US Pharmaceutical Correspondent

The FT’s US operations have an opening for a New York-based US Pharmaceutical Correspondent, one of our premier corporate reporting beats in the foreign network. It is a rewarding, wide-ranging job that combines covering some of the biggest companies in America with compelling scientific, political and human interest stories. It would suit an independent journalist able to set their own agenda, compete for scoops and understand which stories are priorities for FT readers.

US pharmaceutical and biotech companies are facing significant challenges after a decade of rapid growth and technological progress. Several are suing the Biden administration over cuts to drug prices, which are a centrepiece of the president’s agenda. The FTC’s recent crackdown on consolidation has also raised questions about business models that have relied on growth through acquisition.

A patent cliff has meanwhile put more than $200bn of annual revenues at risk and rising interest rates, the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and a weak IPO market have left some biotech companies struggling to survive. Despite the political and financial pressure, the sector is reporting notable scientific breakthroughs, with more cell and gene therapies gaining approval and more patients being matched to treatments using genetic data and artificial intelligence.

Whatever the outlook for Covid-19, we will be looking for original and insightful coverage of America’s biggest public health crises, including obesity and opioids, where synthetic drugs like fentanyl are causing near-record numbers of overdose deaths. The high costs of healthcare in the US are also an enduring preoccupation for employers. The successful candidate will work closely with Hannah Kuchler, the FT’s global pharmaceuticals editor, M&A reporters in the US and London, and colleagues in Washington, DC.

What We’re Looking For

Proven corporate reporter and scoop getter who can toggle between breaking news and longer, insightful reads
Team player who can work across bureaus and desks on global health trends, including the pandemic’s continuing international impact
Ability to carve out time to do long-form journalism that illuminates the big stories through the experiences of patients and their carers. The successful candidate will be expected to pitch to all parts of the FT, from the Big Read to the Weekend magazine.
Facility with simplifying big, complex scientific issues so the can be digested by the lay reader, particularly in the area of biotechnology

Please submit your application by the end of the day, September 21 2023.

Salary range

A reasonable estimate of the salary range for this role is $90,000 to $125,000. To ensure pay fairness, the successful candidate will be offered a salary within the estimated salary range based on a number of considerations including but not limited to: skill set; experience and training; certifications; and other business and organisational needs. The disclosed range estimate is for our NYC office and has not been adjusted for other locations.

Benefits

Our benefits vary depending on location, but we are committed to providing best in class perks across all our offices as well as an inclusive environment to develop your career. Examples of our benefits include; generous annual leave allowances, flexible working (including working from home), medical cover, enhanced maternity & paternity packages, subsidised gym memberships and Giving Back opportunities. Full details of our benefits can be found here.

How We Work

Our hybrid setup means staff are expected to come into the office 3 days a week. Our New York office is located on Hudson Street between Greenwich Village and Soho.