Science & pharmaceuticals Jobs in Italy Apply Now

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Why Work in the Science & Pharmaceuticals in Italy


1. Strong Industry Presence

Italy has a well-established pharmaceutical industry, ranking among the top in Europe for both production and exports. It is home to major multinational companies and innovative biotech startups, offering a diverse range of career opportunities.


2. Research and Innovation Hub

The country invests heavily in scientific research and technological advancement. Italy’s research institutions, universities, and private sector R&D centers collaborate on cutting-edge developments in medical science, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals.


3. Strategic Location in Europe

Italy’s central location within Europe makes it a key player in global pharmaceutical logistics and distribution. Professionals benefit from access to European markets and international partnerships that enhance career prospects.


4. Opportunities for Career Growth

With continuous demand for skilled professionals in fields like clinical research, regulatory affairs, drug development, and quality control, the industry provides strong potential for career advancement, both locally and internationally.


5. Competitive Compensation and Benefits

Science and pharmaceutical roles in Italy typically offer competitive salaries, especially in international firms. In addition, employees often benefit from excellent healthcare, work-life balance, and professional development programs.


6. Cultural and Lifestyle Advantages

Living and working in Italy allows professionals to enjoy a rich cultural heritage, high quality of life, and a Mediterranean lifestyle — making it a desirable location for both personal and professional fulfillment.


Creative Science & Pharmaceuticals in Italy for International Candidates


A Global Science Gateway

Italy is a key player in the European and global pharmaceutical markets. It ranks among the top European countries for pharmaceutical production and exports, hosting both global corporations and agile biotech startups. This international landscape opens the door for diverse roles and cross-border collaborations.


Innovation Rooted in Excellence

Scientific discovery is deeply embedded in Italy’s academic and industrial fabric. With strong public and private investment in research, international candidates will find fertile ground for contributing to advancements in drug development, biotechnology, personalized medicine, and regulatory science.


English-Speaking Opportunities

While Italian is the national language, many pharmaceutical companies and research institutions operate in English, particularly in multinational environments. This reduces barriers to entry for international candidates and promotes smoother integration into the professional landscape.


Collaborative Research Culture

Italy is home to prestigious universities, public research institutions, and innovation hubs that actively engage in European Union research initiatives. International researchers are encouraged to participate in cross-disciplinary projects that have real-world impact.


Balanced Lifestyle, Rich Culture

Working in Italy offers a rare combination: high-level professional opportunities within a lifestyle known for balance, wellness, and cultural richness. From world-class healthcare to vibrant cities and scenic countryside, international professionals can enjoy a fulfilling
life inside and outside the workplace.


Pathways to Long-Term Careers

Italy welcomes international talent through a range of work visa and residency options tailored to skilled professionals. With growing demand in sectors like biotechnology, pharmacovigilance, and clinical research, long-term career development in Italy is a realistic and rewarding goal.


Types of Science & Pharmaceuticals Jobs in Italy
 

Job Title

Description

Typical Qualifications

Research Scientist

Conducts lab-based experiments to discover and develop new drugs or treatments.

PhD or Master’s in Biology, Chemistry, or related field

Clinical Research Associate

Manages clinical trials and ensures compliance with protocols and regulations.

Life Sciences degree; knowledge of GCP and clinical regulations

Regulatory Affairs Specialist

Prepares and submits documentation for drug approval and compliance.

Degree in Pharmacy or Life Sciences; regulatory training

Pharmacovigilance Officer

Monitors drug safety and reports adverse effects post-market.

Degree in Pharmacy, Medicine, or Life Sciences

Quality Assurance Manager

Ensures products meet regulatory and internal quality standards.

Degree in Chemistry or Pharmacy; QA certifications

Biostatistician

Analyzes clinical trial data to support drug development decisions.

Degree in Statistics, Mathematics, or Bioinformatics

Medical Science Liaison (MSL)

Acts as a bridge between pharmaceutical companies and healthcare professionals.

Advanced degree (PhD, PharmD, MD); strong communication skills

Production/Process Engineer

Oversees manufacturing processes to ensure efficiency and compliance.

Engineering or Chemistry degree

Biotechnologist

Applies biological principles to develop new products and technologies.

Degree in Biotechnology or Molecular Biology

Regulatory Medical Writer

Writes scientific documents for regulatory submissions and publication.

Life Sciences degree; strong writing and data interpretation


Average Salary of Top 20 Job Profile of Science & Pharmaceuticals in Italy
 

Job Title

Avg Salary (EUR)

Avg Salary (USD)

Avg Salary (INR)

Research Scientist

€38,000

$41,040

₹3,420,000

Clinical Research Associate

€40,000

$43,200

₹3,600,000

Regulatory Affairs Specialist

€42,000

$45,360

₹3,780,000

Pharmacovigilance Officer

€39,000

$42,120

₹3,510,000

Quality Assurance Manager

€50,000

$54,000

₹4,500,000

Biostatistician

€48,000

$51,840

₹4,320,000

Medical Science Liaison (MSL)

€60,000

$64,800

₹5,400,000

Production/Process Engineer

€45,000

$48,600

₹4,050,000

Biotechnologist

€40,000

$43,200

₹3,600,000

Regulatory Medical Writer

€43,000

$46,440

₹3,870,000

Formulation Scientist

€44,000

$47,520

₹3,960,000

Analytical Chemist

€38,000

$41,040

₹3,420,000

Toxicologist

€41,000

$44,280

₹3,690,000

Pharmaceutical Sales Manager

€55,000

$59,400

₹4,950,000

Drug Safety Associate

€37,000

$39,960

₹3,330,000

R&D Project Manager

€58,000

$62,640

₹5,220,000

Quality Control Analyst

€36,000

$38,880

₹3,240,000

Microbiologist

€35,000

$37,800

₹3,150,000

Clinical Data Manager

€46,000

$49,680

₹4,140,000

GMP Compliance Specialist

€42,000

$45,360

₹3,780,000


Job Eligibility to Work in Science & Pharmaceuticals in Italy for International Job Applicants.
 

Eligibility Criteria

Details

Educational Qualification

Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Life Sciences, Pharmacy, Chemistry, Biotechnology, or related fields. A PhD is often required for research and academic roles.

Work Experience

Varies by role: 1–3 years for entry-level positions; 5+ years for mid-senior roles.

Language Proficiency

English is widely used in multinational companies. Knowledge of Italian is preferred and often required for public institutions or regulatory roles.

Work Visa

Non-EU citizens require a valid Italian work visa or EU Blue Card, typically sponsored by the employer. EU/EEA citizens do not need a visa.

Recognition of Foreign Degrees

Foreign degrees must often be recognized or validated ("Dichiarazione di valore") by Italian authorities.

Professional Licenses (if needed)

Certain roles (e.g., Pharmacists) may require registration with Italian professional bodies.

Job Offer from Italian Employer

Required for visa sponsorship; the employer must submit a work permit application to Italian immigration authorities.

Health Insurance

Proof of health coverage is necessary for visa and residency permits. Public or private options are available.

Criminal Record Clearance

A clean criminal record certificate from your home country may be required for certain roles or visa applications.

Contract or Employment Letter

Required as part of visa processing; should clearly state salary, job role, and contract duration.


General Roles and Responsibilities in Science & Pharmaceuticals Jobs in Italy with 20 Job Profiles
 

Job Title

General Roles & Responsibilities

1. Research Scientist

Conducts experiments, analyzes data, and contributes to new drug discovery and development.

2. Clinical Research Associate

Oversees clinical trials, ensures protocol compliance, manages documentation and regulatory standards.

3. Regulatory Affairs Specialist

Prepares and manages regulatory submissions, ensures compliance with EMA and AIFA regulations.

4. Pharmacovigilance Officer

Monitors drug safety, evaluates adverse event reports, and communicates risks to authorities.

5. Quality Assurance Manager

Ensures adherence to quality standards (GMP), manages audits, and maintains SOPs.

6. Biostatistician

Designs experiments, analyzes clinical trial data, and provides statistical input in regulatory filings.

7. Medical Science Liaison (MSL)

Acts as a scientific expert liaison between the company and medical community, supports clinical strategy.

8. Production/Process Engineer

Optimizes production processes, ensures machinery efficiency, and maintains GMP compliance.

9. Biotechnologist

Develops and improves biotech products, conducts lab research, and scales up biological systems.

10. Regulatory Medical Writer

Writes scientific documents for regulatory bodies (e.g., study protocols, CTDs, investigator brochures).

11. Analytical Chemist

Analyzes drug compounds and materials to ensure purity, potency, and quality.

12. Formulation Scientist

Develops drug formulations, works on stability studies and evaluates delivery systems.

13. Toxicologist

Studies the effects of chemicals and drugs on biological systems, ensures safety in dosage levels.

14. Quality Control Analyst

Conducts lab testing on raw materials, intermediates, and finished products to meet quality standards.

15. Drug Safety Associate

Collects and enters adverse event data, assists in safety report generation, maintains safety databases.

16. Pharmaceutical Sales Manager

Manages sales teams, sets targets, and develops strategies for pharmaceutical product promotion.

17. R&D Project Manager

Coordinates research and development projects, manages timelines, budgets, and team resources.

18. Clinical Data Manager

Oversees clinical data collection, validation, and ensures compliance with regulatory data standards.

19. Microbiologist

Studies microorganisms in products, ensures sterility, and supports contamination control in production.

20. GMP Compliance Specialist

Ensures that manufacturing processes comply with Good Manufacturing Practices; conducts internal audits.


General Job Eligibility to work in Science & Pharmaceuticals in Italy with 20 Job Profiles
 

Job Title

Educational Qualification

Experience Required

Additional Requirements

1. Research Scientist

PhD or Master's in Life Sciences, Chemistry

2–5 years

Research publications; lab experience; EU research familiarity is a plus

2. Clinical Research Associate

Bachelor’s/Master’s in Life Sciences or Pharmacy

1–3 years

Knowledge of GCP, clinical trial regulations; CRA certification preferred

3. Regulatory Affairs Specialist

Bachelor’s in Pharmacy, Life Sciences

2–4 years

Knowledge of EU/EMA regulations; fluent written English

4. Pharmacovigilance Officer

Degree in Pharmacy, Medicine, or Life Sciences

1–3 years

Familiarity with pharmacovigilance systems (e.g., Argus); attention to detail

5. Quality Assurance Manager

Bachelor’s/Master’s in Chemistry, Pharmacy

5+ years

Experience with GMP, audits, SOP development

6. Biostatistician

Master's/PhD in Statistics, Mathematics, Biostatistics

2–4 years

Proficiency in SAS/R; clinical trial data analysis experience

7. Medical Science Liaison (MSL)

PhD, PharmD, MD

3–5 years

Strong communication skills; therapeutic area expertise; travel readiness

8. Production/Process Engineer

Degree in Engineering, Chemical Engineering

2–4 years

Experience in pharma manufacturing and process optimization

9. Biotechnologist

Bachelor’s/Master’s in Biotechnology

1–3 years

Hands-on lab skills; experience with molecular biology techniques

10. Regulatory Medical Writer

Life Sciences degree; advanced degrees preferred

2+ years

Excellent writing skills; familiarity with ICH and EMA/ICH guidelines

11. Analytical Chemist

Degree in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Chemistry

1–3 years

Experience with HPLC, GC, and other analytical instruments

12. Formulation Scientist

Master’s in Pharmaceutics, Chemistry

2–4 years

Experience with drug delivery systems and formulation R&D

13. Toxicologist

Master’s/PhD in Toxicology, Pharmacology

2–5 years

Knowledge of preclinical safety standards and toxicological assessments

14. Quality Control Analyst

Bachelor’s in Chemistry, Biology

1–3 years

Laboratory testing experience; GMP knowledge

15. Drug Safety Associate

Degree in Pharmacy, Medicine, or Life Sciences

1–2 years

Understanding of safety reporting tools; pharmacovigilance certification preferred

16. Pharmaceutical Sales Manager

Degree in Life Sciences or Business

5+ years

Strong sales background; team leadership and product knowledge

17. R&D Project Manager

Master’s/PhD in Sciences or Engineering

5–7 years

Project management certification (e.g., PMP); strong organizational skills

18. Clinical Data Manager

Degree in Computer Science, Statistics, Life Sciences

2–4 years

Proficiency in clinical data management systems (e.g., Medidata, Oracle Clinical)

19. Microbiologist

Degree in Microbiology, Biology

1–3 years

Sterility testing and contamination control in GMP environments

20. GMP Compliance Specialist

Degree in Pharmacy, Chemistry

2–5 years

In-depth understanding of EU GMP regulations and auditing experience


Experience Required to work in Science & Pharmaceuticals in Italy
 

Job Title

Years of Experience Required

Level

Research Scientist

2–5 years

Mid-Level

Clinical Research Associate

1–3 years

Entry to Mid-Level

Regulatory Affairs Specialist

2–4 years

Mid-Level

Pharmacovigilance Officer

1–3 years

Entry to Mid-Level

Quality Assurance Manager

5+ years

Senior-Level

Biostatistician

2–4 years

Mid-Level

Medical Science Liaison (MSL)

3–5 years

Senior-Level

Production/Process Engineer

2–4 years

Mid-Level

Biotechnologist

1–3 years

Entry to Mid-Level

Regulatory Medical Writer

2+ years

Mid-Level

Analytical Chemist

1–3 years

Entry to Mid-Level

Formulation Scientist

2–4 years

Mid-Level

Toxicologist

2–5 years

Mid to Senior-Level

Quality Control Analyst

1–3 years

Entry-Level

Drug Safety Associate

1–2 years

Entry-Level

Pharmaceutical Sales Manager

5+ years

Senior-Level

R&D Project Manager

5–7 years

Senior-Level

Clinical Data Manager

2–4 years

Mid-Level

Microbiologist

1–3 years

Entry to Mid-Level

GMP Compliance Specialist

2–5 years

Mid to Senior-Level


Top Hiring Companies in Italy of International Candidates in Science & Pharmaceuticals
 

Company Name

Industry Focus

Hiring Notes for International Candidates

Chiesi Farmaceutici

Pharmaceuticals, Biotech

Headquartered in Parma; English used widely; open to international talent

Menarini Group

Pharma, Oncology, Diagnostics

Based in Florence; global R&D centers; hires multilingual professionals

Angelini Pharma

CNS, Consumer Health

Accepts international applications, especially for R&D and regulatory

Recordati

Specialty Pharmaceuticals

Active in global markets; hires for both technical and corporate roles

Bracco Group

Imaging, Diagnostics

Based in Milan; strong focus on innovation and global R&D collaboration

Zambon Group

Respiratory, CNS, Rare Diseases

Multinational company with English as a working language in R&D

Dompé Farmaceutici

Biotech, Rare Diseases

Focus on biotech innovation; recruits from EU and beyond for research

Abiogen Pharma

Bone Metabolism, Internal Medicine

Medium-sized company; international hiring based on project needs

MSD Italy (Merck & Co.)

Biopharma, Vaccines, Oncology

Major U.S. pharma with strong presence in Italy; often recruits globally

Pfizer Italy

Pharma, Vaccines, Oncology

Active recruitment of international researchers, especially in Milan

Novartis Italy

Pharmaceuticals, Generics, Biosimilars

Global company with cross-border projects; English-speaking roles common

Johnson & Johnson Italy

Pharma, Medical Devices, Consumer

Hires across divisions; internship and graduate programs for internationals

Roche Italy

Oncology, Diagnostics

Global research and manufacturing presence; English used internally

GSK Italy

Pharmaceuticals, Vaccines

Welcomes international scientists, especially in R&D and regulatory

Sanofi Italy

General Medicine, Consumer Health

International teams; many roles based in Milan and Rome

IQVIA

CRO, Data Science, Clinical Trials

Global CRO; frequent recruiter of international CRAs and data managers

Syneos Health

Clinical Research, Consulting

Recruits multilingual and international clinical staff in Italy

Lonza

Biotech Manufacturing & Services

Swiss-based but operates in Italy; technical and scientific hiring focus

Boehringer Ingelheim Italy

Human & Animal Health

Offers global mobility programs and English-speaking work environments

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Life Sciences Tools & Diagnostics

Offers international roles in manufacturing, research, and sales


Science & Pharmaceuticals Jobs in Italy, Job Profiles with Salary, Job Requirements, Top Hiring Companies, General Roles and Responsibilities
 

Job Profile

Avg Salary (EUR/year)

Job Requirements

General Roles & Responsibilities

Top Hiring Companies

Research Scientist

€38,000 – €45,000

Master’s/PhD in Life Sciences; 2–5 yrs research exp

Conduct lab research, drug discovery, analyze data, publish findings

Chiesi, Dompé, Roche, Novartis, Sanofi

Clinical Research Associate (CRA)

€40,000 – €50,000

Degree in Life Sciences; 1–3 yrs; GCP knowledge

Manage clinical trials, ensure protocol compliance, site monitoring

IQVIA, Syneos Health, MSD, Pfizer, ICON

Regulatory Affairs Specialist

€42,000 – €50,000

Life Sciences degree; 2–4 yrs; knowledge of EMA/AIFA

Prepare submission dossiers, ensure regulatory compliance

Angelini, Menarini, Johnson & Johnson, GSK

Pharmacovigilance Officer

€39,000 – €45,000

Degree in Pharmacy/Medicine; 1–3 yrs exp

Monitor and report adverse drug reactions, maintain safety databases

Sanofi, Novartis, Bayer, Dompé, IQVIA

Quality Assurance Manager

€50,000 – €65,000

Science degree; 5+ yrs QA/GMP experience

Manage quality systems, conduct audits, ensure GMP compliance

Chiesi, Menarini, Lonza, Thermo Fisher, Pfizer

Biostatistician

€48,000 – €55,000

Degree in Stats/Biostats; 2–4 yrs; SAS/R proficiency

Analyze clinical data, design study protocols, support trial reporting

GSK, IQVIA, Roche, MSD, Syneos

Medical Science Liaison

€60,000 – €70,000

PhD, PharmD, or MD; 3–5 yrs in scientific/clinical roles

Act as a link between pharma and medical community; scientific communication

Johnson & Johnson, Boehringer, Sanofi, Pfizer

Production/Process Engineer

€45,000 – €55,000

Degree in Engineering; 2–4 yrs in manufacturing

Improve production processes, ensure efficiency and GMP compliance

Lonza, Thermo Fisher, Menarini, Bracco

Biotechnologist

€40,000 – €48,000

Degree in Biotech/Molecular Biology; 1–3 yrs lab experience

Develop biotech products, conduct molecular research, optimize protocols

Dompé, Bracco, Chiesi, Abiogen

Regulatory Medical Writer

€43,000 – €50,000

Life Sciences degree; 2+ yrs; strong English writing

Write protocols, investigator brochures, submission documents

GSK, Roche, ICON, Novartis, IQVIA

Analytical Chemist

€38,000 – €45,000

Chemistry degree; 1–3 yrs lab experience

Perform chemical analyses, test raw materials, ensure quality standards

Menarini, Angelini, Thermo Fisher, Pfizer

Formulation Scientist

€44,000 – €50,000

Pharmaceutics/Chemistry degree; 2–4 yrs exp

Develop drug formulations, conduct stability and solubility studies

Chiesi, Sanofi, Recordati, Lonza

Toxicologist

€41,000 – €52,000

Master's/PhD in Toxicology or Pharmacology; 2–5 yrs exp

Assess toxicological profiles, ensure drug safety in preclinical stages

Dompé, Boehringer, Angelini, Menarini

Quality Control Analyst

€36,000 – €42,000

Degree in Chemistry/Biology; 1–3 yrs

Conduct QC testing on drugs, prepare lab reports, support regulatory inspections

Recordati, Chiesi, Pfizer, Bracco

Drug Safety Associate

€37,000 – €44,000

Pharmacy or Medicine degree; 1–2 yrs exp

Enter and review safety data, assist in pharmacovigilance reports

Roche, GSK, IQVIA, Bayer

Pharmaceutical Sales Manager

€55,000 – €70,000

Life Sciences/Business degree; 5+ yrs sales exp

Manage sales teams, develop commercial strategies, meet targets

Pfizer, Novartis, Johnson & Johnson, Sanofi

R&D Project Manager

€58,000 – €75,000

Master's/PhD; 5–7 yrs; PMP cert preferred

Lead R&D projects, manage budgets/timelines, cross-functional coordination

Angelini, Menarini, MSD, Thermo Fisher

Clinical Data Manager

€46,000 – €55,000

Degree in CS/Statistics; 2–4 yrs in data management

Handle clinical data collection, validation, database maintenance

IQVIA, Syneos Health, Novartis

Microbiologist

€35,000 – €42,000

Degree in Microbiology/Biology; 1–3 yrs lab work

Conduct sterility and environmental monitoring, support QC processes

Bracco, Thermo Fisher, Menarini

GMP Compliance Specialist

€42,000 – €52,000

Degree in Sciences; 2–5 yrs in GMP environment

Ensure regulatory compliance, perform audits, maintain SOP documentation

Lonza, Sanofi, Pfizer, Abiogen


Visa Options for Science & Pharmaceuticals Jobs in Italy
 

Visa Type

Target Applicants

Key Features

Eligibility Requirements

Work Visa (Subordinate Employment - Type D)

Non-EU professionals with a job offer in Italy

Long-stay visa for workers; renewable; leads to residence permit (permesso di soggiorno)

Valid job offer, employer sponsorship, adequate qualifications, employment contract

EU Blue Card

Highly skilled non-EU workers in technical/scientific roles

Valid in EU; faster residency path; easier mobility within EU countries

University degree, job offer with salary at least 1.5x average gross annual salary in Italy

Intra-Company Transfer Visa (ICT)

Non-EU employees of multinational companies

For professionals transferred from a company abroad to an Italian branch

Valid contract with parent company, managerial or specialized knowledge role

Self-Employment Visa (Freelancer)

Consultants, researchers working independently

Rare for pharma; suitable for highly specialized consultants or freelance researchers

Proof of work, clients in Italy, financial self-sufficiency, business plan

Research Visa

Academic researchers, PhD holders, R&D staff

Designed for scientific research staff in Italian institutions or approved private bodies

Research hosting agreement, institution approval, adequate qualifications

Startup Visa

Entrepreneurs in biotech, med-tech, or pharma innovation

For founding innovative companies in Italy; fast-track for scalable R&D projects

Innovative business plan, funding proof, endorsement by approved incubator or entity

Student to Work Permit Transition

Non-EU students graduating from Italian universities

Allows graduates to stay in Italy and convert to work/residence permit

Degree from Italian institution, valid job offer within 12 months of graduation

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