Job roles you could explore with a degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry

The pharmaceutical industry is intrinsically related to the overall wellness of a nation. Starting from research work to manufacturing and finally dispensing of medicines, the people involved in the various profiles play an important role. A vast majority of patients in most developing countries depend on Indian medicines. India exports various vaccines to more than 150 countries. As per a report of Pharmaceutical Industry Analysis by Brand India Pharmacy, there are over 3,000 pharmaceutical companies and 10,500 manufacturing units in India. However, the Indian pharmaceutical market is highly fragmented and the major challenge it faces is that of consolidation. Some of the biggest Indian pharmaceutical industries are Dr Reddy’s Labs, SUN Pharma, Cipla, Lupin, Aurobindo Pharm, Cadila and so on.

The Government of India, as per its ‘Pharma Vision 2020’ has decided to make India a global leader in drug manufacturing, the estimated human resource requirement for which is about 21.5 million by 2020 indicating numerous vacancies in various posts. Therefore, a career in pharmaceutical industry is now an option that is sought after by students and young jobseekers. As the industry grows, the rate of employment will increase in pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, nursing homes, universities, research institutes and government departments. Career prospects are thus bright and varied. In this industry, there are several roles that are critical for ensuring that the company functions properly. These include:

Research: Pharmaceutical research positions usually require a degree or master's degree. Among the activities undertaken by pharmaceutical chemists are the development or synthesis of new medicines and chemical analysis of medical products.

Manufacturing Chemist: It requires close oversight and direction of the pharmaceutical drugs production process. Pharmacy graduates must have a minimum working experience of 18 months in the manufacturing of chemicals or qualified technicians. They can then be elevated as factory managers to higher positions.

Quality Control Chemist: This role is also known as the Quality Control Manager and it is responsible at and at the end of the manufacturing cycle for testing and preserving pharmaceutical products' consistency. This work is for students who are able to evaluate and handle high-quality instruments in pharmaceuticals.

Hospital Pharmacist: A pharmacist's typical role in a hospital is to perform a range of functions, such as procure pharmaceuticals to distribute medication to customers.

Community Pharmacists: The number of retailers and businessmen in India has increased significantly due to the development of the pharmaceutical industry. Chain stores like Apollo Pharmacy, MedPlus or Frank Ross Pharmacy are now open, changing the way drugs are purchased by people.

Government Analyst: A good opening for pharmacy graduates that entails testing of medicines at government laboratories that are randomly collected from the pharmaceutical companies. Proper training from approved agencies on drug testing is required for this profile.

Drug Inspector: Right from manufacturing to the selling point, the safety and quality of medicines need to be properly monitored by the government. The pharmaceutical graduates can make this their career by clearing the Public Service Commission test.

Research Analysts: An MSc or a higher degree opens up the prospect of research work for developing newer drugs or improving on the existing ones. In manufacturing and research laboratories this position is much sought after.

Marketing: Pharmaceutical commercialisation is a tough task as it is working with trained doctors and tradesmen. For this field to make an impression, specialist skills and training are required. The starting level is mediums that can reach a manager or even a higher level. Fast turnover of employees is thus guaranteed in this position.

About the author:

Rati Trivedi Nair is an Assistant Professor of Chemistry in the Department of Biosciences at Acropolis Institute of Management Studies and Research.

Note: The views expressed in this article are solely author’s own and do not reflect/represent those of Shiksha