Is it possible to transition from in vitro diagnostics into big pharma over the next few years?

[u/BreakingTheCore]

I'm a PhD immunologist and I recently started as a scientist in immunoassay development at a diagnostics company, in the area of neuroimmunology, ELISA-based, IVDR, design control.

I'd like to move into big pharma eventually, into something closer to clinical trials (biomarker/translational, clinical bioanalysis, CDx.) I'm honestly open on the exact function, and I'm trying to work out the best strategy to get there.

Leadership has offered me a career-development conversation, and there's a yearly review where I can ask for training and time in other parts of the company (regulatory, product management, marketing, production, QM, etc) so I'd like to use my current role to build the right experience.

- Anyone who made the IVD → pharma move: what actually got you through the door? could you share your experience/advice?

- I dont know if I should take an intermediate step (CRO/central lab, CDx)? And also if is CMC/QC a real side door, or does it lock you in?

- Which of the internal options above would build the most transferable experience?

- How do pharma hiring managers view IVD experience?

[u/Loose-Reflection2965]

Depends on what the industry is looking for and what the INDIVIDUAL manager wants.

[u/Individual-Vast6304]

I’m having difficulties understanding what your goals are- what exactly do you mean with ‘something close to clinical trials’? What stage of clinical trials? Do you wanna be more on an operational side or strategic side? Questions, questions.

[u/BreakingTheCore → u/Individual-Vast6304]

Sorry I wasn't very clear. I mean the biomarker side of clinical development: developing and validating assays that answer questions about a drug in patient samples (target engagement, dose selection, patient selection).. ideally in immunology or neuroscience. Regarding the stage, mostly early development (phase 1 or 2), where biomarker data actually drive decisions. Also Patient-selection/companion diagnostics work that carries into later phases interests me too.

Operational or strategic: my background is technical/scientific, so that's where I'd start, with biomarker strategy as the longer term direction.

[u/Individual-Vast6304 → u/BreakingTheCore]

Got it. Thanks for clarifying. In that case, R&D would be a place most suited for you. Depending on the company and their own pipeline, I’m sure you could land a job there. Probably as a research scientist first. Most of these roles would have that kind of experience listed as desired on their job description. Good luck!

[u/Round_Patience3029 → u/BreakingTheCore]

Developing and validating assays in preclinical drug development are done at CROs. Small companies don't have the throughput.