WIB-Seattle: Transitions – An Academia-To-Industry Career Panel

The Women In Bio Seattle Chapter organized a discussion on March 19 to guide scientists considering moving from academia to the biotech industry. Hosted by Life Sciences Washington (LSW), the event featured panelists Tina Albershardt (Moonlight Bio), Namita Hattangady (Immunome, Inc.), Berry Hatton (Galvanize Therapeutics, Inc.), Kaitlyn LaCourse (Bruker Spatial Biology), and Lindsay Pino (Talus Bio). Dale Willard, Director of Membership at LSW, opened the session by highlighting the organization’s mission to support public advocacy, workforce development, and startups. Melissa DeFrancesco, Programs Committee Co-Vice Chair, introduced WIB and thanked sponsors Bristol Myers Squibb, Fred Hutch, Omeros, Seneca Group, and Lundbeck. The event, moderated by Jenny Waters, focused on personal career transitions, industry expectations, and job search strategies.

Panelists shared their motivations for moving from academia to industry. Kaitlyn realized she didn’t want to become a principal investigator, while Lindsay transitioned unexpectedly when a co-founder approached her during the pandemic. Namita sought a career closer to clinical applications. Discussing common job search mistakes, panelists emphasized the importance of efficiency, cautioning against spending excessive time perfecting cover letters. "I used to obsess over my cover letter and ended up applying eight days after the job posting—by then, there were already over 100 applicants," Namita admitted. Lindsay noted that referrals play a significant role in hiring, saying, "I don’t look at 90% of resumes. If I have a recommendation, I might take a look and if the resume looks promising, I invite the person for an interview." Tina, however, differs in approach, personally reviewing every application she receives.

The discussion then shifted to choosing the right job fit. Berry stressed the importance of workplace culture, advising job seekers to assess whether they prefer structured environments or fast-paced startups. "If you're looking for a 9-to-5 job, a startup may not be the right fit. You wear many hats, make rapid decisions, and think about work even at home. But if you love chaos, it’s a great place to be," she explained. Lindsay urged flexibility, adding, "Don’t think you must commit to startups or mid-sized companies forever. Pick one now, and you can always change later."

The panel also dispelled misconceptions about industry research. Tina emphasized that "Industry does real science, publishes peer-reviewed papers, and contributes significantly to innovation." Berry added that funding constraints often shape industry research timelines. Reflecting on what they wished they had known earlier, Kaitlyn admitted she feared leaving R&D would limit her career, but it ultimately opened new doors. Namita stressed the importance of confidence: "As women, we tend to undervalue ourselves, but academia makes you a strong researcher. There are many entry points into the industry."

When asked about navigating industry amid political and economic shifts, Berry encouraged adaptability: "Be ready for change, embrace ambiguity, and stay flexible." Lindsay advised job seekers to understand company funding and financial stability before joining. Panelists highlighted networking’s importance, urging attendees to build a "steering committee”- mentors who advocate for them. "Go for coffee chats. Find people in your target companies and ask about their roles," one panelist suggested.

During the Q&A, audience members asked about work-life balance, particularly for mothers. The panelists unanimously emphasized the need for strong support systems. "It takes a village. Build a solid support network, and you can do this!" Berry reassured. When asked about hiring trends, Lindsay estimated that 95% of hires come from referrals, while Tina put the number at 50% or more. On Seattle’s biotech scene, the panelists noted its niche focus but emphasized growing opportunities in biotech manufacturing. The event concluded with Melissa thanking the panelists, attendees, and sponsors, leaving participants with valuable insights and encouragement to embrace new career opportunities with confidence.

Submitted by Debarati (Debby) Choudhury