[Timboo]

Hey guys,

Is anyone currently working in biotech/Pharma company in Hong Kong ? What is the chances to get a bio-related job and what is the range of salary ?

I am English, just finished my Master in biotech in the UK, and would like to go to HK to join my girlfriend (she is a local, I met her in uni).

thx a lot!
Tim

[avischan8]

hi, i am studying a M.Phil in Biochemistry now in Hong Kong, personally, i think it wont be a problem for you to find a job being a salesman here in biotech/pharm selling drugs or mechines. Average starting point is like 16000 to around 20000 HKD including commission and bonus, depends on qouta u make. already quite good for fresh grad....
but i have to tell you the fact that...in UK ...the career development is much better than in hong Kong, that;s for sure. I wish i can go out of Hong Kong to start my career rather than Hong Kong, the market here is small, its not properous at all.

[Timothy]

Hey, thx for the advice. I always heard (from my HK friends) that there is a big development in Biotech industry in HK, e.g. science park, is that true ? So what do you think about working in the R&D side ? I am actually more interesed in the research side, what do you think about the chances (and salary) ? (but I don't speak cantonese)

The reason I want to go to HK is I quite like the city, but I also have to consider my career. So do u think it will be a better time to go to HK after a few years later when I got some work experience ?

any advice appreciated!!!!!!!!!!!
Tim

[avischan8]

Science park, that is just next to our university.There are a lot of research going on there. it belongs to governement but a lot of project are corporated with CUHK.
if u are interested in research stuff, why dun u try to apply for jobs in university or hospital? sth like research assistant or technician you can earn quite ok salary for senior technician like 20000 to 30000 HKD. what you need to do are most probably doing some research lab work and some project planning also pland and prepare lab for undergraduates.

or try to apply jobs in P&G or Johnson.

it do much help if u have experiences.

[DoubleHelix]

Hi Tim - There are opportunities in Biotech R&D in HK (& knowledge of cantonese is not a prerequisite). avischan8 has provided you with good advice. Universities are a good place to start and if you have experience you should have no problems landing a research position. I work in Biotech in HK and I can tell you that it is actually very hard to find people with the right skill set and experience.

As for career development, on the R&D side, it is quite limited. But if you're here for the short-term, there is a lot of exciting research you can get involved in which is unique to this part of the world (i.e. TCM-based drug discovery, which has been drawing a lot of interest from overseas biotech companies recently).

Good luck.

[Timboo]

Thx for the advice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Let me tell you guys more details about myself. I'd been doing industrial placement every summer vacation since univerisity, and I worked for a pharmaceutical company for a year before I started my MSc course. So I think I 've got some expereince, but not much.

And now, I've got further questions to ask. I think I've mentioned before, I am a native English not bbc but girlfriend is from Hong kong. I just wondered is what is the mix of foreigners to locals in this industry? i have no problem if it is all locals but just worried about the culture shock and if i fit in.


The final question (I am sorry but I do a lot question)
it would be a lot easier to find a job if you are physically in HK, but I just wonder, would it be possible as an alternative to apply for jobs online and like mention I am willing to travel to HK for an interview????

[avischan8]

personally, i think there is no problem for me to work with foreigner, especially in this industry, we respect ppl from other countries who might bring in sth new. Because my master degree is research based in university which is very international, you can find foreigners here with different backgound. and most of the ppl in this field are well educated and are able to speak good english. Further more, the atmosphere in the university is very friendly, ppl are nice and willing to help. Its really nice if u can find a job in one of the university and i think with your qualification, you are more prefered than locals.
Its always the best that u can tell ur potential boss that u are already in hong kong physically.
Sorry i can only tell you sth related to university since i still not yet got any experince in pharmaceutical industry. i hope it helps.

[Timboo]

Thx Avis, your information is very helpful, I will do a little bit more research on the uni in HK.


If anyone is working in any biotech/pharma company in HK, could u guys tell me the situation there (to the questions I mentioned in the previous post) ?

Any advice appreciated!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

cheers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!