Biopharma professionals do not have to accept job offers without negotiation, even in an employer’s market, according to a May 28 career advice article on BioSpace. Larry Miller, founder and principal of Larry Miller PhD Career Partners, said that candidates retain leverage if they are willing to use it professionally. “Even in this market, people do have leverage,” Miller said. “They just have to be willing to use it and use it professionally.”
Miller recommended that all candidates consider ways to enhance their offer packages and noted his clients who chose to negotiate were successful regardless of employment status. Erin Crider, head of talent for LifeSci Partners and chief operating officer of LifeSci Search, also supported negotiations by biopharma professionals regardless of whether they are currently employed. “I think that people get steered, especially when they aren’t employed, that they just have to take whatever offer they get, and that’s not the case,” Crider said.
Crider added that the length of unemployment can affect negotiation outcomes: “If you’ve been unemployed for a year or more, it’s really hard to negotiate once an offer is extended… oftentimes the employer mindset is ‘Well, they should just be grateful.’” Miller said employed professionals often have more leverage because they can wait for better offers, but emphasized everyone should try negotiating.
Certain roles may see more success in negotiations. Crider and Miller agreed senior-level positions as well as sales-driving roles or those in commercialization, regulatory affairs or medical affairs are currently sought after. Niche laboratory roles with specialized skills also carry significant negotiating power. Other factors include how urgently a company needs the position filled or its strategic importance; experience blending artificial intelligence with biomedical expertise may further strengthen a candidate's position.
Crider identified common mistakes during negotiations such as maintaining expectations from 2020–2021 compensation levels or using an aggressive tone. She recommended thorough market research before making salary requests: “Know what’s happening before you ask for anything because that knowledge is power.” Both experts cautioned against negotiating too early in the process; Miller advised waiting until after receiving an offer, since companies will then be more invested in hiring the candidate.
Cameron Barrus of PharmaLogics Recruiting suggested discussing compensation expectations early ensures alignment between parties but warned late discussions could cause frustration after significant time investment by both sides. Confidence was highlighted by Miller as critical during negotiations—he encouraged candidates not only to believe in their value but also communicate how their skills address employers’ needs.
