Programme Manager
There are a number of different areas within the Biotech sector where the skills of a Programme Manager can be employed. This could be to focus on the development of new innovative products, taking these through the biotechnology development life cycle and using your skills as a scientist to see products through this complicated and demanding process from concept to market launch. You might have more of an in-house focus, working with R&D scientists or (when working for a centre of excellence) identifying which technologies to develop and managing these. You might also be based within a funding body (government or angel or investment house), identifying new technologies and innovations to support. Additionally Programme Managers can oversee the clinical trial process from early phases, including pre-clinical through to each next phase of clinical trials, the completion of the trials and commercialisation of new products.
Skills and Experience required to become a Programme Manager
- Good understanding of the drug discovery sector, including new product discovery and development.
- Business development, or marketing or market access
- Project management in the pharmaceutical / biologics / biopharmaceutical / biotech sectors
- Degree in a relevant scientific subject
- GMP knowledge
Salary Levels
Generally, Programme Managers can earn salaries in the region of £45,000 - £55,000, or higher if in more of a Collaborations Manager role or if you have specialist expertise within a particular field of Biotechnology development.