Exploring the Life Science Industry: A Guide for Scientists Seeking New Directions

By: Mary Canady, Marketing & Communications Leader | Biotech Community Builder | Diversity & Inclusion Advocate | Speaker

Published Jul 31, 2025

The world of life sciences is broader and more dynamic than many academic or government scientists realize. Whether you're just launching your career or contemplating a transition from the bench, it's helpful to understand the various sectors that make up this growing industry. Life science companies span everything from the tools that power research to the organizations that bring new therapies to market.

This guide introduces six major segments of the life science industry:

1. Life Science Tools

2. Diagnostics

3. Medical Devices

4. Preclinical Contract Research Organizations (CROs)

5. Small Biotech Companies/Startups

6. Pharmaceutical Companies

Each has a unique business model, product focus, customer base, and set of roles for scientists and science-adjacent professionals. Here’s how they compare:

Understanding the Differences

Business Models and Stage of Development

• Tools and diagnostics companies typically generate revenue quickly by selling physical products or tests.

• Biotech companies often operate on funding from grants, venture capital, or partnerships while they develop a lead asset—sometimes for years—before bringing in revenue.

• CROs are service providers and often operate on fee-for-service contracts.

• Pharma companies represent the most mature stage of drug development and commercialization.

Regulatory Environment

The degree of regulatory scrutiny varies significantly. For example:

• Medical device and diagnostic companies must navigate FDA, CE mark, and other global regulations, often with shorter paths to market.

• Biotech and pharma firms face longer timelines, especially in clinical phases.

• Life science tools typically have fewer regulatory hurdles unless used for clinical or diagnostic purposes.

Culture and Career Pathways

• Biotech and startup environments often reward agility, risk-taking, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Employees wear many hats.

• Large pharma and CROs tend to offer structured career paths, broader training programs, and more defined roles.

• Diagnostics and medical devices blend engineering, biology, and clinical operations, offering hybrid career paths for both PhDs and engineers.

Finding Your Fit

Scientists who are passionate about discovery may find a natural home in biotech R&D. Those who enjoy communicating science might thrive in product management, medical affairs, or technical marketing. If you're interested in translational research or seeing how your work impacts patients, CROs, diagnostics, or clinical roles in pharma may be ideal.

Many companies also offer non-lab roles that leverage your scientific training—think regulatory, data science, science writing, or business development. Even if you’re not pipetting, your ability to understand and interpret complex data will remain your superpower. Check out Biotech Networks panel video on transferable skills and the associated resources to learn how you can leverage your skills to transition into a role in one of these industry sectors.

Final Thoughts

Leaving academia or entering industry doesn’t mean abandoning your scientific identity—it means applying it in new, impactful ways. The life science ecosystem is full of possibilities, and no two journeys are the same. As you explore, stay curious, ask questions, and connect with professionals in different sectors.

Your scientific background opens doors—not just in the lab, but across industries dedicated to improving human health. Whether you’re building the next breakthrough therapy, supporting clinical trials, or helping scientists do better research, there’s a place for you in the life sciences.

Read the article at: https://www.linkedin.com/comm/pulse/exploring-life-science-industry-guide-scientists-seeking-mary-canady-wafwc?