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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Looking to hire?

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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.

Quality Control Manager

Quality Control Manager Company Summary: A small clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, specializing in injectable products, is currently seeking a driven, motivated, and multi-faceted Quality Control Manager. This role will be located in the greater RTP, NC area. The Quality Control Manager will play a critical role in ensuring the quality and compliance of biologics products through the development, implementation, and oversight of quality control systems and processes. The Manager will be responsible for: Develop, implement, and maintain robust quality control systems to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards (including FDA regulations and cGMP guidelines). Oversee all aspects of quality control activities related to biologics biopharmaceutical manufacturing, including raw materials testing, in-process testing, and finished product testing. Establish and maintain appropriate quality control documentation, including standard operating procedures (SOPs), protocols, and reports. Provide leadership and guidance to the quality control laboratory team, ensuring that testing activities are conducted accurately, efficiently, and in accordance with established procedures. Lead investigations into deviations, out-of-specification results, and non-conformances, implementing corrective and preventive actions as necessary. Provide quality control expertise and guidance to cross-functional teams, ensuring alignment with quality objectives and regulatory requirements. The Manager should have the following qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Chemistry (or related field) Minimum of 5 years of experience in quality control within the biologics biopharmaceutical industry, with at least 2 years in a leadership or managerial role. Strong understanding of regulatory requirements and quality standards applicable to biologics manufacturing (e.g., FDA regulations, cGMP guidelines). Proven track record of effectively managing quality control systems and laboratory operations in a biopharmaceutical setting. Prior experience working with the injectables dosage form. Benefits: Health, vision, and dental benefits Annual holiday bonus Dynamic, fast-paced, and collaborative work environment If you see yourself in this Manager role and are interested, then please don't wait to apply.

Negotiable
Raleigh
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Senior Quality Engineer

Senior Quality Engineer Location: Miami, FL Working Situation: On Site Level: Mid-Level Our client, a reputable medical device company based in the city of Miami, Florida is seeking an experienced and autonomous Senior Quality Engineer to join their team. A successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring that the highest standards of Quality are maintained throughout all stages of the manufacturing process. The Senior Quality Engineer will be responsible for the following... Develop strategies that ensure product safety and regulatory compliance within ISO 13485/ISO 9001 Lead risk assessment activities associated with new products introduction Work autonomously while maintaining high-quality standards Collaborate closely with vendors and customers as the main point of contact with a demonstrated ability to effectively communicate needs, deadlines, and updates Has the ability to mentor more green team members and demonstrate leadership potential Adhering to cGMP standards and FDA guidelines The Senior Quality Engineer should have the following qualifications... Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Life Science Field Strong background (8+ years) as a Senior Quality Engineer within the Medical Device industry Knowledgeable about ISO 13485/ISO 9001/FDA compliance requirements Experience working with Class II devices If you are interested in the Senior Quality Engineer opportunity, please apply now!

Negotiable
Fort Lauderdale
Apply

Quality Assurance Manager

Quality Assurance Manager Location: Raleigh, NC Working Situation: Hybrid Level: Manager We are currently seeking a talented and experienced Quality Assurance Manager to join our client's pharmaceutical team in Raleigh, North Carolina. This permanent position offers an exciting opportunity for someone with expertise in quality assurance within the pharmaceutical sector. As a QA manager, you will be responsible for ensuring that all processes related to product manufacturing meet regulatory requirements set by bodies such as FDA. You'll manage your own team of professionals while also working closely with other departments including R&D, Production, Operations, and Manufacturing. The Quality Assurance Manager will: - Develops SOPs (standard operating procedures) that ensure compliance across functions. - Manages regular inspections from various regulatory agencies. - Oversees audits of production facilities and manages corrective action plans where necessary - Ensures adherence to GMP guidelines throughout the entire supply chain process The Quality Assurance Manager will have the following qualifications: - Bachelor's Degree in relevant field - 8+ years of relevant industry experience - 2+ years leading a team Company Benefits: - Clear and written succession plan for this position - Unlimited PTO If you're interested in this position, apply now!

Negotiable
Raleigh
Apply

Director of QA and External Manufacturing

Director of QA and Manufacturing Location: Florida Work situation: On-site The Director of Quality Assurance and Manufacturing will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of quality assurance, quality control, and manufacturing operations within the pharmaceutical company. This critical role requires a strategic leader with a deep understanding of pharmaceutical manufacturing processes, regulatory requirements, and quality management systems. The successful candidate will lead a team of professionals to ensure compliance with regulatory standards, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and maintain the highest standards of product quality and safety. Key Responsibilities: Develop and implement strategic plans to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements (e.g., FDA, EMA) and industry standards (e.g., cGMP) for pharmaceutical manufacturing. Lead and manage the quality assurance and manufacturing teams, providing guidance, mentorship, and support to ensure optimal performance and professional development. Establish and maintain quality management systems to ensure the consistent production of high-quality pharmaceutical products, including procedures for batch release, deviation management, and change control. Oversee the review and approval of batch records, analytical data, and other documentation to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and internal quality standards. Conduct risk assessments and implement mitigation strategies to address potential quality issues and ensure product safety and efficacy. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including R&D, regulatory affairs, and supply chain, to support product development, technology transfer, and commercialization activities. Lead investigations into quality incidents, deviations, and customer complaints, implementing corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs) as necessary to address root causes and prevent recurrence. Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and quality metrics to assess the effectiveness of quality systems and manufacturing processes, identifying opportunities for improvement. Ensure the successful execution of regulatory inspections, customer audits, and internal audits, providing support and guidance to ensure compliance and readiness. Stay current with industry trends, regulatory changes, and best practices in pharmaceutical quality assurance and manufacturing, providing guidance and recommendations to senior management as needed. Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Pharmacy, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field; advanced degree (e.g., Master's or Ph.D.) preferred. Minimum of 10 years of experience in quality assurance and manufacturing roles within the pharmaceutical industry, with at least 5 years in a leadership or management position. In-depth knowledge of pharmaceutical manufacturing processes, quality management systems, and regulatory requirements (e.g., FDA 21 CFR Part 210/211). Experience with aseptic processing, sterile manufacturing, and/or biologics manufacturing is highly desirable. Strong understanding of risk management principles, quality risk assessment methodologies, and statistical analysis techniques. Excellent leadership and management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams to achieve ambitious goals and objectives. Proven track record of leading successful regulatory inspections (e.g., FDA, EMA) and customer audits, with a focus on compliance and continuous improvement. If you are interested in the Director of Quality role, don't hesitate to apply!

Negotiable
Miami
Apply

Senior Director of Quality Control

Senior Director Quality Control Location: Raleigh, North Carolina Working Situation: Hybrid Level: Mid-Senior level Our client, a mid-sized, successful Biotech firm, is working to maximize healthcare delivery used to change the landscape of healthcare. Focusing on innovative technology in various life sciences sectors. Senior Director Quality Control will: Execute Quality Continuous improvements for the site. Oversee direct reports (microbiology/chemistry teams) Review proposed changes to systems, procedures, methods, and submissions to regulatory agencies, as appropriate. Monitor and trend data while assembling reports on product release test monitoring of the company cGMP facility. Implement corrective action plans when vital. Senior Director Quality Control has the following qualifications: 7+ years of people management experience (required). 10+ years of experience working in QC space (desired). Master's Degree(preferred) with relevant fields with 4+ years of pharma/biotech industry experience. Company Benefits: Competitive 401K program, health insurance, and HSA accounts. Long-term incentives in the terms of equity or stock at this level. Relocation assistance is provided for non-local candidates.

Negotiable
Raleigh
Apply

Senior Director Quality Control

Senior Director Quality Control Location: Richmond, Virginia Working Situation: Hybrid Level: Mid-Senior level Our client, a mid-sized, successful Biotech firm, is working to maximized healthcare delivery used to change the landscape of healthcare. Focusing on innovative technology in various life sciences sectors. Senior Director Quality Control will: Execute Quality Continuous improvements for the site. Oversee direct reports (microbiology/chemistry teams) Review proposed changes to systems, procedures, methods, and submissions to regulatory agencies, as appropriate. Monitor and trend data while assembling reports on product release test monitoring of company cGMP facility. Implement corrective action plans when vital. Senior Director Quality Control has the following qualifications: 8+ years of people management experience (required). 8+ years of experience working in QC space (desired). Master's Degree(preferred) with relevant fields with 4+ years of pharma/biotech industry experience. Company Benefits: Competitive 401K program, health insurance, and HSA accounts. Long term incentives in the terms of equity or stock at this level. Relocation assistance provided for non-local candidates.

Negotiable
Virginia
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Qualified Person (f/m/d)

Title: Join our team as a Qualified Person in Pharmaceuticals Our client is seeking to hire a permanent Qualified Person (f/m/d) to join their pharmaceuticals sector. The position is remote, with travel to the site for one - two days per month. As the chosen candidate, your role will involve ensuring that all products produced meet regulatory requirements. Responsibilities: - Oversee quality control measures - Release drug batches after approval - Review batch documentation - Ensure compliance with GMP regulations Qualifications: To be considered for this position you must possess the following qualifications: -Qualified Person status according §14 AMG and §15 AMG or equivalent EU regulation. -Qualified Person Certification (approbation as a Pharmacist) -A degree qualification within Pharmacy/Pharmaceutical Science/Life Sciences discipline. -Minimum of 2 years' working experience in Pharmaceutical industry; Knowledge on GMP guidelines and basic knowledge about GDP practices would also be beneficial. If successful, our client can offer fantastic career progression opportunities. Apply now by submitting your CV.

Negotiable
Germany
Apply

Senior Quality Engineer

Senior Quality Engineer Location: Miami, FL Working Situation: On Site Level: Mid-Level Our client, a reputable medical device company based in the city of Miami, Florida is seeking an experienced and autonomous Senior Quality Engineer to join their team. A successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring that the highest standards of Quality are maintained throughout all stages of the manufacturing process. The Senior Quality Engineer will be responsible for the following... Develop strategies that ensure product safety and regulatory compliance within ISO 13485/ISO 9001 Lead risk assessment activities associated with new products introduction Work autonomously while maintaining high-quality standards Collaborate closely with vendors and customers as the main point of contact with a demonstrated ability to effectively communicate needs, deadlines, and updates Has the ability to mentor more green team members and demonstrate leadership potential Adhering to cGMP standards and FDA guidelines The Senior Quality Engineer should have the following qualifications... Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Life Science Field Strong background (8+ years) as a Senior Quality Engineer within the Medical Device industry Knowledgeable about ISO 13485/ISO 9001/FDA compliance requirements Experience working with Class II devices If you are interested in the Senior Quality Engineer opportunity, please apply now!

Negotiable
Fort Lauderdale
Apply

Senior Quality Engineer

Senior Quality Engineer Location: Miami, FL Working Situation: On Site Level: Mid-Level Our client, a reputable medical device company based in the city of Miami, Florida is seeking an experienced and autonomous Senior Quality Engineer to join their team. A successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring that the highest standards of Quality are maintained throughout all stages of the manufacturing process. The Senior Quality Engineer will be responsible for the following... Develop strategies that ensure product safety and regulatory compliance within ISO 13485/ISO 9001 Lead risk assessment activities associated with new products introduction Work autonomously while maintaining high-quality standards Collaborate closely with vendors and customers as the main point of contact with a demonstrated ability to effectively communicate needs, deadlines, and updates Has the ability to mentor more green team members and demonstrate leadership potential Adhering to cGMP standards and FDA guidelines The Senior Quality Engineer should have the following qualifications... Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Life Science Field Strong background (8+ years) as a Senior Quality Engineer within the Medical Device industry Knowledgeable about ISO 13485/ISO 9001/FDA compliance requirements Experience working with Class II devices If you are interested in the Senior Quality Engineer opportunity, please apply now!

Negotiable
Fort Lauderdale
Apply

Quality Systems Manager

As Quality System Manager, you'll play a pivotal role in cultivating a Culture of Quality and Continuous Improvement across all departments by ensuring compliance with Quality System requirements. Your responsibilities will include owning and driving CAPAs, leading internal audits, and overseeing manufacturing process characterizations and validations (OQ and PQ). Responsibilities Include: Establish and execute Quality strategic plans and policies. Oversee and develop Audits to help assure compliance to internal/external requirements, including customer requirements and strategic initiatives. Recommend, evaluate, and implement process changes that are designed to continually improve the quality management system (NCR, CAPA, Complaint, Doc Control, Lot Release). Lead Regulatory/customer audits. Lead staff to accomplish personal and organizational goals, adhere to policies/procedures and establish/maintain a 'culture of quality'. Assure that the Quality System is compliant with applicable Regulatory and Industry standards, specific to Medical Devices. Ensures timely resolution to customer inquiries (audit findings and complaints) Maintain Quality Metrics to demonstrate areas of improvement and state of compliance. Generate, review or approve Quality Assurance related documentation required for customer relationship/product development (such as: development, supply and quality agreement), verification of compliance, or for filings with regulatory bodies. Provide leadership and guidance to Quality Operations team. Manage Quality Direct Reports at site to ensure knowledge and execution of site Quality System Assure proper use of change management associated with validated processes. Reviews data, analyzes results and recommends changes based upon findings and performs follow up to verify effectiveness. . Performs other duties as assigned based on business needs. 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$85000 - US$95000 per year
Minneapolis
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Quality Control Manager

Quality Control Manager Company Summary: A small clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, specializing in injectable products, is currently seeking a driven, motivated, and multi-faceted Quality Control Manager. This role will be located in the greater RTP, NC area. The Quality Control Manager will play a critical role in ensuring the quality and compliance of biologics products through the development, implementation, and oversight of quality control systems and processes. The Manager will be responsible for: Develop, implement, and maintain robust quality control systems to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards (including FDA regulations and cGMP guidelines). Oversee all aspects of quality control activities related to biologics biopharmaceutical manufacturing, including raw materials testing, in-process testing, and finished product testing. Establish and maintain appropriate quality control documentation, including standard operating procedures (SOPs), protocols, and reports. Provide leadership and guidance to the quality control laboratory team, ensuring that testing activities are conducted accurately, efficiently, and in accordance with established procedures. Lead investigations into deviations, out-of-specification results, and non-conformances, implementing corrective and preventive actions as necessary. Provide quality control expertise and guidance to cross-functional teams, ensuring alignment with quality objectives and regulatory requirements. The Manager should have the following qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Chemistry (or related field) Minimum of 5 years of experience in quality control within the biologics biopharmaceutical industry, with at least 2 years in a leadership or managerial role. Strong understanding of regulatory requirements and quality standards applicable to biologics manufacturing (e.g., FDA regulations, cGMP guidelines). Proven track record of effectively managing quality control systems and laboratory operations in a biopharmaceutical setting. Prior experience working with the injectables dosage form. Benefits: Health, vision, and dental benefits Annual holiday bonus Dynamic, fast-paced, and collaborative work environment If you see yourself in this Manager role and are interested, then please don't wait to apply.

Negotiable
Raleigh
Apply

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 Solid regulatory audit experience (FDA a plus) Excellent communication, teamwork, and leadership skills Experience leading/participating in regulatory GCP/GLP audits

Negotiable
Burlington
Apply

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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Benefits of Life Sciences Contract Work Image
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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