Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
PharmaceuticalPharmaceutical
Right for Me?
Is a Career in the
SciencesSciences
Check out our online StudentCenter to find out more:www.aapspharmaceutica.com/students
• Formulation Design and Development –unites multiple scientific disciplines in orderto share experimental results, consider newformulation and dosage form technologies,and discuss issues and concerns regarding thedesign and development of formulations/drugproducts for small molecules.
• Manufacturing Science and Engineering –unite of scientists and engineers interestedand involved in the application andadvancement of science and technologyto the manufacture of pharmaceutical andpharmaceutically related products.
• Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics andDrug Metabolism – provides a forum toexamine issues related to the biopharmaceutics,pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, drugmetabolism and transport of pharmaceuticalproducts and therapies.
• Physical Pharmacy and Biopharmaceutics –focuses on a quantitative understanding of theintrinsic properties of the molecule and theinteracting biological system, enabling theselection of developable drug candidates andthe identification of potential strategies foroptimal drug delivery.
• Regulatory Sciences – analyses informationon product performance, addresses issuesregarding drug law and resultant regulations,and promotes science-based regulations to helpdrug regulatory agencies protect public healthand safety.
What are thePharmaceutical Sciences?The pharmaceutical sciences combine a broadrange of scientific disciplines that are criticalto the discovery and development of newdrugs and therapies. Pharmaceutical sciencescan be broadly classified into the followingmain categories, with many specialized fieldswithin each category:
• Analysis and Pharmaceutical Quality –provides a forum for the exchange ofinformation pertaining to analytical techniques,regulatory and compendial issues, andassurance of quality.
• Biotechnology – enables individuals frommultiple scientific disciplines to addressissues, share information and experimentalfindings, and provide education for research,development, and commercialization of newbiopharmaceuticals.
• Clinical Pharmacology and TranslationalResearch – provides the clinical researchdimension within the comprehensive rangeof pharmaceutical sciences and is concernedwith issues related to the clinical useof pharmaceuticals.
• Drug Design and Discovery – encouragesthe generation of knowledge concerning thechemistry, biochemistry, and pharmacologicalactions of synthetic and naturally occurringmedicinal agents.
How do I know if a career in thepharmaceutical sciences is right for me?• Do you enjoy science and want to pursue a science-based career?
• Do you like to work hands-on in a laboratory setting?
• Do you have a desire to contribute to the health and well-beingof society through the development of medicines and therapies?
If so, a career in pharmaceutical sciences may be a good choice for you!
What is the DifferenceBetween a PharmaceuticalScientist and a Pharmacist?Pharmaceutical scientists are typically involvedin the development of new drugs: discovery,drug delivery systems, drug absorption,distribution, metabolism, and eliminationcharacteristics. They spend most of theirtime doing research in a laboratoryor office setting.
On the other hand, pharmacists workwith existing drugs, patients, andother healthcare practitionersto optimize patient careand drug use. They often workface-to-face with physicians(drug selection and use)and patients (best useof medications).
“The field of pharmaceutical sciences offers mea harmonious balance of basic and applied sciencestraining, and is perfectly aligned with my personal
goal of improving public health.”
— Joe Wen-Kai SuUniversity of Wisconsin at Madison
Career Opportunitiesin the PharmaceuticalSciencesOver the years, pharmaceutical scientists havebeen instrumental in discovering and developinginnovative drugs that save thousands of livesand improve countless others. Pharmaceuticalscientists can pursue a variety of careeropportunities/jobs. They are employed bypharmaceutical and biotechnology companies,they work as researchers, scientists andprofessors at universities, for agencies likethe Food and Drug Administration (FDA), U.S.Pharmacopeia (USP), and at national laboratoriessuch as the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
A recent salary andemployment statussurvey* of AAPSMembers reported thefollowing key findings:
The current average starting salary forindividuals beginning their careerin 2007 was $85,000.
The mean base salaries of Ph.D.respondents with 0-5 years ofexperience was $87,000.
The average salaries were:INDUSTRY
• Ph.D. $ 127,000• M.S. $ 99,500• B.S. $ 88,000
ACADEMIA• Ph.D. $ 95,000
GOVERNMENT• Ph.D. $ 113,000
Approximately one half of surveyrespondents with 0-5 years ofexperience were female.
*2007 Salary Survey
“There is a great degree of
professional satisfaction and
enjoyment that I experience when
I encourage students to consider
a career in our field.”
— Gregory Knipp, Ph.D.Purdue University
“Your educationdoesn’t stop when
you graduate. It is alife long pursuit.”
— Ronald R. Bowsher, Ph.D.B2S Consulting
How Can I Become aPharmaceutical Scientist?There are many ways to pursue a career inthe pharmaceutical sciences. You can obtainan undergraduate or advanced degree inpharmaceutical sciences, pharmacy, biology,chemistry, medicine, or engineering.Conversely, you can also find a rewardingposition with degrees in economics, marketing,or business. It takes a multi-disciplinaryeffort and a variety of skills to developnew and effective medicines.
“One of the best ways that AAPS can advance the futuredirection of the pharmaceutical sciences is to actively recruit and
involve the students of today. We provide a dynamic internationalforum for the exchange of knowledge among scientists to enhance their
contributions to health, and offer timely scientific programs, ongoing education,opportunities for networking, and professional development.”
— John Lisack, Jr., CAEExecutive Director,American Association ofPharmaceutical Scientists
Career NetworkThe American Association of PharmaceuticalScientists (AAPS) also has an online CareerNetwork to help our members with theircareer needs.
Visitwww.aapspharmaceutica.com/CareerCenter/
• Search internship programs
• Network with employers/recruitersin the pharmaceutical field atarea career fairs
• Online Résumé/CV Submission
• Attend career developmentseminars and workshops
• Receive career counselingonsite and online
About The American Associationof Pharmaceutical ScientistsThe American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) is a professional,scientific society of more than 13,000 members employed in academia, industry,government and other research institutes worldwide. Founded in 1986, AAPSprovides a dynamic international forum for the exchange of knowledge amongscientists to enhance their contributions to health. We offer timely scientificprograms, ongoing education, opportunities for networking, and professionaldevelopment. For more information about AAPS, visit AAPS Pharmaceutica atwww.aapspharmaceutica.com.
Where Can I Get More InformationAbout the Pharmaceutical Sciences?
Visit these sites to learn more:
• www.aapspharmaceutica.com/studentsOnline Student Center: The AAPS StudentCenter provides a wealth of informationand resources specifically targeted tostudents and post-docs.
• www.aapspharmaceutica.com/CareerCenterCareer Network: The AAPS Career Networkprovides members with career andnetworking opportunities, and resourcesfor professional development bothonline and onsite at AAPS meetingsand expositions.
• www.aapspharmaceutica.com/primersAAPS Primers: Learn more about theday-to-day lives of pharmaceuticalscientists working in industry,academia and government.
• www.aapspharmaceutica.com/vspVisiting Scientist Program: Throughthis program, AAPS matchesscientific speakers with schoolsinterested in hosting educationalspeaking engagements.
Phone: +1(703) 243-2800Fax: +1(703) 243-9650Email:[email protected]
2107 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 700Arlington, VA 22201-3042, USA
