Time We Discuss: Insights Working in the Biotech Industry
Watch/Listen to this Episode Insights Working in the Biotech Industry
In this episode of Time We Discuss, we follow the career of Brad Anderson, a professional with extensive experience in the biotechnology industry, and his subsequent transition to academia and writing. The conversation highlights key aspects of working in biotech, its challenges, and its intersection with technology and business.
Brad shares his early experiences in the biotechnology field, describing it as a bucket of fun
as well as a dynamic and rewarding industry, particularly in drug development for clinical trials. His first project, a turkey vaccine, was a unique start to his career. Most of his work, however, focused on cancer therapies, biologics, and treatments for antibiotic-resistant infections. He explains the difference between pharmaceuticals (chemically manufactured drugs) and biologics (produced through biological processes using genetically engineered bacteria). Brad emphasizes the excitement of working with cutting-edge science, like gene splicing and toxin-targeting technologies, even as much of this “old” technology continues to evolve today.
He also notes how advancements in the field have significantly accelerated processes like DNA sequencing, which was once slow and labor-intensive but is now rapid and efficient. He praises breakthroughs such as mRNA vaccine technology, which has revolutionized vaccine production and holds promise for correcting genetic issues. Despite these innovations, Brad laments the underpromotion of biotechnology compared to industries like computing, pointing out that many biological advancements remain underappreciated.
The discussion shifts to the challenges of working in biotech. Brad recalls the adrenaline rush of working under tight deadlines and financial constraints, particularly in contract manufacturing, where projects had to succeed on the first attempt due to limited resources. He also highlights the volatility of early-stage biotech companies, many of which rely heavily on investor funding and have high failure rates during clinical trials. This instability led Brad to transition out of biotech after years of navigating an unpredictable career landscape.
Education requirements for biotech roles vary, with opportunities available for individuals with bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees. Brad suggests that a master’s degree is often a sweet spot,
offering career advancement without requiring the lengthy commitment of a Ph.D. For those pursuing biotech careers, he recommends pairing scientific qualifications with business knowledge, as the two fields often operate in silos.
Brad eventually transitioned to academia, leveraging his MBA to teach business. Now a professor and department chair, he finds fulfillment in education, helping students bridge the gap between science and business. He has also become a writer, publishing both science fiction and non-fiction. Brad reflects on his writing journey, noting that his early self-published trilogy served as a learning experience, paving the way for future successes with traditional publishers.
He concludes by promoting his upcoming science fiction novel, Ashme's Song, a story featuring flawed characters navigating complex situations. Brad’s career trajectory—from biotech scientist to educator and author—highlights the diverse paths available to those with scientific expertise and a willingness to adapt.
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