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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 |
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 |
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. |
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. |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 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 |