The Rise of Remote Work in Biotechnology 

I don’t think anything beats in-person human to human interactions, but world events have accelerated the adoption of remote work across many industries, including biotechnology. For lab scientists and researchers who want to leverage their skills in new ways, this shift unlocks exciting opportunities beyond the bench. Remote work enables biotech professionals to apply their expertise in roles like bioinformatics, medical writing, and product management from the comfort of home. 

 Bioinformatics: Analyzing Data Remotely 

One growing remote role for lab scientists is bioinformatics, which applies computational techniques to understand biological data. As a bioinformatics specialist working remotely, your responsibilities may include: 

• Analyzing DNA, RNA, and protein sequence data to understand genetic variation and function 
• Using algorithms and statistics to interpret genomic, proteomic, and metabolomic datasets 
• Developing databases and computational tools to store, access, and visualize complex biomedical data 
• Collaborating with geographically distributed research teams to solve biological questions using computional approaches 

You’ll need skills like programming, statistics, data visualization, and life sciences knowledge. But with the ability to access servers and cloud-based applications from anywhere, bioinformaticians can work flexibly and collaborate with colleagues worldwide. If you enjoy digging into complex datasets and have an analytical mindset, bioinformatics may be a fulfilling remote role. 

Medical Writing: Communicating Science Virtually 

Another option for PhDs looking beyond the bench is a career in medical writing. As a medical writer, you’ll develop materials like clinical study reports, manuscripts, conference presentations, and regulatory documents. 

Typical remote activities include: 

• Interviewing scientists to understand research goals and results 
• Organizing and presenting scientific data clearly for different audiences 
• Drafting manuscripts and documentation according to journal or regulatory guidelines 

• Editing documents for accuracy, consistency, and readability 
• Adapting writing for different content formats, from abstracts to infographics 

Success requires excellent written communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to translate complex science into accessible language. Medical writers get to stay connected to cutting-edge research – without being tied to a lab. 

Product Management: Coordinating Remotely 

For lab scientists who enjoy cross-functional collaboration and project coordination, consider biotechnology product management. As a product manager, you’ll lead planning and development for biotech products like pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and diagnostic tests. 

Typical remote responsibilities include: 

• Facilitating communication and alignment among R&D, marketing, and other groups 
• Developing product requirements, roadmaps, and launch strategies 
• Performing market and competitive research to inform product development 
• Tracking key product metrics and preparing updates for leadership 
• Representing the “voice of the customer” and ensuring products meet market needs 

Strong project management, communication, and strategic thinking skills are key. With the help of digital tools, product managers can coordinate product lifecycle planning and execution seamlessly from remote settings.  

Preparing for a Remote Role Transition  

When preparing to shift from a lab-based to a remote role, consider taking the following steps: 

• Identify transferable skills from your research background that apply to the new role 
• Attend virtual conferences and webinars in the target field to expand your network 
• Get up to speed on relevant software, programs, and computational tools 

• Develop project management, communication, and collaboration skills for a remote environment 
• Learn industry trends, competitive landscapes, and market dynamics 
• Practice using videoconferencing platforms and collaborative document sharing tools 
• Highlight relevant experience and skills tailored to the remote role on your resume 

The Future of Remote Work in Biotechnology 

Remote work is likely here to stay in the biotechnology sector, enabling more flexibility, access to talent, and continuity. For lab scientists interested in leveraging their expertise in new ways, roles like bioinformatics, medical writing, and product management present exciting potential. 

Preparing through training and skill-building can empower research professionals to make the transition smoothly. By embracing remote work, talented biotech scientists can move beyond the bench and open a world of possibilities to advance their careers and make an impact. The future looks bright for those looking to take their science backgrounds in new remote directions.