Bioengineering & Medical Engineering

Bioengineering & Medical Engineering

Medical engineering focuses on applying the principles of engineering to the biological world with an aim to prevent and fight disease and enhance our health. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 5% growth rate in employment for biomedical engineers between 2022 and 2032, which is faster than the average for most occupations. Filling the growing number of positions in this constantly evolving sector can be a long, challenging process. Turn to EPM Scientific, a trusted talent partner of leading companies and promising startups in the life sciences industry. We will find the best candidates and deliver them when your company needs them.

How we can help

EPM Scientific can source and deliver the best bioengineering, medical and life sciences engineering talent. We place the best candidates quickly when you need individuals or teams to run projects, head departments, or otherwise drive your company goals. Investing in top-class technologies and the ongoing development of our talent experts enables us to meet our clients’ needs and contributes to a decade-long reputation for excellence.

Bioengineering and medical engineering talent solutions

EPM Scientific can connect you with sought-after talent and new career opportunities. Our global hubs offer permanent, contract, and multi-hire solutions bespoke to your needs. We will engage with you prior to the talent-sourcing process to ensure we deliver the best candidates. Take advantage of our tailored retained and contingent services and our extensive network of contractors and interim managers, whether you need individuals or teams for time-critical or long-term roles.

EPM Scientific is Phaidon International’s specialist life sciences brand. Our talent sourcing expertise, high-level account management, and value creation services such as sector-specific deep dives and salary guidance, means we can help you source the right candidates for jobs in the medical and life sciences engineering field.


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Benefits of working with us

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.

Looking to hire?

Engineering Jobs

Medical Engineering offers an array of specialties, such as biomaterials, biomechanics, bioinstrumentation, rehabilitation and systems physiology, and clinical engineering. Among the top roles we help clients fill are Senior Engineers, Senior Software Engineers, and Biomaterials Developers.

Principal Quality Engineer

Title: Principal Quality Engineer Summary: A leading company in specialty pharmaceuticals is looking to add a Principal Quality Engineer to their team! This is a well-established company with over 150 years of experience in the industry, focusing on specialty pharmaceuticals to treat severe conditions. This role will oversee the QA management and provide leadership to ensure that regulatory requirements are met. The Principal Quality Engineer will be responsible for: Supervise the QA team responsible for batch record review and product release. Author, assess, and approve exceptions, change controls, and CAPAs within the quality system. Lead investigations for OOS results and customer complaints. Drive strategic quality improvement projects and initiatives. Facilitate site transitions to align with drug product expectations. Act as the site's lead auditor. Ensure compliance cGMP guidelines. Identify, assess, and rectify gaps in data integrity. Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering 5+ years of experience in QA/QC within pharmaceuticals Preferred ASQ CQA credentials Experience in FDA CFR and ICH requirements Experience in cGMP environment Six Sigma and/or Lean manufacturing experience

US$83000 - US$110000 per annum
Illinois
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Robotics Engineer

You will be responsible for the development of our next generation robotic exoskeleton. You will ideate, conceive, design and implement mechanical product features for the best exoskeleton of its class. You will industrialise existing product features and parts for medical-grade production at scale. Your contributions will have a substantial impact on the product's value provided to the patients and their relatives. Responsibilities and Duties Lead the product mechanical development towards transforming our functional prototype into a ready-for-market medical product Translate the product functional requirements into product features Develop hardware features of our robotic exoskeleton product while accounting for manufacturing constraints Identify and select suppliers that meet the high quality and responsibility standards of a medical device || About you There is no challenge too difficult for you, you enjoy discovering and defining problems as much as solving them. You are able to set priorities and focus on what is most important. You are a cross-disciplinary team member. You are excited to work with and learn from software, electrical, materials and human factors engineers, movements scientist and designers. Has a background in robotic with 5 years' experience in Medasystem and is able to write basic codes Passionate and driven characteristic Key qualifications Degree in mechanical engineering, structural engineering or robotics. Fluent in at least one CAD design tool, and basic experience with SolidWorks English (B2) Optional qualifications Experience developing medical products according to related standards (ISO 13485) and their approval process (CE marking, FDA approval) Experience in composite materials Experience in the field of wearable robotics General understanding of robotics, systems engineering and their principles Experience in electrical actuator design Experience in industrialisation of hardware products German, French

Negotiable
Schweizer-Reneke
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EMC Test Engineer

Join our clients as an EMC Test Engineer in Kaufbeuren, Germany! Introductory Paragraph: Our client is seeking a dynamic and experienced EMC Test Engineer to join their growing team based in the beautiful city of Kaufbeuren. As one of the leading companies within medical device manufacturing, this role offers exciting opportunities for career growth and development. Qualifications: - German Speaker The successful candidate must be fluent in spoken and written German language skills. - Electromagnetics Background Candidates should have a strong background in electromagnetics with experience working on testing requirements such as IEC 60601 or similar standards. Skills: - Testing Experience Proficient knowledge of EMC (Electro Magnetic Compatibility ) testing protocols would be essential along with other relevant industry standard practices. - Medical Device Industry Knowledge Experience working within the medical device sector will provide valuable insights into regulatory compliance that are required by governing bodies - i.e., ISO13485 Additional Requirements -Driver's License A valid driver's license is necessary due to travel obligations between different sites across Europe. If you're looking for your next challenge, then please do not hesitate to apply today! Our client values diversity throughout all levels so encourages applicants from any cultural backgrounds regardless whether they identify themselves being part related groups protected under legislation relating age discrimination , gender reassignment discrimination, marriage/civil partnership status discrimination race/color/nationality/ethnic origin religion/belief/disability .

£70000 - £80000 per annum
Kaufbeuren
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Sales Specialist

Join a vibrant team in the Life Sciences industry, where you will play a pivotal role in driving advancements in human health. Our client is a global leader in biotechnology, dedicated to providing cutting-edge solutions that span from fundamental biological research to groundbreaking vaccines and medications. Job Description: Engage in the sales of products to pharmaceutical companies. Manage key customer relationships. Meet customer needs and ensure the renewal of contracts. Evaluate products and formulate proposals. Key Requirements: Demonstrated 5+ years of sales experience. Fluent in Japanese. Proficiency in English (writing and reading). Understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices in regulated environments. Customer-focused, growth mindset, and a driven problem-solver. Background and interest in the life sciences industry (preferred).

Negotiable
Japan
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Automation Engineer

Job Title: Automation Engineer (DeltaV) Location: Singapore Company Overview: We are a leading provider of IT solutions tailored specifically for the pharmaceutical industry. With a focus on innovation and efficiency, we empower pharmaceutical companies to optimize their manufacturing processes, improve product quality, and ensure regulatory compliance. Our team is dedicated to delivering cutting-edge solutions that drive operational excellence and enhance patient outcomes. Position Overview: We are seeking a talented and experienced Automation Engineer with expertise in DeltaV to join our team in Singapore. The Automation Engineer will play a crucial role in designing, implementing, and maintaining automation systems for pharmaceutical manufacturing processes. This individual will work closely with cross-functional teams to develop and deploy automation solutions that enhance efficiency, reliability, and compliance. Key Responsibilities: Design, configure, and implement DeltaV automation solutions for pharmaceutical manufacturing processes, including batch automation, recipe management, and process control. Collaborate with project teams to define automation requirements, develop functional specifications, and design control system architectures that meet business objectives and regulatory requirements. Program and configure DeltaV systems, including controllers, I/O modules, and HMIs, to support process automation and data acquisition. Perform system integration testing, commissioning, and validation of automation systems in accordance with GAMP and cGMP guidelines. Troubleshoot automation issues, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions to ensure system reliability and performance. Provide technical support to manufacturing operations, including troubleshooting equipment issues, optimizing process performance, and implementing system enhancements. Develop and maintain documentation, including system design specifications, configuration records, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for automation systems. Stay current on industry trends, emerging technologies, and regulatory requirements related to automation and control systems. Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field. Minimum of 3 years of experience in automation engineering, with a focus on DeltaV systems in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry. Proficiency in DeltaV DCS configuration, programming, and troubleshooting. Strong understanding of process automation principles, including batch control, PID loops, and alarm management. Experience with PLC programming (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Siemens) and SCADA systems is a plus. Knowledge of GAMP guidelines, cGMP regulations, and FDA validation requirements for automated systems. Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze complex issues and implement effective solutions. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams. Proven ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and manage multiple projects simultaneously. Willingness to travel occasionally for project assignments and customer support activities. Join our dynamic team and be part of a company that is revolutionizing the pharmaceutical industry through innovative IT solutions. If you are a motivated Automation Engineer with experience in DeltaV looking for an exciting opportunity to contribute to the future of pharmaceutical manufacturing, we encourage you to apply for this position with us.

Negotiable
Singapore
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Process Manager (m/w/d)

Title: Process Manager (m/w/d) Our client is looking for an experienced and motivated Manager to join their pharmaceutical production team. The successful candidate will be responsible for implementing both sterile and non-sterile projects within the company's manufacturing processes while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. Responsibilities: - Independently manage interdisciplinary projects - Establish production control strategies - Coordinate participation in transfer/validation projects - Develop concepts/ideas alongside management - Optimize economic/manufacturing/GMP/EHS perspectives of existing processes - Prepare GMP documents & train employees - Participate/partake in audits by national/international authorities Qualifications/Skills Required: -A university degree that specializes or relates to pharmacy/pharmaceutical technology. -Knowledgeable about solid dosage forms; experience working on such form desirable. -Familiarity with new innovative technologies related to pharma products. -Good knowledge of standard IT applications/MS Office systems/machines used during productions/fill finish stages etcetera -Possess good communication skills(team-oriented), flexibility, and assertiveness when managing others effectively . -Must have at least three years' work-related experiences as well as excellent written/spoken German and English language proficiency Send us your application now if all these qualifications suitably describe you.

Negotiable
Germany
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Cyber Security Consultant - ICS/OT and IIoT (remote)

The Senior Cyber Security Advisor will assess the security of network-connected devices, products, and industrial equipment systems, focusing on Industrial OT/IIoT and IoT technologies within various ecosystems like Smart Buildings, Smart Cities, and Smart Manufacturing. The role includes product analysis, engineer support and training, and adherence to IEC-62443 standards. Senior Cyber Security Advisor Responsibilities: Provide personalised guidance and support to customers, covering project planning, training, assessment, documentation, and implementation. Write formal reports aligned with customer and certification scheme requirements. Support IEC 62443 certification for components, products, and systems. Assist the Project Management team in scoping evaluations, defining resource needs, and meeting customer expectations. Stay updated on industry trends, share knowledge within the team, and enhance customer awareness through various activities. Contribute to the development of the companies assurance programs and services in collaboration with the security team. Offer technical support to internal staff, addressing planning, logistics, procedure updates, training, and quality issues. Provide sales support for complex projects. Ensure adherence to internal procedures, including project progress updates, invoicing, and administrative processes. Senior Cyber Security Advisor Requirements: University Degree in Cybersecurity, Instrumentation and Controls, Computer Science, Information Technology, Mathematics, or a related discipline. 3-5 years of relevant work experience with a customer-facing advisory role and technical expertise. Experience with IEC 62443 standard, industrial automation, and control systems. Proficiency in cybersecurity domains such as Risk Management, Asset Security, Network Security, Identity & Access Management. Strong communication skills for presentations and adaptation to different technical and organisational environments. Collaborative and resilient, capable of coaching team members and working in various teams simultaneously. Proven history of responsibility, accuracy, and attention to detail. Familiarity with industry issues in critical sectors like Energy, Water, Oil & Gas, Chemicals, Maritime, Renewable Energy, EV charging, Transportation, or Telecommunications. Willingness to travel regionally as needed. Please reach out to amelia.rose.brown@epmscientific with an updated version of your CV or call +44 20 3758 8972.

Negotiable
England
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Software Developer (Experienced, C++/Qt/QML) ( m / w / d )

Experienced C++/Qt/QML Software Developer Needed for Medical Device Company in Bern, Switzerland Our client, a leading medical device company based in Bern, Switzerland is seeking an experienced Software Developer to join their team. The successful candidate will be responsible for designing and implementing high-quality software applications using industry standards while ensuring User Interface functionality through QML and Qt. Skills and Qualifications: 5+ years of experience in Software Engineering in regulated industry Strong experience with C++ programming language Experience with Qt and/or QML Proven track record of working on complex projects as well as delivering quality results within tight deadlines. BSc or equivalent degree in Computer Science Join this dynamic team today! Email me your CV or give me a call to discuss the opportunity :) Alexandra(dot)von(dot)stein(at)epmscientific(dot)com +44 2038790761

Negotiable
Berne
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CSV Engineer Opportunities

CSV Engineer $38/hr Leading biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and medical device companies collaborate with our client to offer creative and effective solutions that support their GxP organizations' launch, growth, and sustainability. Personnel are expected to live up to our core values at all times and exhibit a high level of integrity and personal responsibility, especially when interacting with our valued clients. The following is a short list of the typical responsibilities and deliverables of any given project. The level of knowledge expected will be commensurate with level of incoming experience. Qualifications: * A Bachelor's degree in science, engineering, or a related field. * Three to five years of experience in a controlled production setting in the pharmaceutical, medical device, or biotechnology sectors. * Working knowledge of quality systems (Change Control, Non-Conformances, Requalification, etc.), validation (IQ, OQ, PQ, PV, CV, CSV, etc.), and process excellence methodologies (Six-Sigma, Lean, etc.). * Great communication skills, both oral and written; exceptional technical writing abilities. * The capacity to collaborate with others and function well in a team setting. * Capacity to multitask and operate efficiently in a fast-paced setting. * Extensive practical understanding of cGMP and FDA rules as well as documentation standards. If you are interested in learning more about this role, don't hesitate to contact me. Email: michael.phillips@epmscientific.com Work Number: 310-759-0670

US$30 - US$45 per hour
Irvine
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Senior Director of Quality

Title: Senior Director of Quality Location: Irvine, CA (Hybrid) Compensation package: Benefits 401k Paternity/Maternity leave Generous PTO Qualifications: Extensive regulatory compliance experience (FDA regulations, ISO standards, etc) Experience in leading quality initiatives, fostering a culture of quality throughout the organization, and providing mentorship and guidance to their team members. Experience in driving continuous improvement initiatives, optimizing quality processes, and implementing best practices to enhance product quality and reliability. Experience in collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams including R&D, manufacturing, regulatory affairs, and supply chain. They should be able to influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization to ensure quality goals are met. Responsibilities: Develop and Maintain Quality Management Systems (QMS) Ensure Regulatory Compliance Quality Assurance and Control Leadership and Cross-functional Collaboration

US$200000 - US$240000 per year
Irvine
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Director of Quality (Medical Device)

We have a current opportunity for a Director of Quality (Medical Device). The position will be based in San Francisco, but has the ability to be remote.

US$170000 - US$200000 per year
San Francisco
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Product Certification Engineer - Carugate, Italy

Are you an Electrical/Electronic Engineer with some experience in or an understanding of electrical/electronic safety testing to ensure product compliance with European and international standards? Project Certification Responsibilities: Identify and determine Client needs, analyze Client input, data and product construction; discuss technical issues and explain the companies procedures and requirements Determine project scope and specifications such as cost, time and sample requirements Agree project cost, deadlines and completion date Establish appropriate test programs by reviewing manufacturers' info, examine samples and keep Clients updated on any issues or concerns that might impact or change the project scope or specifications Prepare data sheets and coordinate all the laboratory test activities ensuring completion according to schedules; review outcomes and sign-off records when required Collate reports and communicate project status and results to Clients; follow up on Service Procedures and Information Pages Project Certification Requirements: University Degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Industrial Technology or Diploma with some directly related equivalent experience Capable of reading schematics and ideally knowledge of product relevant conformity standards Able to build rapport and communicate effectively with Clients and Laboratory colleagues Happy to travel to Clients' sites when required Outstanding project management, record and time keeping skills Client-centric, Agile, Collaborative, taking pride and striving for excellence

Negotiable
Milan
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Engineering 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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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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Bioartificial Kidneys and Tissue Engineering: Cyborg Future?

​UCSFs bioartificial kidney is an exciting breakthrough which circumvents the need for tissue-blood supply,using  cyborg-likesilicon chips. In thisarticlewe explore UCSF’s Kidney Project, the latest applications of tissue engineering, and the recruitment trends within the pharma and biotech fields.We have previously discussed how the fields of tissue-engineeringand regenerative medicine are poised to yield market disruptions for biotech and pharma.Recap: What is tissue engineering?Tissue engineering is the synthesis of biological tissues — usually via a combination of a scaffold, stem cells, and growth factors. Like the field of gene therapy, tissue engineering has progressed from early debates overradical sciencetoviable and disruptive product lines.  While regenerative medicine includes therapies to rejuvenate tissues, tissue-engineering seeks to replace tissues with de-novo implants that are either grown from the host or immune tolerant. A number of projects in recent years haveutilisedtissue engineering: In 2016 theLancet reportedthat a Swiss group had taken biopsies of subjects’ nasal cartilage, expanded them in a lab on an electrospun scaffold, then replanted them successfully into full-thickness articular defects in the cartilage of the same subject's knee.  This is a potential therapy for knee osteoarthritis.In 2017scientists from Tokyo Universityreported on the use of implanted nasal cartilage grafts to treat facial defects in adults with cleft-palates. In 2018Science Translational Medicinereported on the use of implanted tissue-engineered spinal discs to treat advanced disc degeneration in rats. The field holds promise for any degenerative disease that impacts irreplaceable tissues, such ascardiac valves,peripheral nerves,spinal cord,amputated limbs, and much more. However, the problem with tissue engineered constructs and a major barrier to evolution in the field has turned out to be relatively simple.  Once any engineered tissue grows beyond a few cell layers, itrequires a nutrient supplyto support itself.  In biological tissues, blood vessels support living cells by bringing nutrients and eliminating wastes.  But when seeking to de-novo engineer a tissue from cartilage, liver, or kidney stem cells blood vessels are an extreme complication — to create them requires creating a second tissue,interspersed with the first, composed ofmultiple cell typesin layers, and highlycomplex to engineer.  The blood vessel problem is a major barrier to innovation in the field of tissue engineering.  Here’s how one team is solving it...The bioartificial kidney and blood vesselsGlobally, between8-16%of people suffer from chronic kidney disease. The dialysis industry was estimated at$40 billionin 2018.  Kidney transplants are themost common organ donationworldwide, and there are greater than100,000 peoplewithend-stagerenal disease in the US waiting for a kidney transplant. Kidneys are composed of highly specialized cells that filter blood to formurine,and are essential for excreting wastes, balancing electrolytes, and maintaining healthy red blood cells. It’s now possible for these tissues can beengineered in the lab, andmany research groupshave made progress in this field. UCSF’s Kidney Project breakthrough One group, Dr. Shuvo Roy’smicroelectricalmechanical labat UCSF, has made an interesting breakthrough, which is relevant beyond just kidneys, to the entire field of tissue engineering.  Many scientists have grown a functional tissue, then implanted it hoping it would vascularize. Or, havegrown blood vessels into a scaffold, then cultured functional cells in theprevascularizedstructure. Dr. Shuvo Roy’sKidney Projectsimply printed a silicon chip that carried nutrient supplies like a dialysis machine, then placed cells in the chip.  Rather than recreating complex biological tissues, they created a silicon chip that supported individual cells.  This is essentially a simple concept, that stands to reverse all of tissue engineering. It’s possible that the best tissue-engineered grafts are not going to recreate biological architecture. On this basis, some believe that the implants of the future will becyborg composites, functional cells living in an artificial matrix. Impact of tissue engineering R&D on pharma and biotech recruitmentWe believe biotech and pharma would be well served to integrate tissue-engineering R&D into their portfolios because the field is poised for breakthroughs, and those breakthroughs are likely to disrupt established clinical markets. Experts in this field are valuable, and recruitment in this industry is at an all-time high.Operating as part of the Phaidon International group, EPM Scientific is a specialist staffing agency, wholly focused on permanent & freelance recruitment within the life sciences sector.  We are designed to enhance the connection between enterprise project management and recruitment services in complex drug & device development endeavors like tissue-engineering and regenerative medicine therapies. At EPM Scientific, we think holistically. We recruit the best talent to ensure superior medicines are available to patients and we believe in the positive evolution of human health.  As we’ve shown with the example of Dr. Shuvo Roy’s research group and the bioartificial kidney, the right perspective, and the right talent can take a complex, unsolvable problem and circumvent it to unlock potential across many disciplines. The right candidate for the right team takes skill and timing.  If you’re a hiring manager in pharma or biotech looking to extend your team with tissue engineering capacities,  or you’re a consultant with this expertise wishing to move into industry.  I’m happy to help you find the right fit.  Please feel free to reach out directly at Contact.Us@epmscientific.com-------------------------EPM Scientific is a leading specialist recruitment agency for the Life Sciences industry. We were founded in 2012 to give companies and candidates peace of mind that the recruitment process is in experts hands. Today, we provide contingency, retained search and project-based contract recruitment from our global hubs in London, Berlin, Switzerland, New York and Chicago.We pride ourselves in keeping our professional network up-to-date with any changes that will shape the future of work or affect the hiring process. Visit our website to discover more invaluable insights, including exclusive research, salary guides and market trends.

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Emerging Markets in Tissue Engineering Image
engineering

Emerging Markets in Tissue Engineering

​Tissue-engineered substrates like Axogen nerve-grafts and 3D-printed hydrogels have penetrated past the hype phase of the Garner hype cycle to the main market.  Tissue-engineering and regenerative medicine are hot topics lately.  While the average person associates these therapies with idealistic sci-fi, the truth is that these therapies have exited controversial trial-and-error experimentation and are beginning to generate viable product lines.  In other words, they have made it past the hype and are beginning to yield.While these two terms are often used interchangeably they are subtly different sciences. Tissue-engineering is a biomaterials field where scaffolds, cells, and growth are combined to synthesize functional tissues which could be implanted in humans. Current innovation in this field is focused on experiments to determine the optimum ratios, substrates, and timelines to grow viable tissues.  This research is less fundamental and more experimental, often occurring in academia.In contrast, regenerative medicine is a broader clinical field which includes tissue-engineering but also therapies to transplant or rejuvenate human tissues in situ.  Many of these therapies are already on the market in some form in the cosmetics or sports injury industries.  This research is more applied and occurs in industry, medicine, and academia. The tissue-engineering industryTissue-engineering is highly desirable because it escapes the ethical, autoimmune, and infectious dilemmas of transplanted tissues. Complex non-antigenic bioimplants could also disrupt more expensive and less effective medical industries like dialysis or prosthetic limbs.The drawback with tissue-engineering has always been complexity. As Einstein is paraphrased as saying “Everything should be made as simple as possible, but no simpler”.  The reason we haven’t had tissue-engineered products in the past, is they are not simple to make. Biological tissues are grown over time, dynamic, and interdependent. As difficult as it is to expand and grow healthy tissue in a lab, viable lab-grown tissues must also be viable in the body.  When tissue is implanted it must be accepted by the immune system, integrate into vascular and lymphatic supplies, and then remodel appropriately with age.  Despite the challenges, several revolutionary tissue-engineered products have been emerging onto the biotech and pharma markets.  Some examples of viable tissue-engineered therapies that are achieving clinical use and widespread scientific acceptance include:Decellularized tissues such as Axogen’s Avance®  nerve grafts marketed for repair of transected or damaged nerves or DermACELL® skin replacements for burnsGrowth factors such as those eluted from Osiris’ Grafix® a placental membrane therapy marketed for the healing of chronic woundsImplanted tissues such as Dr. Ivan Martin’s implanted cartilage grafts for knee arthritisWhat does this mean for recruitment?Novel tissue-engineered products have the potential to replace human tissues previously thought irreplaceable such as nerve, bone, and cartilage.  Additionally,  therapies from tissue-engineering might also yield unexpected breakthroughs in the wider clinical and commercial fields of regenerative medicine.Biotech and pharma would be well served to integrate tissue-engineering R&D into their portfolios because the field is poised for breakthroughs, and those breakthroughs are likely to disrupt established clinical markets. Experts in this field are valuable, and recruitment in this industry is at an all-time high.Operating as part of the Phaidon International group, EPM Scientific is a specialist staffing agency, wholly focused on permanent & freelance recruitment within the life sciences sector.  We are designed to enhance the connection between enterprise project management and recruitment services in complex drug & device development endeavors like tissue-engineering and regenerative medicine therapies. At EPM Scientific, we think holistically. We recruit the best talent to ensure superior medicines are available to patients and we believe in the positive evolution of human health. The right candidate for the right team takes skill and timing.  If you’re a hiring manager in pharma or biotech looking to extend your team with tissue engineering capacities,  or you’re a consultant with this expertise wishing to move into industry.  I’m happy to help you find the right fit.  Please feel free to reach out directly at Contact.Us@epmscientific.com.---------------------------------------------EPM Scientific is a leading specialist recruitment agency for the Life Sciences industry. We were founded in 2012 to give companies and candidates peace of mind that the recruitment process is in experts hands. Today, we provide contingency, retained search and project-based contract recruitment from our global hubs in London, Berlin, Switzerland, New York and Chicago.We pride ourselves in keeping our professional network up-to-date with any changes that will shape the future of work or affect the hiring process. Visit our website to discover more invaluable insights, including exclusive research, salary guides and market trends. ​

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