B.S. in Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Science
Careers
Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences offer a world of possibilities to make a meaningful impact. The career paths are vast and rewarding, ranging from groundbreaking research and clinical trials to ensuring product safety and promoting innovative treatments. Whether you prefer working in a lab, developing life-saving medications, or guiding patients toward better health, there’s a place for you in this dynamic field.
Pharmaceutical and life science companies are actively looking for B.S.-level graduates to perform various types of laboratory work. With the hands-on experience gained through the BPS degree at URI, you will be exceptionally qualified for these positions.
The difference between hiring someone with a B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. often lies in the management chain and the level of project supervision. While higher degrees are required for management and supervisory roles, a BPS degree opens doors to various positions, such as:
Primary Career Areas
- Drug Discovery and Design
- Drug Delivery
- Drug Action
- Clinical Sciences
- Drug Analysis
- Pharmacoeconomics
- Regulatory Affairs
- Marketing and Sales
Career Options
Research and Development
- Pharmaceutical Scientist/Research Scientist – Discover, develop, and test new drugs and therapies.
- Pharmacologist – Study the effects of drugs and chemicals on living organisms to understand their effectiveness and side effects.
- Medicinal Chemist – Design and synthesize new chemical compounds with therapeutic potential.
- Clinical Research Associate – Oversee clinical trials, develop protocols, and ensure quality control.
- Laboratory Technician – Conduct experiments, perform tests, and analyze data to support scientific research.
Manufacturing and Quality Control
- Pharmaceutical Manufacturer – Manage the production of pharmaceutical products, ensuring high-quality standards.
- Quality Assurance/Quality Control Specialist – Ensure all products meet stringent quality and regulatory requirements.
Regulatory Affairs
- Regulatory Affairs Specialist – Guide pharmaceutical products through regulatory processes to achieve compliance and approvals.
Sales and Marketing
- Pharmaceutical Sales Representative – Promote pharmaceutical products and educate healthcare professionals about innovative treatments.
- Medical Science Liaison – Act as a scientific expert, providing insights about pharmaceutical products to healthcare providers.
Other Career Paths
- Pharmacist – Dispense medications and provide expert advice on their use.
- Pharmacy Technician – Assist pharmacists in various tasks, including dispensing medications.
- Drug Safety Specialist – Monitor the safety of drugs after they enter the market.
- Biostatistician – Analyze clinical trial data to evaluate drug efficacy and safety.
- Data Scientist – Leverage data analysis to enhance drug development and patient care.
Top Employers Hiring Our Graduates
- Pharmaceutical Industry: Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Amgen, Biogen-Idec, Boehringer Ingelheim, Pfizer
- Cosmetics Industry & Specialty Labs: Denison Pharmaceuticals, Lipomed, Performix Specialty Pharmacy
- Biotechnology Companies: CellDex Therapeutics, Organogenesis, Vericel Corporation
- Government Agencies: NY State Department of Health, EPA Environmental Research and Business Support Program
- Hospitals & Research Institutes: Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Broad Institute
- Pharmacy Chains: CVS Caremark Corp, Prestium Pharma
- Medical Device Companies: Medtronic
- Manufacturing & Analysis: Teknor Apex, Waters Corp, Hanna Instruments
Options for Furthering Your Education: A B.S. in BPS can also be the foundation for pursuing advanced education and specialized training, including:
- Graduate School: MS or PhD
- Medical School: MD, DO, or PA
- Dental School: DDS or DMD
- Business School: MBA
- Law School: JD
- Veterinary School: DVM
- Pharmacy School: PharmD