Quality

Quality

EPM Scientific: Specialist Talent Partner in Quality Control Recruitment for Life Sciences

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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If you're a candidate, please register your CV and get discovered for all relevant roles.

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​If you're a client looking for the best talent, please Register your vacancy or Request a call back.

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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.

Supplier Quality Management

Join our client's Audit & Inspections Team as a Supplier Quality Management. You will be responsible for conducting supplier audits, enhancing Supplier Qualification Management processes, and maintaining accurate supplier data in Veeva. This is a 12 Months contract. Responsibilities: Conduct onsite supplier audits Improve SQM processes and databases to ensure streamlined Organize and maintain accurate supplier data, aligning with GxP compliance standards. Requirements: Minimum 5 years of experience in a GxP environment. Proven expertise in managing Quality Agreements, supplier qualification, and onsite supplier audits. Strong knowledge of GMP, ISO standards, and QA processes. Fluent in English (German or other languages is a plus). For further information about this position, please apply with your CV *Please note, only those with the right to work in Switzerland can apply!*

Negotiable
Switzerland
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Principal/Sr Principal Quality Engineer

Responsibilities: Oversee design assurance and development tasks for New Product Development, including risk evaluations, engineering studies, feasibility assessments, drawing analysis, and statistical evaluations. Ensure compliance with relevant regulatory frameworks, such as FDA, EU MDR, and ISO standards, across all stages of product development. Create and validate advanced experiments and testing protocols to enhance product design and manufacturing processes based on engineering principles. Identify and address quality and regulatory concerns throughout the product lifecycle, providing detailed analysis and reports prior to product launch. Evaluate and audit suppliers to verify materials and components meet strict quality standards, implementing corrective actions as required to ensure compliance. Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related field; advanced degree preferred. At least 7 years of quality engineering experience in the medical device industry, ideally in cardiac ablation or structural heart technologies. Expertise in quality assurance, control, and process optimization, with strong proficiency in tools like FMEA, CAPA, SPC, Six Sigma, and Minitab. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including experience with root cause analysis and corrective action. Hands-on experience with validation processes (IQ/OQ/PQ), product testing, and statistical methods. Proven success in leading quality initiatives and driving continuous improvement, with a focus on risk management and compliance. Excellent communicator, capable of working effectively with cross-functional teams, suppliers, and regulatory agencies. For any questions please reach out to adam.tizabi@epmscientific.org to learn more about this oppurtunity!

US$130000 - US$170000 per year
Irvine
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Global Quality Consultant

We are seeking a highly independent and experienced Global Specialist with a strong background in compliance within cell therapy and biopharmaceuticals. This role will focus on ensuring compliance across enterprise-level QMS, with particular emphasis on supporting system updates and enabling functions. Key Responsibilities: Ensure compliance in cell therapy within enterprise-level QMS, particularly focusing on system updates and enabling functions Provide expert guidance on managing complaints, deviations, and change controls with an enabling approach, rather than direct operational involvement Support global launches of cell therapy products, with particular emphasis on emerging markets in Asia Lead and manage audits to ensure compliance in cell therapy, with a specific focus on raw materials and vector usage Stay updated on global regulatory requirements and ensure that all cell therapy operations adhere to these standards Requirements: Extensive experience in cell therapy and biopharmaceutical compliance Proven capability to operate independently and lead compliance functions in a global environment Experience with launches of cell therapy products Proficient in English; additional languages are a plus Experience with Veeva Systems and Salesforce is required *Remote position* For further information about this position, please apply with your CV *Please note, only those with the right to work in Switzerland can apply!

Negotiable
Switzerland
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Metrologist II

We're currently partnered with a global pharmaceutical organization hiring for a full-time metrology position to join their bigger QC Team! This is an urgent hire and offers a very competitive relocation package if needed. Should you be interested, please feel free to apply in! Key Responsibilities: Create and maintain the master schedule for Preventive Maintenance and Calibration. Plan and execute calibration and qualification activities according to the calibration master plan. Write and update procedures for instrument operation, maintenance, and calibration. Obtain quotes for instrument servicing and repairs. Prepare Installation Qualification (IQ), Operational Qualification (OQ), and Performance Qualification (PQ) protocols for new instruments. Initiate change controls for new and existing instruments and their procedures. Document all raw data and observations in notebooks or relevant documents. Inform the supervisor of any unusual or out-of-control (OOC) results and report deviations to management. Follow current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) and safety procedures. Review and report calibration and qualification documents. Log and address instrument repair requests. Schedule visits for external contractors for preventive maintenance or repairs. Place "Out of Service" tags on instruments due for calibration, needing repairs, or newly acquired. Open and conduct preliminary investigations under management guidance. Ensure all instruments are properly labeled and their calibration status is up to date. Order and manage spare parts for major instruments to support ongoing analyses. Check expiry dates of chemicals, reagents, and primary calibrators before use. Key Qualifications: Minimum BS or equivalent degree in a scientific related discipline. Must have 4 years of experience in the Pharmaceutical industry at minimum within a GMP/GLP environment. Strong knowledge of analytical test methods including but not limited to HPLC/UPLC, GC, FTIR, and UV. Must have experience with instrumentation troubleshooting and/or calibration.

Negotiable
Middlesex
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Quality Manager

Title: Quality Manager Location: Albany, OH (Can Provide Relocation) A leading pharmaceutical company just launched a brand new 503b facility and is rapidly expanding their site. They are looking for a Quality Manager to lead QA and QC activities for this new site. Responsibilities: Review and approve Quality documentation (batch records, SOPs, deviations, change controls, OOS investigations, etc.) Create annual product reviews, review/approve label changes Provide assistance and leadership in regulatory inspections Oversee incoming materials, sample reserve, and sterility assurance programs Support vendor management and assist with vendor qualification activities Host FDA audits and Regulatory inspections Qualifications: Bachelor's degree with 7+ years of relevant experience Ability to lead QA/QC activities and work in a fast-paced startup environment Must have experience with batch disposition and sterility Must have experience hosting FDA audits and regulatory inspections If this sounds of interest, please don't hesitate to apply!

Negotiable
New Albany
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Director Quality Control

We have a current opportunity for a Director Quality Control (Maryland) on a permanent basis. The position will be based in the Baltimore County area with a rapidly growing Pharmaceutical Organization! If interested, please apply directly and we'd reach out with further information. Responsibilities: Oversee daily operations and personnel in the Quality Control (QC) Laboratory. Develop and implement strategic plans for the department and staff. Manage laboratory activities independently, including timelines and work plans for projects. Motivate and coach QC staff to achieve goals and improve their skills. Support other departments (like QA and RA) with investigations and compliance activities. Collaborate with R&D, QA, Business Development, and Manufacturing teams on project coordination. Assist in formulation development and transfer activities for projects. Evaluate and improve analytical methods and procedures. Prepare and review technical documents, such as validation protocols and analytical reports. Provide training and technical support to laboratory staff. Standardize laboratory processes and ensure compliance with regulations and best practices. Maintain equipment qualifications and oversee preventative maintenance. Audit laboratory data and recommend new equipment as needed. Ensure departmental objectives are met. Perform additional duties as required. Qualifications: Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in analytical chemistry or a related field. 10+ years of experience in analytical chemistry and quality control in the pharmaceutical industry. Familiarity with modern analytical instruments and their maintenance. Strong problem-solving and leadership skills. Experience managing technical issues and mentoring staff. Proficient in writing technical documents and reports. Knowledge of federal and international regulations in pharmaceuticals. Familiar with electronic Quality Management Systems (e.g., MasterControl, Trackwise). Proficient in Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.). Strong communication skills and ability to work under pressure. Results-driven, organized, and able to manage diverse teams and projects.

Negotiable
Hunt Valley
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Director Quality Control

We have a current opportunity for a Director Quality Control (Maryland) on a permanent basis. The position will be based in Baltimore County with a growing pharmaceutical manufacturing organization! Responsibilities: Oversee daily operations and personnel in the Quality Control (QC) Laboratory. Develop and implement strategic plans for the department and staff. Manage laboratory activities independently, including timelines and work plans for projects. Motivate and coach QC staff to achieve goals and improve their skills. Support other departments (like QA and RA) with investigations and compliance activities. Collaborate with R&D, QA, Business Development, and Manufacturing teams on project coordination. Assist in formulation development and transfer activities for projects. Evaluate and improve analytical methods and procedures. Prepare and review technical documents, such as validation protocols and analytical reports. Provide training and technical support to laboratory staff. Standardize laboratory processes and ensure compliance with regulations and best practices. Maintain equipment qualifications and oversee preventative maintenance. Audit laboratory data and recommend new equipment as needed. Ensure departmental objectives are met. Perform additional duties as required. Qualifications: Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in analytical chemistry or a related field. 10+ years of experience in analytical chemistry and quality control in the pharmaceutical industry. Familiarity with modern analytical instruments and their maintenance. Strong problem-solving and leadership skills. Experience managing technical issues and mentoring staff. Proficient in writing technical documents and reports. Knowledge of federal and international regulations in pharmaceuticals. Familiar with electronic Quality Management Systems (e.g., MasterControl, Trackwise). Proficient in Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.). Strong communication skills and ability to work under pressure. Results-driven, organized, and able to manage diverse teams and projects.

Negotiable
Baltimore
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Quality Engineering Specialist

We are seeking a QA Specialist, CSV & Automation. The ideal candidate will be responsible for overseeing the qualification and validation compliance of equipment and computerized systems related to aseptic facilities, utilities, and GMP manufacturing as part of Lonza's CAPEX project portfolio in Stein, AG. Key Responsibilities: Oversee the qualification and validation compliance of equipment and computerized systems related to aseptic facilities, utilities, and GMP manufacturing. Manage the commissioning and qualification of large CAPEX projects from ideation to execution, ensuring adherence to Lonza Quality policies. Approve SOPs, qualification/validation protocols, and project-related documents (e.g., URS, FAT/SAT). Provide QA leadership and support on qualification/validation topics, ensuring vendors are appropriately qualified. Serve as the primary contact for lifecycle and compliance issues related to equipment and systems qualification/validation, managing documentation in global systems (e.g., Kneat, Trackwise, DMS, Unifier). Handle quality deviations, changes, and CAPAs/tasks, leading their resolution and escalating when necessary. Key Requirements: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Life Sciences, or a related field. Significant experience in the GMP-regulated pharmaceutical industry, ideally within a Quality Unit. Proven experience in QA for CSV/Automation of GMP systems related to aseptic fill-finish processes and facilities. Fluent in English; proficiency in German is a plus. For further information about this position, please apply with your CV *Please note, only those with the right to work in Switzerland can apply!

Negotiable
Stein
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Validation Engineer

Title: Validation Engineer Location: Albany, OH (Can Provide Relocation) A leading pharmaceutical company just launched a brand new 503b facility and is rapidly expanding their site. They are looking for a Validation Engineer to lead site validation activities across equipment, cleaning, process, and CSV. Responsibilities: * Develop site validation plan * Validation protocol executions - IQ, OQ, PQ, PV, and CSV * Manage and direct studies for cleaning V&V activities * Provide on-site direction and consultation to cross-functional teams on best validation practices * Support regulatory submission and inspections as needed Qualifications: * Bachelor's degree with 5+ years of relevant experience * Ability to lead validation activities and work in a fast-paced startup environment * Experience developing master validating plans and protocols If this sounds of interest, please don't hesitate to apply!

Negotiable
New Albany
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Validation Engineer

Title: Validation Engineer Location: Albany, OH (Can Provide Relocation) A leading pharmaceutical company just launched a brand new 503b facility and is rapidly expanding their site. They are looking for a Validation Engineer to lead site validation activities across equipment, cleaning, process, and CSV. Responsibilities: Develop site validation plan Validation protocol executions - IQ, OQ, PQ, PV, and CSV Manage and direct studies for cleaning V&V activities Provide on-site direction and consultation to cross-functional teams on best validation practices Support regulatory submission and inspections as needed Qualifications: Bachelor's degree with 5+ years of relevant experience Ability to lead validation activities and work in a fast-paced startup environment Experience developing master validating plans and protocols If this sounds of interest, please don't hesitate to apply!

Negotiable
Swedesboro
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Validation Engineer

Title: Quality Manager Location: Albany, OH (Can Provide Relocation) A leading pharmaceutical company just launched a brand new 503b facility and is rapidly expanding their site. They are looking for a Quality Manager to lead QA and QC activities for this new site. Responsibilities: Review and approve Quality documentation (batch records, SOPs, deviations, change controls, OOS investigations, etc.) Create annual product reviews, review/approve label changes Provide assistance and leadership in regulatory inspections Oversee incoming materials, sample reserve, and sterility assurance programs Support vendor management and assist with vendor qualification activities Qualifications: Bachelor's degree with 7+ years of relevant experience Ability to lead QA/QC activities and work in a fast-paced startup environment Must have experience with batch disposition and sterility If this sounds of interest, please don't hesitate to apply!

Negotiable
New Albany
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QARA Manager - JP

Join a global medical device company as a QARA Manager in Tokyo! Are you passionate about quality assurance and regulatory affairs? Do you want to be part of a leading company in the medical device industry, known for its cutting-edge clinical diagnostics and innovative medical devices? If so, we have the perfect opportunity for you! Position: QARA Manager Location: Tokyo, Japan About our Client: Our client is a global multinational company at the forefront of the medical device industry. Their commitment to innovation and excellence has made them a leader in clinical diagnostics and medical devices. Key Responsibilities: Strategic Development: Craft and implement regulatory strategies for new and existing products. Regulatory Representation: Act as the face of the company during regulatory audits and inspections. Compliance Assurance: Ensure all products meet regulatory requirements in the Japanese market. Quality Training: Educate and train associates to uphold the highest standards of quality. Quality Maintenance: Continuously maintain and improve quality standards across the board. What We're Looking For: Experience: Minimum of 5 years in regulatory affairs and quality assurance within the medical device industry. Language Skills: Fluency in both Japanese and English is essential. Passion for Excellence: A keen eye for detail and a commitment to maintaining high standards of quality. Why Join Us? Innovative Environment: Work with cutting-edge technology and innovative products. Professional Growth: Opportunities for continuous learning and career advancement. Impactful Work: Contribute to products that improve patient outcomes and healthcare quality. Dynamic Team: Collaborate with a team of dedicated professionals who are passionate about what they do. If you're ready to take your career to the next level and make a significant impact in the medical device industry, we want to hear from you!

Negotiable
Singapore
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Quality News & Insights

Life Sciences Salary Guides of 2023 Image
biometrics

Life Sciences Salary Guides of 2023

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

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

The Life Sciences Skills Gap: How to Hire

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

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

How to Ensure Employee Retention in Life Sciences

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

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

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

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

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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 Image
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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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