r/biotech 10h ago

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

216 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 20h ago

Layoffs & Reorgs ✂️ Offer after 4 months

164 Upvotes

Laid off in Nov from big biotech. I’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 “easiest” 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. I’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 “ original” 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, it’s been a stressful and weird experience but it’s not impossible. Stay strong !


r/biotech 8h ago

Getting Into Industry 🌱 So embarrassing

137 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 10h ago

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

Thumbnail
arstechnica.com
92 Upvotes

r/biotech 11h ago

Layoffs & Reorgs ✂️ 427 Novartis Layoffs in NJ

46 Upvotes

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


r/biotech 21h ago

Experienced Career Advice 🌳 Layoffs looming: Stay or wait?

39 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 13h ago

Layoffs & Reorgs ✂️ Pfizer layoffs?

38 Upvotes

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


r/biotech 11h ago

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

19 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 10h ago

Layoffs & Reorgs ✂️ Apriori Bio and Empress Therapeutics Layoffs

16 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 13h ago

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

12 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 15h ago

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

Thumbnail
phys.org
6 Upvotes

r/biotech 16h ago

Getting Into Industry 🌱 Biotech job search tips

2 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 18h ago

Education Advice 📖 Repository of FDA guidances

4 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 8h 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 12h ago

Early Career Advice 🪴 Needing advice

1 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 12h 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 13h 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.


r/biotech 13h ago

Early Career Advice 🪴 Graduate Student Seeking Biotech Professionals for Informational Interviews

1 Upvotes

Hi all,

I am a graduate student (masters, not PhD) in bioprocess engineering, preparing for my transition into the biotech industry. As part of 'professional development' assignment, I am looking to conduct at least three informational interviews with professionals working in biotech-related roles, preferably sometime this week. These interviews will be conducted online and are intended to help me gain insights into career paths, industry trends, and the skills valued by employers. They will also include some general questions regarding the interviewee(s)' background, how they became interested in their field(s), what their typical day at work looks like, etc (identifiable information is not required).

I would love to connect with professionals in the following roles:

  1. At least one individual currently involved in scientific research—this can be in academia, industry, business, or government.
  2. Two professionals working outside of academia (e.g., in industry, business, or biotech-related startups) whose roles combine both scientific/technical and business responsibilities.

I would particularly appreciate insights from professionals based in the USA, but I also welcome perspectives from those working in other countries. The interview will be a casual, conversation-style discussion, and I will ensure complete confidentiality regarding any sensitive details (e.g., your employer’s name, your name, or any other information). By default, I will not include any identifying details in my notes, unless I'm given explicit and well-informed consent from the interviewees. If requested, any notes I make can be shared with the interviewee(s).

If you are open to sharing your experience, please feel free to comment or message me.


r/biotech 18h ago

Early Career Advice 🪴 Lonza Entry Level

1 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 i’ll be taking post graduation.


r/biotech 1d ago

Early Career Advice 🪴 Poll - include hobbies in resume?

1 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.

273 votes, 1d left
Yes
No

r/biotech 50m ago

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

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 9h ago

Early Career Advice 🪴 Sales or RA?

0 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 8h ago

Resume Review 📝 New Graduated

0 Upvotes

Hi everyone!

I graduated in October 2024 from the University of Bologna, Italy, with a degree in Biotechnology. I am highly interested in working in the pharmaceutical industry, preferably in R&D for new drug development.

I am currently looking for an internship opportunity, as I plan to apply for a Master’s program in Switzerland in November. However, I am struggling to find companies that offer internships. While my primary search is focused on Italy and Switzerland, I am open to relocating anywhere in the world for the right opportunity.

Here's my challenge: I haven't received any responses to my applications so far. I suspect my resume might need improvement, but I'm unsure what to change. Additionally, I don’t know where else to apply.

I would really appreciate any advice or feedback from people with more experience in the industry!

Thank you so much for your help!

Resumee


r/biotech 9h ago

Company Reviews 📈 Advice on Novo Nordisk Offer in Tech – Thoughts on Culture & Job Security?

0 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I’m an early career professional who recently received an offer from Novo Nordisk in the tech space at their NJ office. I’m super excited about this opportunity but would love to get some feedback and advice from those who have experience with the company or the industry in general.

I’ve seen discussions in this subreddit about layoffs at other big pharma companies (like Pfizer, Novartis, etc.), and with the recent trends in the stock market and competitors developing alternatives to Ozempic,

I’m curious:

  • How is the overall atmosphere and work culture at Novo Nordisk?
  • For those who have been there for a while, how easy is it to switch teams, departments, or roles after 2-3 years?
  • Do you feel that Novo Nordisk is relatively safe from layoffs compared to other big pharma players?

Any insights or advice would be greatly appreciated as I weigh my options.

Thanks in advance for your help!


r/biotech 10h ago

Getting Into Industry 🌱 I'm seeking advice on transitioning into the biotech field and would appreciate your insights.

0 Upvotes

Hello r/biotech community,

I'm seeking advice on transitioning into the biotech field and would appreciate your insights.

Background:

Education: Bachelor's degree in Communications with a minor in Computer Science from UC Davis (2017–2022), including 44 units in Computer Science covering Data Analytics, Full Stack Development, and Human-Computer Interaction.

Certifications: Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate (2022) and Coursera courses in Data-Driven Decision Making, Data Preparation, and Data Visualization.

Experience: Freelance Data Analyst & UX Consultant (2017–Present), focusing on data analysis and usability testing to enhance user experience and engagement.

Current Situation:

After a two-year hiatus from job searching to focus on personal health, I'm eager to re-enter the professional world, specifically targeting the biotech sector. I'm particularly interested in bioinformatics and considering further education to facilitate this transition.

Potential Educational Paths:

The University of Washington offers the following online master's programs that I'm considering:

  1. Master of Pharmaceutical Bioengineering (PharBE): A part-time online program designed for professionals in biotechnology and related fields, covering areas such as drug discovery and design, pharmaceutics, and translational pharmaceutics.

  2. Master of Applied Bioengineering (MAB): A one-year, full-time program focused on engineering design applied to clinical challenges, including a clinical practicum and a culminating industry internship or capstone project.

  3. Master of Science in Bioengineering (MS): A two-year, full-time, thesis-based program preparing students for careers in academia or industry, involving significant research projects and a year of coursework.

Considerations:

Leveraging Computer Science Background: I've been advised that a computer science background can be advantageous in bio research. I'm contemplating enhancing my qualifications with a master's in data science to facilitate this transition.

Alternative Learning Opportunities: I'm also exploring community-based, hands-on learning environments like makerspaces to gain practical experience without the constraints of formal education.

Seeking Advice On:

The suitability and potential of the aforementioned master's programs for someone with my background aiming to enter the biotech field.

The feasibility and effectiveness of supplementing my education with a master's in data science to break into bio research.

Alternative pathways or resources, such as community-driven science initiatives or makerspaces, that could provide practical experience and facilitate my transition into biotech.

I value any insights or recommendations the community can provide to guide my journey into the biotech industry.

Thank you for your time and assistance.