relay this information at interview stage.Cover the right questionsIf you’re wondering how to determine if a candidate is a good fit, asking the following questions will help shed light on the personality of your interviewees and their alignment with your values:What motivates you? How do you handle conflict in the workplace?What work environment supports innovation and productivity levels? Give me an example of something that you have taught yourself in the last six monthsWhat experiences have shaped your outlook on life?What are you most proud of?Utilize personality testsPersonality tests provide valuable insights into how prospective employees approach problems. They can also shed light on their ability to work alongside others and offer further information about their interests and preferences.Some of the most common personality tests used by employers include the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, the Caliper Profile and the 16 Personality Factor Questionnaire.Other key considerationsWhilst cultural fit is of great importance, it should be weighed alongside other factors. Hiring solely for cultural fit can perpetuate bias and lead to a lack of diversity within the workplace as a result. It’s also important to take into consideration an applicant’s qualifications, work experience, career aspirations and skill set when assessing their suitability for a role in your organization.Secure Life Sciences Talent with EPM ScientificAre you looking to solve your talent challenges? EPM Scientific offers bespoke talent solutions across Life Sciences A combination of our specialist account management service, ongoing support and reporting, and hiring advice allows us to find you exactly the people you need, when you need them. Register your vacancy or request a call back today.Our Talent Expertise​​​

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Pharmacology

Benefits of Life Sciences Contract Work

According to Statista, 86.5 million people in the United States alone will be freelancing by 2027, which is more than half of the country’s workforce – and this is a trend that’s not limited to the US. In Europe, it’s estimated that there are already 32.3 million freelancers making up 15% of the total labor market.If you’re in the Life Sciences sector, you can enjoy the benefits of contract work. The big question is, would a contract job be the right choice for you? This is an important question especially if you’ve built your career in permanent roles. Consider the benefits of being a contract employee and weigh them up against your own priorities to be better able to make an informed decision.The benefit of higher payHigher pay is one of the benefits of contract work. There’s a misconception that Life Sciences contractors do not earn as much as those in permanent roles, but the reality is that most Life Science companies are often willing to pay contract workers more money.  One of the reasons for this is that those companies do not have to cover health benefits, social security taxes, 401K (retirement) contributions, unemployment compensation, or Medicare for contract workers. They also understand that they need to compensate for the lack of company benefits and a steady income, especially if those contractors have a high level of expertise in their field.Freedom of choiceThe freedom to choose who you work with, where you work, and for how long you work is another of the benefits of contract jobs. As a contractor, you can carefully select the Life Sciences companies you want to work for, and you can choose roles or projects that interest you and avoid those that don’t. In addition, you can select the contracts that best suit you, whether you consider the location in which you will be based or the length of the contract.Gaining broad skills and experienceThe potential to gain much broader skillsets and a wealth of experience is another benefit of contract work in the Life Sciences sector. Making this benefit even more attractive is that you can do this in a relatively short time.As a contractor, you probably will fill a specific role for a variety of Life Sciences companies. By working on different projects in those companies, you will gain insights into and experience in a diversity of systems and workflows, some of which will be unique to specific companies. This is not possible if you remain a permanent employee within one company.Contract work also keeps work experience fresh, as your responsibilities are not likely to become monotonous or repetitive. The continued challenges that come your way are opportunities to diversify your skillset, which will count in your favor as you continue to progress your career through contract jobs. Find the right roleSince 2012, EPM Scientific has placed candidates in their next Life Sciences role, including both contract and permanent positions. Register your resume on our site to access the latest role​s on the Life Sciences job market and find out how we can help you define your next career move.​

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The Benefits of using Life Sciences contractors/freelancers

The use of life sciences contractors and freelancers is becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason. Not only are they able to provide specialized expertise, but they also offer a wide range of benefits that can help a business grow and thrive. Here are 10 of the top benefits of using life sciences contractors and freelancers.1. Cost Savings: Hiring contractors and freelancers is often significantly cheaper than hiring full-time staff. This is because you only pay for the services you need, when you need them.2. Flexibility: Contractors and freelancers offer flexibility that traditional employees cannot. You can easily scale up or down your workforce as needed, allowing you to meet fluctuating demands.3. Access To Specialized Expertise: Life sciences contractors and freelancers often have specialized skills and expertise that can be invaluable to a business.4. Faster Turnaround Time: When you need something done quickly, hiring a contractor or freelancer is often the fastest way to get the job done.5. Reduced Overhead: Contractors and freelancers don’t require the investment in overhead expenses that full-time employees do, such as office space and benefits.6. Fresh Perspective: Bringing in a contractor or freelancer can bring a fresh perspective to a project and help generate new ideas.7. Lower Risk: Hiring a contractor or freelancer reduces the risk that comes with hiring full-time employees. If a project doesn’t meet expectations, you can simply end the contract and look for a better fit.8. Increased Productivity: With more specialized expertise, contractors and freelancers can often complete projects more efficiently and quickly than full-time employees.9. Focus On Core Activities: By outsourcing more specialized tasks to contractors and freelancers, businesses can focus more on their core activities and reduce distractions.10. Improved Morale: Hiring contractors and freelancers can help to improve morale among existing staff, as they don’t have to take on extra tasks they may not be qualified or comfortable with.At EPM Scientific, we are the leading provider of life sciences contract and freelance recruitment services. We understand the importance of finding the right talent for the job, and have the experience and expertise to help you find the perfect candidate for your business. Request a call back from us todayto learn more about how we can help you find the perfect contractor or freelancer for your business.

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