The biotech, pharmaceutical, and life sciences industries have long been pillars of innovation and growth, driving breakthroughs that improve human health and quality of life. However, the current economic climate has cast a shadow over these sectors, with widespread layoffs and restructuring efforts creating an atmosphere of uncertainty. For mid-career professionals - who often find themselves at a crossroads between specialisation and adaptability - these challenges can be particularly daunting. This article sheds light on the challenges of navigating mid-career turbulence in these industries and offers actionable insights for professionals seeking to thrive despite the upheaval.
The current landscape: a convergence of pressures
Over the past year, these sectors have experienced a convergence of economic pressures. Rising interest rates, inflationary costs, and tighter funding environments have compelled companies to re-evaluate their priorities. Consequently, many organisations have streamlined operations, reduced R&D budgets, and, in many instances, downsized their workforce. Reports indicate that thousands of jobs have been eliminated across the industry, with mid-level professionals disproportionately affected.
This environment poses unique challenges for those in the middle of their careers. Many have dedicated years to acquiring specialised skills and building expertise in niche areas, only to find that demand for these roles has diminished. Simultaneously, they face increased competition from both younger professionals willing to accept lower salaries and more senior executives with broader leadership experience.
Key challenges
A significant challenge is the contraction of available opportunities. As companies prioritise cost-cutting, they often consolidate roles, reducing the number of positions for specialised experts. While early-career professionals can explore diverse roles to gain experience, mid-career professionals often find that roles requiring their level of expertise are fewer and more competitive.
This trend is particularly evident in areas such as drug discovery and development, where roles in informatics and in silico research, such as computational biology, bioinformatics, and software development, have been hard-hit. Another challenge is the perception that mid-career professionals are overqualified. Some hiring managers view them as overqualified for roles outside their specialisation, making it difficult to secure interim positions during transitions. Moreover, many professionals are being boxed into their specialties, limiting their ability to grow and transition into new roles and while 90% of roles can be taught and learned, employers - particularly in times of economic uncertainty or following losses - often hesitate to offer opportunities to those seeking to transition into a new role. Instead, they typically prefer candidates with a proven track record of success in the specific domain they are hiring for.
The shift in demand from specialised teams to AI-driven activities has been disheartening for many computational scientists and biostatisticians who have raised concerns about scientific integrity. In some organisations, budgets were allocated to the field of conversational Artificial Intelligence such as Large Language Models to power chatbots and enable virtual assistants, rather than generating high-quality, clean, reproducible data for training purposes. This has led to the indiscriminate use of varying-quality data to train these models. The success rate of this AI-led approach has been slow, with no significant blockbuster drugs yet. Instead, over the past five years, companies have reiterated and rebranded existing concepts in their own way, using measurable techniques such as multi-omics – and concepts systems biologists argued for more than a decade ago. Of course, now, with more data (albeit noisy, irreproducible, heterogeneous, much of it still lacking standardisation and veracity, or not adhering to FAIR principles), perceptions have shifted. The transformer models offer immense potential, however, a lack of transparency in data generation and quality raises concerns about resource wastage and potentially biased outcomes, highlighting the need for rigorous data practices.
There is now a growing realisation of the need for high-quality data, however, significant investments have already been made in AI-led workflows, leaving limited funding for scientific research. Thousands and thousands of individuals have been laid off from public sector organisations, including National Institutes of Health, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, the Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Science Foundation, and academic institutions. In the private sector, workforce reductions of up to 70% have been reported in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the biotech industry.
Another trend is the increasing reliance on outsourcing, and the growth of Contract Research Organisations which have further reduced the number of in-house positions. While these changes may offer cost savings for companies, they create a more fragmented job market, making it harder for professionals to find stable, long-term roles. Emerging trends such as automation, AI, and global health threats such as antimicrobial resistance are reshaping the skills required in the sector. Professionals may feel pressured to rapidly upskill or pivot to remain relevant.
Strategies for navigating mid-career challenges
Despite these difficulties, mid-career professionals can employ strategies to navigate this turbulent landscape:
1. Leverage transferable skills: Many skills in specialised roles such as problem-solving, project management, and data analysis are valuable in adjacent industries. Consider roles in other business functions if possible, such as regulatory affairs and quality assurance, but also explore new options such as consulting, where your expertise can provide unique insights.
2. Expand your skill set: While specialisation offers advantages, diversifying skills is crucial for remaining competitive. This could involve gaining expertise in adjacent areas such as project management, business development, data science, digital health, or green technology or methods supporting ESG all of which are increasingly in demand.
3. Commit to lifelong learning: Given the rapid pace of technological advancement, continuous learning is essential. Pursuing certifications, attending industry conferences, or enrolling in online courses can help professionals stay current and demonstrate a commitment to ongoing improvement.
4. Leverage your network: Networking has always been critical for career success, but it is even more important during uncertain times. Reconnecting with former colleagues, attending industry events, and participating in professional associations can lead to new opportunities and provide valuable insights into emerging trends.
5. Network strategically: Building and maintaining a robust professional network is crucial. Attend industry conferences, join relevant online forums, and engage with alumni networks. Connections can lead to unexpected opportunities, collaborations, or even mentorship during challenging times.
6. Be open to non-traditional roles: Mid-career professionals can explore roles outside their immediate expertise that still align with their interests and values. This could include science communication, education, or policy development. These roles can offer stability while allowing you to contribute meaningfully to the field.
7. Explore alternative career paths: The current challenges may present an opportunity to explore alternative career paths, such as consulting, entrepreneurship, or academia, where expertise can be applied in innovative ways.
8. Cultivate resilience and adaptability: In a rapidly changing industry, resilience and adaptability are key. Mid-career professionals should be prepared to pivot when necessary, whether that means taking on a different role within their current organisation or exploring opportunities in a new sector altogether. However, never settle for anything below your worth and experience. Compromising undervalues your skills and experience, and in the end, organisations operate on business principles. Always remember your value and stand firm in advocating for what you deserve.
9. Seek professional guidance: Career coaches or professional organisations can offer personalised advice, resume reviews, and mock interviews. Don’t hesitate to reach out for support when needed. If you are a member of a professional body or part of an alumni network, talk about the challenges you’re experiencing whether in one-on-one meetings or in small groups, and don’t feel isolated. Everyone at some point in their career may have gone through this or knows of someone who has.
10. Emotional intelligence and empathy: Focus your energy where it’s valued and reciprocated. Surround yourself with people who uplift and inspire you, and create space from those who drain your positivity. Seek out mentors and be willing to mentor others in return - there is immense value in building meaningful human connections. This is the essence of emotional intelligence and empathy. The world is a huge place, and with globalisation the potential is limitless.
Turning challenges into opportunities
While turbulent times signal challenges, they also create opportunities for industry-wide reflection and innovation. Professionals who take this time to reassess their career goals and explore emerging fields may discover pathways they hadn’t previously considered. This is the oldest you’ve ever been and the youngest you’ll ever be - if there’s a time to explore your ideas, it’s now. Innovate or experiment with something new. For example, the rise of digital health and telemedicine has opened new avenues for life science professionals. Similarly, the increasing focus on sustainability and green biotech offers a chance to align career aspirations with global impact. It’s important to recognise that the value of your expertise goes beyond your current job title. Your ability to think critically, solve complex problems, and adapt to new information is highly sought after in many sectors.
To navigate this transition successfully, stay resilient - career setbacks are often temporary and can serve as a catalyst for growth. Embrace change, understanding that the mid-career phase is not a fixed destination but an evolving journey that can lead to unexpected opportunities. Advocate for yourself by articulating your value in ways that resonate with potential employers, highlighting your unique contributions and adaptability.
Embracing the opportunity to pursue your own vision
Being let go by an employer can feel like a seismic shift, especially in industries as competitive and high-stakes as biotech, pharma, and life sciences. Initially, this uncertainty can be overwhelming. But for some, this moment can also be a profound opportunity to step out of someone else’s dream and into your own. For years, you may have been working tirelessly to advance someone else’s vision, contributing to projects and goals that, while meaningful, were not entirely your own. This is your time to explore the passions and innovations you’ve been putting on hold, to build something that truly reflects your values and aspirations. Many of the most successful entrepreneurs and innovators in biotech and life sciences started their journeys after being let go or hitting a professional roadblock. What felt like an ending at the time turned out to be the beginning of something far more aligned with their personal vision. The key is to see this moment as an opportunity to redefine success on your own terms. Approach this new chapter with patience and realism. Executing your vision will take time, effort, and resilience. You may face setbacks, and progress may be slower than you’d like. But remember, every great innovation - whether it’s a ground-breaking drug, a transformative technology, or a new approach to healthcare - started as an idea that someone believed in enough to pursue, even when the road was uncertain.
Closing thoughts
The current economic climate and wave of layoffs in biotech, pharma, and life sciences emphasise the need for adaptability and resilience. While this phase presents unique challenges, it is also an opportunity for reinvention and growth. By leveraging transferable skills, staying open to new possibilities, and investing in professional development, mid-career professionals can navigate this uncertain period and emerge stronger. For those currently facing layoffs or career uncertainty, remember that you’re not alone. Sharing experiences and insights can foster a sense of community and inspire others to persevere. Let this moment of challenge also be one of possibility, driving innovation and change within yourself and (in or around) the industry.
Final note, as a way of connecting with and supporting the AMI community, I’m offering free 30-minute consultations in March every Wednesday and Friday afternoon. Whether you’re considering a start-up, setting up a small business, or exploring various related topics, I’m happy to listen and advise where best I can. Readers can contact Samrina here.
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