Pharmaceutical research now under way aims to act by blocking signal transduction inside cells in the immune system. Researchers in immunology anticipate that a third wave of drugs will work at the molecular level inside the cells, by influencing transcription factors. Immunology in the United States is under the influence of some less positive factors. A panel of the National Academies of Science and Engineering and the Institute of Medicine recently reported that while the United States leads the world in the discipline's sub-fields, it no longer dominates some topics, such as inherited immunodeficiency and tumor immunology. To counter that problem, and to continue development of new immunological drugs, the pharmaceutical industry requires a continuing supply of immunologists at all levels of training.
Recruiters routinely expect candidates to show competence in the techniques of molecular biology.
Candidates should also be comfortable working in large interdisciplinary teams. The company is testing CTLA4-IG, a medication designed to block activation of the immune system. Not surprisingly, BMS needs immunologists. We are trying to boost our pulmonary group, which is a relatively new area for us. Aruffo seeks recruits at all levels.