Grad student to biotech to pharma: career odyssey of an industrial structural biologist

TL;DR

The paper describes a career journey from academia to biotech and pharma, highlighting personal growth and evolving perspectives on structural biology.

Contribution

Shares a personal narrative of career transition and professional development in structural biology across different sectors.

Findings

Academic aspirations shifted to industry roles over 15 years.

Gained expertise in structural biology techniques and leadership.

Industry experience reshaped views on structural biology's role.

Abstract

I went to grad school convinced that I wanted to become a professor and run my own lab. However, I ultimately learned that academia wasn't for me, so I left my PhD program with a Master's degree and found a 'temporary' position at a small biotech. This job grew into a career spanning 15 years. During my time in industry I’ve worked for a contract research organization that rebranded twice before being acquired by a mid-size pharma. Throughout my career I’ve learned new structural biology and biophysical techniques, been trained to be a leader, and grown to be the structural biology subject matter expert for early-stage therapeutic projects. I’ll share what that journey was like for me and how it continues to shape how I view the role of structural biology.