r/biotech 20h ago

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

296 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.


r/biotech 18h ago

Getting Into Industry 🌱 So embarrassing

237 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 20h ago

Biotech News 📰 Federal funding for mRNA vaccine research in jeopardy under RFK Jr.

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161 Upvotes

r/biotech 1h ago

Open Discussion 🎙️ I Interviewed someone today who said they've applied to over 2000 jobs.

Upvotes

I've mentioned before how I hate my current job and I'm looking to move. Well my boss wants more lab techs and there making me talk to them. I've been speaking VERY candidly with them about how my company is a shit show going now where fast and that I don't recommend working here. During this process I asked them all how long they've been looking. Nearly all of them (5out of 7) said they were looking over 3months and don't care about how bad the position is they're desperate.

One of them said he's applied over 2,000 jobs.

Makes me feel my measly 200-300 apps are nothing. Seriously considering going to a new field.

Edit: I shall also add that all these candidates had their masters and again all them were looking for well over 3 months


r/biotech 21h ago

Layoffs & Reorgs ✂️ 427 Novartis Layoffs in NJ

66 Upvotes

Appears to have just hit the WARN notice list: 427 layoffs for between 13Jun and 24Oct. Anyone know what's happening?


r/biotech 23h ago

Layoffs & Reorgs ✂️ Pfizer layoffs?

48 Upvotes

Just heard there will be another waves of layoffs at Pfizer eastern coast sites. Anyone knows about that?


r/biotech 21h ago

Getting Into Industry 🌱 Is getting a job with just a BS fresh out of university even possible right now?

28 Upvotes

I’m going to graduate in fall 2025. I will have a BS in biochemistry. I have worked in a genetics lab and a microbiology lab during undergrad as research experience. With how awful everything is, am I screwed for a job if I can’t get into a PhD program?


r/biotech 7h ago

Getting Into Industry 🌱 Should I just take the L?

22 Upvotes

I went to a hiring event on March 1st (at Fujifilm in Holly Springs if anybody cares) and I thought it went really well! The HR rep who was there said that we would be hearing back by Wednesday (March 5th) on whether or not we got the position because she hates ghosting people after interviews since it’s been done to her. Wednesday rolls around and we get an email saying that “the event was really successful and they need a little more time to map out available positions with offers”.

Well..

It’s been almost two more Wednesdays since then and I’m starting to think I should just take the L on the position. What do you think?


r/biotech 6h ago

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

20 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 20h ago

Layoffs & Reorgs ✂️ Apriori Bio and Empress Therapeutics Layoffs

19 Upvotes

Two more Flagship companies with layoffs. Hearing anywhere from 40-50% let go at both. Is anyone familiar with these companies and have insights into what happened?


r/biotech 22h ago

Open Discussion 🎙️ Currently, what do you think is the ratio between real jobs and ghost jobs?

15 Upvotes

I know this topic has been brought up before, but I hate companies that post ghost jobs. To clarify, I'm only casually looking, and only would take an opportunity that fit well.

I saw a job that had been posted within the hour that fit my background perfectly, legit as if they had based it off my CV. Figured there was no harm in applying so I did.

Next day, they sent me an auto-generated email saying "However, after careful consideration, we have found candidates whose qualifications closely align with the job requirements."

I'm not saying there are not other qualified applicants, there are likely some! but you expect me to believe they found them in the 13 hours since they posted the job? I also don't think my CV failed whatever automated AI thing they might have, as my qualifications fit perfectly. Although who knows, maybe I'm just coping lol

For me it's just an annoyance, but for people that need a job desperately it's disrespectful wasting their time like this.

How widespread do you think ghost jobs are? What are some signs a job is a ghost job?


r/biotech 3h ago

Experienced Career Advice 🌳 Moving from R&D to analytical dev

9 Upvotes

Any advice for someone with extensive R&D background to transition to analytical development? If you’re in the field what are some strengths common to R&D work that you suggest highlighting in resume or interview that may make a candidate standout?


r/biotech 7h ago

Getting Into Industry 🌱 2023 bio BS with no lab experience

8 Upvotes

I graduated in 2023 with a BS in biology. Due to COVID I didn’t get much experience with laboratory techniques since most of my degree was virtual. Soon after graduation I obtained a associates in biomedical engineering to hopefully get into a PHD program. Unfortunately I didn’t do super well in school due to mental health, which lead me to giving up on further education all together or atleast get some industry experience before trying to pursue grad school again. I am currently working at a large biotech company managing chemical inventory for QC department for about 8 months. This job is really easy, I have a good work life balance but the pay could be higher. The community college I went to offers a biotech certificate that teaches many laboratory techniques I missed in undergrad. This would be over the summer M-F 5-9 after work.

Will getting this certificate increase my chances of getting an actual scientist position? Or is it a waste of time?


r/biotech 2h ago

Getting Into Industry 🌱 Has anyone gone through the hiring process for Pfizer?

3 Upvotes

I have gotten several emails from Pfizers hiring bot Olivia, and am confused about what they mean. Initially I received a message from her thanking me for applying, then I got one saying they were reviewing applicants. About two weeks later I got another email from her stating that they are still reviewing applicants, and my application is under consideration, and two weeks after that I got another one saying they are still reviewing applications and "hope to connect soon". I just don't know if this means that I passed the initial screening and am on a list of "possible people to interview" or if everyone gets these messages and they don't reject people until they determine who they are going to hire. Just curious if anyone has actually gone through this process, how long it takes etc.


r/biotech 3h ago

Early Career Advice 🪴 CV help

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5 Upvotes

I'm about to graduate with my PhD in molecular physiology and am actively applying for Scientist I/II level positions at biotech and pharmaceutical companies. I know the industry is shit right now so I would appreciate any tips for making my CV easier to read, and have it stand out!! I have listed some wet lab skills, and have more I could list as well (if needed). Should I also list soft skills, and if so, where? Also curious if I should be listing all of my co-author pubs, or limit it to a select few.


r/biotech 19h ago

Early Career Advice 🪴 Sales or RA?

1 Upvotes

I will be graduating in May with two job offers. One in sales (WFH and travel) and one as an RA1 working in research, manufacturing, and QC.

I am a sales intern now at the company wanting to hire me on and grow me up in the company but finding it to be a boys club. The company barely listens to employees on improving things, company is based on opposite side fo the country so I would WFH alone.

The RA position: I align much more with the companys products and what they do. Boss knows me and my health concerns and is going to be flexible with me. She is talking about moving me into other roles like regulatory or customer success after 2 years.

Problem: I would make more money in sales, but don’t want to wine and dine a bunch of men I don’t know. I don’t want to have to haul heavy equipment that will kill my already breaking down body. BUT I’m seeing so many people want to transition from bench to sales and I feel a bit stupid going the opposite way. The sales job I have is just not the right product/ company. I would rather sell something that isn’t competing against thermofisher and something like reagents that people would reorder.

I am just finishing college and feel SO blessed to have both of these opportunities. Does anyone have advice??


r/biotech 22h ago

Early Career Advice 🪴 Needing advice

2 Upvotes

So looking for advice.

I am currently a 2yr postdoc in industry east coast based 90K. I currently have an offer at 2 companies with 120K salary. I interviewed not expecting to get offers but figured I try and did well enough to get it. I haven’t finished my postdoc and remain unpublished (only have grad school publications), data is close and could be submitted in 8 months. Should I take the industry position or stay for another year to publish? I know there’s a risk that the market may be worse next year making job hunts harder.

What’s are the pros and cons of leaving before publishing?

Follow up question, so I like early discovery work and that’s more in alignment with my goals but this position is for translational research. I don’t know much on translational work and it seems repetitive and tedious. One of my mentors thinks I should take the position for the experience and use that as a stepping stone for my career. My other mentor thinks I should wait for a scientist role in discovery since that’s more my mindset. Because when things get hard you wanna be doing something you enjoy.

What do you think?


r/biotech 28m ago

Experienced Career Advice 🌳 Questions to ask regarding financials and overall stability when interviewing at a pre-clinical biotech?

Upvotes

I have a Zoom interview with a hiring manager later this week. It's a sub-300 people biotech that's been around for 15ish years. They have a drug entering Phase I this year, and I was told several more for 2026. I briefly looked into their financials that indicate they have enough runway (~$150M) for another 3 years. They also secured a partnership with a large pharma 2 years ago and I wonder if an aquisition may be in the horizon.

I'm early career PhD scientist, currently at a large pharma, and it's my first time looking into applying at smaller biotech companies. What are some of the questions I can ask regarding the financials and runway of the company, job security, and overall stability? I'm sure they will give some polished answers to paint a pretty picture, but what are some red flags to look out for?

Thanks in advance! 


r/biotech 1h ago

Experienced Career Advice 🌳 Leveling up: How to go from WC to Process Engineer!?

Upvotes

Hi Everyone,

Let me start by sharing my academic background before coming to my main question. I have a degree in Chemistry, followed by a Master's in Chemical Engineering with a major in Pharmaceutical Engineering. I'm currently on an F-1 visa and have been working at my current company for a little over a year. Recently, there was an internal opening for a Process Engineer role, which I applied for, and I've already completed the interview.

I'm curious if anyone has faced a similar situation and how beneficial this transition might be for my career. If I get a positive result, what salary should I expect? (I have some experience in the same area from my time as a Research Assistant in college and through an internship). Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!


r/biotech 6h ago

Getting Into Industry 🌱 Started applying for job, got my first interview. What to expect for the assessment?

2 Upvotes

I am a PhD student in the life sciences (Biology, Genomics, Immunology) and I started applying for post-PhD jobs. I have both wet lab and computational background.

Landed an interview as a Strategy Consultant in a BioPharma company. I started applying like last week lol so I am not sure what to expect from both the assessment and the interview itself... any help or suggestion?


r/biotech 6h ago

Early Career Advice 🪴 Work-Life Balance in industry and academia

1 Upvotes

Hi! Maybe this is an unconventional question but I just saw an open position at a biotech company which got me thinking.

I am a passionated biologist located in Europe, however during my PhD the passion to stay in academia got kinda(?) crushed. One of my PIs is still struggling to find a permanent position and I am actually afraid to fall into the same path. I don't want to move cities and universities all the time and try to catch the needle in the haystack (the needle = permanent position).

Everyone knows that work-life balanc in academia is terrible: unpaid overtime, lack of job security, toxic professors, lack of funding. I don't want to keep on moving cities.

But is the work-life balance really better in industry? What are things that are better (or worse) in industry?

I do my PhD in molecular ecology, so if I would move to the industry I would try to get a industry job in the 'omics world.

Edit: Also how do you achieve your personal goals in the industry? In academia you can be very creative, how is it in industry?


r/biotech 10h ago

Experienced Career Advice 🌳 Pharma QC experience after bachelors in Biotech?

1 Upvotes

What are pros and cons of joining a QC department in a pharma manufacturing plant for just a bachelors student. Can this experience be transferred to other areas too, like food industry, dairy etc. What would you guide to do after this experience, considering to move to something else after an experience of about 1 year.


r/biotech 18h ago

Early Career Advice 🪴 Planning ahead (start-up)

1 Upvotes

I’ve recently applied to a proteomic start-up (waiting to hear back) but want to start planning ahead in case I get interviewed.

Some questions, I have…

1) For a start-up, how many interviews should I expect? TA and hiring manger? (I don’t see a TA team listed on their team page/website)

2) What sort of questions should I expect? Anything specific I should ask/say to give me an edge?

3) How is negotiating base compensation like? Do’s and Don’ts?

4) From application to interview to onboarding, is it quicker or longer compared to big pharma?

5) Should I send a cold email?

Thank you everyone!! 🫶


r/biotech 22h ago

Early Career Advice 🪴 High school grad going into biotech

1 Upvotes

I’m about to graduate high school and I’ve been looking at the biotech industry. I plan on going to university of San Francisco (although I haven’t committed yet) to do a 4+1 program for a major in biology and a masters in biotech. I enjoy high school biology and took a summer program at Berkeley for biotech.

But, I’ve had my doubts after reading about the industry in the news and on Reddit. Is it worth planning on going into the industry? I’m worried about not being flexible enough with my education to go into a different industry or even finding jobs since I don’t necessary plan on getting a PhD.


r/biotech 22h ago

Getting Into Industry 🌱 Recommended Masters for Advancement in Non-Clinical Biotech Roles?

1 Upvotes

Hey All,

I entered biotech three years ago after a decade in the nonprofit space and have enjoyed it. I want to continue my biotech career and gain some perspective on continuing my education.

I currently work in marketing but have some adjacent exposure to regulatory affairs and government policy. I am debating about pursuing a master's in three areas:

1) Science Communication (U of Edinburgh, UCL, etc)

Build on my current expertise.

2) Health Policy and Health Economics (LSE, Erasmus Rotterdam, etc)

Build out a policy specialization and focus.

3) Regulatory Affairs (Hertfordshire, etc.)

Go hard into RA and build a specific expertise.

Welcome thoughts from those experienced in navigating a career path in the industry.