As small and large drug developers continue to cut costs and jobs, there are a growing number of out-of-work biotech types looking for their next job. And on Monday morning over 1,000 of those jobless biotech workers packed a South San Francisco Life Science Career Fair looking for new careers to replace those they've lost.
Over 1,500 San Mateo County-based biotech workers--including scientists, technicians and research assistants--were laid off in 2008. The job fair was part of an effort to keep that talented pool of workers from leaving the bay area. "There aren't any guarantees," says organizer Maggie Wong. "But lucky for us, there's always innovation. I think that's where we're fortunate. Other talented companies pop up to take (the) place" of those that have gone under.
Twenty-five biotech, pharma and medical device companies participated in the career fair, including Gilead Sciences, which is looking to fill 150 positions across the country.
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