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.

Sr. QA Specialist

Sr. QA Specialist ($95K-$105K/year) This company is a pioneer in the cGMP production sector and is committed to developing gene therapy. Their goal is to create novel, secure, and efficient long-term treatments for illnesses by utilizing their expertise, resources, technology, and knowledge in the fields of translational and regulatory science. As they work to make a difference with every product and instill hope in the hearts of every patient and their family, there is no condition too uncommon or difficulty too great. The main idea of this biotech company is the full-service production of Adeno Associated Viruses (AAV). Every year, they collaborate with more than 100 clients to produce AAV at levels of development, toxicological, clinical, and commercial grade. Duties and Responsibilities: Scheduling, preparing, and performing internal and external audits support of GMP Assembling and coordinating the activities of the audit team, if needed. Performing audits in accordance with the company's standard operating procedures, quality policies, GMP regulations. Escalating compliance issues, as needed. Communicating audit results to management and auditees through written audit reports. Leading post-audit activities, following up on vital corrective and preventive actions by resolving any issues. Assisting with hosting facility inspections by acting as ascribe and/or document reviewer, as needed. Drafting and issuing periodic reports to site management, as requested. Assignment, tracking and completion of CAPA activities associated with audits. Assisting with training/orientation for new Quality Auditing staff. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required BA with at least three years of related experience in Biotech/Pharmaceutical industry At least three years of audit experience in a GMP environment preferred. Detailed oriented; ability to track timelines and milestones. Negotiation skills and ability to communicate with all levels of an organization. Proficiency in developing and writing procedures, audit reports and corrective action plans. Experience in using Track wise is preferred. Ability to work with minimal supervision.

US$95000 - US$105000 per year
Columbus
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Quality Director

Director of Quality - Pharmaceuticals Working Situation: Onsite Level: Director/ Executive Our Client is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Director of Quality to join their growing team. As the Director of Quality, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the quality and compliance of our pharmaceutical products. You will lead our Quality team, oversee responsibilities for all activities associated with cGMP compliance including incoming quality, laboratories, documentation, training, auditing, manufacturing quality, and validation oversight The Director of Quality will: Provide strategic leadership to the Quality team, setting clear goals and expectations, and fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. Plan and conduct internal and external quality audits to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and identify areas for improvement. Responsible for the management of all aspects of the site cGMP documentation system. Ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements, including FDA and other global regulatory agencies, and oversee the preparation and execution of regulatory inspections. Establish and maintain effective quality systems, including SOPs, document control, change control, and CAPA programs. Key role in the technical transfer of analytical methods and specifications for new products from R&D to Operations/QA. The Director of Quality has the following Qualifications: Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, or related life sciences fields. Minimum of 12 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry with at least 8 years in a leadership position. Ideally has Aseptic solution experience/exposure In-depth knowledge of FDA and international regulatory requirements and quality standards. Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with a track record of implementing effective quality improvement initiatives. If you are interested in the role of Director of Quality, don't hesitate to apply today!

US$180000 - US$205000 per annum
Tampa
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Quality Assurance Supervisor

The position of QA will join a dynamic and global leading company in the medical device space, which includes two strong global brands in the space of Ostomy; Continence Care; and Critical Care. Striving for a dynamic Culture of Quality to continuously improve product production. Responsibilities: Oversee the QA department and staff as far as development, training and onboarding. Develop and maintain strategies for the QA function and communicating with key. stakeholders. Develop and implement the QMS. Implementation of internal and external Audits. Oversee complaints, risk management, notified bodies and change control. Oversee the introduction of new products, changes to existing products and innovation. Support the QA operating budget in conjunction with the facility manager. Oversee finished goods product release, including returns handling. Decision making authority in relation to product quality in conjunction with stakeholders. Requirements: Bachelor degree in Quality/Science or Engineering 5+ years experience in Medical device/Pharma industry in Quality positions including Quality system leadership. Experience with ISO13485, 14971, FDA, MMD/MMR Demonstrated knowledge of problem solving and implementing continuous improvement Demonstrated ability to manage/lead a team. Excellent communication skills, written and verbal Fluent English

Negotiable
Netherlands
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Quality Systems Engineer

Summary: As the Quality Systems Engineer, you will ensure the implementation, maintenance, monitoring, and reporting of designated quality system processes to ensure their sufficiency and continual enhancement in an ISO13485 environment. With a primary focus on nonconformance and Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) quality systems, this role spearheads and assists in investigations, root cause analyses, corrective actions, and the management of nonconformance and CAPA processes. The ideal candidate possesses a robust background in quality systems, adept problem-solving abilities, and a steadfast commitment to upholding quality standards within the medical device industry. Key Responsibilities: Standardize process and reporting protocols to accurately document nonconformances, CAPAs, and associated corrective actions in compliance with regulatory directives within the medical device industry. Supervise, gather, and analyze quality data, and furnish reports on external and internal audit observations and the status of corrective actions. Collaborate with assigned business lines to conduct inquiries into product quality issues, deviations, out-of-specification occurrences, and nonconformances, ensuring swift and effective resolutions. Develop training materials and resources to enable staff to employ root cause analysis methodologies (such as 6M, Fishbone, 5 Whys, etc.) to identify underlying factors contributing to nonconformances. Create and execute CAPAs to address identified root causes and prevent the recurrence of nonconformances, ensuring clear definition, timely execution, and effective tracking to completion. Compile and deliver reports summarizing investigation findings, root causes, corrective actions, and outcomes to management and relevant stakeholders. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Quality, Regulatory, Operations, R&D, etc., to implement process enhancements based on analyses from nonconformance investigations. Monitor the efficacy of implemented corrective actions, utilizing key performance indicators to assess progress and drive continual improvement. Stay abreast of pertinent quality standards, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices related to nonconformance and CAPA processes. Responsible for overseeing and reporting on quality data in other designated quality system processes, as assigned. Qualifications: Education and Experience: Bachelor's Degree in Life Sciences or a related technical discipline (e.g., biomedical engineering) or field. Minimum of 5 years of experience in an ISO 13485 environment. At least 3 years of direct experience in nonconformance and CAPA investigation within the medical device industry. Previous experience supporting and facilitating internal and external audits within the medical device field. Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: Certification as a quality auditor or similar industry certification. Benefits: Full-time team members become eligible for benefits starting the first day of the month following 30 days of employment. These include: Health Insurance: High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with Health Savings Account (HSA) - with an employer contribution of $1,040 annually. High Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) Low Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Dental Insurance Vision Insurance Basic Life Insurance (Employer-paid) Supplemental Life Insurance Short-term Disability Insurance (Employer-paid) Long-term Disability Insurance 401(k) Plan with a 4% Employer Match Paid Time Off (accrued at 120 hours per year)* 9 Paid Holidays Access to Continuing Education and Seminar Programs Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Fitness Room Access

US$100000 - US$110000 per year
Minneapolis
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Senior Quality Assurance Manager

Senior Quality Assurance Manager Location: Atlanta, GA Working Situation: Remote Level: Senior Level We are currently seeking a talented and experienced Senior Quality Assurance Manager to join our team in Atlanta, GA. We are a global biotechnology company focusing on human and animal tissues, cell products, and other biofluids. This permanent position offers an exciting opportunity for a Quality Assurance professional with expertise in Good Clinical Practice (GCP), Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP/cGMP) and auditing. As the Senior Quality Assurance Manager, you will be responsible for ensuring compliance with GCP, GMP and maintaining a Quality culture while developing and implementing training programs, conducting audits and inspections, compiling detailed reports, and supervising staff. The Senior Quality Assurance Manager will: Lead GCP/GMP trainings, ensure compliance, and update relevant parties Compile audit findings, review responses, and follow up Review System Validation protocols and maintain QA records Develop QA auditing procedures and SOPs, manage scheduling Serve as liaison for client and regulatory inspections, communicate with stakeholders Conduct internal and external audits, and ensure policy adherence for all regulatory bodies Supervise staff, including training, assigning work, conducting appraisals, and providing feedback The Senior Quality Assurance Manager will have the following qualifications: Bachelor's Degree in relevant field, Biology or Chemistry preferred 9+ years of relevant industry experience 4+ years leading a team ASQ certification, preferred If you're interested in joining our team as the Senior Quality Assurance Manager, apply now!

US$150000 - US$180000 per annum
Atlanta
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Sr. QA Specialist

Sr. QA Specialist Position ($95K-$105K/year) This company is a pioneer in the cGMP production sector and is committed to developing gene therapy. Their goal is to create novel, secure, and efficient long-term treatments for illnesses by utilizing their expertise, resources, technology, and knowledge in the fields of translational and regulatory science. As they work to make a difference with every product and instill hope in the hearts of every patient and their family, there is no condition too uncommon or difficulty too great. The main idea of this biotech company is the full-service production of Adeno Associated Viruses (AAV). Every year, they collaborate with more than 100 clients to produce AAV at levels of development, toxicological, clinical, and commercial grade. Duties and Responsibilities: Scheduling, preparing, and performing internal and external audits support of GMP Assembling and coordinating the activities of the audit team, if needed. Performing audits in accordance with the company's standard operating procedures, quality policies, GMP regulations. Escalating compliance issues, as needed. Communicating audit results to management and auditees through written audit reports. Leading post-audit activities, following up on vital corrective and preventive actions by resolving any issues. Assisting with hosting facility inspections by acting as ascribe and/or document reviewer, as needed. Drafting and issuing periodic reports to site management, as requested. Assignment, tracking and completion of CAPA activities associated with audits. Assisting with training/orientation for new Quality Auditing staff. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required BA with at least three years of related experience in Biotech/Pharmaceutical industry At least three years of audit experience in a GMP environment preferred. Detailed oriented; ability to track timelines and milestones. Negotiation skills and ability to communicate with all levels of an organization. Proficiency in developing and writing procedures, audit reports and corrective action plans. Experience in using Track wise is preferred. Ability to work with minimal supervision.

US$95000 - US$105000 per year
Columbus
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Senior Quality Control Chemist

Senior Quality Control Chemist - 5 days on-site A small, well-established CDMO in Irvine, CA, wants to add a Senior QC Chemist to their team. Join this team to expand on your analytical experience in a cGMP environment. The organization supports its employees' growth and development, helping employees succeed in the pharmaceutical industry while supporting their network of clients. Currently, the team is only considering candidates local to Irvine, CA, or candidates who have a sustainable commute to their labs. Day to day: Analytical testing of raw materials, in-process samples, and final products Predominately utilize analytical instrumentation, and ensure proper functioning Carry out the development of analytical methods, and author SOPs Provide peer review for other technician's data Maintain and troubleshoot HPLC and other analytical instrumentation, and maintain equipment calibration and qualification Support management with training of team members, laboratory investigations, and internal/external audits Experience: Bachelor of Science in Chemistry or related field 8+ years of experience in the pharmaceutical/biotech environment Exposure to working with small molecules Experience working with HPLC, GC, CE, ICP, FTIR, and dissolution apparatus.

US$80000 - US$90000 per year + Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
Irvine
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CNC Operator

Rôle: Opérateur CNC Localisation: Suisse (Peut déménager des personnes de France ou de Belgique) Permanent Une entreprise manufacturière leader est actuellement à la recherche de plusieurs opérateurs CNC pour rejoindre son équipe. C'est l'occasion d'avoir un impact et de faire partie d'une incroyable culture d'équipe. Responsabilités: Préparer le démarrage de la machine Utiliser des machines CNC Responsable de la sécurité et de l'hygiène Travailler en équipe Signaler toute modification ou dysfonctionnement Exigences: Mécanicien, décolleteur ou technicien en décolletage, ou niveau équivalent. 3+ ans d'expérience en usinage Comprendre l'utilisation des commandes CNC Ce rôle sera un travail posté Expérience dans l'utilisation d'appareils de mesure et d'outils de coupe Langues : Français

Negotiable
Switzerland
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Risk Manager

EPM is currently partnered with one of the leading Medical Device Manufacturers of intelligent ventilators who is seeking a Risk Manager to join their team Responsibilities: Planning and implementing the risk management process throughout the entire life cycle of the devices and accessories in accordance with relevant standards. Monitoring compliance with risk management processes and standards, ensuring adherence to internal processes and conducting compliant risk assessments. Serving as the primary point of contact for inquiries related to the risk management process. Providing support for internal and external audits, product approvals, and communication with regulatory authorities and partners. Contributing to the ongoing development and training of the risk management process. Qualifications: A university degree in engineering or relevant experience in a related technical field. Proficiency with international standards such as ISO 13485 and ISO 14971, as well as familiarity with medical device regulations like MDR 2017/745 and 21 CFR 820. Fluency in German and business-level proficiency in English (Level C1).

Negotiable
Switzerland
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Supplier Quality Management Engineer

Responsibilities: Assist the strategic sourcing team in reviewing, negotiating and reformulating existing quality agreements with suppliers Support in the creation of new quality agreements with new or existing suppliers Supporting the strategic procurement team in supplier audits You act as a link between the operational procurement team and suppliers You will act as a subject matter expert for all related supplier quality procedures and ensure compliance with relevant procedures Supporting production in case of supplier problems Creation of inspection plans for incoming goods Supporting Quality Engineers in reviewing and approving the test strategy, test plans and test reports in the implementation of product and process changes and their verifications Supporting Quality Engineers in ensuring the regulatory conformity of processes and products within the framework of quality assurance, taking into account the quality methods according to ISO 13485 and 21 CFR Parts 11 and 820 Requirements: Scientific or technical studies (e.g. mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, materials science, physics, process engineering, etc.) Experience in the field of quality assurance and compliance with regulations and quality standards of the medical device industry (21 CFR Part 11 and 820, Regulation (EU) 2017/745, ISO 13485, ISO 14971, ISO 9001) Experience in the field of risk management, ideally in medical technology Confident appearance and enjoyment in moderating discussions Fluent in German and English or willingness to learn them independently Basic knowledge of the use of Jira & Confluence is an advantage

Negotiable
Switzerland
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Supplier Quality Management Engineer

We have a current opportunity for a Supplier Quality Management Engineer on a permanent basis. The position will be based in Bonaduz. For further information about this position please apply.

Negotiable
Switzerland
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Associate Director Clinical GCP Quality

Our client is an industry-leading biotechnology company that specializes in developing groundbreaking cancer therapies that harness the power of cutting-edge technologies. They are currently seeking a highly experienced professional to join their team as the Associate Director of Clinical (GCP) Quality. Responsibilities: Proven track record in effectively managing and supervising CAPA plans, including writing, reviewing, approving, and closing them. Demonstrated capability in conducting and overseeing site, internal GCP, and vendor audits, along with directing and guiding audit follow-up actions. Proficiency in establishing Quality and Cross-Functional Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and processes, along with implementing associated document controls. Experience serving as a global document management system administrator. Skilled in managing and mentoring direct reports. Ability to coordinate cross-functional meetings between departments and Quality teams. Willingness to undertake other duties as assigned. Qualifications: Bachelor's degree or higher qualification within life sciences At least 10 years' experience working in GCP Quality Assurance and/or GCP Compliance, additional GCP Auditing experience preferred In-depth knowledge of global regulations related to good clinical practice Excellent interpersonal communication skills along with proficiency communicating both verbally and written formats. Bilingual Willingness to travel If you are interested, please apply with your CV attached.

Negotiable
Tokyo
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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

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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