Top Non-Scientific Roles in Biotech (And How to Get Them)
1. Project / Program Manager
Skills needed: Cross-functional coordination, timelines, stakeholder updates
How to build them:
- Take a PM certification (e.g., PMP, Agile/Scrum)
- Volunteer to manage timelines in current role
- Learn Gantt tools like Smartsheet, Asana, or MS Project
2. Data Analyst / Systems Specialist
Skills needed: Excel, SQL, dashboards, light coding (Python, R, Tableau)
How to build them:
- Take online courses (Coursera, DataCamp)
- Practice with biotech or clinical datasets (many are public)
- Highlight any tech-driven work you’ve done—even in other industries
3. Medical Communications / Scientific Marketing
Skills needed: Science storytelling, copywriting, slide creation
How to build them:
- Start a science blog, write LinkedIn breakdowns of biotech news
- Take short courses in medical writing or life science marketing
- Pitch freelance med comms work or build a portfolio
4. Business Development / Partnerships
Skills needed: Market research, pitch decks, client relationships
How to build them:
- Gain sales or BD experience in any industry—then pivot with biotech knowledge
- Learn to use Crunchbase, PitchBook, and bio news sites
- Understand biotech funding, clinical pipelines, and M&A trends
5. Talent Acquisition / HR
Skills needed: Recruitment lifecycle, candidate sourcing, onboarding
How to build them:
- Join HR in other sectors, then specialize
- Learn Greenhouse, Lever, or Workday systems
- Stay current with biotech hiring trends (yes—read our blog!)
You don’t need a lab coat to build a biotech career—just the right strategy.
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