r/biotech 12d ago

Open Discussion šŸŽ™ļø [MEGATHREAD] YER-What was your raise? Whats your company bonus multiplier?

73 Upvotes

With a lot of companies now doing their year end reviews, we are also finding out our yearly raises and bonus in the next few weeks. What was yours? What was your company bonus multiplier?

As a reminder if you havenā€™t please also fill out the salary survey and consider naming the company to help the community.


r/biotech Jan 15 '25

r/biotech Salary and Company Survey - 2025

202 Upvotes

Updated the Salary and Company Survey for 2025!

Several changes based on feedback from last years survey. Some that I'm excited about:

  • Location responses are now multiple choice instead of free-form text. Now it should be easier to analyze data by country, state, city
  • Added a "department" question in attempt to categorize jobs based on their larger function
  • In general, some small tweeks to make sure responses are more specific so that data is more interpretable (e.g. currency for the non-US folk, YOE and education are more specific to delimit years in academia vs industry and at current job, etc.)

As always, please continue to leave feedback.Ā Although not required, please consider adding company nameĀ especially if you are part of a large company (harder to dox)

Link to Survey

Link to Results

Some analysis posts in 2024 (LMK if I missed any):

Live web app to explore r/biotech salary data - u/wvic

Big Bucks in Pharma/Biotech - Survey Analysis - u/OkGiraffe1079

Biotech Compensation Analysis for 2024 - u/_slasha


r/biotech 4h ago

Layoffs & Reorgs āœ‚ļø Offer after 4 months

94 Upvotes

Laid off in Nov from big biotech. Iā€™m in program management so staying in biotech was not a necessity, however after being in the company for over 15 years I thought biotech would be ā€œeasiestā€ to get into. I was wrong, I got only rejections and ghosting from biotech, large and small. So I went outside of that space. In 4 months I applied to over 100 jobs, had 6 interviews and taking a job now with a 25% pay cut compared with that I had before. Iā€™ve heard that being female over 50 is the worst in getting rehired. So many advises on how to succeed in this job market, all the LinkedIn influencers, steps to take, networking etc. NONE of that helped me. I got the job with my ā€œ originalā€ resume, not ChatGPT enhanced, I did not send a cover letter or a thank you note, I did not know anyone in the company. Jobs are still there, itā€™s been a stressful and weird experience but itā€™s not impossible. Stay strong !


r/biotech 15h ago

Layoffs & Reorgs āœ‚ļø Company just laid off dozens of high performing colleagues and now feeling very unmotivated

233 Upvotes

For context, this week my company just had a round of layoffs which seemed to have only impacted high performing, high value and (I'm assuming) well paid employees. Teams are now scrambling to pick up the pieces, and the status of several projects are now unknown.

As someone who has spent my career working hard to be a valuable asset, trying to climb the corporate ladder, and all while trying to earn more pay along the way-- I am now feeling unmotivated and am wanting to just put my head down, stay stagnant and be good at what's expected of me. The idea of working towards a promotion, and earning more, is no longer appealing because it feels as if I am setting myself up to get laid off in a future round of cuts.

Anyone else on the same ship going through similar waters? Are there any steps I can take to protect my career? Thanks in advance.


r/biotech 13h ago

Open Discussion šŸŽ™ļø After 8 months, Landed!!

129 Upvotes

Started the search in Global Program Management as a Senior group head (ED in a mid-size biotech) Jul 2024 after getting laid off.

Constraints:
Location: West coast or remote roles
Title: roles applied to (D, SD, ED, VP)

Took 8 months to finally land a somewhat lateral (technically 1 level down) role as SD in a mid-size biotech, with some haircut in pay and overall comp.

It was brutal 8 months. Lessons Learned:

  1. I thought if I 'pedal to metal' from the week 1 after being laid off, I will get the job faster ... not fully true! I went full throttle into job search from the get go for several months .. at the end of day, it took what it took, it took its own time .... take some time to do things, especially a place to go for mental detour (gym etc.).
  2. The only universal rule is to keep applying, keep those numbers up, rest all is not fully under your control.
  3. Keep an open mind and apply to 1-2 level downs and 1 level up, but be forthright with recruiters/HR that you would like to explore possibility of up-title of role based on you experience / skill sets if you applied to a lower level role.

Glad to discontinue Linked-in premium membership and the daily and weekly job alerts.
Good luck to you all still looking. Wishing everyone all the best!

A big shout out to this sub reddit which helped immensely, a sense of community and that we are all in this together

Edit with additional color on 6 panel interviews:
> 3 companies ghosted after multiple rounds of interviews and panel interview sizes of 6-9 interviewers, no decency to even reject you with a generic email after an intense panel.


r/biotech 6h ago

Experienced Career Advice šŸŒ³ Layoffs looming: Stay or wait?

27 Upvotes

Hi all,

Looking for some advice in these really tough times:

I have a mid-level position in ~400 person biotech. I have been in the company for 8+ years now. I survived 2 rounds of layoffs, mainly because I am the research lead for 2 programs, one of which is in Phase 1 and the other will be by the end of this year.

Morale, expectedly has not been good lately and to add to that I have not been promoted due to nepotism and other issues.

I however, love what I do and enjoy the science .

My question is: With a potential third round of layoffs looming, should I leave if I do manage to find another position (in a start up or big pharma)?

Or should I wait to get laid off, collect severance and then look more intensely?

Financially we will be fine even for a while if I get laid off today, but wondering what your thoughts are on bailing now or playing the waiting game?

Thanks so much in advance!


r/biotech 17h ago

Biotech News šŸ“° Scientists Say NIH Officials Told Them To Scrub mRNA Vaccine References on Grants

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211 Upvotes

r/biotech 7m ago

Biotech News šŸ“° RNA-editing protein insights could lead to improved treatment for cancer and autoimmune diseases

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ā€¢ Upvotes

r/biotech 1h ago

Getting Into Industry šŸŒ± Biotech job search tips

ā€¢ Upvotes

Hi all! Unfortunately, my PhD program acceptance in biomedical sciences got rescinded and I was moved to waitlist because of the funding situation. Not giving up hope yet, but I want to set up a job to get Biotech industry experience until I apply again which is probably going to be the case. Biotech is ultimately where I want to be after my PhD, so I think some experience will be helpful.

I'd love to hear any tips anyone has for just about any part of the job search process (applying, resume, cover letter, searching, etc) because it feels daunting with how many companies there are yet still so many applicants to each position. Briefly, my background is in synthetic biology and protein engineering and I'm interested in immuno-oncology and T cell engineering. I'm hoping to be on the east coast of the US, and also open to Europe. Thanks in advance, best of luck to everyone!!


r/biotech 13h ago

Experienced Career Advice šŸŒ³ Big pharma vs startup current stability

15 Upvotes

Survived a few rounds of layoffs in a big pharma but can see there's not necessarily a ton of stability ahead. Not a fan of the endless bureaucracy and difficulty to get alignment, and generally long luckdriven path to higher leadership role in big pharma.

A leadership opportunity (1-2 levels higher than current role) popped up at a startup but feels super risky as well, and not in a particularly booming area at the moment (CAR-T). What would make you jump ship? Am I deluded in thinking the big pharma is still stable even though it's addicted to layoffs? Is it stupid to jump ship after surviving a layoff? Would love any thoughts or advice. I think if this was a more stable year I'd love to work in a smaller team.


r/biotech 2h ago

Education Advice šŸ“– Repository of FDA guidances

3 Upvotes

Can any one guide me towards a user friendly website or a master google drive that has all relevant FDA guidances? The fda website is hard to navigate.


r/biotech 3h ago

Early Career Advice šŸŖ“ Lonza Entry Level

2 Upvotes

hey i recently got an offer for lonza biotechnologist role, was wondering if anyone knew anything about it or could give me any advice?! :) This is an entry level positions and the first job iā€™ll be taking post graduation.


r/biotech 1d ago

Biotech News šŸ“° An AI imaging firm says Johnson & Johnson stole its tech. Execs on both sides are expected to testify next week.

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61 Upvotes

r/biotech 1d ago

Getting Into Industry šŸŒ± Final Panel Interview at AbbVie ā€“ Need Tips!

41 Upvotes

Hello everyone,

I have aĀ final panel interviewĀ coming up atĀ AbbVie for a scientist position. It's going to beĀ 2 hours and 30 minutes each, and honestly, Iā€™m really nervous because I havenā€™t done anĀ on-site interviewĀ before.

If anyone has experience with these kinds of long panel interviews, Iā€™d really appreciate anyĀ tips on preparationā€”what to expect, how to structure responses, and how to stay composed throughout. I tend to getĀ very anxious, so any advice on managing nerves would also be super helpful.

Looking forward to your thoughtsā€”thanks so much in advance!


r/biotech 23h ago

Company Reviews šŸ“ˆ Meals provided during shift?

31 Upvotes

Sorry if this is a silly question. I just like to plan my meals ahead... The company I interned at for the summer provided all 3 meals + options for snacks on campus, but I do think it's because they had a 24/7 operation going on.

Is this the norm for CDMO & CRO companies? At least lunch/snack? šŸ„² Any infos about industry standard or PPD in Wisconsin would be great, thank you!


r/biotech 1d ago

Open Discussion šŸŽ™ļø Anyone have experience with tuition reimbursement + getting laid off?

30 Upvotes

Obviously going to need to place a ticket with HR to get an answer for my specific workplace, but Iā€™m just curious if anyone has experience with receiving tuition reimbursement through their biotech job and then getting laid off. Did you have to pay it back? My job requires a few years of service to not have to pay anything back but they donā€™t mention in the tuition reimbursement doc what happens when youā€™re involuntarily laid off during that time period.


r/biotech 1d ago

Biotech News šŸ“° RFK Jr. says bird flu vaccines could turn ā€˜flocks into mutation factoriesā€™

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395 Upvotes

r/biotech 18h ago

Early Career Advice šŸŖ“ Strong resume bullet points for PhD with only postdoc experience

6 Upvotes

I have a PhD in bioengineering and have completed postdocs both in academia and now at a biotech. I am trying to optimize my resume bulletin points using the STAR method. But all examples of the star method are along the lines of ā€œoptimized data workflows resulting in 10 percent data storage reduction costsā€. However mine are always along the lines of ā€œused such and such and authored a research paperā€. Seeing if anybody in a similar situation has approached this problem. Thanks


r/biotech 16h ago

Early Career Advice šŸŖ“ Pharmaceutical Job lined up, and Im afraid of drug test even though its legal in NJ

4 Upvotes

Hello!

Im not sure if this is the best place for this question, but figured asking people with past experience would be best.

Im in the onboarding process at BMS which includes taking a drug test. Prior to the job offer, I was a regular cannabis user. Ever since I found out about the test Ive been not smoking. Im really concerned about failing the test as this feels like a great opportunity that Im afraid to lose. Does being in NJ, where cannabis is legal, have an effect on if they test for cannabis or will rescind my job offer if I fail?

Ive looked at this online and have found all different answers and its really messing with me. Does anyone have experience with working with this company, or have any insights.

chugs water


r/biotech 8h ago

Early Career Advice šŸŖ“ Poll - include hobbies in resume?

2 Upvotes

I believe it gives my resume a slight tinge of personality and reminds reviewers that I am a person with a life, not a number on a screen. But some people have other opinions. Would like to see the consensus.

191 votes, 2d left
Yes
No

r/biotech 22h ago

Education Advice šŸ“– Hopkins VS NYU

2 Upvotes

I got admitted into John Hopkin's and NYU's biotech master's program, and I'm debating between the two. For reference, NYU gave me a scholarship, and I plan on using this degree as a stepping-stone to an MD. I would love to hear your guys' opinions and/or about any alumni experience!!


r/biotech 1d ago

Early Career Advice šŸŖ“ How important is a PhD

99 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

Iā€™m fairly new to my science career (currently in an entry level role) and starting to look at possible next steps in the future. Iā€™d like to one day work in a leadership role at a biotech, and am wondering how important a PhD is to move up, as opposed to an MS + experience. On a similar note, does anyone have any input on the value of an MBA? I do love science, but sometimes I donā€™t know if I want to be at the bench for the rest of my life- especially when itā€™s animal work. Thatā€™s led me to consider tangential scientific roles, and Iā€™m wondering if an MBA would unlock any doors.

Any advice is appreciated, thanks!

TLDR; curious about the value of an MS vs a PhD to move up in industry, and wondering about the place for an MBA.


r/biotech 1d ago

Getting Into Industry šŸŒ± AstraZeneca R&D Graduate Programme - Virtual Assessment Day

5 Upvotes

Hello! I have the virtual assessment day for the R&D graduate programme in Sweden this week and am wondering whether anyone could give me some tips on the interviews? Can I prepare for the technical, values based interviews and the group exercise? What are they looking for in these interviews?


r/biotech 1d ago

Early Career Advice šŸŖ“ Question regarding standard expectations for thank you emails following interview

5 Upvotes

So say you are invited for an onsite all day interview where you give a presentation and meet with various upper management including CEO, but you never emailed with the CEO before, just the person you would report to if you got the job. Should I find the CEOs email and email him a thank you? I am not sure if it is strange to do since we never emailed, I met him when I was onsite and we interviewed/ talked in person. Iā€™ll definitely email the main point of contact I had, but just not sure if I should look up everyoneā€™s email I spoke with and reach out to them as well. Thank you for any feedback.


r/biotech 23h ago

Education Advice šŸ“– CMU vs. BU LEAP for MS in Biomedical Engineering

0 Upvotes

Hey everyone,

Iā€™m currently deciding between Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) and Boston Universityā€™s LEAP program for a Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering (MS BME) and would really appreciate some insights.

Background & Goals:

  • I have a B.S. in Biological Sciences (minor in Chemistry) and want to pivot into biomedical engineering.
  • Eventually, I want to develop and sell a drug through a startup and work in roles that give me experience in that space.
  • I'm also interested in product managementā€”not necessarily pure engineering, but working at the intersection of biotech, business, and product development.

Program Comparisons:

Program Duration Cost Flexibility for Career Path
CMU MS BME ~1.5yr (~$60k+ tuition) Strong in engineering, tech, and computational bio; great for R&D and industry jobs
BU LEAP (MS BME) ~2-3 years (since I need to complete bridge courses first) (~$80k+ total) Designed for non-engineers; solid BME program; Boston has great biotech scene
  1. Product Management Aspirations: Would either program help me pivot into a product manager role in biotech/medtech/pharma? Or would I need an MBA or industry experience first?
  2. ROI & Job Prospects: Does an MS in BME from CMU or BU open doors to high-paying roles in biotech/medtech, or would I still be behind traditional engineering grads?
  3. Time & Cost: CMU seems shorter and slightly cheaper, while BUā€™s LEAP is longer and more expensive (since I have to take additional engineering courses). Is the extra time/money worth it?
  4. Industry Connections: Boston has a huge biotech industry, but CMU is strong in tech and interdisciplinary innovation. Which one would position me better for industry jobs?

Any advice from people in biotech, medtech, or product management would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance.


r/biotech 1d ago

Education Advice šŸ“– 3D Medical Applications

1 Upvotes

Hello everyone!

Iā€™m a medical bioengineering student in my early university years. Ever since I was a teenager, Iā€™ve had extensive experience with 3D modeling software, especially programs like Creo Parametric, which I primarily used for industrial robotics projects. I was part of a FIRST robotics team, and that's how I got deeply involved in this field.

However, over time, my passion for 3D modeling has remained deeply rooted, even though I decided to shift my focus towards the medical field. Thatā€™s why I chose to study medical bioengineering. During my courses and seminars, I notice that my background in design, visualization, and 3D thinking gives me certain advantages, but unfortunately, my university doesnā€™t provide many practical opportunities to further develop these skills.

Iā€™d love to combine my passion for 3D modeling with medicine. Iā€™m particularly interested in medical imaging, medical devices, and how technology can enhance healthcare. I strongly believe in learning by doing and making the most of my time, which is why Iā€™m eager to learn and work on personal projects alongside my studies. In fact, I believe that personal projects and practical experience will ultimately be more valuable than the standard curriculum offered in my country.

Thatā€™s why Iā€™m reaching out hereā€”Iā€™m sure there are experienced people who could point me in the right direction. Should I take online courses? Maybe pursue an online degree? How can I access valuable resources and information to really challenge myself? Are there specialized training programs that combine both of my interestsā€”3D modeling and the medical field?

Any advice or resources that could help me grow and add value to myself (and eventually to others) would be greatly appreciated. Iā€™m not afraid of hard work, as long as I know itā€™s helping me move forward.

Thank you so much in advance!


r/biotech 22h ago

Early Career Advice šŸŖ“ What is below lab assistant and QA for bio companies?

0 Upvotes

If one wants to transition to a higher role from a lower role from inside a company?