Constant change is a hallmark of the life sciences industry. 2023 alone saw significant regulatory changes, such as the May lapse of the Federal Public Health Emergency (PHE) for the Covid-19 pandemic. This ended regulatory changes that benefited providers during the pandemic. From increased scrutiny of data integrity to a changing political landscape, Regulatory teams keep companies up to date with change. By managing Regulatory enforcement actions and maintaining compliance with changing local requirements, they help take products through to market. Let EPM Scientific find and deliver Regulatory talent to provide advice around biological products, drugs, human cell and tissue products, medical devices, and more.

How we can help

Your life sciences company can take advantage of over 10 years of experience in sourcing sought-after Regulatory talent. We invest in the ongoing growth, development of our talent specialists, in best-in-class technologies, and our extensive professional network of candidates to assure our clients of consistent quality service and find teams and individuals for Regulatory roles.

Regulatory talent solutions

Turn to EPM Scientific for your Regulatory talent needs, whether your company needs contract, permanent, or multi-hire solutions. Thanks to our global talent hubs, we will find proven and promising professionals and place them with speed and efficiency. We find and deliver interim managers and contractors for long-term and time-sensitive functions via our vast network of candidates, and we offer additional benefits through bespoke retained and contingent services.

If you're a candidate, please register your CV and get discovered for all relevant roles.

If you're a client looking for the best talent, please Register your vacancy or Request a call back.

Benefits of working with us

Experience

We have over a decade’s worth of experience as a leading talent partner in Life Sciences & Pharma.

Network

A vast, global network of the best, in-demand professionals, working with the world’s largest Life Sciences institutions, to take drugs, devices and therapeutic applications through from conception to completion.

Knowledge

Our award-winning talent specialists offer bespoke, tailored guidance on the latest hiring trends and industry news to help you achieve your goals.

Looking to hire?

Regulatory Jobs

EPM Scientific can find your next Regulatory career opportunity in life sciences. We hire for roles including Director of Regulatory Affairs, Head of Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs, Senior Director Regulatory CMC, and Senior Clinical Regulatory Manager.

APAC RAQA Manager

Our client is a global diagnostics company and is currently on the lookout for an APAC RAQA (Regulatory Affairs and Quality Assurance) Manager to join their team based in Singapore. This permanent position offers a unique opportunity to steer regulatory strategies across Asia-Pacific markets while ensuring top-notch quality assurance practices. Key Responsibilities: Lead communication with various regional regulatory authorities. Oversee implementation and maintenance of robust QMS frameworks. Lead regulatory strategies for local submissions and registration, QMS setup/maintenance and Post Market compliance Work with cross functional teams internally for regulatory and QMS assessments. Drive compliance with diagnostic industry standards throughout APAC territories. Essential Skills Required: Bachelor's degree At least 5 years of experience in RA in medical device/IVD industry Extensive experience managing Quality Management Systems Good communication, organisation and negotiation skills If you are interested, please apply with your CV attached.

Negotiable

Singapore

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Regulatory / Compliance Scientist

Title: Regulatory/Compliance Scientist A pharmaceutical company focused on developing and marketing high quality branded and generic prescription, Nutraceutical, and OTC pharmaceutical products is seeking a Regulatory/Compliance Scientist to join their growing team! This is an onsite position in Greater Chicago and the ideal candidate will have hands on technical experience in drug development to bring to the team. Responsibilities: Perform review of current FDA applications (approved, under review and post-approval) for current regulations and draft guidance. Provide accurate assessment of all products and compliance status, develop an effective program to monitor and execute future submissions. Conduct supplier/CMO audits and provide an assessment for the compliance of GMP and the FDA regulations pertaining to our products. Develop a program to monitor and perform routine audits. Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in chemistry, pharmacy, biochemistry or closely related field/major. 3-5 years experience in Regulatory Affairs within pharma 2+ years of experience with ANDA/510k submissions 1-3 years experience in quality/compliance within pharma/OTC field Hands-on supplier qualification/audit experience Hands-on technical experience in the drug development process Ability to read, interpret and develop plans for the regulatory compliance and written procedures.

US$100000 - US$130000 per annum

Chicago

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Regulatory Affairs Manager

Title: Regulatory Affairs Manager Salary: $130,000 to $150,000 Summary: A leading, global pharmaceutical client of ours is looking to hire a Remote Manager of Regulatory Affairs at their prescription drug specific subsidiary, based out of New Jersey. This rapidly growing client has drugs spanning many different therapeutic areas from anti-infectives to psychiatry. The main function of the Manager is to provide support on writing and submitting NDAs, preparing FDA meeting requests, and working with cross-functional teams to compile and submit high quality regulatory submissions. This role will give you a great opportunity to contribute to the companies mission of producing high-quality and accessible medicines that those in need. The Manager will be responsible for… Preparing and submitting new NDAs, 505(b)(2)s, INDs, ANDAs, and meeting requests to the FDA Thoroughly reviewing submission documentation to ensure internal consistency, adherence to relevant FDA guidelines, and to uphold regulatory excellence Collaborating on the establishment of project timelines, including pre-NDA and pre-ANDA activities, and ensuring milestone deadlines are achieved Actively participating in project team meetings, providing regulatory expertise to support complex and/or combination products Overseeing change management activities for existing commercial products, ensuring they are executed correctly and on schedule The Manager should have the following qualifications: Bachelor's or Master's degree 5+ years specifically within regulatory affairs, 6+ years within the pharmaceutical industry Extensive experience with regulatory activities in the US, specifically with NDA and 505(b)(2) submissions Strong critical and logical thinking skills with the ability to analyze problems Excellent verbal and written presentation and communication skills

US$120001 - US$150000 per annum

New Jersey

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Director of Regulatory Affairs

Title: Director of Regulatory Affairs Summary: A development-stage bio-pharmaceutical company, dedicated to improving patient access to essential therapies and developing innovative treatments for serious diseases, is looking to bring on a Director of Regulatory Affairs to join their team! This company is growing rapidly and they are looking for someone to provide their expertise in generic drugs, ANDA submissions, and regulatory affairs CMC based out of their office in the greater Miami area. This role will give you a great opportunity to contribute to the company's mission to develop treatment options for diseases where therapeutic options are inadequate. The Director will be responsible for… Formulating and executing regulatory strategies for the development of generic products, product modifications, and life-cycle management Actively engaging in the preparation, submission, and management of regulatory filings, with a primary focus on ANDA submissions for the FDA Contributing to and supervising the preparation of dossiers with external vendors, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and guidelines Collaborating with cross-functional teams to compile and review submission materials Working closely with Pharmaceutical Development, Clinical Development, Quality Assurance, and other departments to ensure regulatory requirements are incorporated into product development and life-cycle processes The Director should have the following qualifications: Bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline; advanced degree (MS, PhD) preferred 7+ years of Regulatory Affairs experience in pharmaceutical industry Vast experience with regulatory submissions, especially ANDA submissions Strong interpersonal, leadership, and communication skills Thrives in fast-paced, hands-on environments Strong interpersonal skills, ability to work on a team, and communication skills

Negotiable

Florida

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Senior Technical Writer - Product Labeling

Job Title: Senior Technical Writer Location: Remote (U.S.) Position Overview: Seeking a seasoned Senior Technical Writer with extensive experience in the medical device industry to join my client's team. This role will be critical in developing, editing, and maintaining comprehensive documentation for their medical technology products. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in technical writing, including XML and DITA standards, API documentation, and content management systems, as well as a deep understanding of design control and regulatory requirements. Key Responsibilities: Documentation Development: Create, edit, and maintain detailed and accurate documentation for medical devices, including user manuals, installation guides, technical specifications, and regulatory submissions. XML & DITA Expertise: Utilize XML and DITA to structure and manage content efficiently. Develop and maintain DITA-based documentation and ensure adherence to XML standards. API Documentation: Generate clear and comprehensive API documentation to support developers and ensure proper integration with our medical devices. Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all documentation complies with regulatory standards (e.g., FDA, ISO) and industry guidelines. Stay current with changes in regulations and integrate them into documentation practices. Content Management: Use content management systems (CMS) to organize, version, and maintain documentation. Develop and implement best practices for content management and ensure consistency across all documentation. Design Control: Work within design control processes to document design history files (DHF), design input and output, and other related documentation requirements. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate with engineers, product managers, compliance officers, and other stakeholders to gather and verify technical information, ensuring documentation accuracy and completeness. Quality Assurance: Review and revise documentation to ensure clarity, consistency, and technical accuracy. Incorporate feedback from internal reviews and user testing. Project Management: Manage multiple documentation projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks effectively, and meet deadlines. Qualifications: Minimum of 7 years of experience in technical writing, with a strong focus on medical device documentation. Don't hesitate to apply today!

US$90000 - US$110000 per annum

United States of America

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Director/Senior Director Regulatory Affairs

Title: Director/Senior Director of Regulatory Summary: An Oncology based biotech client of ours is looking to fill their Director/Senior Director role based out of their facility in the San Francisco Bay Area. They are looking for very committed and passionate candidates who can collaborate with their colleagues to help build this exciting company. This role will give you the opportunity to help in their mission to discover and develop the most innovative oncology-based therapies. The Director/Senior Director will be responsible for… Developing and executing regulatory strategies aimed at securing and sustaining clinical trial applications Taking the lead on preparing FDA Submissions, specifically INDs Serving as point of contact with FDA; liaise and negotiate all FDA interactions Providing mentorship and guidance to multidisciplinary teams The Director/Senior Director should have the following qualifications: Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacy, pharmacology, or related discipline; master's or PhD preferred 10+ years within pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry; 7+ years focused in regulatory affairs Radio Expertise Prior experience working with FDA submissions, specifically IND

US$200000 - US$270000 per annum

California

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Associate Director Regulatory CMC

As the Associate Director of Regulatory CMC, reporting to the Director of Regulatory CMC, you will be pivotal in managing the development and submission of regulatory filings for gene therapy projects both domestically and internationally. You will be responsible for devising and implementing cutting-edge CMC regulatory strategies to facilitate regulatory submissions. This will require close collaboration with the CMC team, internal technical functions, contract manufacturing organizations, and external consultants and collaborators. Responsibility: Lead the strategic direction for regulatory CMC activities related to gene and cell therapy products, supporting both early and late-stage development efforts. Oversee the preparation of high-quality clinical trial applications for the US, EU, and other global markets. Work in tandem with technical teams and regulatory project managers to ensure timely submissions. Handle responses to CMC queries from health authorities independently. Lead global negotiations with regulatory agencies for late-phase clinical development and marketing applications. Assist with regulatory agency interactions during GMP and pre-approval inspections. Collaborate innovatively with technical teams to drive manufacturing and analytical development strategies. Identify and articulate regulatory opportunities and challenges to the technical and clinical regulatory strategy teams, and develop strategies to optimize regulatory outcomes. Contribute to the enhancement of internal regulatory processes and standards. Ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines through timely assessment of change controls and deviations, and completion of quality trainings. Qualifications: Master's degree in life sciences (biochemistry, chemistry, biology, or a related pharmaceutical field); a PhD is preferred. 6-8 years of relevant experience in the biopharmaceutical industry, with at least 5 years focused on CMC Regulatory Affairs for biologics. Significant experience with cell therapy, gene therapy products, or mRNA-based therapeutics is highly preferred. Proven track record in leading regulatory CMC programs/projects (Phase I/II and Phase III IND/CTA, MAA/BLA) and familiarity with non-viral or viral vectors. Experience in managing interactions with regulatory health authorities and submitting CTA/IND and BLA/MAA filings, particularly related to gene therapy. In-depth knowledge of GMP, drug and biologics development regulations, and guidelines, including ICH, FDA, and EMA standards.

Negotiable

Massachusetts

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APAC RAQA Manager

Negotiable

Singapore

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Senior Manager/Director Regulatory Affairs

Title: Senior Manager/Director Regulatory Affairs A global biologics company is seeking an experienced Senior Manager/Director Regulatory Affairs to serve as the US FDA lead and play an integral role in developing and executing regulatory strategy and planning. This person will have the responsibility for maintenance of the licenses/authorizations for existing marketing authorizations and will provide post-market support of market-released products. The Senior Manager/Director Regulatory Affairs will be responsible to… Serve as the US FDA Regulatory Affairs representative Interact with the FDA regarding product-specific issues and serve as the FDA point of contact Lead and maintain product registration strategy and planning in the US Maintain understanding of US regulatory environment Identify and mitigate potential risks in regulatory filings Provide regulatory support to cross functional project teams Prepare and review regulatory dossier Provide post market support Review labeling to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements Supervise and train junior level employees Requires travel to FDA site Qualifications: 8+ years of experience in pharmaceuticals Regulatory Affairs Must have experience working on biosimilar/biologics products Ability to travel abroad and to FDA as needed The ideal candidate will be fluent in Korean

US$210000 - US$250000 per annum

Maryland

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EU Labelling Strategist - Precision Medicine & Digital Health

We are currently partnered with a global AI solutions based company that is seeking to bring on a regulatory/medical affairs consultant's onto their current projects. Details of the role is as follows: Must have experience: ♦ In vitro diagnostics regulations in precision medicine ♦ Worked on drug trials that use biomarker to select patients into trials ♦ Understand clinical trial assay (CTA) requirements with diagnostic partners alongside CDx development requirements. ♦ Built Diagnostic device regulatory strategy plan for biomarker-driven trials. ♦ Kept up to date on Digital Health technology regulatory requirements and worked on digital pathology/digital health product in a drug trial Contract Requirements: ♦ 6 month contract ♦ Up to 40 hours per week ♦ Based in the EU or the UK (fully remote) ♦ Inside IR35 (if based in the UK)

Negotiable

England

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Associate Director of Regulatory Affairs - Ad/Promo

Summary: A global health care company, dedicated to improving people's lives through innovative solutions specialised in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and over-the-counter products is looking to bring on an Associate Director of Regulatory Affairs Ad/Promo to join their team! The Ad/Promo team is rapidly growing, and they are looking for someone to come in and provide their expertise, based out of their New Jersey office. This role will give you an amazing opportunity to contribute to the companies mission to enrich lives by delivering better health outcomes. The Associate Director will be responsible for… Reviewing Ad/Promo materials, new campaigns, and launch strategies for assigned products to ensure regulatory compliance. Ensure timely and accurate evaluation to meet deadlines and requirements Developing and implement regulatory strategies and solutions to ensure all ad/promo material comply with regulatory requirements and company policies Monitoring FDA activities, including enforcement actions and guidance documents, to assess their impact on company products Ensuring that promotional package inserts and important safety information are updated as necessary The Associate Director should have the following qualifications: Bachelor's degree is required in Life Science or related field; Advanced degree (MS, MD, PhD, PharmD) preferred Minimum of 8 years of pharmaceutical experience; 4+ years of prescription product ad/promo review experience Working knowledge of the Rx product NDA and labeling processes Course training in ad/promo review Strong interpersonal skills, ability to work on a team, and communication skills Benefits: Medical, Dental and Vision insurance 401(k) matching Tuition reimbursement Commuter benefits

US$190000 - US$220000 per annum

New Jersey

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Senior Regulatory Affairs Specialist

We are seeking an experienced Senior Regulatory Affairs Specialist with a strong background in In Vitro Diagnostic (IVD) regulatory processes. This is your opportunity to join our dedicated team based in Waltham, Massachusetts and make significant contributions on both local and global levels. As part of our company's commitment to advancing healthcare technologies through innovation, we require someone who can handle independent submissions efficiently while ensuring compliance across various markets including those regulated by FDA and Health Canada. Key Responsibilities: - Lead preparation for Global Submissions such as 510(k), focusing specifically on IVD-related products like blood analyzers. - Handle Pre and Post marketing submissions - Manage all aspects of IVDR/IVDD requirements effectively. - Execute Independent Submission tasks with confidence and precision. Skills Required: - **In Vitro Diagnostic Regulatory Experience**: Expertise navigating regulations specific to diagnostics will be essential when liaising between development teams and regulatory bodies. - **Blood Analyzers Knowledge**: A solid understanding related directly or indirectly around Blood Analyzer devices adds value during submission evaluations process due its specificity within industry standards guidelines set forth agencies worldwide. Global Submissions Proficiency: You must possess sound skills working comprehensively international frameworks - particularly concerning strategies involving Food Drug Administration & Health Canada's stringent protocols which govern product approval cycles globally. Independent Regulatory Submission and Authoring Experience

US$90000 - US$120000 per annum

Massachusetts

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Regulatory News & Insights

biometrics

Life Sciences Salary Guides of 2023

Are you aiming to advance your career within the life sciences sector? Are you interested in discovering your competitors‘ offerings for professionals in your field across the APAC region? We are excited to present our new series of Salary Guides for the life sciences industry. These comprehensive reports will furnish you with invaluable insights into the present salary trends in Singapore, China, Australia, South Korea, and Japan.Compiled from the responses of almost 900 life sciences professionals in the APAC region, this is an opportunity you shouldn't overlook. Seize the chance to gain a competitive advantage in the life sciences field, enabling you to make well-informed choices about your career trajectory, compensation, and hiring approaches.

management advice

The Life Sciences Skills Gap: How to Hire

The life sciences industry is rapidly growing, but it is experiencing skills gaps that need to be addressed to allow it to reach its full potential. According to a 2022 life sciences and pharma talent trends report, 33% of C-suite and human capital leaders in the life sciences and pharmaceuticals sector agree that talent scarcity is a major pain point. This problem is widespread, with the UK also suffering a skills shortage that threatens to stall the industry’s trajectory.Skills gaps in digital and computational skills, and industrial, economic, and clinical research are particularly large. However, if phenotypic, genomic, and patient data integration practices can be optimized across the industry, this will support both research and treatment advances in the future.This article shares effective hiring strategies that can help life sciences organizations address skill gaps within their teams and wider business.Understanding the skills gaps in the life sciences industryStatistics from the talent trends report highlight the key skills gaps in the life sciences industry and how they impact key research and development processes. Demand for life sciences products is forecast to grow more rapidly than the global GDP over the coming years, and 45% of the aforementioned talent leaders note that they are looking to hire primarily to avoid talent scarcity from hindering their organizations’ progress. Moreover, the report found that 67% of pharmaceutical and life sciences companies believe that reskilling their current employees is an efficient way to address and mitigate skills gaps. It currently takes 105 days on average to fill a non-executive life sciences position in the US, leading to financial losses of $500 per open role per day, so intentional talent strategies are crucial to setting life sciences businesses on the path to success.Supporting mobility between sectorsSupporting mobility between sectors plays a vital role in closing the skills gaps within the life sciences industry. Enabling professionals to transition across sectors, ranging from Regulatory and Legal Services to Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Engineering, allows life sciences companies to tap into a vast pool of talent. This is also an effective method of sharing intersectional knowledge and developing key skills.Selecting candidates with a diverse range of backgrounds for open roles may also bring more unique perspectives into your organization, thereby driving innovation and helping to meet growing demand. Focus on transferable skillsFocusing on transferable skills is a powerful approach to bridging the skills gap in the life sciences industry. Rather than solely emphasizing sector-specific experience, prioritizing transferable skills enables professionals to adapt and thrive in new roles within the field. The life sciences industry’s talent offers a myriad of transferable skills that can be used to power future growth and innovation. These include analytical skills, leadership and teamwork skills, problem solving, written and oral communication skills, management skills, and scientific peer communication. Additional soft skills to focus on in your talent acquisition strategy include critical thinking, problem solving, and attention to detail.Consider cultural fitSeek out candidates from other industries who align with your organization’s culture, values, and core mission. This alignment promotes employee engagement, retention, and overall job satisfaction, whilst creating a supportive working environment that benefits from a wide range of experiences and perspectives.These candidates should also possess the aforementioned transferable skills, which will help to ensure that they can perform optimally in their new roles without being hindered by common skills gaps.Offer more flexibilityWhile not a priority for all candidates, flexible working arrangements such as remote or hybrid work arrangements are valuable to skilled candidates and may help to give your organization an advantage in the ongoing competition for life sciences talent.Hire top talent with EPM ScientificEPM Scientific is a leading specialist life sciences talent partner, providing you with a wealth of expertise to help you locate the best talent for your life sciences roles globally. Submit a vacancy or request a call back from our team to find the right people to drive your organization forwards.

safety-pharmacovigilance

How to Ensure Employee Retention in Life Sciences

The Pharmaceutical market has expanded considerably in the past two decades, with Pharma revenues totalling $1.42tn in 2021. This has been accompanied by a growing demand for experienced, highly qualified Life Sciences professionals: with more drugs than ever now available, companies require a strong workforce to bring their products to market. The industry has had to deal with an ever-small talent pool as a result, which has been exacerbated by one of the highest employee churn rates, with the Life Sciences and Medical Devices industry alone seeing a 20.6% turnover rate. This is reflected in the results of our Life Sciences survey which revealed that more than 40% of Life Sciences professionals are currently looking for a new role.The COVID-19 pandemic led to a substantial increase in resignations across all industries, as many employees started to re-evaluate their priorities and seek roles that offered flexible remote-work policies. Consequently, companies have found it harder to get the people they need. 47.8 million workers in the U.S. decided to quit their jobs in 2021 – the highest volume of resignations since the Bureau of Labor Statistics began recording this data in 2001. This is equivalent to 3.98 million workers quitting their jobs each month, up from an average of roughly 3m leaving their jobs each month in 2019.Similar trends have been observed in Australia and the UK, where the rate of employed people between 16-64 choosing to switch jobs reached an all-time high of 3.2% between October-December 2021. The resignation rate continued to increase in 2022, with job-to-job resignations in the UK peaking at 442,000 in the second quarter of 2022. In Europe, one in three workers are considering quitting their jobs in the near term, with inadequate compensation and lack of career advancement being cited as the top factors.Why are Life Sciences professionals leaving their roles?The reasons that Life Sciences professionals have for wanting to leave their jobs vary across each industry sector. However, the promise of higher remuneration is invariably the main reason. This is according to findings from our Year in Review, which goes into greater depth about the factors that matter most to Life Sciences professionals when seeking to advance their careers.There are a host of other important factors, however, such as the desire for an improved work-life balance and employees wanting to acquire more new skills that will aid in their professional development. Changes in management can also cause people to want to move jobs, and Life Sciences professionals are increasingly looking for openings that provide flexible working hours and the ability to work from home.How to improve employee retentionThe good news is that there is a wide range of employee retention strategies that you can adopt in your workplace. Let’s take a look at some of the most effective employee retention techniques that you can use to ensure that your employees are satisfied at work and remain highly motivated in their positions, as opposed to looking elsewhere for their big career break.Offer competitive salaries and benefitsDissatisfaction around salary has had a negative impact on talent retention in the Life Sciences sector. As we’ve seen across the board, wanting higher compensation is the top reason for employees wanting to move to jobs; 70% of the R&D professionals that we surveyed within the Pharmacological industry were motivated by the promise of higher compensation at other companies.Paying your team a competitive rate is a simple but effective employee retention strategy that you can use to avoid your workforce shrinking. Our survey results show that the majority of respondents want a pay rise upwards of 10-15% of their current salary, which provides some indication of how much you may need to offer in order to remain competitive. Focus on career developmentYour employees will be far less likely to want to continue working for you long-term if there are few opportunities for advancement – or if their ability to develop their skills is limited. A study by Work Institute found that employees quit in 20% of cases due to career development issues.This highlights the importance of setting clear paths for career progression to give your team the motivation and provide them with long-term goals.Be flexibleOffering flexible working arrangements is a sure-fire way to keep your employees happy. Our Year in Review revealed that the option to work from home is very important to 60% of the industry as a whole. The majority of R&D respondents deemed flexibility as either important or very important, and workers in Pharmacovigilance ranked flexibility higher than salary when asked what is most important when considering a new job.Whilst a lack of flexible working options will not be a deal-breaker for many employees, you will find it far easier to retain your top talent if you grant them greater freedom to work according to their preferences.Build a supportive company cultureThere’s nothing quite like a warm, friendly culture when it comes to getting excellent work out of your employees. It’s also one of the best ways to increase their loyalty to the company.Seeking feedback from employees on a regular basis about how working processes might be improved helps ensure that workers feel that their concerns are being heard and addressed. Providing senior employees with the skills and training that they need to be good managers is also a worthwhile endeavour. Manufacturing professionals regard good leadership as almost as important as salary, according to our Year in Review survey.Promote work-life balanceMore than a third of respondents in our Life Sciences Year in Review report highlighted a poor work-life balance as one of the main reasons for wanting to seek employment in another role. Almost half of the Clinical Pharmacology professionals surveyed cited a need for an improved work-life balance as their main reason for seeking a new position.With higher numbers of professionals re-evaluating their priorities in life in the wake of the COVID pandemic, it’s no wonder that Life Sciences professionals are seeking out positions that allow them to spend more time with their families and friends. Giving your employees more personal time is therefore one of the most effective strategies for employee retention.Offer innovative, up-to-date technologiesFinally, ensure that you have the latest technology in your workplace. Investing in top-of-the-range software, for example, will make it easier for your employees to complete tasks and reduce the errors that are made, thereby increasing company productivity and boosting morale.Employee retention is critical to successThriving companies are characterized by a happy, satisfied workforce and high employee retention rates. Partner with EPM Scientific, a leading executive search firm for the Life Sciences industry, to find out more about how you can implement employee retention strategies that get results. Request a call back and one of our specialist consultants will be in touch.

Management & Culture

How to Determine if a New Hire Will Fit into Your Company's Culture

There’s no question that a company’s culture and ethos can help its employees feel more satisfied at work, increase employee retention and ultimately serve as a catalyst for its success. Company culture is seen as very important by professionals: survey data collected by Glassdoor shows that more than three quarters of professionals take the culture into account before applying for a job, and 56% say that they see the culture of a company as playing a more significant role than salary in determining overall job satisfaction. Given the role that it plays, cultural fit should be a key priority for employers.Why is cultural fit important?If somebody is a good cultural fit for a company, they are far more likely to be an engaged, motivated employee who derives satisfaction from their role. There is a greater chance that they will see the job as more than just a source of income and as such, they will be more likely to go above and beyond in the workplace and may even inspire others to follow in their footsteps.Hiring for cultural fit therefore makes good business sense. 10-25% of new employees decide to leave within six months of starting work, and one reason that professionals give for quitting is that they feel that they are a poor fit for the company culture. Choosing people for the job who are a natural fit for the company’s values and working practices is a great way to avoid these problems from arising.How to hire for cultural fit?Given the importance of company culture, businesses are increasingly hiring for cultural fit. This involves defining what your culture is all about and incorporating questions at interview stage that relate to your interviewees’ values, motivations and aspirations.Define your company’s cultureThe first step is to describe your company’s culture in writing. What are the values, beliefs and ethics that characterize your company’s operations and working environment? If you are struggling to capture the essence of your culture, it might be worth asking current employees about how they feel about the company and its working practices. It is recommended that you use such feedback when writing or updating a mission statement and articulating your company values. Include these on your website and on all your digital platforms, in addition to testimonials from your current employees.Demonstrate your values throughout the interview processAsking values-based interview questions is one of the best ways to identify candidates who share your values and will be a good fit in the workplace.You should also draw attention to the benefits that you offer your employees. 56% of CFOs in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) have said that they are considering expanding benefits, including flexible working arrangements (FWAs), in a bid to retain their top talent. If you offer flexible working roles, ensure that your staff relay this information at interview stage.Cover the right questionsIf you’re wondering how to determine if a candidate is a good fit, asking the following questions will help shed light on the personality of your interviewees and their alignment with your values:What motivates you? How do you handle conflict in the workplace?What work environment supports innovation and productivity levels? Give me an example of something that you have taught yourself in the last six monthsWhat experiences have shaped your outlook on life?What are you most proud of?Utilize personality testsPersonality tests provide valuable insights into how prospective employees approach problems. They can also shed light on their ability to work alongside others and offer further information about their interests and preferences.Some of the most common personality tests used by employers include the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, the Caliper Profile and the 16 Personality Factor Questionnaire.Other key considerationsWhilst cultural fit is of great importance, it should be weighed alongside other factors. Hiring solely for cultural fit can perpetuate bias and lead to a lack of diversity within the workplace as a result. It’s also important to take into consideration an applicant’s qualifications, work experience, career aspirations and skill set when assessing their suitability for a role in your organization.Secure Life Sciences Talent with EPM ScientificAre you looking to solve your talent challenges? EPM Scientific offers bespoke talent solutions across Life Sciences A combination of our specialist account management service, ongoing support and reporting, and hiring advice allows us to find you exactly the people you need, when you need them. Register your vacancy or request a call back today.Our Talent Expertise

regulatory

Negotiating the salary you deserve 

When seeking a new job, it’s imperative to know the market, understand where you fit within it, and form a realistic salary expectation to stick to. A good talent partner will help you to know your worth within the industry and organization you’re interviewing for and will assist with communicating those expectations back to the hiring manager, but no one is a better advocate for you than you. Learning how to negotiate a salary when you receive a job offer is a vital skill for both now and in the future, and when done appropriately, will put you in a better position not just financially, but also in terms of how valued you feel in your role. We know that feeling appreciated and adequately compensated for our time, effort, and expertise has a direct impact on productivity, engagement, and general happiness within a company, so salary negotiations play an important part for both sides.It can be difficult to communicate those expectations as a professional hoping to onboard with a new company, and there is certainly a residual stigma around speaking about money and asking for more that is hard to overcome. At EPM Scientific, we have observed that professionals who negotiate their salary are presented with a much better job offer, so good communication skills and an understanding of your contribution can really pay off. As a general rule, always assume the offer is up for negotiation. And don’t forget to approach the process with positivity, as chances are the hiring manager isn’t crazy about negotiating, either. Here are our top tips on how to negotiate for the salary you deserve.Know the industry salary trendsTrying to negotiate for a higher salary without being familiar with industry trends will get you off to a bad start. Information is your biggest asset and conducting some research as well as speaking openly to a talent partner that knows your industry, the hiring company, and what you have to offer, will vastly improve your bargaining power. You can be a negotiating pro, but without being able to back up your requests with solid reasoning, it will be harder for the hiring company to take your expectations seriously. Pay particular attention to the most sought-after roles and skills within your industry and think about how your experience relates. Being able to recognize when your skills are transferable to a particularly in-demand area will add to your negotiation power. Start negotiating only when you have a firm offerThere is a process to be followed when it comes to receiving and accepting a job offer and understanding the etiquette will help your negotiation when the time comes. If you are interested in a position but it doesn’t meet your salary expectation, resist the temptation to bargain until the company has given you a formal offer. This is your signal that your skills, expertise, and personality are a strong match for the business and the role, and is a great asset to you when it’s time to tell them why you’re worth the higher salary. Once the ball is in your court, you can use the fact that they think you’re right for the job along with your understanding of the industry and the market to your advantage, making it harder for them to dismiss your requirements.It can also be worthwhile to take a reasonable amount of time to consider the offer rather than jump into negotiations. Tell the hiring manager that you’re serious about the offer and the position, but that you need some time to consider the whole picture. Be gracious and enthusiastic but take the time you need to prepare for negotiations and signal to them that there may be elements of the offer that don’t align with your requirements. Chances are they’ll have a counteroffer in mind for you.Build the business caseIn order for a company to seriously consider your request for an increased salary offer, it must make commercial sense for the business. Make a strong case, show that you understand the company's current financial situation, and know who has the power to negotiate. While likeability shouldn’t be underestimated in the hiring process and a large part of your job offer will be to do with character fit, it’s not enough for them to like you when it comes to financial compensation. They have to believe your worth in fiscal terms, so don’t expect your personal compatibility to get you the salary increase you want. Instead, explain precisely why your requirements are justified in a business sense; your glowing personality will just make them glad your business case checked out.Suggest an exact number for your salaryTime is of the essence, and hiring managers are particularly strapped for it while conducting interviews alongside their other duties. Therefore, they’ll likely appreciate a direct approach to your negotiation in terms of giving them the exact offer you’re looking for. It can be a powerful strategy in that it keeps the ball rolling and avoids pointless back and forth. Many studies suggest that candidates who use a specific number end up with a final offer much closer to the figure they were hoping for. Your potential employer will assume you have done your research on your market value and want to stay competitive in their offer. Don't suggest a range – you will always get offered the lowest if the manager knows there's room to haggle down.Reveal your current salary when negotiatingOutside the US, the hiring manager may ask what you are currently earning, which can be awkward if you feel you are currently being underpaid. It might be tempting to lie and state a higher salary more in line with what you’re seeking, but if you're unhappy with your current pay, it can be valuable to tell them why. Include all your benefits, bonuses and confidently explain the figure you're hoping for while making the case for why. If anything, they’ll have a more genuine understanding of what you know your worth to be, and that salary is important enough for you to walk away from a role that isn’t aligned with your requirements.Have a walk away pointKnow your limits and your expectations and keep them firmly in mind. Have a pre-considered ‘walk away’ point - the figure you’re absolutely unwilling to drop below. Base this on your financial need and the market value of the role, but keep in mind the role itself. Why are you interviewing for the position in the first place? Is your passion for the work worth lowering your salary expectations? Get help negotiating your salarySpeaking with a specialist talent partner will help you understand your worth in the context of current industry trends and the wider job market, too. At EPM Scientific, we can evaluate your profile against the wider talent pool, as well as align your expectations with that of our current database of hiring companies. We'll help you pitch your value at the right price during the salary negotiation process, giving you the best chance to make your next position a rewarding and fulfilling one. Get in touch for tailored advice.