Transitioning From Academic Research To Pharmaceutical Industry Drug Formulation And Analytical Development

By Bobby Walker, Singota Solutions

Fresh college graduates and/or academic research associates may find it difficult to make the transition from academic research and studies to industry research, which demands from them additional skills, sets different objectives, and defines “success” differently.

Whether they work for a pharmaceutical/biopharmaceutical sponsor or an organization supporting the industry, individuals with a better understanding of these differences have several advantages. They may be more attractive candidates for industry research positions. They can be champions for increased collaboration between CDMOs and academic researchers, or institutions collaborating with CDMO clients. Most important, these individuals can optimize the impact of their work by considering how findings might contribute both to academic knowledge and practical applications in industry.