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Freelance workers are a significant component of the biopharma industry.

As biopharma companies expand their operations and pivot to offer new services, there is an increased need for skilled professionals who can provide vital services on a contractual basis.

The biopharma industry has many freelance opportunities in areas such as research, clinical development, regulatory affairs, quality assurance and compliance. Freelancers in these fields often have specialized knowledge and experience that can be invaluable to biopharma companies.

Let’s take a look at some of the most common biopharma freelancing opportunities and learn where to find them.

Researchers are key players in the biopharma industry, providing valuable insights into various topics such as drug discovery, clinical development and regulatory affairs. Freelance researchers might be tasked with conducting literature reviews, analyzing data sets, writing reports or helping to develop new processes and procedures.

The best way to get into the research field is to build a portfolio of publications and presentations demonstrating your capabilities. Freelance researchers should also be familiar with the biopharma industry’s relevant regulatory guidelines and best practices.

If working as a freelancer in this field sounds like something you’re interested in, the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research is one of many organizations offering contract research opportunities.

Clinical development involves overseeing all aspects of drug development, from preclinical studies to post-marketing surveillance.

Freelance clinical development professionals might be tasked with leading clinical trials, writing protocols and reports or providing regulatory guidance to biopharma companies.

To break into the clinical development field as a freelancer, it is important to have strong communication skills and an understanding of the scientific and regulatory aspects of drug development. It also helps to have a strong network of industry contacts that can refer work your way.

Possessing a valid medical license is an invaluable asset for those looking to freelance in this field. TrialSpark currently has an opportunity for freelancers in New York as a director of clinical operations.

Regulatory affairs deals with the laws, regulations, and standards governing drug development and marketing. Freelance regulatory professionals can guide biopharma companies on various topics such as filing for approval from governmental agencies, complying with labeling requirements, and navigating the complicated regulatory landscape.

To become a freelancer in the regulatory affairs field, it is important to stay up-to-date with relevant laws and regulations. It also helps to have extensive knowledge of the biopharma industry and its regulatory environment. Additionally, having prior experience working in the regulatory affairs department of a biopharma company can be invaluable.

At the moment, Omeros is looking to hire remote regulatory affairs professionals to help navigate the complex regulatory landscape and offers positions for specialists and managers. If this field interests you, then this could be an excellent opportunity to gain exposure and experience.

Quality assurance and compliance ensure that all aspects of drug development meet regulatory requirements and provide oversight for day-to-day operations. A drug does not get to market without passing rigorous quality and compliance checks.

Freelancers in the fields of quality assurance and compliance can offer valuable services such as auditing, testing and advising biopharma companies on regulatory requirements. To break into these fields, it is important to be familiar with ISO standards, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), FDA regulations and other industry best practices. Possessing related certifications can also be beneficial.

Both Recursion and Sage Therapeutics have openings for freelance quality assurance and compliance specialists if you’re interested in getting your foot in the door.

The task a medical writer can vary from project to project. They might be tasked with writing clinical trial protocols, safety reports, regulatory documents such as Drug Master Files (DMFs) or even promotional materials for new drugs.

To become a freelance medical writer, it is important to build a portfolio of writing samples that demonstrate your capabilities. It also helps to stay up-to-date with industry news and trends, as well as be familiar with relevant regulations such as the FDA’s 21 CFR Part 11.

Additionally, possessing certifications such as Certified Regulatory Affairs Professional (CRAP), Certified Quality Assurance Specialist (CQAS), or Certified Professional Medical Writer (CPMW) can be beneficial.

Depending on what type of medical writing you are interested in, there is no shortage of opportunities available on the BioSpace job board. For example, BioMarin is currently looking for a Medical Writer to assist with the synthesis and dissemination of scientific and clinical data.

By having a firm understanding of the biopharma industry and its regulations, freelance professionals can offer valuable services to healthcare and biopharma companies.

Freelance work provides an opportunity for experienced professionals to expand their knowledge and gain experience in various fields. With the right set of skills, knowledge and experience, any biopharma professional can become successful as a freelancer in the field.