Working as a Pharmaceutical Freelancer

Benefits of working as a pharmaceutical freelancer

Large companies such as Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, Novartis, GlaxoSmithKline, Sanofi-Aventis, AstraZeneca, Abbott Laboratories and Merck & Co employ nearly one million people, of which tens of thousands are pharmaceutical/healthcare contractors.

The demand is most certainly there for those with the right skills and experience and by working for yourself you’re able to set your own rates – rates which are often higher compared to those who are employed.

There’s also the fact that a freelancer is able to claim back on any expenses made for work purposes, whether for travel costs or office supplies, and by claiming back on these expenses you can reduce your tax bill at the end of each year.

To read more about this take a look at our What expenses can I claim as a Sole Trader and Limited Company Expenses Guide pages.

Another benefit to working as a freelancer is the increased freedom and flexibility, as you’ll be in a position to choose your own hours and decide what days you want to work.

Our Benefits of Contracting page highlights even more advantages to freelancing.

Finding work as a pharmaceutical freelancer

There’s a reason why so many firms opt for hiring a freelancer over an employee and that’s because they’re able to take on someone who offers new ideas and a specialised skillset.

There’s also the fact that long-term, they’ll end up spending less on a self-employed professional compared to an employee due to them not having to pay out for things like holiday and sick pay. Plus, they only need to have the freelancer in as and when required.

There are a few different types of roles within the pharmaceutical sector, so whether you’re looking for researcher, technician or quality control executive roles, online job boards and recruitment websites are a great way to see what’s out there and are easy to apply to.

Just make sure that you look at sites that specialise in your field.

Do I need an accountant?

If you do join the freelance sector then you may want to consider hiring an accountant.

An accountant really is a valuable asset to any business, helping you to keep on top of all your financial liabilities and deadlines and providing you with useful advice that could save you time and money in the long run.

Just make sure to choose an accountant who:

• Specialises in contractor tax
• Has qualifications
• Has a good reputation
• Offers a fixed monthly amount so you avoid any surprise bills!

For more help and information on this, read our Choosing a Contractor Accountant page.

Our team of experts are available to answer any queries you may have, so drop us a line on 01442 795 100, email sophie.lewis@dolanaccountancy.com, or contact us via live chat.