There are many ways to network specific to the life sciences industry, and we have compiled a few ways for you to get started.

Social Media

Social media can be an excellent tool for networking, particularly if you want to connect with people in a specific industry. LinkedIn is a great platform, as many groups and discussion forums focus on the life science sector. Twitter is also worth considering – search for relevant hashtags (such as #biohacking or #biotech) to find relevant conversations. There are also lots of forums and discussion groups where you can engage with others in the life science industry.

Tips for marketing yourself on LinkedIn:

• Use a professional profile picture.
• Use keywords in your profile headline and summary.
• Connect with other professionals in the life science industry.
• Join relevant groups and participate in discussions.
• Share interesting articles or blog posts that you have read or written.

LinkedIn groups to consider joining:

• Life Science Talk:a resource for discussions, career opportunities, and articles for life science professionals.
• Life Science Network– Pharma, Biotech, Medical, Healthcare, Clinical, Recruit – News, Events & Jobs
• American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS)
• Pharma & Medical Network:Biotech, Healthcare, Pharmaceutical, Devices, Science, Jobs, Events & News
• Biotech and Pharma Professionals
• Midwest Life Science Network (LSN)

Attend industry events

Most cities have at least one large professional meeting or event each year that life science professionals can attend. These could be conferences, trade shows, or even seminars. Attending these events is a great way to meet people who work in the same field as you and can help further your career.

You can find these events by searching online or through word-of-mouth. Many of these events will have a career fair component where you can meet with recruiters from top companies in the life sciences industry. Attendance at these events is also a great way to learn about current trends in the field or learn about new technologies that could be useful for your career.

Some examples of life science events:

• The Biotech Showcase (USA)
• BIO International Convention (USA)
• American Biomanufacturing Summit

Join Professional Organizations

Many professional organizations are aimed at those working in the life science industry. Joining one or more of these organizations is a great way to meet like-minded people and make connections that could lead to a job. Many organizations also offer helpful resources such as job boards and career advice.

Some examples are:

• American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) 
• American Society for Microbiology (ASM) 
• Association of Clinical Research Professionals
• National Science Policy Network (NSPN) 

Look into Local Networking Groups

If you want to connect with people who work in the life sciences industry near you, there may be local networking groups that you can join. These groups usually meet regularly to discuss relevant topics and network. A quick Google search should do the trick to find out if there are any groups near you.

Some examples of local networking groups:

• San Diego Biotech Networks
• BioXchange (Boston, MA)
• Medical Alley (MN)

Get involved with research projects.

If you’re a student or early-career professional, getting involved in research projects is a great way to connect with more experienced scientists. Not only will you gain some valuable experience, but you’ll also get to know people who could potentially help further your career down the line. You can find out about research projects through your university or college or search online for opportunities in your area of interest.

Look out for training and volunteering opportunities

If you’re starting in the life science industry, it’s important to make sure you have the right skills and qualifications for the job you want. Many training opportunities are available, so research and see what’s out there. Many companies offer internships and work experience placements, which are worth considering.

Volunteering is also a great way to give back while networking with others in the life sciences industry. There are often opportunities to volunteer at events or with professional organizations. This is a great way to meet new people and learn more about what others are doing in the field. Volunteering is also a great way to build new skills or enhance existing ones.

Set up informational interviews

Informational interviews are a great way to learn about a company or job role that interests you. They also allow you to speak to someone who’s already working in the industry and get some inside information that you wouldn’t be able to get anywhere else. To set up an informational interview, all you need to do is reach out to somebody in the field you’re interested in and ask if they’d be willing to chat with you for 20-30 minutes about their work. Most people are happy to oblige.

Conclusion

Whether you are just starting your career or are a seasoned veteran, networking is an important part of success in the life sciences industry. Attend industry events, join professional organizations or volunteer to start building relationships with others working in the field. By networking, you will increase your chances of being hired for a job, advancing your career, and staying up to date on new developments in the life sciences industry.

Another opportunity to grow your network in the life sciences field is to partner with a staffing agency specializing in the industry. At Astrix, we have a team of experienced recruiters who can help you find your first or next great opportunity. Contact us today to learn more!

About Astrix

Astrix is the unrivaled market leader in creating and delivering innovative strategies, solutions, and people to the life science community. Through world-class people, processes, and technology, we work with clients to fundamentally improve business and scientific outcomes and the quality of life everywhere.

Founded by scientists to solve the unique challenges of the life science community, Astrix offers a growing array of strategic, technical, and staffing services designed to deliver value to clients across their organizations.

Contact us today to learn more about our services!

The post Your Guide to Networking in the Life Science Industry appeared first on Astrix.

1. What is a staffing agency?

A staffing agency is a company that provides temporary, contract, and permanent employees to businesses. Staffing agencies specialize in recruiting, screening, and placing employees in jobs. They can be a helpful resource for employers who need to fill positions quickly or do not have the time or resources to recruit candidates.

2. How do staffing agencies find candidates?

Staffing agencies use various methods to find qualified candidates for open positions. They may post job ads online, search resumes in their database or network with other professionals in the same industry. Staffing agencies typically have a large pool of candidates to choose from and can fill positions quickly.

3. How long does it take to find a candidate?

There is no easy answer to this question, as it will depend on the specific skills and experience you’re looking for in a candidate. However, most staffing agencies have access to large databases of qualified and pre-screened candidates and can typically provide a list of qualified candidates within a few days.

4. How do I know if a candidate is a good fit for my company?

When you work with a staffing agency, you’ll have the opportunity to interview candidates before making a decision. This allows you to get to know the candidate and determine whether they would fit your company culture well.

5. Will the candidate be interested in working for my company?

Most staffing agencies will only submit candidates for positions they feel are a good match for their skills and experience. This ensures that the candidates are interested in the work and decreases their chances of quitting after starting the job.

6. How Does the Staffing Process Work?

When you work with a staffing agency, they’ll get to know your business and your specific needs. From there, they’ll start searching their database to find candidates who might be a good fit. Once they’ve identified some promising candidates, they’ll contact them on your behalf and arrange interviews. Then, it’s up to you to choose the candidate you want to hire!

The great thing about working with a staffing agency is that they handle all the initial legwork for you. This can save you a lot of time and energy during what is often already a very stressful process.

7. What are some tips for working with a staffing agency?

When working with a staffing agency, it is essential to clearly communicate your needs and expectations upfront so that the agency can identify candidates best suited for your company. It may also help to meet with the candidates the staffing agency provides. This will allow you to get to know them better and ensure that they are indeed a good fit for your company culture. Finally, make sure you keep lines of communication open with your point of contact at the staffing agency; this will help prevent any misunderstandings or miscommunications down the road.

8. How Can I Find a Reputable Staffing Agency?

When it comes to finding a reputable staffing agency to work with, ask around for recommendations from businesses similar to yours. You can also check out online reviews from other employers who have worked with staffing agencies in the past. Finally, make sure to do your research on any agencies you’re considering partnering with. An excellent place to start is by visiting their website and seeing if their values align with yours.

Read our blog for some tips on evaluating and hiring a staffing firm.

9. How can a staffing agency help my business?

There are several ways working with a staffing agency can help, including:

You can save time: posted job ads can receive hundreds of applications, but a staffing agency will screen candidates for you and only send you the most qualified individuals.

You can reduce legal risks: when you work with a staffing agency, the agency is responsible for running background checks and ensuring that the candidate is legally eligible to work in the United States.

You can access hard-to-find talent: some positions are difficult to fill because there is a small pool of qualified candidates. Staffing agencies have networks of potential candidates and access to databases of resumes, so they can help you find the right person for the job.

You can increase your flexibility: if you only need someone for a short-term project or during busy times, working with a staffing agency can give you the flexibility to increase or decrease your workforce as needed without increasing your overhead costs.

Conclusion

We hope this FAQ guide has helped answer some of your questions about working with a staffing agency. They can be a valuable resource for businesses that need to fill vacant positions quickly and efficiently. By taking the time to research different agencies and understand how they operate, you can find an agency that is reputable and has experience placing candidates in similar positions. Working with a staffing agency offers several advantages for employers, including saving time on screening candidates, reducing legal risks associated with hiring employees, and increasing flexibility in managing workloads.

Work with an experienced staffing firm like Astrix

Astrix can provide your business with the flexibility, speed, and talent access it needs to succeed. We have over 25 years of experience in the scientific and technical staffing industry and know how to find the best talent for your organization.

About Astrix

Astrix is the unrivaled market leader in creating and delivering innovative strategies, solutions, and people to the life science community. Through world-class people, processes, and technology, we work with clients to fundamentally improve business and scientific outcomes and the quality of life everywhere.

Founded by scientists to solve the unique challenges of the life science community, Astrix offers a growing array of strategic, technical, and staffing services designed to deliver value to clients across their organizations.

Contact us today to learn more about our services!

The post Employer FAQ Guide to Working with Staffing Agencies appeared first on Astrix.

1.    Decide What Area of Life Sciences You Want to pursue

Life Sciences is a term that encompasses a wide variety of fields, sectors, and roles. It is full of many amazing opportunities and there are many different areas where you can make your mark. Some well-known areas to consider include:

• Biotechnology: This area develops innovative technologies and products using living organisms and biological processes. If you’re a curious kind of person, who wants to understand the “why” as well as the “how” of science in order to assist others down the line, this is an area where you can really make a difference.
• Medical Research: Also known as biomedical research, professionals in this area use science to prevent, diagnose, and treat disorders in humans and animals. This area exists at a later stage, so everything is closer to the patient than the petri dish—if you prefer your science with a greater degree of application than discovery.
• Pharmaceuticals: This area involves research for the frontiers of drug discovery, and other several other sciences (including genetic research), to develop new therapeutics (including, but not limited to medications) to treat disorders. Vaccine development is one of the highest-profile activities in this area right now for biopharmaceuticals—and, for years into the near future.
• Environmental Science: Focuses on identifying, controlling, or eliminating sources of pollution that affect the environment and public health. They may also develop plans to prevent future problems like air quality issues by advising government officials who make policy as well generating insights into how development projects could impact certain areas negatively before it happens.
• Manufacturing: This area focuses on developing and manufacturing the ingredients essential to a wide variety of research and production phases of life sciences. Becoming an expert in this area will enable you to choose from a wide range of settings and roles for years to come.
• Food Science: Developing and manufacturing food products of the highest quality and nutritional value is at the core of this sector. If you’re wondering how we’re going to sustainably feed people and animals in the coming years, this is the area for you.
• Preclinical Research: If you enjoy solving mysteries and are curious about whether a new idea has a future as a therapeutic, this area focuses on testing promising new biomedical solutions in laboratory settings that use a wide array of animal models.
• Clinical Research: There can be no new medications or medical devices without first testing them for safety and efficacy in the wider population. Ensuring that new products will be safe, by being one of the first to see the impact of research on real people, animals, and other living things, is the real focus of this area.
• Animal Science: This area focuses on the biological, physical, and social science aspects of raising and managing livestock. If you’re passionate about farming and agriculture, safety, disease prevention, and treatment in our food chain, this may be the perfect fit for you.

Once you’ve decided which area(s) of greatest interest, you can start researching what kind of jobs are available in that field.

2.    Get a Degree in a Relevant Field

While most jobs in the life sciences require a bachelor’s degree, there’s a growing list of jobs, certifications and training programs that don’t require a degree or take two years or less, that will enable you to secure your first well-paying job in the Life Sciences. Depending on the field you want to enter, you can enter as a technician or, with an advanced degree (like a master’s or Ph.D.), a highly compensated scientist and/or senior manager.

√ Look for accredited programs that offer nationally accepted certifications that will equip you with the skills needed for your desired career.

3.    Start Networking

It’s never too early to start networking. Get involved with the associations and organizations in which your future colleagues are active. Attend their regional meetings, national conferences, and any other events related to your chosen field so you’ll be current on the latest developments in your field, while you’re meeting potential employers and mentors who can help further your career.

4.    Gain Relevant Work Experience

Internships, while not needed for every job in the life sciences, can give you experience that’s crucial to both determine and demonstrate your interest. You can often uncover internship opportunities prior to graduating from a certificate or degree program by speaking with instructors and members of professional organizations at the local, regional, and national levels. Gaining relevant experience in a chosen area really increases your value, stature—and options—as you launch your career.

5.    Develop Key Skills

Featuring key skills on your resume, such as analytical skills, problem-solving, commercial awareness, and teamwork, really does distinguish you from other candidates who can only discuss their academic achievements. Many essential skills are learned through extra-curricular activities, so don’t forget to mention any involvement with clubs, societies, or volunteering roles on both your resume and application form.

6.    Invest Time in Researching Companies Before You Apply

Becoming familiar with targeted organizations’ business models, products, values, and processes enable you to see (and discuss the specifics of how you would fit in with the company when seeking an interview—and speaking—with both recruiting and hiring managers.

√ Job seekers may often neglect this step, but it makes all the difference when meeting potential employers who want to know that you have taken the time to really understand their business and the role you want to play in their team’s success.

7.    Prepare For Your Interviews

Once you’ve started applying for jobs, it’s time to prepare for your interviews. In addition to practicing common interview questions, devote time to researching the company or organization you’ll be interviewing with. Start with searching for mentions in industry publications as well as online forums that discuss the organization’s culture.

√ Do a deep dive into their website—including a thorough review of their press releases and reports. This is the key to asking informed questions about the position and demonstrating your knowledge of, and interest in, the company during your interviews.

Final Thoughts

Landing a job in life sciences isn’t daunting when you know these simple steps. Once you decide which field(s) within life sciences interests you most:

• Research the educational requirements at various levels.
• Choose a certification (based on a national organization’s advice).
• Get involved with an accrediting degree from a widely accepted program.
• Gain some experience through internships or other opportunities while pursuing professional accreditation.
• Get active in the local, regional, and national associations to network with professionals in your field, and
• Prepare for interviews thoroughly so that you can prove your familiarity and skills in ways that compel the recruiter to recommend you to the hiring manager.

Follow these steps and you’ll be well prepared to launch your new career with a job that puts you squarely on the path to achieving your career goals.

Bonus Tip: Work with A Staffing Company That Specializes In Life Sciences

√ A great way to jump-start your new career—or to rise up faster—in the life sciences is to work with a staffing company that specializes in this field. They are positioned to connect you with some of the best employers in the industry and help you find a position that is the perfect fit for your skills and experience.

About Astrix

Astrix is the unrivaled market leader in creating and delivering innovative strategies, solutions, and people to the life science community. Through world-class people, processes, and technology, we work with clients to fundamentally improve business and scientific outcomes and the quality of life everywhere.

Founded by scientists to solve the unique challenges of the life science community, Astrix offers a growing array of strategic, technical, and staffing services designed to deliver value to clients across their organizations.

If you are ready to start your career in the life sciences industry, contact Astrix today.

Visit our current job postings or submit your resume to one of our staffing experts for consideration.

The post Astrix Scientific Staffing – Your Checklist for Getting a Job in Life Sciences appeared first on Astrix.

Increased demand for skilled labor

With the increase in technology and the changing business landscape, employers are looking for workers with specific skills that can be applied to their industry. This shift has been especially apparent in life science industries such as biotechnology, medical device, pharmaceuticals, IT, and healthcare, where employers are searching for workers with specific technical skills.

This trend is expected to continue into 2023 as businesses invest in new technologies and seek to improve their competitive advantage.

Talent shortages and competition

With the increased demand for skilled labor comes an increase in competition for top talent. It’s becoming more and more difficult to find qualified candidates, so it’s important to start thinking about how you can stand out from other companies.

To meet this demand, employers will need to focus on attracting and retaining top talent. One way to do this is by offering competitive salaries and benefits packages. Another way to stand out from the competition is by investing in employee learning and development programs. These programs will help employees stay up to date on the latest industry trends and learn new skills that can be applied in the workplace.

Increase in contract workers

Another trend likely to continue into 2023 is the increase in contract workers. As companies recover from the pandemic, they may be hesitant to hire full-time employees. Instead, they may opt to hire contract workers who can be hired on an as-needed basis.

Contract workers are typically hired on a project basis or to fill a temporary vacancy. This allows businesses to save on costs associated with benefits and training and provides them with the flexibility to scale their workforce up or down as needed.

If you’re looking to hire contract workers, make sure you’re clear about your expectations and partner with an experienced staffing agency like Astrix.

Rise in AI for HR

Artificial intelligence (AI) is beginning to significantly impact all aspects of business, including human resources (HR). AI can be used for various HR functions such as recruiting, training, and performance management. The use of AI in HR is expected to increase in 2023 as businesses seek ways to improve efficiency and effectiveness. By leveraging AI, employers can free up time for HR professionals to focus on more strategic tasks such as employee engagement and retention.

Employee retention is becoming more important than ever

While keeping your employees happy and engaged has always been important, it’s become even more crucial in recent years. With so many employers competing for top talent, employees are more likely to hop from one job to the next in search of better opportunities.

Employers that invest in employee learning and development programs will be better positioned to attract and retain top talent. These programs will also help employees improve their job satisfaction and performance. By investing in employee learning and development now, employers can prepare their workforce for future challenges.

What does this mean for you?

These are just a few of the many trends shaping the future of work. As a hiring manager or HR professional, it’s important to stay up to date on these changes so you can adapt your recruiting and hiring strategy accordingly. With the right mix of flexibility and foresight, you can ensure that your business remains competitive.

How Astrix Can Help

If you need help staying ahead of the curve, Astrix can help. We have over 25 years of experience in the scientific and technical staffing industry, and our team is dedicated to helping companies succeed. We have a deep understanding of the latest industry trends and can help you identify the talent you need to stay ahead of the competition.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you meet your staffing needs and help you stay ahead of trends in the labor market for 2023!

The post Biggest Trends in the Labor Market We Have Seen So Far and What to Expect in 2023 appeared first on Astrix.

What is High Volume Hiring?

High volume hiring is the process of filling multiple positions within a short timeframe. This can be due to company growth, an increase in demand for your product or service, or seasonal fluctuations. Whatever the reason, high volume hiring can be a challenge if you’re not prepared.

Why is High Volume Hiring Harder for Life Science Companies?

There are a few reasons why high-volume hiring can be especially difficult for life science companies.

• Shortage of candidates with required skill sets: Most life sciences positions require specific skills and knowledge. This means that the pool of qualified candidates is often smaller than in other industries and the competition for talent is high.
• Managing candidates: With limited resources and time, managing candidates, keeping them in the loop, and creating a good experience can be challenging. However, it is important to provide a good candidate experience, so you don’t lose top talent to your competition.
• Onboarding new employees effectively: When you’re hiring a lot of people at once, it can be difficult to onboard them all effectively. You need to have a system in place to ensure that all new employees are getting the training and support they need.

Tips for Improving Your Hiring Process

Now that we’ve discussed some of the challenges associated with high volume hiring, let’s talk about some ways you can improve your process.

Get organized early on.

The first step to any successful high-volume hiring initiative is organization. To ensure a smooth process, start by creating detailed job descriptions that outline the specific skills and experience your ideal candidate should have. Once you clearly understand whom you’re looking for, put together a plan of action that includes critical dates and deadlines. This will help keep you and your team on track as you move through each stage of the hiring process.

Develop a Standardized Screening Process

When you’re evaluating many candidates, it’s important to have a standardized assessment process in place. This includes creating a list of questions that will help you assess whether a candidate meets the qualifications and deciding how you will score each candidate’s answers (e.g., on a scale of 1-5).

Asking pre-screening questions is a great way to weed out unqualified candidates quickly. These questions should be specific to the job opening and designed to assess a candidate’s qualifications, skills, and experience. For example, if you’re looking for a lab technician, you might ask a pre-screening question such as “What were your previous responsibilities in a lab setting?”

By taking the time to develop a standardized screening process upfront, you’ll save yourself much time in the long run.

Automate Where Possible

There’s no need to do everything manually when so many great tools are available to help streamline the process. Utilizing an applicant tracking system (ATS) can save you time and hassle. This software enables you to automate many repetitive and time-consuming tasks associated with high-volume hirings, such as posting jobs to multiple job boards, screening resumes, and scheduling interviews. Not only will an ATS save you valuable time, but it can also help improve your candidate experience by keeping applicants updated on the status of their application throughout the process.

Delegate and move quickly

When hiring for many positions at once, delegating where possible is essential. Identify which members of your team are best suited to conducting interviews or reviewing resumes and let them take on some of the workload. This will help ensure that all positions are filled quickly without sacrificing quality.

In most cases, the best candidates may already have another job offer. If you’re interested in someone, be prepared to move quickly. Reach out to them as soon as possible and let them know you’re interested in extending an offer. The sooner you can get them on board, the better.

Partner with a staffing agency specializing in life sciences

The life sciences industry is complex and ever-changing, making it difficult for companies to fill high-volume positions quickly and efficiently. Fortunately, staffing agencies specializing in this field can provide companies with the resources they need to find the right candidates quickly and easily. By working with a staffing agency, companies can benefit from access to a wide pool of candidates, cost-effective recruiting solutions, quick turnaround times, flexible hiring options, and industry expertise.

By following these five high-volume hiring strategies, you’ll be ready to fill all your open positions quickly and efficiently. Implement these strategies now, and you’ll be able to keep up with the demand while still finding quality candidates.

About Astrix

Astrix is a leading provider of scientific staffing solutions for life science companies. We have a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by companies in this industry. Our staffing solutions are tailored to the specific needs of each client. Whether your needs are short-term or long-term, project-based, or ongoing, we have the expertise to help. We work with your team to find the right candidates for your open positions, and our global network ensures that we can find the best talent no matter where they are located.

The post 5 Tips for High Volume Hiring in the Life Sciences Industry appeared first on Astrix.