Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Join the Drug Safety Industry

The Human Impact of Drug Safety

At its core, drug safety is about protecting patients. One of the most critical responsibilities in drug safety is the detection and management of adverse drug reactions. These are unintended, harmful effects that can occur even when medications are used correctly. According to the World Health Organization, medication-related harm affects 1 in every 30 patients, and half of this harm is preventable - highlighting the urgent need for skilled professionals in this space.

Once a drug is approved, the work doesn’t stop. In fact, post-marketing surveillance is one of the most important phases of drug safety. This is where processes such as pharmacovigilance (PV) come into play, monitoring the drug’s performance in real-world settings and ensuring ongoing patient safety throughout its lifecycle.

At QCS Staffing, we are often looking for candidates to meet the following drug safety roles: 

Transferable Skills That You May Have

If you’ve worked in clinical trials, regulatory affairs, medical affairs, or quality assurance, you might be closer to a career in drug safety than you think. In fact, many of the skills you’ve already developed are directly transferable and highly sought after by employers across the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors.

Drug safety roles, such as Drug Safety Associate or Safety Data Analyst, require a sharp eye for detail, strong documentation skills, and a deep understanding of compliance.

In the UK and across Europe, demand for drug safety professionals is rising fast. Many employers are open to training candidates who bring relevant experience from other areas of the industry, especially those who are familiar with Good Clinical Practice (GCP), Good Pharmacovigilance Practice (GVP), or EU regulatory frameworks.

What’s more, drug safety offers a clear and rewarding career path. From entry-level case processing to senior roles in signal detection and risk management, there’s room to grow, and plenty of opportunity to specialise. With remote and hybrid roles becoming more common, it’s also a flexible option for professionals looking to balance career progression with lifestyle.

So if you’re considering a move, now is the time to explore how your existing skills could open the door to a thriving career in drug safety.

How to find your next career within drug safety

QCS Staffing is a specialist life sciences recruitment agency, trusted by top pharmaceutical and biotech companies across the UK and US and the Europe. We focus on sourcing high-quality talent for drug safety and pharmacovigilance roles, helping organisations meet critical patient safety and regulatory standards. If you're looking for your next opportunity in drug safety, explore our latest vacancies or send us your resume today!