Want to work in the exciting world of life sciences? Check out these industry experts and role models in everything from research to biopharma.
It’s Life Sciences Week here at Siliconrepublic.com, and that means anyone who is interested in a career in biotech, pharma, medtech or research will have advice, profiles and job hotspots coming out of their ears.
With the biotech industry expecting more than 8,000 jobs over the next few years, there’s arguably never been a better time to start a career in life sciences.
But where should you start if you want to work in biotech, pharma or medtech? Well, your education will be an essential ingredient, but not everything is learned in the classroom.
With a wealth of experts and influencers from the life sciences world online, and particularly on Twitter, you’d be surprised how much you can learn about the industry simply by hitting that follow button.
Brent Saunders (@brentlsaunders)
Brent Saunders is chairman and CEO of Dublin-based pharma company Allergan. He has worked in the life sciences industry for about 25 years and, while not a qualified scientist, he’s an important person to follow.
Proud of my 18,000 @Allergan colleagues around the world who impact patients' lives every day #BOLD4life @LinkedIn #LinkedInTopCompanies https://t.co/jLXyCPzwj5
— Brent Saunders (@brentlsaunders) May 18, 2017
Not only will his tweets keep you in the loop in terms of the Irish biopharma sector, he is also a strong role model for anyone who wants to go into the business side of life sciences.
Keelin O’Donoghue (@keelinodonoghue)
Keelin O’Donoghue is an obstetrician, maternal-fetal medicine specialist and a senior lecturer at University College Cork.
Well done to 'our' graduates Deirdre, Danielle & Jackie from all @PregnancyLossIE – very proud of you as #wearedelivering new doctors ! https://t.co/oswZVkLn5g
— Keelin O'Donoghue (@keelinodonoghue) May 26, 2017
For anyone interested in the medical side of life sciences, O’Donoghue is one of the best people to follow on Twitter. She frequently tweets about important insights and discussions going on in the world of health.
John Mack (@pharmaguy)
Better known as Pharma Guy, Mack has been in the pharma industry for more than 20 years. Through his Twitter handle, he frequently tweets about industry news.
PinUp: New #FDA Commissioner Plans "More Forceful" Steps to Stem Opioid Addiction Crisis, More… https://t.co/GtV1IsdA79 pic.twitter.com/yfNXAMPRIV
— Pharma Guy (@pharmaguy) May 26, 2017
As he is based in the US, a lot of his news comes from there too, but it’s good to stay aware of international pharma developments, especially if you plan to travel.
Sarah Morgan (@sarahmorgan)
A strong communicator in the pharma field, Sarah Morgan works as a health marketing communications consultant. She has been writing about pharma since 1997.
Predictive analytics in pharma: We have data and tech but no plug-and-play solutions yet. We still need experts. https://t.co/WTnPVRcay7
— Sarah Morgan (@sarahmorgan) May 25, 2017
On Twitter, Morgan deems herself a pharma geek, and her commentary on the various elements of the health and pharma world make for fascinating reading.
David Kroll (@davidkroll)
David Kroll is a qualified pharmacologist and freelance science and medicine writer based in the US.
Massive migraine today precluding writing but amazing pride 4: 2 women colleagues having major career achievements (PhD, big job). I ❤️y'all
— David Kroll (@davidkroll) May 9, 2017
Kroll is a contributing writer for Forbes and Chemical & Engineering News. His tweets are often delightfully personal, and he regularly advocates for diversity in the life sciences sector, providing insights into the world of health, science and drugs.
Christiane Truelove (@ChristianeTrue)
An experienced pharma industry writer, Christiane Truelove has been heavily involved with Med Ad News, a trade magazine that covers marketing, promotion and professional advertising of prescription drugs.
Goodman: On observational studies vs. RCI-which is better, a knife or a hammer? Depends on how use it, what's available, etc. #ISPORBoston
— Christiane Truelove (@ChristianeTrue) May 24, 2017
Her tweets are full of interesting information and insights for anyone who wants to learn more about life sciences. Last week, she tweeted from the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research meeting.
Matt Moran (@mattmoranBPCI)
As the director of BioPharmaChem Ireland for the last 25 years, Matt Moran is a must-follow for anyone interested in a life sciences career.
Great presentation by Aidan Lynch at Biopharma Summit – promoting industry reputation very well pic.twitter.com/M7TlocL2Tr
— Matt Moran (@mattmoranBPCI) May 9, 2017
Moran tweets about all manner of things going on in the biotech and chemical sectors in Ireland and abroad, and will keep you up to date with industry happenings closer to home.
Sally Church (@MaverickNY)
According to her Twitter profile, Sally Church is a scientist, cancer geek, Londoner, adventurer and explorer.
When you write about cancer drug development… and someone pitches you on a story on regenerative hair products. Sighs
— Sally Church (@MaverickNY) May 9, 2017
She is writer and editor of Biotech Strategy Blog, the executive director at an oncology/haematology-focused online digital media company (Blue Ice Publishing) and she has a PhD in respiratory medicine.
Peter Loftus (@Loftus)
Based in Philadelphia, Peter Loftus is a reporter for The Wall Street Journal, covering drug companies and healthcare.
Fascinating story on telecom entrepreneur, also chairman of cancer drug developer Cornerstone Pharma https://t.co/eCLLzQDAes
— Peter Loftus (@Loftus) May 12, 2017
Loftus will keep you informed on all things FDA, sharing important stories and developments from the pharma world.
Karen James (@kejames)
Karen James is a scientist at Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory in the University of Washington. She also co-founded the HMS Beagle project 10 years ago, an organisation working to rebuild the HMS Beagle and retrace its famous 1831-1835 voyage around the world.
This begs the Q: What if something like this arises during postdoc or 1st year of job, before one has a lab group to keep things going? https://t.co/tMFeG8hqqn
— Karen James (@kejames) May 15, 2017
Along with fascinating tweets for anyone aspiring to work in life sciences – particular genetics or biology – she’s also a vocal feminist, and her tweets are guaranteed to keep you entertained.
