PhD to Industry Careers

This candidate successfully transitioned from a PhD-trained scientist into a Business Development Manager within a leading preclinical CRO by combining deep technical expertise with strong communication and commercial awareness. Over several years, they built extensive experience in gene editing, translational drug discovery and preclinical pharmacology, working across humanised mouse models, primary human cells and large animal studies. Alongside scientific delivery, they naturally gravitated towards cross-functional collaboration, external stakeholder engagement and presenting complex science to diverse audiences. Their progression into business development was a natural next step, allowing them to leverage their scientific credibility while building client relationships and identifying commercial opportunities.

Key highlights:

– PhD in Structural Biochemistry with 10+ years of experience in translational drug discovery and preclinical research.
– Contributed to IND-enabling studies, biomarker development and regulatory documentation for gene editing therapeutics.
– Delivered measurable scientific impact, including improving therapeutic efficacy in humanised mouse models from ~1% to 60% through optimisation of multiple technologies.
– Designed and validated cell-based potency assays, biomarker assays and translational workflows supporting first-in-human programmes.
– Worked closely with CROs, vendors, KOLs and cross-functional R&D teams, coordinating external collaborations and technology implementation.
– Regularly presented scientific data internally and externally, mentoring junior scientists and acting as a technical resource across multidisciplinary teams.
– Successfully transitioned into Business Development, now responsible for generating new business, managing client relationships, negotiating contracts and supporting the commercial growth of preclinical services, including genetically engineered mouse models, pharmacology and antibody discovery platforms