# 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.

## Key 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.

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12585754