Interest in the diagnostic sector of the life sciences industry began to wane shortly after development of a test for HIV in the 1980s. However, the emergence of molecular diagnostics and personalized medicine coupled with the 2001 anthrax attacks and the SARS outbreak have helped to reinvigorate this sector. In fact, the diagnostic industry is one of the fastest growing segments of today’s life sciences industry.
For those of you who may not know, diagnostics tests are regulated in the US as medical devices not therapeutic entities. And, for the most part, the regulatory approval process for diagnostic tests is less stringent and quicker than that required for FDA approval of new therapeutic agents.
Unlike most pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, companies focused on developing new diagnostic products are hiring. Boston-based Immunetics, a diagnostic company that focuses on developing tests to detect viral and bacterial pathogens including HIV, anthrax and others, is currently looking to hire a regulatory affairs and sales and marketing professional (Product Manager).
The requirements for the regulatory affairs position can be found here whereas the qualifications for the sales and marketing opportunity can be found here. Neither of the two positions requires a PhD degree. However, persons with PhD degree who possess a strong background in regulatory affairs or pharmaceutical sales and marketing experience will be considered.
For those of you PhD degree holders out there, getting additional training in regulatory affairs or sales and marketing (for those with a business bent) would be extremely useful for those of you seeking employment in the life sciences or medical devices industries.
Until next time...
Good Luck and Good Job Hunting!!!
Saving 
