Here's how you can pivot your late career into a new role within R&D.

The last job of a research and development specialist is to give advice to R&D managers to improve the work. When you manage different projects from different directions, you can transfer the experience gained to people who are new to the job. These experiences include: dealing with technical challenges and how to solve them, choosing people to manage the technical department and executive affairs, human resources, as well as allocating enough budget and resources to the project. In this way, you can participate in research and development projects and even propose good solutions by presenting a suitable draft.

Begin by thoroughly examining your current skill set to identify strengths and areas for improvement. For example, if I have a transition to pharmaceutical R&D, I would evaluate my technical knowledge and problem-solving abilities gained during my time as a postdoctoral researcher. I would try to realize my project management skills, analytical thinking, and teamwork were strong, but I need to enhance my understanding of specific pharmaceutical regulations and drug development processes. Recognizing these gaps will guide me in seeking additional training and education to bridge them.

I was said to have a notebook and a pen with me and note down what ever thing I found new at my first sight. It works well for the first few weeks but to have a life long learning it is better to summarise the learning to some of your friends/new joinees under 4-5 min (be upto the point).

In the dynamic field of pharmaceutical R&D, continuous learning is essential. I try to involve myself in the latest industry trends, technologies, and methodologies by taking online courses on drug development, attending workshops on pharmaceutical regulations, and obtaining relevant certifications. This commitment to ongoing education demonstrated my adaptability and dedication to growth, that might make me a more attractive candidate to potential employers in the pharmaceutical industry.

As I said in the previous point, networking and sharing knowledge will help in life long learning progress. Try to find new connections in similar fields and find the areas where there is scope of work to be implemented.

Networking played a pivotal role in my career transition. I connected with professionals working in pharmaceutical R&D through industry conferences, professional associations, and online platforms. These connections are sure to provide valuable insights into the field, job leads, and a support system as I will navigate through my new career path. Building relationships with experienced professionals will sure to help me understand the nuances of the industry and opened doors to new opportunities.

Remember this statement “Every theory doesn’t work”. To bridge the gap practical approach helps a lot. For quick solutions approach a well certified/experienced resource to know more about your product.

Gaining hands-on experience was crucial for me. I volunteered to do internships and in various labs on their R&D efforts, focusing on developing new optimizations and experimentations. This practical experience allowed me to apply my skills in a real-world context and gain a deeper understanding of the R&D process. Additionally, I contributed to academic research projects related to pharmaceutical sciences, further enhancing my resume. These experiences not only provided valuable insights into the field but also helped me identify my passion for formulation development within pharmaceutical R&D.

Resume is just a piece of paper summarising the past life experiences. The real commitment to excel in R&D field is to have the vision and passion to achieve the desired goal.