Tips for Landing a Life Sciences Job

I’ve reviewed thousands of job applications from academic scientists looking to move into biotech startups. Here’s how the best applications stood out ⤵️ Sharing this for folks graduating from PhDs this year or thinking about a change - it’s still a tough market out there, but one that’s hopefully improving! _______ 1️⃣ Show how your personal values align to the company mission. Why? Startups want to change the future. Demonstrate you’ve been independently working towards that same future → this indicates you’ll work hard & find the day to day meaningful. How? Example, for a company developing phages to treat antibiotic resistant bacteria: ✅ My PhD research focused on optimising a gene therapy for children suffering from grey platelet syndrome. During that time, I volunteered in the pediatrics ward. I am motivated by improving health outcomes for the most vulnerable. ❌ Having finished my PhD, I am looking to make the jump into industry. _______ 2️⃣ Directly explain how your scientific expertise can solve the startup’s problems. Why? This shows your ability to connect the dots between “the company problem that needs to be solved” and “the impact I can have.” Startup MVPs have proactivity in spades. How? Example, for a company developing cultured meat: ✅ A big problem for the cultured meat industry is developing immortalised, scalable cell lines. As a genetic engineer, I can generate cell lines capable of feeding millions of people. ❌ My 6 years of experience with mammalian cell culture and background in genetic editing make me a great fit for your company. _______ 3️⃣ Incorporate metrics (beyond publications!) into your resume. Why? Publications = academic currency. Scientific breakthroughs allowing a company to get profitable and survive = startup currency. Publications require detailed science capable of getting past peer-review. Startups require time-boxed, outcomes-oriented science. That’s really different! Metrics indicate you already understand that shift in mindset - and no matter what your project focused on, you can frame it in terms of startup-relevant metrics. How? ✅ Supported two summer students to achieve xyz outcome in three months ✅ Generated 5 novel immune complexes in 2 months ✅ Achieved XYZ while dropping experiment costs by 20% ❌ Conducted a research project analysing how XYZ ❌ Published in a prestigious journal. _______ 4️⃣ Show - don’t state - your communication & collaboration skills. Why? These skills are 10x more important when working at a fast pace with people from different professional backgrounds. How? ✅ Three-minute thesis contest ✅ Industry/startup work experience ✅ Engagement with an entrepreneurship community ✅ Cross-discipline collaboration ✅ A well-written career summary connecting the dots between your skills & the value you can bring to the company. As always, builds or add-ons welcome: I made some of these mistakes when I first graduated from my PhD, you don’t have to 😉

How can you maximize your chances of getting an interview for an industry position after your PhD? 🤔 On my 🗓️ 6-month work anniversary, I want to share some tips on how I landed my dream job at a kickass biotech company in the San Francisco Bay Area right after completing my PhD. Here's what worked for me - while it's still fresh in my mind: 1️⃣ Build your network before you need it If you're only starting to connect with people or ask for referrals during your job search, it's already too late. Use LinkedIn to your advantage. Begin posting here about your PhD research, achievements, or educational content related to your field as early as your first semester. Don't be shy about engaging with others via comments or tagging peers. Attend as many conferences as you can, and treat each one as a prime opportunity to expand your network. Remember, hiring managers and HR are more likely to consider candidates they’ve interacted with before. 2️⃣ Try to land an internship the summer before graduation While internships are less common for PhD students, careful planning and a little luck can lead to one. An internship will require you to spend time away from your lab, so share your intent to intern with your advisor early in your PhD. Treat your internship as a summer-long interview: build relationships, explore different departments, and prove your worth to the company as a team player. Even if the company doesn’t offer a full-time role near graduation, the industry experience and new connections will give you a big leg up in your job search. 3️⃣ Start applying early, but not too early Applying early helps you build momentum and develop a routine. However, interviewing too far in advance may backfire if the company isn’t able to wait for you. Also, keep in mind that most companies have multiple rounds of interviews that can take up to 6 weeks. A good strategy is to start applying casually about 6 months before graduation and ramp up your efforts with stronger intent 4 months out. 4️⃣ Be a superstar in your own field Your daily tasks in industry will likely differ from your PhD research, but you still need to show potential employers that you're a standout in your field. Demonstrate your expertise through awards, publications, or LinkedIn updates. Companies want to hire top talent with excellent communication skills. To demonstrate this, highlight your scientific achievements, but also get involved in non-scientific activities - such as student clubs, professional committees, podcasts, TED talks, or media interviews. 5️⃣ Limit your resume to one page I know that condensing 4-6 years of hard work into a single page is really difficult but your resume should immediately (in less than 10 secs) convey how you'll add value to the company. Include a brief summary, followed by job-specific skills, experience, education, and relevant publications.. Lmk if I missed anything, and best of luck with your job search. You got this!! 💪

How I got a job in 6 weeks (despite the current market) 🧬 Tough times for biotech as headlines about layoffs, RIFs, and "restructurings" have become all too common. Especially hard for scientists looking for new roles because research and job hunting are fundamentally different activities. Quite similar to sales though, and since that's my usual work, I feel like I know what to do. With that in mind, here's my job hunting timeline, and some "sales" tips you can use to "sell" your skills to potential employers... 🔹 Week 1 Started networking right away. I submitted literally 0 "cold" applications my entire job hunt. I always leveraged existing connections or created new ones. So important to uncover the name of the hiring manager or HR contact, and make sure they're expecting your application. Don't be a faceless resume in a stack of 100s. Don't take a "spray and pray" approach, but you still need a sufficient number of "shots on goal." Balance both quality and quantity. 🔹 Week 2 Continued networking like a maniac. My days were full with scheduling, conducting, and following up on calls. Like I said, pretty similar to my usual work, but instead of selling lab services to research teams, I'm selling my sales skills to sales teams (how meta). 🔹 Week 3 Got lucky, but only knew this in retrospect! Through an existing connection, I got an intro to a recruiter for the company I ultimately accepted an offer with. Didn't know at the time though, so kept networking and had many "balls in the air." 🔹 Week 4 Interviewed with my future manager and an internal HR contact at the company. Of course, I did my prep work beforehand and followed up afterwards. Continued interviewing with other companies in parallel. 🔹 Week 5 Interviewed with 2 team members. I always appreciate peer-to-peer conversations to get a better sense of the everyday work. Prep work and follow-up as usual. Continued networking and interviewing as usual. That networking paid off because one of my connections coincidentally knows a board member of this company and put in a good word. Talk about lucky! 🔹 Week 6 Interviewed with my future manager's boss. Got a verbal offer the next day and a written offer the day after that. I was in the mid- to late-stages with multiple other companies, which gave me leverage in negotiations. 🤝 That's it! Easier said than done, but I hope this breakdown is helpful. What job hunting tips would you add? #biotechnology #biopharmaceuticals #jobhunting Hi, I'm Jeff Bissen (pronounced BEE-sen) 👋 I've been biotech for 10 years, and I'm starting a new job on January 15th in the area of biopharmaceutical formulation. I'll share the company name once I officially start, so stay tuned for that! In the meantime, I invite you to join the 24,000+ biotech professionals who follow my profile for content nearly every weekday, plus the 7,000+ who subscribe to my monthly newsletter called Biotech Diaries: https://lnkd.in/gE-GX6XR

𝐃𝐎𝐍'𝐓 𝐖𝐀𝐈𝐓 𝐔𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐋 𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐃𝐔𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐓𝐎 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐉𝐎𝐁 𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐊𝐄𝐓 As someone who's been through the rigorous journey of completing a BSc, MSc & Ph.D., I want to share a crucial piece of advice: Don't wait until you've graduated to start preparing for the job market. Waiting until the last minute can seriously limit your competitive edge. 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐀𝐂𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐌𝐈𝐂 𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐇𝐔𝐒𝐈𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐒: 🔰 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡, 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡, 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡:  Aim to get your research into top-tier journals (Q1, Q2). This not only enhances your academic profile but also makes you more attractive to potential employers and collaborators. 🔰 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:  Presenting your work at conferences is a great way to get feedback, build a network, and establish yourself as an expert in your field. Don’t underestimate the power of these opportunities. 🔰 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬:  Broaden your research horizons by collaborating with other academics, both within and outside your institution. This can lead to co-authored publications and new perspectives on your work. 🔰 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐁𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐬:  Ensure you're registered with the academic or research bodies relevant to your field. This often adds credibility and opens doors to more opportunities. In my case, it is the RICS, NIESV & ESVARBON. 🔰 𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬:  If you're considering a teaching route, get certified with the appropriate teaching regulatory bodies. This will enhance your employability in academic institutions. Think of the FHEA? 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐅𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋𝐒 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐔𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐘: 🔰 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐚 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤:  Start connecting with industry professionals, attend networking events, and join relevant online forums. A strong network can often be the key to landing a job. 🔰 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲-𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬:  Take courses, earn certifications, and develop skills that are in demand in your desired industry. Don’t just rely on your MSc & Ph.D. credentials alone; employers value practical, applicable skills. 🔰 𝐆𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞:  Look for internships, consultancy projects, or part-time roles that allow you to apply your research skills in a real-world setting. Experience like this can differentiate you from other candidates. They call them the Desirables. 🔰 𝐓𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐨𝐫 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐝𝐈𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐕:  Make sure your LinkedIn profile is optimized for the roles you're targeting. Highlight your key achievements, skills, and experiences that align with industry needs.

Dear May 2025 Grads especially international students, Graduated now.. Excited? Nervous? Wondering how to land a job in the U.S. as visa deadlines loom? Yeah, we’ve all been there. Let’s talk real job search strategy. Here are some out-of-the-box networking + time management tips that worked for me and many others because the "just apply online" route? It’s not enough anymore. Networking tip #1: Become a connector, not a collector Don’t just collect LinkedIn connections. Engage. After every virtual or in-person event, send a thoughtful message: “Hey [Name], I loved your take on [topic]. Would love to stay in touch and learn from your journey.” Then follow their content, leave a meaningful comment weekly. Not just "Great post"—say why it resonated. Real Example? I did this with a speaker from a conference. A week later, they referred me to a role I didn’t know existed. Networking tip #2: DM like a human Cold messaging can work if it’s warm in tone. No one likes “Hi, can you refer me?”. Try this: “Hi [Name], I’m a May 2025 grad, exploring roles in [your field]. Your path at [Company] is inspiring! What advice would you give someone starting out?” You’re not asking for a job— You’re building trust. Jobs often follow. Networking tip #3: Start your own thing No industry events? Create one. Host a 20-minute Zoom chat with peers and invite 1 professional. Call it “Something Creative.” Record it, post snippets on LinkedIn. Now you’re no longer chasing people— They come to you. Time Tip #1: Pick 3 buckets daily Job search feels endless—so make it finite. Every day, pick only 3 things: 10 application 10 follow-up 1-2 learning or networking action Then rest. Your brain needs consistent progress, not burnout. Time Tip #2: Theme your week Mon: Research companies Tue: Tailor resume + apply Wed: Networking messages Thu: Interview prep Fri: Personal branding Sat: Review progress Sun: Rest or reflect Theme = clarity. Clarity = momentum. Bonus Tip: Show your work in public Share your job search journey online. Post about projects, learnings, even rejections. One classmate posted his weekly job goals + learnings. He got a DM from a hiring manager who was watching silently. You never know who’s watching. International students—this road is hard, but it’s not impossible. You just need to play it smart, support each other, and show up consistently. If you’re on this journey, You’ve got this. #May2025Grads #InternationalStudents #JobSearchTips #Networking #TimeManagement #F1VisaJobs #OPT #CPT #CareerGrowth #LevelUp

Science Fresh Graduate Struggles: What Helped Me Land My Dream Job 🔬🧫 After 100+ applications, 5 interviews, and countless moments of self-doubt, the hard work finally paid off. There were days when rejection emails felt like a never-ending cycle, but I kept pushing forward. Since then, many of my fellow batchmates have asked me for tips on landing a job in our field. So, I thought—why not share them with you all too? If you’re struggling with job hunting, I see you, I’ve been there, and I know how tough it is. But trust me, with the right approach and persistence, you will get there. Here’s what helped me the most: 1. Power Up Your LinkedIn Profile Your LinkedIn is more than just an online resume—it’s your personal brand. A strong profile increases your visibility to recruiters and potential employers. Here’s what I did: ✅ Completed every section (education, achievements, volunteer work, relevant skills). ✅ Used a professional headshot, an engaging intro, and a relevant background image. ✅ Searched online for tips on creating a standout profile—there are plenty of free resources! Lesson learned: A polished LinkedIn profile can open doors to unexpected opportunities. 2. Build Your Network Networking felt intimidating at first, but I quickly realized that people love to help - if you ask the right way! 🔗 Connected with microbiologists and industry professionals. 💬 Sent polite messages asking for career advice. ⚡ Learned that not everyone will reply, but the right connections matter more than the number of connections. Lesson learned: The microbiology community is supportive! Even a small conversation can lead to job insights or referrals. 3. Tailor Your Resume & Cover Letter I used to send the same resume everywhere - big mistake. Once I started customizing each application, I saw a difference. 📌 Used keywords from job descriptions to get past Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). 📌 Kept my resume clear, concise, and achievement-focused. 📌 Ditched generic cover letters and wrote personalized ones that showcased my value. Lesson learned: A little extra effort in tailoring applications can make all the difference. The Biggest Takeaway: NEVER GIVE UP I know how exhausting the job search can be. The rejections sting, and the waiting game is brutal. But every “no” is just one step closer to your “yes.” ✔ Keep searching. ✔ Keep improving your approach. ✔ Keep believing in yourself. Your dream job is out there—you just have to keep going until you find it. 💪 Since this worked for me, I hope it helps you too! #Microbiology #JobSearch #NewGrad #NeverGiveUp

More than 70% of jobs are never posted. They’re filled through conversations, referrals, and relationships. When I first started job hunting in the U.S., I did what most people do: submit resumes through job boards and wait. But over time, I realized that the most powerful tool is not the application—but the connection. So I wrote this article to help others who are navigating similar paths: 🔗 “Job Searching Is More Than Just Submitting Resumes: How Proactive Networking Unlocks Hidden Career Opportunities” Here’s what you’ll learn: ✅ How to map and activate your existing network ✅ A 30-second elevator pitch structure that actually works ✅ How to lead better coffee chats using the A.I.R. model ✅ Networking tips for introverts (yes, it’s possible) ✅ Follow-up messages that lead to real opportunities ✅ My weekly networking action plan template This guide is especially helpful if you are: 🔹 Job hunting in biotech, life sciences, or tech 🔹 Switching careers or transitioning from academia 🔹 Building your network as an introvert or international professional 📬 I’ve also included free templates for your networking profile and thank-you notes. Feel free to leave a comment or DM me—happy to share! 👇 Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/e8_qnq9V #Networking #JobSearch #CareerDevelopment #BiotechCareers #InformationalInterview #CareerTips #BiomedicalScientist #CoffeeChat #LinkedInTips

I’ve helped 1,000+ people land their dream jobs in the last 3 years. Here are the strategies that worked for them: 1️⃣ Treat Your Job Hunt Like a Job in Itself: - Most people desperately need a job, but they don’t treat job hunting seriously. - Schedule time daily for job searching, networking, and following up. Use Google calendar for this. - Research companies and tailor your resume for each role. Follow up consistently—persistence pays off! 2️⃣ Network Before You Need a Job - Networking isn’t just for when you're jobless—it’s an ongoing investment. - Engage with professionals on LinkedIn through comments and DMs. - Connect with people in your target companies before you need a referral. Here is a plan you can follow: Send 5 connection requests every day. Comment on 10 posts every day. Create a post about your learnings per week. 3️⃣ Master the Art of Cold Emails Cold emails can open doors to opportunities you never even knew existed. Make it a habit to: - Reach out to at least 3 new people daily. - Personalize your message—explain why you’re a great fit (skills, experience, proof of work). - Use tools like Apollo, EasyLeadz, or RocketReach to find emails. 4️⃣ Tap Into Your Existing Network Your next job might come from your college alumni or ex-colleagues. Search for your target company on LinkedIn > Find people you’re already connected with (alum or colleagues) > Ask for an intro it works most of the time! 5️⃣ Prepare Like a Pro Getting an interview call is only half the battle. Research the company, common questions, and past interview experiences. Practice mock interviews (with a friend or ChatGPT). Prepare answers for questions like: ✅ "Tell me about yourself" ✅ "How would you improve X product?" ✅ "How do you handle stakeholder challenges?" Remember: "If you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail." 6️⃣ Deserve What You Desire - You can’t just wish for a job—you have to earn it. - Acquire the right skills through courses, projects, or mentorship. - Talk to people in your target roles to understand what they actually do. - Build proof of work (side projects, blogs, open-source contributions). Most importantly—be genuinely passionate about what you do. After all, you’ll spend your most valuable time and energy on it. P.S. I am on a mission to help people get their dream jobs in product management. If you are PM or aspiring PM looking for your next role, do send me a message or comment below, I will send you curated resources to help you get your next PM role! Best of luck.