Survey: Many medical device professionals seeking new employment

As many as 55 percent of professionals in the medical device industry could be looking for a new job in 2010, while professionals working for smaller companies were found to be the most positive about the coming year, according to the results of a recent, random online survey conducted by medical device recruitment firm, Legacy MedSearch.

The firm conducted its survey via the paid polling service of business networking site LinkedIn between Jan. 4 and Jan. 7 and polled 2,150 respondents--all of whom were either currently employed or unemployed medical device industry professionals.

Twenty-eight percent of all respondents polled reported a “strong possibility” of a job change, with an additional 28 percent reporting they were either “unemployed” or “actively looking” for a new job, said Legacy.

The survey noted that  vice presidents and corporate level executives were the most likely to report a potential job change for 2010, with 41 percent of all professionals at these levels noting a “strong possibility.”

“With the capital markets and economic pressures constraining bonuses and incentives–and many stock options essentially worthless–many VPs and CEOs have shared confidentially that 2010 may be the year to start a new job with a clean slate,“ explained Paula Rutledge, president of Legacy.

The fim also found that 8 percent of owners, 13 percent of non-executive management and 30 percent of all other job titles reported the prospect of a job change in 2010.

The survey compared satisfaction rates to individuals working at large companies to those working at medium and small-sized companies.  Twenty-one percent of professionals employed at small companies said they are “excited about 2010,” compared to 10 percent of those at enterprise organizations, 8 percent at large companies and 5 percent at medium-sized companies.

Business development executives were  the most positive about their current positions, with 47 percent of them reporting they are either “excited about 2010” or “happy where I am.” Marketing professional respondents followed, with 43 percent reporting they are either “excited about 2010” or “happy where I am.” Respondents in product-focused positions reported the least positive job outlook for this year, with no respondents agreeing to the question “excited about 2010.”

With approximately 11 percent of respondents reporting “no change” in their employment under any circumstances in 2010, Rutledge said that the results of the study should not come as a surprise.

“For the past 18 months, professionals in all aspects of the medical industry have had to work harder–many times for less pay and with fewer resources–to make up for reductions in staff,” noted Rutledge. “With the FDA battening down the hatches on the PMA and 510(k) approval processes, we are also seeing a recent surge in positions associated with product approvals and liability such as quality, regulatory, compliance and clinical affairs.”

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