We work with clients and candidates at companies like these
Your biotech recruitment team
Biotech. bīōˌtek/ What does that mean, exactly? As life science recruiters, we understand the different scientific applications – all unique. Gene Modification? Stem Cells? CRISPR? Crop Science? Biofuels? Biodegradable Plastics? Vegetable Oil? It’s our job to pick up this big “bio-bucket” and sort out what’s best for you and your company. With a strong background in life science recruiting including biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and medical devices, Surf Search understands the nuances of biotech recruiting. We approach each search based on its unique requirements.
We reach out to industry-leading biotech hotspots like RTP, Boston, San Diego and the Bay Area and growing centers like Denver, Seattle and D.C.
We follow biotech influences in every major application including food, pharmaceuticals, fuel and aquatic.
We work closely with your life science recruiting team to develop strategies to excitecandidates about your opportunity and keep them engaged throughout the process
We know how to manage competing offers and offer negotiations
We manage the process from initial contact through hire and work hard to maintain a high level of interest for your new scientist, director of business development or post doc.
Your biotech executive search specialists
Biotech headhunting is arguably the most challenging sector in executive recruiting, given today’s race for new vaccines and therapeutics. Surf Search has been in life science recruiting for many years. We’ve grown with the industry, witnessed and embraced exciting innovation and discovery. As life science headhunters, we’ve amassed a deep pipeline of the best biotech talent and have the experience to bring them to your company. Look to Surf Search for your next hire.
Biotech startups
The start-up environment can be tricky. It’s critically important your early employees are strong collaborators, and enthusiastic about working cross functionally at all levels. Your first employees will define your company culture and you want to make absolutely sure they are a fit when you are making those initial hires.
Surf Search understands the biotech start-up environment. We know how to grow teams, while considering all your “must-haves” and tailoring our search criteria accordingly. We look for enthusiastic brilliancy – candidates who embrace your goals and consider themselves key players, not simply employees.
Roles we recruit
Explore recruiting support by function.
Leadership and executive search
We recruit leaders alongside specialist hires. Share the responsibilities, team and stage of the business so we can define the right search.
We recruit sales representatives, account managers and commercial leaders. The search starts with your product, buyers and market.
Searches we have filled
Principal Scientist, Oncology · San Francisco · Biotech
Finding the scientist a biotech start-up couldn't reach
Challenge: A small biotech start-up needed an oncology scientist with an unusual combination of scientific skills and experience in both large and small companies. Its own job posting and targeted outreach had not found the right person. Another client referred the company to Surf Search.
Solution: We worked our Bay Area candidate network and targeted companies whose scientists had the specific experience the role required. The search produced a shortlist of three candidates.
Timeline: Two months to shortlist three candidates; three months to offer.
Result: We filled the role and placed another candidate with the company. The client has since engaged us on two more searches.
With Debbie's background in medical genetics, and Jan's in medical and scientific journalism, Surf Search is a stand-out in biotech recruiting. Our scientific searches are highly complex in nature, and having that technical knowledge has been invaluable in sourcing top biotech talent.
- Jack S. Director of HR, growing life sciences CRO
Frequently asked questions about biotech recruiting
Why should I use a biotech recruiting specialist?
Recruiter specialization in biotech exponentially increases your ability to target the best talent for your organization. Surf Search has a deep database of candidates working at biotech companies around the country. We develop strong career relationships with candidates in the industry and know what they are looking for in a new job.
Explain your recruiting process, from receiving the initial job order to onboarding a new hire? What can we expect?
Surf Search will meet with your hiring team to ensure you have a strong message on selling both the job and your company. We will help you fine tune your job descriptions. Benefits, company culture and career pathways need to be clearly defined. The interviewing process needs to streamlined and efficient. Next, Surf Search will present 3-8 qualified candidates for each position within 1-2 weeks’ time. We will help you set up interviews, follow up with the candidates and hiring teams, check references when necessary and negotiate the offer when the time comes. We keep in touch with the hiring manager and the candidate to make sure the onboarding is completed, and that the candidate is thriving in their new position.
Which biotech roles does Surf Search fill?
We have filled hundreds of positions for R&D, manufacturing, operations, HR, financial and top leadership. With over 20 years recruiting in biotech recruiting, we have an extensive database of candidates, and a deep pipeline of candidates we are regularly in contact with. We also reach out to new grads and postdocs looking for industry positions.
What does your candidate sourcing strategy look like for recruiting biotech candidates?
With offices in strategic life science hubs, Surf Search recruiting teams have developed a deep pipeline of active candidates numbering in the tens of thousands. We work on biotech positions with companies across the country and partner with other top recruiting firms who also specialize in biotech recruiting. This dramatically increases our reach.
What differentiates Surf Search as biotech recruiters from all the others? What makes you better?
We are a niche recruiting firm, focused on recruiting for the industry. We have been in the headhunting business for a long time and enjoy a terrific reputation with our clients and candidates. Most of our clients have been with us through many company changes and take us with them as they move up their own career ladders. In recruiting for the biotech industry, you are only as good as who you know, and our recruiting pipeline is deep. Take a dozen headhunters, give them the same biotech search assignment and Surf Search always come out on top. Our knowledge and depth of experience in biotech recruiting stands out in headhunting circles across the U.S.
Medical biotechnology brings together science, technology and healthcare. The ten careers below span laboratory testing, research, engineering and population health….
