Careers in Discovery

Tom Froggatt
Careers in Discovery

Careers in Discovery is your window into the world of Pharma & Biotech. Featuring interviews each week with leaders in Drug Discovery and R&D, you’ll learn about the careers of these influential figures, the work they are doing, how they got to where they are and what advice they’d give their younger selves. Brought to you by Singular Talent. Connect with us at: Twitter: @singular_talent LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/singular-talent www.singulartalent.io

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    Jonas Dyhrfjeld-Johnsen, Acousia Therapeutics

    This week on Careers in Discovery, we’re joined by Jonas Dyhrfjeld-Johnsen, Chief Development Officer and Managing Director at Acousia Therapeutics, a company developing innovative therapies to preserve and restore hearing. Jonas shares his journey from academic Biophysics to Biotech leadership, reflecting on the importance of adaptability and continuous learning. We discuss Acousia’s groundbreaking work targeting sensory hair cells and their Phase 2 trial aimed at preventing chemotherapy-induced hearing loss, as well as the challenges and rewards of leading a lean, virtual Biotech. An inspiring conversation about tackling a major global health issue and building a meaningful career in science.

    38 min

  2. 5 DAYS AGO

    David Gray, Vigil Neuroscience

    Could microglia hold the key to treating neurodegenerative diseases? This week on Careers in Discovery, Emma Hobbs is with David Gray, Chief Scientific Officer at Vigil Neuroscience, who is pioneering new approaches to harness the brain’s immune system. David shares his unique career journey, from aspiring author to leading drug discovery programs at Pfizer and now in Biotech. He reflects on the power of curiosity, mentorship, and cross-disciplinary learning that shaped his path to leadership. In this episode, David and Emma discuss Vigil's ground-breaking work in targeting ALSP and Alzheimer’s disease, the lessons he’s learned transitioning from big pharma to Biotech, and why having fun is essential to building a fulfilling scientific career. Join us for an inspiring conversation about leadership, innovation, and advancing treatments for patients in need.

    30 min

  3. 18/12/2024

    Rodrigo Santos, clock.bio

    This week on Careers in Discovery, we’re joined by Rodrigo Santos, CTO of clock.bio, a company pushing the boundaries of cellular rejuvenation to tackle age-related diseases. Rodrigo shares the fascinating work happening at clock.bio, including their hypothesis-free approach to uncovering rejuvenation factors and the creation of their “Atlas of Rejuvenation Factors.” We also got to hear about Rodrigo’s incredible journey - from growing up in a small farming village in Portugal to leading cutting-edge biotech companies - all driven by his passion for cellular plasticity and the transformative potential of Yamanaka factors. Along the way, he reflects on the lessons he’s learned, balancing science and business, and why emphasis on execution is key. Join us as we explore the science of rejuvenation, the innovation behind it, and the mindset needed to succeed in this ever-evolving field.

    52 min

  4. 11/12/2024

    Jen Fortune, Precede Biosciences

    In this episode of Careers in Discovery, we had the pleasure of talking to Jen Fortune, Chief Operating Officer at Precede Biosciences. Jen shared her fascinating journey, from a PhD in chemistry to consulting, big pharma, and now driving operations in a cutting-edge liquid biopsy company. Her story is one of curiosity, grit, and seizing opportunities alongside incredible people. We also explored the game-changing potential of Precede’s work in epigenomics and how their innovative platform is helping to unlock the future of precision medicine. Along the way, Jen reflects on her passion for mentoring, the importance of fostering diversity, and how embracing your authentic style can drive both personal and professional success. This is a conversation full of practical insights and inspiration for anyone navigating a career in science, leadership, or the life sciences industry.

    36 min

  5. 04/12/2024

    James Field, LabGenius

    In this episode of Careers in Discovery, we’re with James Field, the founder and CEO of LabGenius, as we discuss his remarkable journey from PhD student to biotech entrepreneur. James reveals the vision behind LabGenius, a company harnessing the power of machine learning and protein engineering to transform therapeutic antibody discovery. Our conversation explores the challenges of early-stage entrepreneurship, the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people, and the transition from being a scientist at the bench to leading a multidisciplinary team. James also reflects on the role of focus, perseverance, and tackling unsolved problems in building a world-class biotech organisation. A must-listen episode for aspiring founders, scientists, and anyone curious about the intersection of AI and biology.

    47 min

  6. 27/11/2024

    Katie Binley, Ikarovec

    This week on Careers in Discovery we’re with Katie Binley, CSO of Ikarovec, a gene therapy company tackling chronic eye diseases like geographic atrophy and age-related macular degeneration. Katie shares Ikarovec’s incredible journey—from starting out in the middle of a pandemic to securing a £5 million funding extension—and how a small, tight-knit team made it all happen. Katie tells us all about the science behind their work, how her career has evolved (including 25 years at Oxford Biomedica), and why stepping out of your comfort zone and creating your own luck are so important. It’s a brilliant conversation full of insights into leadership, innovation, and building something great on a shoestring budget.

    44 min

  7. 20/11/2024

    Lucas Arruda, Curacell

    In this week’s episode of Careers in Discovery we’re talking with Lucas Arruda, CSO at CuraCell, a biotech on a mission to push the boundaries of cancer treatment using TIL (tumour-infiltrating lymphocyte) therapy. Lucas shares how CuraCell is working to expand TIL treatment beyond "hot" tumours like melanoma to tougher "cold" tumours, including prostate cancer—offering hope for patients who often have limited options. Lucas opens up about his path from academia to industry, driven by a lifelong love of science and a desire to make a real difference in people’s lives. He talks about the unique challenges of his role, juggling hands-on lab work, strategic planning, and managing a small team in a high-stakes environment. He also reflects on the key skills he’s learned along the way—adaptability, risk-taking, and staying curious. As CuraCell prepares to start its first clinical trials in 2025 Lucas gives us an inside look, sharing honest insights into making the shift from academic research to the fast-paced demands of industry. Join us this week for a thoughtful, inspiring conversation with a scientist at the cutting edge of cancer therapy.

    38 min

  8. 13/11/2024

    Lindsay Davies, NextCell Pharma

    In this episode of Careers in Discovery, we're joined by Lindsay Davies, Chief Scientific Officer at NextCell Pharma. Lindsay’s work focuses on harnessing the potential of umbilical cord-derived cells to treat autoimmune diseases, especially type 1 diabetes. She shares her inspiring journey from academia to leading cutting-edge cell therapy trials, driven by a commitment to patient-centred science and innovation. Lindsay also highlights her role in mentoring the next generation of scientists and her team’s exciting plans for QVance, a new venture to support advanced therapies with robust quality analytics. If you’re curious about the future of cell therapy, the real-world impact of innovative science, and a career built on passion and purpose, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

    20 min
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About

Careers in Discovery is your window into the world of Pharma & Biotech. Featuring interviews each week with leaders in Drug Discovery and R&D, you’ll learn about the careers of these influential figures, the work they are doing, how they got to where they are and what advice they’d give their younger selves. Brought to you by Singular Talent. Connect with us at: Twitter: @singular_talent LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/singular-talent www.singulartalent.io

Information

  • Creator
    Tom Froggatt
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2025
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Tom Froggatt
  • Show Website
    Careers in Discovery

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