[Aurel]

I have the feeling that the change is much larger than only in pharma. I am in research too (chemistry), and I have transitioned from being at a stable job in a large company, to working on research contracts, soft money, at a University. I have discovered that nobody was there anymore to provide for my research needs, such as salary, equipment, students, etc...Anything I need, I have to go get it myself. I feel much closer to a contractor working at his own business, than an employee of any kind. For several years, I have been angry at that situation, I felt like it was outrageous to ask researchers to fund their own research. But now, I am learning the rules of the game, learning how to talk to investors, write good proposals, manage projects from A to Z. Sure I wish I could still spend all my time at purely research, but it ain`t the case anymore. Then I learnt that I could learn so many new skills, attack new fields.
Do not kid yourselves, accademia is not the safe heaven it seems to be. They will only give you tenure if you come with some big research money, and the ability to maintain serious research funding on the long run.

Aurel