Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How to I apply for vacancies with Servier?
A: Please e-mail a covering letter and CV stating the vacancy you are interested in to recruitment@uk.netgrs.com

Q: Are there more opportunities within the company for graduates or for PhDs?
A: There are equal opportunities for both graduates and PhDs at Servier. Career progression depends on you record of accomplishment.

Q: If I cannot submit a CV electronically, what is the best way to send it?
A: Please submit your CV, together with a hand-written letter of application, to the Human Resources Manager/Advisor at the following address:
Servier Laboratories Limited,
Gallions,
Wexham Springs,
Framewood Road,
Wexham
SL3 6RJ

Q: Does Servier offer work placements/Internships
A: Work placements and internships are not advertised on our web site however, we do each year take on numerous students from various universities for between 6 months and a year.

Q: Will you accept my application of a speculative basis?
A: Yes, please e-mail your CV and covering letter stating the area of Servier you would be interested in working within to recruitment@uk.netgrs.com

Q: How can I find out what job vacancies are available now?
A: Please visit our job vacancies page where you will find further information.

Q: When will I hear back once I submit my CV?
A: You will receive an acknowledgement by e-mail from Servier soon after you submit your application. We will then review your application in detail and will aim to contact you within 2 weeks of receipt of your application.

Q: Should I submit my CV and covering letter to the department I would like to work?
A: At Servier the recruitment team based at head office in Wexham deal with all vacancies and applications.

Q: What opportunities are there for career development within the Company?
A: As a Company, our aim is to offer all employees opportunities for development and growth in line with their ambitions and ability. For more information on career development within Servier please click here.

Q: In which main therapeutic areas does Servier specialise?
A: Cardiovascular disease, Neurosciences/CNS, Oncology, Osteoporosis, Rheumatology, Diabetes

Q: What are the graduate retention rates?
A: Very high. Most graduates choose to stay and develop their careers with Servier

Q: What are the prospects for career progression at Servier?
A: Servier has an exceptional track record in promoting loyal and committed employees to all levels of management within the company. In 2006/2007 we were able to promote 103 people internally, 20% of the UK workforce.

Q: Do people need to be geographically mobile?
A: Servier’s UK Head Office and research facilities are based in Wexham Springs, Buckinghamshire.  Salesforce opportunities are Nationwide and are field based.

Q: What is the structure of a typical day for a scientist at Servier?
A: Working in a Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) environment you can expect to plan, carry out and analyse experimental work as part of a team working on a specific compound in development. There is therefore a good mix of individual and team work, including interaction within different department who are based in France.

Q: How many graduates do you take each year and in what categories?
A: Due to substantial growth over the past three years Servier has recruited over 50 graduates annually. Graduate applications are welcome across the business.  Click here to visit our Graduate page.

Q: How do you sift and eventually choose from the pool of applicants those to interview?
A: Due to company expansion, recruitment is continuous and CV’s are received mainly by e-mail. Each individual’s CV is reviewed against the job specification and if it contains the requirements we are looking for the applicant will be invited for a first interview, normally with a member of the recruitment team. If successful, the applicant will be invited for second interview with the Line Manager and Head of Department and, for certain positions within the company, a third interview will be held in Paris.

Q: How long does the training period last?
A: Medical Sales Representatives are invited to attend a six week residential Initial Training Programme.
Head Office and Laboratory training courses are tailored to meet the requirements of individual roles.
For certain positions, a further training period in Paris would be necessary.

Q: What can the graduates expect to do during their training?
A: The Initial Training Programme for Medical Sales Representatives covers specific areas such as sales skills, NHS structure, anatomy and physiology, disease areas and Servier and competitive products. After the Initial Training Programme, Medical Sales Representatives will have rigorous in-field training and professional development by Regional Managers. Within one year graduates will be ready to sit the ABPI examination, which is supported by the company.

As part of the ethos of investing in its people, Servier UK has developed a Continuous Professional Development Programme for all its employees. This involved developing a suite of competencies against which employees could objectively measure themselves. These were designed in the form of behaviours that should ideally be demonstrated. A unique set of behaviours was drawn up for every job in the company yet all contained common themes that correspond to Servier’s mission, vision and values.

The Continuous Professional Development Programme and Professional Improvement Plan highlight additional areas for ongoing training and development.

Q: Are there opportunities to work abroad?
A: Given the international stature of the Company and its commitment to promotion from within, ambitious and successful colleagues will always have the opportunity to progress to senior roles either in Paris or within the many countries worldwide in which Servier is represented. In addition, there are opportunities within all disciplines to attend conferences, seminars and symposia in various countries as part of their personal development.

Q: Can I contact someone to discuss career opportunities at Servier?
A: The number of general inquiries we receive makes this prohibitive. You may research your options by reviewing the Careers at Servier page.