Technical Operations Jobs in the Life Sciences Industry

Lead innovation and change in healthcare through a career in technical operations. Your expertise will drive the efficient production and global distribution of life-saving treatments and medical advancements, making a lasting, positive impact on people’s health and well-being worldwide.

What is meant by technical operations (tech ops) in the life sciences industry?

In the life sciences and pharmaceutical industries, “technical operations” or “tech ops” typically refers to activities across manufacturing, quality control, and supply chain management of products across pharmaceuticals, biotechnology products, medical devices, and diagnostic tools. These roles are critical in ensuring that medical advancements are produced efficiently, meet strict quality standards, and reach patients safely, as well as managing the logistics of getting products from the production line to the end user.

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What are technical operations roles within the life sciences industry?

Here are some key roles within the technical operations departments of pharmaceutical and life sciences companies:

Manufacturing

This encompasses several types of roles including Process Development which involves designing optimised production processes to ensure consistent outputs, working closely with Scale-Up and Technology Transfer teams to ensure smooth transitions between laboratory settings and commercial sites. Manufacturing Operations also oversee daily production to maintain standards and enforce regulatory compliance. Together, these roles contribute to continuous improvement strategies to enhance overall efficiency, reduce costs, and drive innovation.

Engineering & Maintenance

These roles support manufacturing operations to ensure facilities and utilities are designed, constructed, and maintained to standards, including developing and implementing equipment maintenance processes to ensure manufacturing equipment is calibrated properly for consistent output quality and to prevent breakdowns. Alongside this, engineering teams will create new and innovative ways to expand capacity, improve efficiency, and drive growth and sustainability of the manufacturing process across products and devices.

Quality Control & Quality Assurance

Quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA) are essential in pharmaceutical manufacturing. While the roles work closely together, QC involves strict testing of raw materials, intermediates, and finished products to ensure they meet quality standards for purity, potency, and safety, as well as investigating non-conformities to prevent issues. QA on the other hand, focuses on implementing and maintaining these robust quality systems to comply with standards – this may include auditing processes, analytical methods, and equipment to check suitability.

Supply Chain Management

These roles are critical for ensuring the reliable and efficient flow of materials and products in the life sciences industry. Supplier Management involves selecting and qualifying suppliers to ensure a dependable supply chain for materials, components, and services; Inventory Management balances product availability with cost efficiency, minimising excesses while ensuring readiness; and Logistics and Distribution coordinate the transportation, storage, and delivery of products, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards to maintain product quality and integrity.

Environmental Health & Safety (EHS)

These roles centre around occupational health and safety and are essential for protecting employee well-being and ensuring regulatory compliance. Alongside this, environmental compliance is a key factor in managing environmental risks and ensuring adherence to regulations related to air emissions, water discharges, and waste management and these efforts help create a safe and sustainable work environment and promote a culture of safety and environmental responsibility across all products and in collaboration with other technical operations roles.

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Why choose a technical operations role in the healthcare industry?

Choosing a technical operations role in the life sciences, healthcare, and pharmaceutical industries offers numerous benefits and opportunities:

Impactful Work: You’ll play a crucial role in the production and distribution of life-saving medications and medical devices, directly contributing to improving global health outcomes.
Diverse Responsibilities: Engaging in a variety of activities, including manufacturing, quality control, supply chain management, and continuous improvement – making no two days the same!
Be Part of Innovation: Being at the forefront of technological advancements, and driving efficiency and quality in pharmaceutical production can be a fulfilling and rewarding career.
Career Advancement: You’ll benefit from numerous opportunities for professional development and career progression in an ever-evolving industry.
Regulatory Expertise: Gaining in-depth knowledge of regulatory requirements and compliance can make you a valuable asset to any company, widening your career growth opportunities.

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Our experience at Entrust Resource Solutions

At Entrust Resource Solutions (ERS), our team brings a wealth of expertise and dedication to life sciences and STEM recruitment. Through decades of combined experience, we have been pivotal in driving company growth and executing strategic acquisitions for our clients.

We offer a unique “bench to board” resourcing service and are actively working to bridge sector skills gaps and foster the next generation of life sciences professionals. We match clients with candidates using a personalised and human-centric approach that delivers outstanding service across temporary and permanent placements to ensure you not only find the right hire but the right fit for your business.

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Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Frequently asked questions about technical operations (tech ops) roles in the life sciences industry:

What skills are essential for a career in technical operations in life sciences?

While prior experience and education are extremely beneficial, applicants at all levels will additionally benefit from having the following soft skills: strong analytical abilities, attention to detail, problem-solving skills and effective communication skills; alongside job-based knowledge such as understanding of existing manufacturing processes, regulations, and quality control practices.

What educational background is needed for technical operations roles in healthcare?

A background in life sciences, engineering, chemistry, or a related field is typically required and many roles will require you to have a Bachelor’s degree. Some positions will also prefer applicants to additionally hold advanced degrees, specialised training and certifications in areas relating to the role, such as pharmaceutical manufacturing or quality assurance.

What are the main responsibilities of a technical operations professional in pharma?

The main responsibilities of these roles include designing and optimising manufacturing processes, ensuring compliance with quality standards and regulatory requirements, managing supply chain logistics, overseeing day-to-day production operations, and implementing continuous improvement strategies to enhance efficiency and safety, while reducing overheads and waste.

How do technical operations contribute to the overall success of a pharmaceutical company?

Technical operations ensure the efficient and consistent production of high-quality products, compliance with regulatory standards, and effective management of supply chain logistics. These contributions are crucial for maintaining product availability, minimising production costs, and ensuring patient safety – all of which are vital for a company’s success and help build public trust in the company’s operations.

How do technical operations professionals ensure product quality and safety?

Tech ops teams ensure product quality and safety through rigorous testing of raw materials, intermediates, and finished products, implementing and maintaining robust quality systems, validating processes and equipment, and conducting thorough studies and corrective actions for any non-conformities.

What is the role of technical operations in product recalls?

In the event of a product recall, technical operations professionals play a crucial role in identifying the root cause, coordinating the recall process, ensuring the safe removal of affected products from circulation, as well as implementing corrective actions to prevent future issues. They work closely with regulatory agencies to manage the recall efficiently and protect patient safety.

How can I apply for a technical operations (tech ops) role in life sciences?

To get started in a tech ops roles and learn more about the opportunities available to you, speak to our team about current and upcoming positions.