Women in Biotech: is the industry opening up?
Over the past decade or so, diversity has become a buzzword across all sectors of business. Companies are investing more money and time than ever before into improving the way they tackle representation and the gender pay gap at all stages from recruitment to the C-Suite. The pharmaceutical industry is just as turned on, and for good reason. When it comes to gender diversity in Medical Sales, women make up a disproportionately small percentage of the workforce: in the 2019 Medical Sales Salary Report, 67% of respondents were men. Furthermore, women were found to earn just 85% of the salary of Asian and Caucasian men- and this problem is present across all industry sectors in Pharmacology. What’s more, the Biopharma sector has very few representatives on Fortune’s latest Most Powerful Women list but the future is looking bright for women in biotech.
Long-awaited change
Though the industry does seem very male dominated, the good news is that increasing numbers of businesses are looking reshape the way in which their recruitment process, and their business, handles the issue of gender equality. Last year, the biotech industry celebrated the top 25 women leaders, creating a list of some of the most successful females and highlighting the first ever woman to be a CEO of a Fortune 500 Pharma company – Heather Bresch.
Why gender diversity is important in biotech
Having a larger percentage of women in the workforce has time and again been proven to provide countless benefits to the company, as well as to company culture: in the Pharmaceutical and Biotech industries, women excel at relationship building among other skills. Building better relationships is key when it comes to being successful in a competitive industry like Medical Sales, with multiple clients to represent and drugs and devices to sell.
Championing for more women on boards
In 2021, FTSE 350 celebrated a 34% proportion of women on boards and a huge cry of relief could be heard across industries once the milestone - set back in 2019 by the 30% club – was hit. It’s regularly been reported that including women in the boardroom brings new viewpoints forwards and a good degree of gender diversity it was drives innovative and creative thinking. When translated into business terms, that results in a more efficient business with a healthy reputation in the industry- and as an employer- and even impacts its bottom lines.
Progress in the biotech sphere
Slowly but surely, however, change is happening across the Biotech and Pharmaceutical industries. There are Women in Biotech networking evenings, and the website Women in Bio is made up of professionals who are committed to promoting careers and leadership for women in sciences. Many companies, including tech companies and Pharmaceuticals like Johnson & Johnson, have also pledged to improving their diversity levels – with the goal of hiring 20,000 women in STEM sectors by 2020. To help the industry reach the goal of becoming more gender diverse and encourage more women into the industry, Johnson & Johnson have hosted their third annual Women in STEM2D Scholars Award with the winners receiving a generous grant along with a three-year mentorship programme.
Keeping on-track
To ensure that momentum doesn’t die out, it’s vital that measures are put in place to encourage a diverse and open Biotech sector. Several high-ranking women in Medical Sales cite a strong work-life balance as essential to being successful within the field, providing them with the flexibility to arrange their personal lives around their work lives – such as working from home. Many companies also offer training programmes that teach women how to be assertive, or how to be an influential leader- one of which is the Rutgers Women’s Leadership Training Programme.
Some businesses and departments are also setting up peer-to-peer mentoring schemes, where women within the industry take the time to mentor new starters within the industry, providing them with a point of contact, support and advice as they progress within the company and on their career. Similarly, it pays to invest time into creating a comprehensive statement on diversity, and in creating a positive recruitment system without bias, unconscious or otherwise- especially as 61.1% of women in Biotech saw the recruitment processes in their last company to be biased. When it comes to diversity, even the smallest things can help, such as monitoring a company’s metrics like the average incomes of women and men at each level of the business.
Of course, working in Biotech and in Medical Sales does come with its own set of challenges: everybody, no matter who they are, needs to be driven, innovative and willing to work hard and learn if they want to do well. But now that awareness is growing, the industry is taking great strides when it comes to representing and encouraging women within the industry.
Come and work for IQVIA
As a business who sees the chance for improvement and positive change, IQVIA is great place to grow your career. With so many businesses raising awareness and causing real difference, it’s clear that change is on the horizon and we’re excited to be at the forefront of that change. Find out more about who we are or view our medical sales jobs to take that next step towards an exciting new career.
Find out more about life at IQVIA
Did you know IQVIA has
86,000+ employees
from clinicians to data scientists each transforming healthcare in 100+ countries
Did you know IQVIA cares about
Health and Wellbeing
for all its employees
Did you know IQVIA has
4,600 data scientists
including statisticians and analytics developers
Did you know IQVIA has
Countless development opportunities
for personal and professional growth
Did you know IQVIA has
Excellent work-life balance
and is committed to this kind of culture
Did you know IQVIA has
56+ petabytes of unique data
including 1.2B+ non-identified patient records
Did you know IQVIA has
1,900+ epidemiologists
and real world insight experts
Did you know IQVIA has
56+ petabytes of unique data
including 1.2B+ non-identified patient records
Did you know IQVIA cares about
Health and Wellbeing
for all its employees
Did you know IQVIA has
Countless development opportunities
for personal and professional growth
Did you know IQVIA has
Excellent work-life balance
and is committed to this kind of culture
Did you know IQVIA has
86,000+ employees
from clinicians to data scientists each transforming healthcare in 100+ countries
Did you know IQVIA has
4,600 data scientists
including statisticians and analytics developers
Did you know IQVIA has
1,900+ epidemiologists
and real world insight experts
Related jobs
Salary:
Location:
San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego
Job Type
Regular
Employment status
Full Time
Job Category
Medical Sales
Location
San Francisco
San Diego
Los Angeles
Description
IQVIA in partnership with ITF Therapeutics are excited to announce that we are seeking candidates with rare disease experience for the role of Neuromuscular Regional Sales Director.Requirements:Four-y
Reference
R1421360
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary:
Location:
Jackson
Job Type
Regular
Employment status
Full Time
Job Category
Medical Sales
Location
Jackson
Description
We are excited to announce that we have partnered with a leading ortho company, and at this time we are looking for Associate Sales Consultants to join our team of field employee’s.Associate Sales Con
Reference
R1414815
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Larry ShoupAuthor
Larry ShoupSalary:
Location:
Torino
Job Type
Contractor/Consultant
Employment status
Full Time
Job Category
Medical Sales
Location
Torino
Description
Il nostro cliente, realtà farmaceutica in forte espansione e specializzata nel settore della nutraceutica ci ha incaricati di ricercare un Informatore Medico Scientifico, area di lavoro in Piemonte -
Reference
R1366349
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary:
Location:
Padova
Job Type
Contractor/Consultant
Employment status
Full Time
Job Category
Medical Sales
Location
Padova
Description
Il nostro cliente, realtà farmaceutica in forte espansione e specializzata nel settore della nutraceutica ci ha incaricati di ricercare un Informatore Medico Scientifico, area di lavoro in Emilia Roma
Reference
R1366352
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary:
Location:
Erfurt
Job Type
Regular
Employment status
Full Time
Job Category
Medical Sales
Location
Erfurt
Description
IQVIA ist ein führender, globaler Anbieter von zukunftsweisender Analytik, Technologielösungen und klinischer Auftragsforschung. Bei IQVIA Contract Sales & Medical Solutions unterstützen Sie unsere Ku
Reference
R1344285
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Michelle PflanzAuthor
Michelle PflanzSalary:
Location:
Jakarta
Job Type
Regular
Employment status
Full Time
Job Category
Medical Sales
Location
Jakarta
Description
Sales Executive (Jakarta, Medan, Surabaya)Kami mencari seorang Sales Executive yang berpengalaman untuk bergabung dengan tim kami dalam mengembangkan aplikasi baru konsep SaaS di bidang farmasi. Sebag
Reference
R1374944
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Polly KwongAuthor
Polly KwongSalary:
Location:
Jakarta
Job Type
Regular
Employment status
Full Time
Job Category
Medical Sales
Location
Jakarta
Description
Sales Executive (Semarang, Central Jawa)Kami mencari seorang Sales Executive yang berpengalaman untuk bergabung dengan tim kami dalam mengembangkan aplikasi baru konsep SaaS di bidang farmasi. Sebagai
Reference
R1379173
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Polly KwongAuthor
Polly KwongSalary:
Location:
Detroit
Job Type
POI without Job
Employment status
Full Time
Job Category
Medical Sales
Location
Detroit
Description
Pharmacy Support Call Center Representative Contract Remote Role – Location (Open to Remote US)As the only global provider of commercial solutions, IQVIA understands what it takes to deliver nationall
Reference
R1378658
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Janice JonesAuthor
Janice JonesSalary:
Location:
Nashville
Job Type
POI without Job
Employment status
Full Time
Job Category
Medical Sales
Location
Nashville
Description
Pharmacy Support Call Center Representative Contract Remote Role – Location (Open to Remote US)As the only global provider of commercial solutions, IQVIA understands what it takes to deliver nationall
Reference
R1377979
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Janice JonesAuthor
Janice JonesSalary:
Location:
Devon, Somerset
Job Type
Regular
Employment status
Full Time
Job Category
Medical Sales
Location
Devon
Somerset
Description
IQVIA are currently recruiting for a Clinical Specialist in Devon and Somerset to join the team! You will be dedicated to one of the world’s most highly respected healthcare companies within their spe
Reference
R1419257
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Wendy SubhaniAuthor
Wendy SubhaniJust following on from the amazing news I got yesterday I wanted to say a really special thank you for all the help and support you have provided throughout the entire recruitment process.
Once again I cannot thank you enough for not only approaching me with this opportunity but also for all the support you’ve given me along the way!
A quick note to say thank you for your time this morning discussing my future career options. As you know I was feeling very conflicted about the right decision. Discussing the role with you gave me chance to clarify what is important to me.
Since joining IQVIA I have had unrivalled support and development from my manager to enable me to aspire to move into secondary care. I feel like my career is strongly supported by my manager in order to maximise my potential.
IQVIA has been behind my development to become a MSL. The contracts that I have worked on have allowed me to push clinical projects with a recent opportunity to manage a pilot scheme integrating e-detailing into an established field based team. The result was an increase in sales.
Just following on from the amazing news I got yesterday I wanted to say a really special thank you for all the help and support you have provided throughout the entire recruitment process.
IQVIA Related insights
Teaser
GeneralContent Type
ArticlePublished
30/04/2024
Summary
Whether you work remotely, with a hybrid model, or are a careerist who can’t help but mentally take your work home with you when you leave the office, it’s undeniable that the lines between work and
Teaser
Medical Sales & ServicesContent Type
ArticlePublished
19/03/2024
Summary
Are you wondering if medical sales is a good career? All over the world, the medical and pharmaceutical sectors are booming, and nowhere more so than in the UK. With a thriving ecosystem of research
Teaser
GeneralContent Type
ArticlePublished
05/02/2024
Summary
Lucy Manning sits in our clinical trials team, but that’s not where her career started at IQVIA. It all began at the back end of 2022 when Lucy took on a fixed-term contract as a Project Support Coo
Teaser
SalesContent Type
ArticlePublished
02/02/2024
Summary
Does the idea of being a medical sales rep excite you? This crucial position lets you make connections with companies and practitioners in the medical field. It’s also a growing and dynamic industry.
Content Type
ArticlePublished
04/01/2024
Summary
Are you ready to step into a career that's both rewarding and accessible? Becoming a phlebotomist could be your ticket into the thriving world of healthcare. It's not just about drawing blood; it's ab
Teaser
MedicalContent Type
ArticlePublished
20/11/2023
Summary
In the tapestry of healthcare, where expertise meets innovation, individuals like Marissa, a Senior Nurse Advisor at IQVIA, play a pivotal role. Marissa has not only learned from challenges but has e
Teaser
SalesContent Type
ArticlePublished
13/11/2023
Summary
A guide to excelling in Key Account Manager jobs in healthcare In the dynamic landscape of the healthcare industry, the role of a Key Account Manager (KAM) is pivotal. Experienced account managers con
Teaser
Medical Affairs & ServicesContent Type
ArticlePublished
10/11/2023
Summary
The role of medical science liaisons has never been more pivotal. Why? As catalysts for change and advocates of cutting-edge advancements, these professionals play a crucial role in fostering collab
Teaser
Medical Sales & ServicesContent Type
ArticlePublished
25/10/2023
Summary
In an industry where cutting-edge innovations and life-changing treatments are introduced every day, the role of ethics in medical device sales is critical. Bridging the gap between groundbreaking m
Teaser
Clinical OperationsContent Type
ArticlePublished
06/10/2023
Summary
Need some guidance on how to get a job in clinical research?Clinical research is a dynamic and rewarding field that transcends borders, offering professionals worldwide the chance to contribute to m
Teaser
SalesContent Type
ArticlePublished
06/10/2023
Summary
In the dynamic and competitive world of medical sales, the path to success is not just about knowing your products or having an impressive CV. Instead, amongst key skills, it's often the abili
Content Type
ArticlePublished
31/08/2023
Summary
Are you one of the 788,638 registered general nurses in the UK? Are you looking for a new challenge, with opportunities to grow and make a real impact in the world of healthcare? A unique and transf
Recently viewed jobs