Lauren Money is one of Sci.bio’s Recruiting Partners focusing on RPO and Contingency searches. She worked in the microbiology departments of pharmaceutical companies for six years before deciding to move beyond the lab and into the world of biotech recruiting, and now brings this knowledge gained in the lab to her work as a recruiter.
Read below about Lauren’s journey, her strengths and challenges as a recruiter, her goals for the future, and more:
How did you get into recruiting, and how did you end up at Sci.bio?
I was looking to get into a role where I could utilize my pharma background, but not necessarily work on the bench. My sister is in HR and mentioned recruiting, so I applied with Sci.bio and have loved it ever since!
What do you enjoy most about being a recruiter?
I love the flexibility and constantly having new roles to work on and learn more about.
What do you find most challenging about recruiting?
There are slow times during the year with holidays, so it can be hard sometimes when there is not much to work on, but then there are times where it is crazy busy and it all evens out in the end!
What are your passions and interests outside of work?
I love reading, hiking with my two German shepherds and spending time with my husband and daughter.
What do you think your greatest strength is as a recruiter?
I am very motivated and will jump on a role very quickly to find qualified candidates for clients as quickly as possible.
What advice would you give to someone entering the world of biotech recruiting, or recruiting in general?
Like any new role, it will take some time to figure out the ins and outs and what works best for you. Be patient with yourself and know you learn more from your mistakes than from your successes.
What are your goals that you hope to accomplish as a recruiter?
I want to be able to run my own full desk, helping to make placements and bring in new clients.
If you’re looking to fill a role with a highly qualified candidate, Sci.bio’s recruitment services can help. We know that no two clients are the same, so we provide customized recruiting support that adapts to a given client’s structure and needs and have placed successful candidates with a variety of companies. Please contact us to connect with a recruiter and discuss your needs, and follow us on LinkedIn to stay up to date.
As we approach the summer of 2024, the biotech job market continues to evolve at lightning speed. To attract top talent in an ever-changing hiring landscape, you need to stay ahead of the curve and understand exactly what the candidates of today are looking for. So, how have candidate’s needs and wants changed since 2023?
The Biotech Skills Gap
For several years now, there has been a growing gap in biotech skills – or in other words, a shortage of candidates who are trained to fill the roles many companies are scrambling to fill in 2024. One way to tackle this gap: teaming up with educational institutions training the employee soon to enter the workforce. By working together to develop educational materials and curricula, you can ensure that students are getting the skills they need to succeed in the real world.
Another effective way to bridge the biotech skills gap is by implementing in-house training programs. By investing in the professional development of your existing workforce, you can upskill employees and prepare them for the evolving demands of the biotech industry. In-house training programs can be tailored to the specific needs of your company, ensuring that employees are equipped with the particular skills required to excel in their roles.
What Attracts the Best Employees in 2024?
It’s 2024, and flexibility is key: candidates want the freedom to set their own schedules. Now, that doesn’t mean letting them work whenever they want, but being open to flexible working hours is a huge perk. After all, in a world where employees are often spread across various time zones, a rigid schedule just doesn’t cut it anymore.
At least some leeway around remote work is almost a must for the modern-day workplace. That said, it’s important to keep things personal. Embrace the digital age by conducting Zoom interviews, using online questionnaires, and giving virtual workplace tours. These digital tools not only make the hiring process more efficient, but also help candidates get a feel for your company culture – even if they’re miles away.
Lastly, don’t forget about branding! Working with a recruiter to develop a strong company message can make you more appealing to top candidates. Your employer brand extends beyond just your company website and social media presence, but to every touchpoint candidates have with your organization, from the recruitment process to onboarding and beyond. A strong employer brand can help you attract passive candidates who may not be actively looking for a new job but are drawn to your company’s reputation as an employer of choice.
Workplace Culture
In 2024, a positive workplace culture is not just a nice-to-have; it’s a must-have. Candidates are actively seeking out environments that prioritize collaboration, support, and camaraderie. They want to work in a place where they feel valued and appreciated, where they can contribute to a shared vision and be part of a team that feels like family.
But what exactly does a positive workplace culture look like in 2024? For starters, it means valuing teamwork above all else. Candidates want to work in an environment where everyone is encouraged to share ideas, collaborate on projects, and support one another. Whether it’s brainstorming sessions, cross-functional team projects, or company-wide initiatives, candidates want to feel like they are part of something bigger than themselves.
Additionally, candidates are drawn to companies that know how to have fun. In 2024, employees want to work for a company that knows how to strike the right balance between work and play. Whether it’s hosting team-building activities, organizing company-wide events, or simply celebrating milestones together, candidates want to work for a company that doesn’t shy away from a little fun. After all, a happy team is a productive team!
Making Your Offer Competitive
With so many companies competing for the best employees, it can be tough to stand out. But don’t worry – we’ve got your back! If you’re looking to fill a role with a highly qualified candidate, Sci.bio’s recruitment services can help. We know that no two clients are the same, so we provide customized recruiting support that adapts to a given client’s structure and needs and have placed successful candidates with a variety of companies. Please contact us to connect with a recruiter and discuss your needs, and follow us on LinkedIn to stay up to date.
Carter Lewis is one of Sci.bio Recruiting’s Senior Scientific Recruiting Associates. As his three-year anniversary at Sci.bio approaches, it’s a perfect time to reflect on his journey as a recruiter, and what he’s learned during his time in the world of life sciences recruiting so far.
How did you get into recruiting, and how did you end up at Sci.bio?
I found my way into the recruiting world shortly after graduating from college. At a heavily project-based school, I enjoyed immersing myself in the science of biotechnology during my short academic tenure, but I did not envision myself sitting on the bench and running experiments all day. I started looking into alternative biotech careers where I could be involved in this innovative industry and connect with leaders in the space without following the traditional scientist route. I stumbled across a posting for a biotech recruiting position and wanted to learn more about it. I talked with Eric along with other Sci.bio recruiters and enjoyed candid conversations about the biotech recruiting career path. I thought it would be a perfect fit for my aspirations, and the welcoming environment of Sci.bio sealed the deal!
What do you enjoy most about being a recruiter?
My favorite aspect of recruiting is the people I meet every day. I have the privilege of meeting leaders in the industry, and listening as they explain their technology and how it could be used to positively impact the quality of life of patients across the world. I also have the opportunity to meet scientists and learn something new from them each day while making meaningful connections.
What do you find most challenging about recruiting?
Recruiting is not an easy profession. It requires thick skin to overcome rejection from prospects that aren’t interested, hiring managers with lofty expectations, and candidates that chose a different path. You need to be able to pick yourself up after a loss and persevere with a positive attitude to fill those tough positions.
What are your passions and interests outside of work?
I enjoy anything that involves staying active in the outdoors! I spend my summer weekends in NH, from backpacking trips in the White Mountains to mountain biking with friends. In the winter I travel north to ski at Sunday River or in the Vermont backcountry. I also take pride in cultivating all varieties of spicy peppers and tending to my succulents.
What do you think your greatest strength is as a recruiter?
While there are many challenges in recruiting, one that I excel at is managing client relationships. Some clients and hiring managers have very specific visions for who they are looking for and how they want to build out their team, while others need a lot of guidance. I walk the line between listening to their needs while also providing honest feedback on unattainable expectations. Their expertise is focused on science and their company’s direction, while ours is the recruiting market. It requires a collaborative effort to build out the perfect team for success.
What advice would you give to someone entering the world of biotech recruiting, or recruiting in general?
Hold yourself accountable. You are going to face challenges, you won’t fill every position, and you will have some failures. Growth requires taking a step back and evaluating yourself honestly. Assess what worked, learn from your mistakes, and steps you can take to improve and become a better recruiter.
I was fortunate enough to be mentored by successful recruiters like Mike Cordaro and Eric Celidonio and learned how important it was to watch and listen to other recruiters. Pick up some of their tips and tricks, learn from their mistakes, and form a recruiting style that works for you.
If you’re looking to fill a role with a highly qualified candidate, Sci.bio’s recruitment services can help. We know that no two clients are the same, so we provide customized recruiting support that adapts to a given client’s structure and needs and have placed successful candidates with a variety of companies. Please contact us to connect with a recruiter and discuss your needs, and follow us on LinkedIn to stay up to date.
Despite the increasingly remote nature of work in our post-pandemic world, location remains one of the most important factors for candidates, and a crucial component in choosing a recruiting agency to assist with a search – especially within the realm of life sciences recruiting. Whether home to distinguished research universities, biotech companies, or cutting-edge startups, every biotech hub boasts its own unique ecosystem and research goals, and direct experience within that specific environment can be instrumental in recruiting and hiring the right candidate for a role.
Sci.bio Recruiting was founded after decades of experience in the Boston-Cambridge life sciences world. While Sci.bio is still headquartered in the Boston area, we’ve also grown nationally: we now have employees all over the country, and serve clients nationwide.
From Biotech Beach in California to Genetown in Boston, our recruiters live and work where you live and work. Read on for a selection of our recruiting partners and leaders in locations across the U.S.
Brian Riehle – Managing Partner in California
Brian Riehle lives in San Diego, California, a part of the Biotech Beach area.
He joined Sci.bio in 2023 to build out the company’s presence in the California biotech space. Having worked in recruiting for 15 years, much of that time in California, he possesses a unique understanding of the specific research environment in Biotech Beach, and heads Sci.bio’s business development on the West Coast.
Brian has found it fulfilling to work within the burgeoning biotech space in San Diego: “Empowering the future of biotech and pharmaceutical companies in San Diego, as a staffing professional, is like weaving the threads of innovation. Bridging the realms of academia and industry, we are the linchpins, connecting brilliant minds with visionary companies, fostering growth, and shaping tomorrow’s breakthroughs.”
He’s confident that San Diego will continue to be host to groundbreaking biotech research: “San Diego is a major hub for biotech and will continue to attract talent and innovative companies to the area.”
Martha Navarro – Senior Recruiting Associate in South Carolina
Martha Navarro lives in South Carolina and works as a Senior Recruiting Associate at Sci.bio.
Though she grew up in California and only recently relocated to South Carolina, she appreciates the growing research presence in the area: “I’m a Scientific Recruiter living in the Florence area of South Carolina. Even though I’m relatively new here, I’ve discovered there’s more to the state than just its Southern charm! Cities like Charleston, Greenville, Columbia, and Clemson are developing a research presence. As a recruiter, it’s exciting to see this growth and it inspires me to continue forming connections. I hope that with the years to come, South Carolina will be known not only for their southern hospitality but as an emerging research hub where both locals and non-locals can experience the warm welcome I’ve received.”
Martha also speaks Spanish, which has enhanced her ability to communicate with candidates from various backgrounds and in myriad locations: “My ability to speak both English and Spanish has also helped me engage with a diverse range of candidates and opened the door to new opportunities.”
Laura Helmick – Managing Partner in North Carolina
Laura Helmick, one of Sci.bio Recruiting’s Managing Partners, grew up and continues to live in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill Area, colloquially known as Research Triangle Park.
Having spent much of her life in this area, she’s uniquely able to recognize the way the opportunities in the area have expanded throughout the years: “I grew up in Chapel Hill when there was only 1 high school. 30+ years later, it’s hard to truly digest how much the RTP area has changed. Regardless of the tremendous growth, I still see that southern charm and small town feel but (thankfully) a lot more diversity and opportunities, professionally and personally. The early research and discovery out of Duke, NC State and UNC really seemed to feed the growth in this area for businesses like CROs, CDMOs, and Biotechs; it just keeps expanding! The ‘Triangle’ area has so much to offer. I can’t imagine living anywhere else and I’m excited to see what the future holds for this area.”
Stacy Saltzer – Senior Recruiting Partner in Ohio
Stacy Saltzer lives in Akron, Ohio and works as a Senior Recruiting Partner and Director of Sourcing at Sci.bio.
With over 25 years of experience in RPO and executive search, she now brings her expertise to the BioMidwest area: “Living and working in Akron, Ohio has been an enriching experience for me, both professionally and personally. From a biotech recruiting standpoint, I’ve had the opportunity to engage with a diverse talent pool and contribute to the growth of the industry while working remotely. Additionally, being able to converse with our clients in French has been advantageous, allowing me to foster stronger relationships and better serve our global clientele. On a personal level, Akron offers a welcoming community, vibrant culture, and convenient access to nature, making it a great place to call home.”
Beyond the major biotech hubs of Boston/Cambridge, San Diego, and RTP, we also have employees in over 20 states, including Colorado, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Texas, and Vermont, to name a few. Our recruiters are deeply ingrained within the same communities in which you live and work, and uniquely poised to help you find and hire successful candidates wherever you are.
If you’re looking to fill a role with a highly qualified candidate, Sci.bio’s recruitment services can help. We know that no two clients are the same, so we provide customized recruiting support that adapts to a given client’s structure and needs, and have placed successful candidates with a variety of companies. Please contact us to connect with a recruiter and discuss your needs, and follow us on LinkedIn to stay up to date.
Danielle Cox joined Sci.bio over five years ago and was one of the company’s first recruiters. Now a Scientific Recruiting Partner, Danielle juggles both contingency searches and hourly work, tailoring her approach depending on each client’s specific needs.
Read more below about Danielle’s journey as a recruiter, her passions outside of work, her valuable advice for those entering the field of life sciences recruiting, and more.
How did you get into recruiting, and how did you end up at Sci.bio?
I started my career in academic research, then moved to the biotech industry. In looking for a career change away from the bench, I took a position with a recruitment agency that focused on hiring scientists to place scientists in contract positions. I wanted to try something new within the industry and found that I really enjoyed meeting with clients, establishing new relationships and learning more about multiple sectors of the field. What I liked best was the rewarding feeling of a successful placement.
I came to Sci.bio after being recruited by our founder, Eric Celldonio. I was interested in the company as it was run with a team mentality and allowed a work/life balance which I appreciated having a young family at the time. This month I am celebrating my six-year anniversary!
What do you enjoy most about being a recruiter?
I enjoy helping people find jobs they love and contributing to my clients’ goals by helping them to build successful teams.
What do you find most challenging about recruiting?
Recruiting is a balance of highs and lows. You need to be able to pivot quickly and redirect your sinking searches to find success. This can be easier said than done, but it keeps things interesting.
What do you think your greatest strength is as a recruiter?
Persistence, and experience. I’m confident in my skills, but never afraid to add talent from my team to help in a difficult search. I appreciate a fresh perspective and a good team to lean on.
What advice would you give to someone entering the world of biotech recruiting, or recruiting in general?
As the saying goes, if it was easy everyone would do it. Always take opportunities to learn, and to network. Find a mentor and a company that has a good culture and supports their team.
What are your goals that you hope to accomplish as a recruiter?
I hope to continue driving top talent to my clients and helping people to reach their career goals. There’s always room for learning more, and it’s a pleasure to support the more junior members of my team and I hope to continue to do that as well.
What are your passions and interests outside of work?
Outside of work, I spend most of my time with my family. I have 4 kids, and 3 of them are in hockey, so we are often in ice rinks around New England! I am also a comprehensively certified Pilates teacher and have been teaching for almost 10 years and I love it!
Brian Riehle lives in San Diego, California, a part of the Biotech Beach area.
Martha Navarro lives in South Carolina and works as a Senior Recruiting Associate at Sci.bio.
Stacy Saltzer – Senior Recruiting Partner in Ohio