New study shows salaries have increased in the biotechnology sector HR experts from the life sciences sector meet in Frankfurt

Salaries are increasing in the biotechnology sector, as shown by current figures published today by BIO Deutschland, the sector association of the biotechnology industry. The study on salaries by personalmarkt.de shows that managing directors’ salaries have risen by 10 to 14 per cent on average compared with 2012, depending on experience.  Experienced sales specialists also enjoyed a double-digit salary increase (10 per cent). However, employees in technical research and development faced lower salaries. Salary development and remuneration systems are among the topics that will be discussed at the third conference of the life sciences industry in Frankfurt on 28 January.

Despite stagnant turnover in the biotechnology sector, salaries have generally developed positively in the branch during the past two years. In the case of senior managers with responsibility for staff and many years’ work experience (10+ years), salaries rose by between 10 and 14 per cent on average. Employees in natural science research also earned more in 2014 than they did in 2012 (an increase of 2 to 7 per cent, depending on experience). While long-serving research and development staff enjoyed significant salary increases (9 per cent), younger employees earned more two years ago – their salaries are now 9 to 12 per cent lower than in 2012. The study is based on 535 data sets.

“Personnel matters are also becoming increasingly important in the biotech sector,” says Thomas Schweins, Senior Vice President Human Resources, Strategy & Marketing Services of QIAGEN and chairperson of BIO Deutschland’s Working Group on Human Resources. “The third HR conference for the life sciences will show the significance of salary structures in personnel development. Along with topics such as internationalisation and what employers expect of applicants and employees, salary trends and remuneration will form a key part of the conference programme,” Schweins said.

The third HR conference of the life sciences industry will take place at Frankfurt School of Finance and Management on 28 January. Places are still available. Participants can also register at Frankfurt School of Finance and Management. Further information on the conference is available at  www.frankfurt-school.de/tlf_content/de/research/centres/iihm/healthcare-conference.html