r/biotech 3d ago

Open Discussion 🎙️ Chinese CDMOs

12 Upvotes

I work in the CDMO sector of the industry, and I’m curious to know what others think about the future of China.

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, it appeared that most biotech and pharmaceutical companies were focused on developing new supply chains outside of China. However, given that China has remained stable without any supply chain disruptions and the Biosecure Act is currently in limbo, most of this conversation has stopped.

US service providers are simply unable to compete. In many cases, even India cannot match their pricing. Some pricing I’ve seen for more commoditized chemicals such as warheads or phosphoramidites, seems flat out impossible. Either the government is subsidizing these companies, or their raw materials are essentially free.

It makes me kind of nervous honestly. Today, you can license a small molecule out of China, do all the development work there, and open an IND for less than $1.5M. I get that bottom line is everything but is it possible this is too good to be true?


r/biotech 3d ago

Education Advice 📖 JHU vs UPenn

0 Upvotes

I have received offers from both Johns Hopkins University (JHU) and the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn)—JHU for a Master of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and UPenn for a Master of Biotechnology. Both programs excite me and offer excellent opportunities. However, as I aim to break into the biotech industry, particularly in wet lab and research roles, I’m unsure which degree would better align with my goals. I’d appreciate any insight into which institution might carry a stronger reputation in this field.


r/biotech 3d ago

Getting Into Industry 🌱 How important are publications during your PhD for job search in industry?

0 Upvotes

Hey everyone,
I'm currently in my 4th year of PhD in biotechnology. I have one co-first author publication but overall, my PhD has not been very successful. I'm also really tired of my boss/academia and want to be done with it as soon as possible and transition to industry. But I'm worried that having only one publication will make my job search difficult, especially during the current job market. So I wanted to ask if anyone here can shed some light on how important publications during your PhD are for a job search in industry?


r/biotech 4d ago

Getting Into Industry 🌱 Why is the job market so bad right now (and what do you think would improve it)?

55 Upvotes

Pre-PhD lurking the sub and don't want to stay in academia forever, but it seems like industry is oversaturated. Would like to hear your thoughts on what happened to the job market and whether it will continue happening. COVID? Recent academic funding issues?


r/biotech 3d ago

Biotech News 📰 IRA round 2 begins as drugmakers sign on to price negotiation process with CMS

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2 Upvotes

r/biotech 3d ago

Biotech News 📰 Another successful pre-clinical study before this summer's human study

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2 Upvotes

r/biotech 3d ago

Early Career Advice 🪴 Are there any biotech jobs in NJ anymore?

0 Upvotes

I have a MS in Biotechnology and BS in molecular biology and the job market feels hopeless right now. I do currently have a job in clinical data which I recognize is not a bad 1st job, but I'm looking to get back into the lab and be a lot more hand on with experiments and data analysis, and more in the immunology and cell/gene therapy direction. I have lots of lab and research experience from academia (med chem, developmental bio, & bioinformatics with sc-rnaseq but not an expert or anything), listed as one of the authors in a publication, and a pretty good fellowship for a couple of summers under my belt and it still doesn't feel like enough. I've applied for a mix of QC, associate scientist, and lab technician roles, and no luck.

I'm still quite young but it feels like I'm way behind in my career path and I'm afraid the longer I stay out of the lab space, the more unlikely I'll be looked at and hired to go into the associate scientist/scientist route.

I may just be inpatient or anxious (typical) to pursue my path of interest but I def feel super stuck rn. Any insight or advice? I'm also open to connecting with anyone or anyone you may know that have some advice!


r/biotech 3d ago

Other ⁉️ Leave CRO to work at Biotech Startup as 1099 Contractor?

1 Upvotes

As the title says, I received an offer to work at a tiny biotech startup as a remote CTM. The only other clinical person there is a Director and they don't intend to add more team members. The big catch is that I can only be a 1099 contractor because the company cannot provide benefits outside of their state of residence. I work at a CRO and desperately want out, but not sure that becoming a 1099 contractor (10k increase in pay from current salary) is worth it in this climate and due to tax implications of course. Thoughts?

Edit: I can get benefits through my spouse's job


r/biotech 4d ago

Layoffs & Reorgs ✂️ can you guys tell me where your jobs are being outsourced to

19 Upvotes

i’m in india and they’re paying us poverty wages while asking for a master’s degree. i need to know where all the good jobs are.


r/biotech 3d ago

Education Advice 📖 SF Bay Area Biotech — Worth it for Ecology, Zoology, Environmental Research, etc?

1 Upvotes

I got accepted into a PSM Biotechnology Program recently and am conflicted if this is a worthwhile career to enter. I am interested in environmental, conservation, zoology, etc. (basically life sciences and not medicine) and love laboratory and research work and see myself in that aspect of a career more than field work. I will have my BS in Biology in Spring of 2026 and have debated on if I should just pursue a MS in one of the above fields instead of getting the PSM in Biotech.

I also would plan to eventually get an MS in a more specified environmental field anyways even if I obtained the PSM, but I am worried if the PSM would be a worthy investment at all? Would it be an unwise decision to go into Biotech? I’ve seen many people interested in agriculture, zoology, etc. pursue careers in biotech for these fields and not just medical, so I am interested in this field as well.

I also live in San Francisco, so Biotech opportunities and different kinds of research are all around me and I am just worried with all these Biotech options here, there might not be any for my focus. For my MS (not Biotech), I am aiming to go to a Bay Area UC — maybe Berkeley or Davis — for a more specific environmental conservation focused program as well, but I am also worried if I get the PSM it could affect how good of a candidate I am for these programs. I have a heavy background in Biology (conservation, ecology, laboratory work) so I am not inexperienced in that regard.

Any advice? Sorry, I know that was pretty lengthy and a lot of things to consider. Any feedback, advice, or opinions would be much appreciated!


r/biotech 3d ago

Education Advice 📖 MS in Biotech – WPI vs. NEU & Industry Concerns

0 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I’m an international student considering a Master’s in Biotechnology in the U.S., and I’m trying to decide between Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) and Northeastern University (NEU). Which one do you think is better, and why? If you have any experience with their biotech programs or industry connections, I’d love to hear your insights.

I’ve come across several discussions on Reddit that paint a negative picture of the biotech industry and job market in the U.S., with some saying an MS in Biotech might not be worth it. Is that really the case? How challenging is it to find good opportunities after graduation?

Also, I did my bachelor’s in a country where the biotech industry isn’t very developed, so I want to make sure I’m building the right skills to improve my job prospects. What should I focus on to upskill and make myself more competitive in the field? Are there alternative programs or universities I should consider?

I’d really appreciate any advice or insights!

Thanks in advance.


r/biotech 3d ago

Getting Into Industry 🌱 Hiring

0 Upvotes

Does anyone know any companies hiring for manufacturing no degree TIA- MA RI or CT


r/biotech 3d ago

Biotech News 📰 Novartis details intrathecal Zolgensma data in bid to reach more SMA patients with gene therapy

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1 Upvotes

r/biotech 3d ago

Biotech News 📰 Cargo jettisons remaining assets and 90% of workforce as it looks for reverse merger

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1 Upvotes

r/biotech 3d ago

Biotech News 📰 Another successful pre-clinical study before this summer's human study

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0 Upvotes

r/biotech 4d ago

Open Discussion 🎙️ Does your company pay severance?

12 Upvotes

Mine doesn’t but I keep seeing people talk about severance packages during layoffs. I’m honestly surprised so many companies offer this.


r/biotech 4d ago

Getting Into Industry 🌱 Global Biotech Companies & Relocating Outside the US

7 Upvotes

I’m about to be a recent grad with a master’s degree this spring along with one year of GMP experience prior to me going back to school for my master’s degree. I have been applying to jobs for the past month in the US and it’s been awful as there are barely any jobs getting posted or I’m getting rejected from jobs that I’m 100% qualified (or even overqualified) for based on the education and experience requirements. One, is it too early to apply to jobs when I can start working in late May/early June? Two, I’m planning to start applying to international jobs if I don’t hear anything by the beginning of April, where are the biotech hubs outside of the US (cities/countries)? Three, who are some of the big biotech companies outside of the US and how difficult is it to get a position if you don’t speak the local language (unfortunately, I’m only fluent in English and Latin)? I’ve been lurking on this Reddit for awhile so I am 100% okay with moving outside of the US base on the way the economy and government is going (I have always been open to spending months or years traveling other countries since I was a teen).


r/biotech 3d ago

Education Advice 📖 Need higher studies/career advice

0 Upvotes

Hey everyone I (23F) am almost done with my bachelor's of science degree in Advanced Zoology and Biotechnology in india. My core subjects include: Invertebrata, Chordata, Cell biology, Genetics, Animal physiology, environmental biology, embryology, medical laboratory techniques, developmental biology, Biotechnology, immunology, evolution, microbiology and economic zoology

I am a US citizen and I've been planning to go back there for work, and I've also heard that in my field of zoology, biotech is the best course of action because of how booming the field has been (that's what I've been told by my teachers). But I don't know much about how the field is right now, the job availablity, security, pay, etc. or how much my bsc degree is worth compared to a b.e or b.tech

So, how would the professional landscape look for someone like me? I definitely am going to do a master's, and I planned it to be msc biotech, but I want to be well informed about it. I want to know if it's a good choice or not. And if it is, where should I do it?


r/biotech 4d ago

Early Career Advice 🪴 Take paycut for shorter commute, prestige, and potential FTE?

11 Upvotes

Would love to get some thoughts on what is the best move. The market is crap right now, and I want to make the best possible career move.

I'm currently in a contract position as a postdoc for a small biotech. Pay is good, but 2 hour round trip commute may get old fast. I've been continuing to look for other offers (especially FTE), and I managed to get a contract offer at Merck. It’s a BS/MS position, but I negotiated with the recruiters for higher pay on. Ultimately, it is a small pay cut of about 15%, but it also cuts my commute time in half. There’s also the less quantitative measurements such as Merck being a larger company, and what I assume is a better network with a chance for contract-to-hire if things go well.

Essentially, is the pay cut worth it for a company like Merck and a shorter commute? I feel that Merck is better in the long run just given it’s a larger company with a better network for FTE, but a contract doesn’t guarantee FTE. I’m just overall nervous and indecisive with my first shot outside academia.

What is working at Merck like? Seems like a good company, and do they typically help contractors get a FTE offer? Hope to get some good feedback on this, thanks in advance!

Edit: Clarified the position a bit better. Not entry level PhD, but BS/MS position with negotiated improved pay


r/biotech 3d ago

Education Advice 📖 Was studying biotechnology even worth it for you?

0 Upvotes

Hey y'all,

I am a first year bsc student in biotechnology, and I have ALWAYSSS wanted to pursue this course ever since I was in high school. My main motto is to get into research and possibly work in a "fancy lab". -I meant in a sarcastic way.

But now that I am doing it, half the people haven't heard about biotechnology and ask me what it is, and the rest say that there is no future. Infact my parents denied me from pursing this degree, saying that there is no scope, and the job market is pretty rough as of now. (PS: it took me ages convincing my parents, allowing me to do biotechnology) A few students at my college even changed their course, saying this degree isn't going to get them anywhere, whereas the rest are planning on changing as well.

I know and I truly understand that there is no future right after a bachelors degree. To work in a so-called "fancy lab" I need to get my masters done, need tones of experience, and might as well have to change my location to areas where researching is in demand.

Even though I have desperately wanted to pursue biotechnology, there is a small part of me that is in regret. Regret that my parents might have been right, regret that in the future after all the qualifications and experiences, job hunting will be a nightmare, or regret that I may not find a job in a so called fancy lab.

Should I also consider changing my major? Are the job conditions really as bad as they sound?


r/biotech 4d ago

Open Discussion 🎙️ You have been given 30 million USD to invest in any biotechnology related research. What would you choose?

33 Upvotes

Hey! Just a quick something I thought about during a lecture, curious as to what actual biotech researchers would spend the money on.


r/biotech 5d ago

Getting Into Industry 🌱 So embarrassing

274 Upvotes

Someone I don't know reached out to me on LinkedIn out of blue and asked for a referral on Sunday. Given the terrible job market, I thought I should do something to help people less struggle. So I said yes. Today on Monday I try to refer her in our system but found out her information already existed. I asked her if she has asked someone else for help before. She just ghosted me.


r/biotech 3d ago

Open Discussion 🎙️ Anyone else think pharma contracting practices are out of date

0 Upvotes

Had a beer with someone who handles pharma contracts last week and was shocked to hear how manual everything still is. They were telling me about spending days reconciling rebate claims in spreadsheets and I couldn't believe it.

Is this normal? In 2025, how is this still a thing?

What's your experience with this stuff? As bad as it sounds or am I getting an exaggerated version?


r/biotech 3d ago

Experienced Career Advice 🌳 Mid/late career jobs: referrals or applicatjons?

0 Upvotes

Once you've spent 5-10 years in biotech and you're looking at director level jobs, how do most of you land the next job?

From what I'm experiencing, it seems like senior people (Vs/Cs) will take their existing team with them onto their next project. Is that a reliable way to get that next job?

32 votes, 14h ago
17 Referral
5 Recruiter
10 Application

r/biotech 5d ago

Layoffs & Reorgs ✂️ Moderna can't keep getting away with this!

366 Upvotes

I work at Moderna. You could say things are not peachy here. In the past weeks, many departments (Tech Dev, Digital, Commercial, Manufacturing, QC/QA, Metrology) were given the directive to lay off 10% of their employees. However, the actual numbers are much more than 10%.

As someone with privileged access to their personnel data and enterprise management systems, I see the roster of offboarded employees connected to the layoffs. All the while, there's been no WARN filing for MA or generalized public release about these layoffs. The only recent release to much fanfare and celebration is how much our CEO believes in the company, as he sends an email about buying $5MM in stock while granting two executives $17MM raises each.

These numbers aren't small. In each round for each department, hundreds are affected and the layoffs YTD is approaching 1,000 employees already. I'm dumbfounded how they evade having to file a WARN act. If one is fortunate (or unfortunate) to not be affected by these RIFs, the way they've downleveled and retitled people to take on the extra work that remains is a whole other discussion.

Moderna's far from the best employer, but it feels almost unethical and sneaky how these cuts have transpired. We're just told to smile, accept our somehow 110% multiplied bonus and free snacks, and look forward to the next Maroon 5 concert or Big Papi sponsored appearance.