In recent years, many factors have combined to change the operating environment of the international pharmaceutical industry leading to greater specialisation and sophistication. This new edition will give an update of the different opportunities in drug discovery and development and the scientific, medical or other specialist training needed to accomplish them. The scope of this edition has been broadened to encompass all major roles, including marketing and sales.

"It is simply amazing to me that so many of my industry coworkers stumbled upon their careers in clinical research, like I did, merely by chance. In most cases, once those opportunities were presented to us, we found fulfilling and successful careers. Undoubtedly, other eager job seekers would also find this career path attractive. If only someone would tell them about it."

An essential guide for students in the life sciences, established researchers, and career counselors, this resource features discussions of job security, future trends, and potential career paths. Even those already working in the industry will find helpful information on how to take advantage of opportunities within their own companies and elsewhere.

Drug discovery involves multiple disciplines, technologies, and approaches. This book selects important topics related to drug discovery, including emerging tool (Chapter 1), cutting-edge approaches (Chapters 2, 3, and 4), examples of specific therapeutic area (Chapter 5), quality control in drug development (Chapter 6), and job and career opportunities in the pharmaceutical sector, a topic rarely covered by other books (Chapter 7). This book draws knowledge from experts actively involved in different areas of drug discovery from both industrial and academic settings. We hope that this book will facilitate your efforts in drug discovery.

Ferguson's Careers in Focus books are a valuable career exploration tool for libraries and career centers. Written in an easy-to-understand yet informative style, this series surveys a wide array of commonly held jobs and is arranged into volumes organized by specific industries and interests. Each of these informative books is loaded with up-to-date career information presented in a featured industry article and a selection of detailed professions articles. The information here has been researched, vetted, and analyzed by Ferguson's editors, drawing from government and industry sources, professional groups, news reports, career and job-search resources, and a variety of other sources. For readers making career choices, these books offer a wealth of helpful information and resources. Each profession article includes: Quick Facts: a snapshot of important job facts Overview: briefly introduces duties and responsibilities History: describes the origins and history of the job The Job: describes primary and secondary goals and duties Earnings: discusses salary ranges and typical fringe benefits Work Environment: looks at typical work conditions and surroundings associated with the job Exploring: offers suggestions on how to gain experience and knowledge about—or even test drive—a career before making a commitment Education and Training Requirements: discusses required high school and post-secondary education and training Certification, Licensing, and Special Requirements: explains recommended and required certifications or prerequisites for the job Experience, Skills, and Personality Traits: summarizes the personal traits and skills and professional experience needed to get started and succeed Employer Prospects: gives an overview of typical places of employment and the best ways to land a job Advancement Prospects: presents an expected career path and how to travel it Outlook: summarizes the job's potential growth or decline in terms of the general economy and industry projections Unions and Associations: lists essential and helpful professional groups Tips for Entry: additional tips for preparing for a career and getting a foot in the door For More Information: lists organizations that provide career information, networking, and professional development Sidebars: short features showcasing stats, trivia, and insight about a profession or industry Careers in Focus: Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology, Third Edition covers 28 jobs, including: Biochemical Engineers Biochemists Bioinformatics Specialists Biologists Biomedical Engineers Biomedical Equipment Technicians Biotechnology Patent Lawyers Biotechnology Production Workers Biotechnology Research Assistants Chemical Engineers Chemical Technicians Chemists Clinical Research Coordinators Drug Developers Genetic Engineers Genetic Scientists Laboratory Technicians and Technologists Laboratory Testing Technicians Pharmaceutical Industry Workers Pharmacists Pharmacologists Pharmacy Technicians Senior Care Pharmacists Toxicologists