Why Global Companies Hire Biomedical Research Scientists from Brazil
Brazil has emerged as a growing hub for biomedical research talent, offering several compelling advantages for global pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device companies:
- Strong Academic Foundation: Brazil’s top universities like Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), and Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) produce highly qualified biomedical researchers with rigorous scientific training.
- Unique Disease Expertise: Brazilian researchers bring specialized knowledge in tropical diseases, infectious disease epidemiology, and public health challenges relevant to emerging markets.
- Cost-Effective Research Talent: Highly qualified biomedical scientists are available at competitive compensation rates compared to the U.S. or European markets, offering significant value without compromising quality.
- Growing Biotech Ecosystem: Brazil’s expanding biotechnology sector has created a pipeline of researchers experienced in translational research and commercial R&D environments.
- Diverse Population for Clinical Studies: Researchers from Brazil bring expertise in working with the country’s genetically diverse population, valuable for global clinical research programs.
Who Should Consider Hiring Brazilian Biomedical Research Scientists
Several types of organizations stand to benefit particularly from Brazilian biomedical research expertise:
- Pharmaceutical Research Organizations: Companies conducting drug discovery and development can leverage Brazil’s strengths in natural product research, infectious disease expertise, and clinical trial capabilities.
- Biotechnology Companies: Startups and established biotech firms can access specialized talent in genomics, immunology, and molecular biology at competitive costs.
- Medical Device Manufacturers: Organizations developing diagnostic equipment or therapeutic devices benefit from Brazil’s engineering and biological science integration capabilities.
- Public Health Research Institutes: Organizations studying emerging infectious diseases, tropical medicine, or population health can tap into Brazil’s substantial experience in these domains.
- Academic Research Collaborations: Universities and research networks can enhance their global perspective through partnerships with Brazilian biomedical scientists.
- Contract Research Organizations (CROs): Global CROs can build cost-effective research teams with experience in conducting studies compliant with international standards.
Key Skills and Specializations for Biomedical Research Scientists
Brazilian biomedical research scientists bring a diverse array of skills and specializations relevant to global research initiatives:
| Research Domain | Common Specializations | Relevant Techniques |
|---|---|---|
| Infectious Disease Research |
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| Genomics & Molecular Biology |
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| Immunology & Inflammation |
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| Natural Products Research |
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Emerging Areas of Excellence
Brazilian biomedical researchers are increasingly contributing to cutting-edge fields:
- Precision Medicine: Integrating genomic data with clinical outcomes in Brazil’s diverse population
- Neuroscience: Brain development, neurodegenerative diseases, and neuroinflammation research
- Regenerative Medicine: Stem cell research and tissue engineering applications
- Bioinformatics: Big data analysis for biological research and computational drug discovery
- Translational Research: Bridging laboratory discoveries with clinical applications
Experience Levels of Brazilian Biomedical Research Scientists
The Brazilian biomedical research ecosystem produces scientists at various career stages, each offering distinct value to global employers:
Entry-Level Researchers (MSc level, 1-3 years experience)
- Typically hold a Master’s degree in biomedical sciences, biotechnology, or related fields
- Experience with fundamental laboratory techniques and basic research methodologies
- Often have contributed to published research as co-authors
- Proficient in standard laboratory protocols and data collection
- Usually require supervision but can execute well-defined research tasks independently
- Bring fresh perspectives and current knowledge of emerging techniques
Mid-Level Scientists (PhD or early postdoc, 3-7 years experience)
- Hold doctoral degrees from Brazilian or international institutions
- Lead authors on peer-reviewed publications in specialized journals
- Capable of designing and executing complex experimental protocols
- Experience in data analysis and interpretation with statistical rigor
- May have supervised junior researchers or graduate students
- Often have international research experience through collaborations
- Able to troubleshoot methodological challenges independently
Senior Scientists (Experienced PhD/postdoc, 7+ years experience)
- Extensive publication record in high-impact journals
- Experience leading research teams and managing complex projects
- Grant writing experience and funding acquisition skills
- Deep specialization in specific biomedical research domains
- Established networks in the international scientific community
- Experience in translating research findings into practical applications
- Often have experience in regulatory compliance and ethics frameworks
- Capable of strategic research planning and program development
Principal Investigators/Research Directors (10+ years)
- Leaders who have built and directed substantial research programs
- Significant publication record with high citation impact
- Experience managing large research budgets and multi-team projects
- History of successful industry-academic collaborations
- Deep understanding of translational research pathways
- Expertise in intellectual property development and commercialization
- Strategic vision for research program development
Hiring Models to Choose From
When engaging Brazilian biomedical research scientists, several hiring models are available, each with distinct advantages for different research needs:
| Hiring Model | Best For | Advantages | Considerations |
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| Full-time Employment (via EOR) | Long-term research programs requiring dedicated scientists fully integrated into your team |
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| Contractor/Freelancer | Specific research projects, specialized analysis, or temporary expertise needs |
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| Research Partnership | Collaborative research with Brazilian universities or institutes |
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| Staff Augmentation | Expanding existing research teams with specialized Brazilian talent |
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Many organizations use a mix of these models depending on specific research needs. For example, core research functions might be handled by full-time employees hired through an EOR like Asanify, while specialized analyses could be performed by contractors or through institutional partnerships.
How to Legally Hire Biomedical Research Scientists in Brazil
Global companies have several options for legally hiring Brazilian biomedical researchers, each with different implications for compliance, control, and cost:
| Approach | Entity Establishment | Employer of Record (EOR) | Contractor Arrangement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Description | Setting up a legal subsidiary in Brazil | Using a service like Asanify to employ researchers on your behalf | Engaging researchers as independent professional service providers |
| Timeline | 3-6 months or longer | 24-48 hours | 1-2 weeks |
| Setup Cost | $15,000-$30,000+ | Minimal or none | Minimal |
| Ongoing Admin | Substantial (local accounting, legal, HR) | Minimal (managed by EOR) | Moderate (contract management) |
| Legal Risk | Moderate (with proper management) | Low (EOR assumes compliance responsibility) | High (misclassification risk) |
Entity Establishment Considerations
Setting up a Brazilian entity involves:
- Registering with multiple government authorities
- Appointing legal representatives
- Establishing compliant payroll and benefits systems
- Creating employment contracts in line with Brazilian labor law
- Opening local bank accounts and tax registrations
- Ongoing compliance with changing regulations
This approach makes sense only for large-scale, long-term research operations in Brazil.
Employer of Record Solution
Using an EOR like Asanify offers significant advantages for most research organizations:
- Legal employment of researchers without entity establishment
- Compliant contracts that protect intellectual property rights
- Management of all mandatory benefits and social contributions
- Handling of tax withholding and reporting requirements
- Ongoing compliance with changing employment regulations
- Risk mitigation for employment-related liabilities
This approach is ideal for companies looking to hire talent in Brazil from the USA or other countries without establishing a local entity.
Contractor Arrangements
While engaging researchers as contractors appears straightforward, it carries significant legal risks:
- Brazil’s labor authorities actively pursue misclassification cases
- Characteristics that may trigger reclassification include:
- Exclusivity arrangements
- Fixed working hours
- Direct supervision of work methods
- Long-term continuous engagement
- Reclassification can result in substantial back payments and penalties
- Intellectual property ownership may be less clearly defined
For most biomedical research engagements requiring ongoing collaboration and integration with your research team, an EOR solution provides the optimal balance of compliance, control, and administrative simplicity.
Step-by-Step Guide to Hiring Biomedical Research Scientists in Brazil
Step 1: Define Your Requirements
Begin by clearly defining what you need in a Brazilian biomedical researcher:
- Specific research expertise (e.g., molecular biology, immunology, bioinformatics)
- Required technical skills and laboratory techniques
- Experience level (junior researcher, scientist, senior scientist)
- Education requirements (MSc, PhD, postdoctoral experience)
- Publication history expectations
- Language proficiency needs (Portuguese, English, Spanish)
- Working arrangement (remote, hybrid, lab-based)
Step 2: Choose Your Hiring Model
Based on your research needs, determine the most appropriate engagement model:
- Full-time employment through an EOR for integrated team members
- Contractor arrangement for truly project-based research
- Institutional partnership for academic collaboration
- Staff augmentation for temporary research capacity
Step 3: Source Qualified Candidates
Brazil offers several channels for finding top biomedical research talent:
- Academic Networks: USP, UNICAMP, UFRJ, and FIOCRUZ have strong biomedical research programs
- Research Foundations: FAPESP (São Paulo Research Foundation) and CNPq maintain researcher databases
- Professional Platforms: LinkedIn and specialized scientific networking sites
- Scientific Conferences: Major Brazilian scientific meetings in relevant disciplines
- Industry Connections: Brazilian biotechnology and pharmaceutical networks
- Scientific Journals: Identifying Brazilian authors in relevant research publications
Step 4: Evaluate and Select Candidates
Implement a comprehensive assessment process:
- Review of scientific publications and citation metrics
- Evaluation of technical skills and methodological expertise
- Scientific presentation or seminar to assess communication abilities
- Technical interviews with your research team members
- Assessment of collaboration potential and cultural fit
- Verification of references from previous research supervisors
- Evaluation of research sample or case study if appropriate
Step 5: Onboard Successfully
Once you’ve selected your ideal candidate, ensure a smooth integration:
- Partner with an EOR like Asanify to handle employment contracts and legal compliance
- Establish clear intellectual property and confidentiality agreements
- Provide comprehensive orientation to research objectives and methodologies
- Integrate researchers into relevant team meetings and communications
- Set up necessary access to research platforms, databases, and resources
- Create a structured onboarding plan with clear milestones
- Assign a mentor or buddy from your existing research team
For organizations looking to scale their global teams efficiently, alternatives to Globalization Partners like Asanify can provide more personalized support for research-focused hiring.
Salary Benchmarks
Compensation for biomedical research scientists in Brazil varies based on education, experience, specialization, and location. Here are current salary benchmarks (in USD equivalent, as of 2025):
| Position Level | Education/Experience | Monthly Salary Range (USD) | Annual Salary Range (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Research Assistant | BSc/MSc, 1-3 years | $1,200 – $2,000 | $14,400 – $24,000 | Entry-level positions, often in academic settings |
| Research Scientist | MSc/PhD, 3-5 years | $2,000 – $3,500 | $24,000 – $42,000 | Mid-level researchers with specialized skills |
| Senior Scientist | PhD, 5-10 years | $3,500 – $6,000 | $42,000 – $72,000 | Experienced researchers, often leading projects |
| Principal Scientist | PhD, 10+ years | $6,000 – $9,000+ | $72,000 – $108,000+ | Strategic research leaders with publication history |
| Research Director | PhD, 15+ years | $9,000 – $15,000+ | $108,000 – $180,000+ | Top positions in industry or research institutes |
Regional Variations
Salaries vary significantly by location within Brazil:
- São Paulo: 10-20% premium over national average
- Rio de Janeiro: 5-15% premium over national average
- Belo Horizonte/Porto Alegre: Approximately at national average
- Other regions: May be 10-20% below national average
Specialization Premiums
Certain specialized skills command salary premiums:
- Bioinformatics/Computational Biology: +10-20%
- Clinical Research Experience: +5-15%
- GMP/GLP Regulatory Experience: +10-15%
- Advanced Genomics Techniques: +5-15%
- Medical Device Development: +10-20%
Total Employment Cost
When budgeting for Brazilian biomedical researchers, employers should account for approximately 70-80% in additional costs beyond base salary, including:
- Mandatory 13th salary (additional month’s salary)
- Vacation bonus (1/3 of monthly salary)
- FGTS (Severance Guarantee Fund) contributions of 8%
- Social security contributions (20-28.8% of salary)
- Health insurance (highly valued benefit in Brazil)
- Meal and transportation allowances
Using an EOR service like Asanify typically adds 5-15% to the total employment cost but eliminates the complexity of managing these requirements directly.
What Skills to Look for When Hiring Biomedical Research Scientists
When evaluating Brazilian biomedical research scientists, look for this comprehensive skill set:
Technical Research Skills
- Laboratory Techniques: Proficiency in methods relevant to your research focus (PCR, cell culture, microscopy, etc.)
- Analytical Methods: Experience with appropriate analytical tools (flow cytometry, mass spectrometry, sequencing, etc.)
- Experimental Design: Ability to design rigorous, reproducible experiments with proper controls
- Data Analysis: Statistical expertise and familiarity with relevant software (R, SPSS, GraphPad Prism)
- Bioinformatics: Computational skills for managing and analyzing biological datasets
- GLP/GMP Experience: Familiarity with quality standards for regulated research
Scientific Knowledge Base
- Subject Matter Expertise: Deep knowledge in relevant biomedical domains
- Research Methodology: Understanding of scientific methods and research design principles
- Literature Awareness: Familiarity with current research and ability to critically evaluate scientific literature
- Interdisciplinary Understanding: Ability to connect concepts across biological, chemical, and medical domains
- Regulatory Knowledge: Awareness of relevant ethical and regulatory frameworks
Professional Skills
- Scientific Writing: Ability to produce clear, concise scientific documentation and manuscripts
- Data Visualization: Skills in presenting complex data in accessible formats
- Research Documentation: Meticulous record-keeping and protocol documentation
- Project Management: Experience planning and executing research projects to completion
- Presentation Skills: Ability to communicate complex scientific concepts clearly
Soft Skills for Research Excellence
- Critical Thinking: Analytical approach to scientific problems and data interpretation
- Scientific Creativity: Innovative thinking in experimental approaches and problem-solving
- Collaboration: Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary research teams
- Adaptability: Flexibility to adjust research directions based on emerging data
- Attention to Detail: Precision in experimental execution and data analysis
- Resilience: Persistence in troubleshooting and overcoming research challenges
Indicators of Research Potential
- Publication Record: Quality and quantity of peer-reviewed publications
- Citation Impact: Influence of previous research in the field
- Grant History: Success in securing research funding
- Conference Presentations: Active participation in scientific discourse
- Continuous Learning: Evidence of ongoing skill development
- Research Network: Connections with other researchers and institutions
Legal and Compliance Considerations
Employing biomedical research scientists in Brazil involves navigating specific legal and regulatory frameworks:
Employment Law Compliance
- CLT Regulations: Brazil’s Consolidation of Labor Laws (CLT) provides extensive employee protections
- Employment Contracts: Written contracts must comply with Brazilian labor law and specify research responsibilities
- Working Hours: Standard 44-hour workweek with strict overtime compensation requirements
- Termination Procedures: Specific rules for contract termination with notice periods and severance calculations
- Workplace Safety: Specific requirements for laboratory safety and hazardous materials handling
Mandatory Benefits
- 13th Salary: Additional month’s salary paid annually
- Vacation: 30 calendar days after each 12-month period with an additional 1/3 salary bonus
- FGTS: Employer contribution of 8% of monthly salary to the Severance Indemnity Fund
- Transportation Vouchers: Required if employees use public transportation
- Health Benefits: While not strictly mandatory, health insurance is an expected benefit
Research-Specific Regulations
- Ethics Committee Approval: Research involving human subjects requires CONEP (National Research Ethics Commission) approval
- Biosafety Regulations: Research with biological materials must comply with CTNBio (National Biosafety Technical Commission) guidelines
- Genetic Resource Access: Research using Brazilian biodiversity requires SisGen registration and compliance with benefit-sharing regulations
- Animal Research: Studies involving animals must adhere to CONCEA (National Council for Control of Animal Experimentation) standards
- Clinical Research: Human trials must follow ANVISA (Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency) regulations
Intellectual Property Considerations
- IP Ownership: Clear contractual provisions regarding research discoveries and inventions
- Patent Regulations: Understanding of Brazilian patent law for research innovations
- Technology Transfer: Compliance with regulations regarding international knowledge transfer
- Publication Rights: Balancing scientific publication with IP protection
- Confidentiality Provisions: Appropriate protections for proprietary research
Using an Employer of Record like Asanify ensures compliance with these complex requirements while mitigating legal risks. Asanify’s expertise in attendance management and employee documentation is particularly valuable for research organizations that must maintain detailed records of laboratory work hours and research activities.
Common Challenges Global Employers Face
Organizations hiring Brazilian biomedical research scientists typically encounter several significant challenges:
Navigating Complex Employment Regulations
Brazil’s labor laws are among the most comprehensive and employee-favorable globally. The CLT (Consolidation of Labor Laws) contains over 900 articles governing employment relationships. Many foreign employers struggle with requirements like mandatory benefits, strict working hour regulations, and complicated termination procedures. Misclassifying researchers as contractors when they function as employees creates significant legal exposure.
Intellectual Property Protection
Securing clear ownership of research outputs can be complicated under Brazilian IP law. Without properly structured contracts, researchers may retain certain rights to their innovations or face restrictions on knowledge transfer. International research collaborations require carefully crafted agreements that comply with both Brazilian and foreign IP regulations while protecting valuable discoveries.
Research Compliance Frameworks
Brazil has distinct regulatory frameworks for various types of biomedical research. Organizations must navigate multiple oversight bodies including CONEP for human subjects research, CTNBio for biosafety, CONCEA for animal studies, and ANVISA for clinical trials. Failure to obtain proper approvals can invalidate research findings and create legal liabilities.
Cultural and Communication Differences
Brazilian research culture emphasizes collaborative relationships and contextual communication. This can create misalignments with the more direct communication styles common in North American or European organizations. Additionally, while scientific English proficiency is common among Brazilian researchers, subtle language barriers can impact complex scientific discussions and documentation.
Administrative and Logistical Challenges
Practical matters like equipment procurement, importing research materials, and managing international payments can be surprisingly complex. Brazil’s import procedures for scientific equipment involve extensive documentation and potential delays. Banking regulations and currency controls add friction to researcher compensation and research fund transfers.
Working with an established EOR partner like Asanify addresses many of these challenges by providing compliant employment solutions, cultural guidance, and streamlined administrative processes specifically designed for specialized professionals like biomedical researchers.
Best Practices for Managing Remote Biomedical Research Scientists in Brazil
Successfully integrating and managing Brazilian biomedical researchers requires thoughtful approaches to remote scientific collaboration:
Establish Clear Research Protocols and Documentation Standards
- Implement standardized protocols for experimental procedures and data collection
- Create shared repositories for research documentation with consistent formatting
- Establish version control systems for research protocols and analysis pipelines
- Define expectations for laboratory notebooks and research records
- Develop clear guidelines for data management and storage
Optimize Communication for Scientific Collaboration
- Schedule regular research meetings with clear agendas and documentation
- Use visual collaboration tools for discussing complex scientific concepts
- Implement both synchronous and asynchronous communication channels
- Create dedicated forums for troubleshooting experimental challenges
- Consider recording key scientific discussions for reference and knowledge sharing
Bridge Cultural Differences in Research Approaches
- Recognize that Brazilian researchers may take a more relationship-oriented approach to collaboration
- Allow time for “scientific storytelling” alongside data presentation
- Understand that critique may be delivered more indirectly than in some Western scientific cultures
- Acknowledge local scientific holidays and academic calendars in project planning
- Create opportunities for scientific and cultural exchange to strengthen team cohesion
Provide Appropriate Research Resources
- Ensure access to necessary scientific literature and databases
- Supply appropriate software tools for data analysis and visualization
- Consider equipment needs for home-based or local laboratory work
- Provide computing resources for data processing when needed
- Budget for local reagents and materials when beneficial
Implement Effective Project Management for Research
- Develop clear research milestones with realistic timelines
- Create systems for tracking experimental progress across locations
- Establish decision-making frameworks for research direction adjustments
- Use project management tools adapted for scientific workflows
- Balance structured oversight with scientific autonomy
Foster Professional Development and Scientific Growth
- Support participation in relevant scientific conferences and workshops
- Provide opportunities for continuing education in emerging techniques
- Encourage publication of research findings when appropriate
- Create mentoring relationships with senior scientists
- Recognize scientific achievements and contributions
Ensure Regulatory Compliance Across Borders
- Develop clear protocols for research ethics and compliance
- Provide training on both Brazilian and international research regulations
- Establish procedures for obtaining necessary approvals and permits
- Create systems for monitoring ongoing compliance requirements
- Consult with regulatory experts when navigating complex requirements
Why Use Asanify to Hire Biomedical Research Scientists in Brazil
Asanify provides a comprehensive solution for research organizations looking to hire biomedical talent in Brazil without establishing a legal entity:
Specialized Research Employment Expertise
- Deep understanding of biomedical research roles and requirements
- Experience with scientific employment compliance frameworks
- Knowledge of research-specific compensation structures
- Guidance on intellectual property protection in employment agreements
- Familiarity with Brazil’s biomedical research ecosystem
Full Legal Compliance for Scientific Staff
- Compliant employment contracts tailored for research positions
- Management of all mandatory benefits required by Brazilian law
- Proper handling of tax withholdings and social security contributions
- Ongoing monitoring of regulatory changes affecting scientific employment
- Mitigation of researcher misclassification risks
Streamlined Onboarding for Research Personnel
- Rapid employment setup in as little as 24-48 hours
- Efficient documentation collection and verification
- Smooth transition from offer acceptance to productive research work
- Guidance on research-specific onboarding best practices
- Support for equipment and resource provision
Comprehensive HR Support for Research Teams
- OKR management tools to align research objectives with organizational goals
- Attendance management systems that comply with laboratory work requirements
- Performance management guidance for remote scientific teams
- Local HR advisory support for researcher relations issues
- Assistance with research-specific performance metrics and evaluation
International Research Collaboration Support
- Solutions for multi-country research teams
- Support for international scientific exchanges and visits
- Guidance on cross-border intellectual property considerations
- Multi-currency payment capabilities
- Compliance with international scientific collaboration frameworks
Cost-Effective Research Team Building
- Elimination of entity setup costs for research operations
- No need for local administrative staff or office space
- Reduced compliance risk and associated potential penalties
- Predictable monthly costs without hidden fees
- Scalability for expanding research initiatives
By partnering with Asanify, you can focus on advancing your biomedical research agenda while we handle the complex compliance and administrative requirements of employing Brazilian scientists.
FAQs: Hiring Biomedical Research Scientists in Brazil
How much does it cost to hire a biomedical research scientist in Brazil?
Base salaries range from $24,000-$42,000 annually for mid-level researchers to $72,000-$108,000+ for principal scientists. Add approximately 70-80% for mandatory benefits and employer contributions. When using an EOR service like Asanify, expect an additional service fee of 5-15% of the total employment cost.
What are Brazil’s strongest biomedical research areas?
Brazil has particular strengths in infectious disease research (especially tropical and neglected diseases), immunology, neuroscience, genetics of diverse populations, natural products research, and cancer biology. The country also has growing expertise in bioinformatics, precision medicine, and regenerative medicine.
How does the education system for biomedical researchers work in Brazil?
Brazilian researchers typically complete a 4-5 year undergraduate degree (bacharelado), followed by a 2-year Master’s (mestrado) and 4-year Doctoral degree (doutorado). Many complete “sandwich” programs with international research experience or post-doctoral fellowships abroad. The Brazilian government funds many graduate scholarships through CAPES and CNPq agencies.
Can Brazilian biomedical researchers work remotely for foreign companies?
Yes, many aspects of biomedical research can be conducted remotely, particularly computational work, data analysis, research design, and scientific writing. Laboratory-based experimental work requires appropriate facilities, which may be arranged through partnerships with local institutions or laboratory space rental.
What intellectual property considerations should I be aware of?
When hiring Brazilian researchers, ensure employment contracts clearly address IP ownership of discoveries and innovations. Brazil’s Innovation Law provides a framework for research IP, but specific contractual provisions are essential. Consider that research using Brazilian biodiversity may be subject to benefit-sharing requirements under the Biodiversity Law.
How do I handle laboratory equipment and supplies for researchers in Brazil?
Options include: 1) Partnering with local institutions that have existing facilities, 2) Setting up a local laboratory through specialized scientific workspace providers, 3) Importing equipment (which requires navigating Brazil’s import regulations), or 4) Purchasing locally available equipment and supplies. Many researchers maintain connections with Brazilian universities that may offer facility access arrangements.
What language proficiency should I expect from Brazilian biomedical researchers?
Most Brazilian scientists in biomedical fields have professional working proficiency in English, as it is the dominant language for scientific publication. Those with international research experience or PhDs typically have strong English skills. Technical scientific English is generally stronger than conversational English. Portuguese remains the primary language for local scientific discourse.
How do Brazilian biomedical researchers compare internationally?
Brazilian biomedical researchers are well-regarded internationally, particularly in infectious disease, tropical medicine, and natural products research. The country produces over 50,000 scientific papers annually, ranking among the top 15 globally for research output. Brazilian scientists often bring unique perspectives from working in resource-constrained environments, fostering innovative approaches to research challenges.
What approvals are needed for biomedical research in Brazil?
Research involving human subjects requires approval from local Research Ethics Committees (CEPs) and potentially the National Research Ethics Commission (CONEP). Studies with genetic resources must register with SisGen. Animal studies need CONCEA approval, while research with GMOs requires CTNBio authorization. Clinical trials must be approved by ANVISA, Brazil’s health regulatory agency.
How quickly can I onboard a biomedical researcher in Brazil through Asanify?
With Asanify’s EOR services, you can typically onboard researchers within 24-48 hours once the candidate has accepted your offer. This includes contract generation, documentation collection, and payroll setup—significantly faster than the 3-6 months required to establish a legal entity in Brazil.
Can I hire Brazilian researchers as independent contractors?
While possible, contractor arrangements carry significant misclassification risks if the relationship resembles employment (fixed schedules, exclusivity, direct supervision). Brazilian authorities actively pursue misclassification cases, resulting in substantial penalties. Using an EOR like Asanify eliminates these risks while ensuring proper employment benefits and IP protections.
What mandatory benefits must I provide to Brazilian researchers?
Brazilian law requires several mandatory benefits including 13th-month salary, 30 days paid vacation with a one-third bonus, FGTS contributions (8% of salary), transportation allowances, and typically health insurance. Asanify manages all these requirements in compliance with local regulations.
Conclusion
Brazil represents an exceptional opportunity for global biomedical research organizations seeking to expand their scientific capabilities. The country offers a deep pool of well-trained researchers with expertise in areas ranging from infectious disease and immunology to genomics and natural products research—often at significantly more competitive costs than North American or European markets.
Brazilian biomedical scientists bring valuable perspectives from working in one of the world’s most biodiverse countries with a genetically diverse population. This experience often translates into innovative approaches to global health challenges and unique insights for drug discovery and development programs.
However, navigating Brazil’s complex employment laws, research regulations, and intellectual property frameworks presents significant challenges for foreign organizations. Using an Employer of Record like Asanify eliminates these barriers, allowing you to quickly and compliantly hire top scientific talent without establishing a legal entity.
By leveraging the right hiring model and support infrastructure, you can access Brazil’s specialized biomedical researchers to strengthen your research programs, accelerate scientific discovery, and gain competitive advantages in the increasingly global biomedical research landscape.
Not to be considered as tax, legal, financial or HR advice. Regulations change over time so please consult a lawyer, accountant or Labour Law expert for specific guidance.
