These positions may be the last ones that are thought of when thinking biotech. But without marketing and sales, it would be difficult to get any products to the consumer – whoever that might be. Often these positions are filled by individuals trained in business schools who rarely have any scientific background. However, scientific training will help a company design more effective sales and marketing campaigns as well as better serve the customer. This is especially true for customer service representatives and technical service representatives.

Market Research Analyst

A market research analyst is responsible for researching and analyzing the company’s markets, competition and product mix. He or she performs literature research, analyzes and summarizes data, and makes presentations on new market and technical areas. He or she also analyzes the competitive environment, as well as future marketing trends, and makes appropriate recommendations. He or she conducts market surveys, summarizes results, and assists in the preparation, presentation and follow-up of research proposals. An entry-level position as a market research analyst requires a bachelor’s degree or equivalent and a minimum of zero to two years of experience in market research, competitive analysis and product planning, as well as excellent writing skills.

Systems Analyst

A systems analyst is responsible for system level software and for maintenance of the operating system(s), various layered products, system tuning, and various levels of user assistance. The systems analyst is responsible for the operation of all system software, performing upgrades, and maintaining related system and user documentation. He or she assists in the implementation of system validation and documentation, in system capacity planning, and system configuration. In addition, the systems analyst troubleshoots system-related problems and interacts with vendors. An entry-level position as a systems analyst requires a degree in data processing and a minimum of zero to two years of experience.

Sales Representative

A sales representative is responsible for direct sales of company products or services. He or she calls on prospective customers, provides product information and/or demonstrations, and quotes appropriate customer prices. A sales representative is also responsible for new account development and growth of existing accounts within an established geographic territory. A sales representative must meet assigned sales quotas and may handle key company accounts or act as an account manager for national or major accounts. Depending on the level of the position, an experienced incumbent may also assist in the training of other sales representatives. An entry-level sales representative position requires a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, and a minimum of zero to two years of related sales experience and some knowledge of the company’s products.

Customer Service Representative

Customer service representatives are responsible for ensuring product delivery in accordance with customer requirements and manufacturing capabilities and for responding to customer product inquiries and satisfaction issues. He or she answers telephones, takes product orders and inputs sales order data into consumer data systems. He or she also investigates problems related to the shipment of products, credits and new orders. He or she may also be responsible for sales order administration and/or inside sales. The entry-level position requires a college education or equivalent, with preference toward a bachelor of science degree in a technical or scientific field. A minimum of zero to two years related experience in diagnosing and troubleshooting products in the pharmaceutical industry may also be required.

Technical Services Representative

A technical services representative provides technical direction and support to customers on the operation and maintenance of company products. He or she also serves as a contact for customers on technical and service-related problems. A technical services representative also demonstrates uses and advantages of products. An entry-level technical services representative position requires an associate’s degree or equivalent and a minimum of zero to two years of experience.