Careers in Discovery

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.

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.

Torleif Gjølberg, Authera

In this episode of Careers in Discovery, we welcome Torleif Gjølberg, CSO and co-founder of Authera, a biotech innovator transforming antibody and albumin-based therapeutics.

Torleif takes us through Authera's journey from its academic beginnings in Oslo to becoming a revenue-generating company with a clear mission: to drive therapeutic innovation. He reflects on his path from molecular biology to biotech entrepreneurship, highlighting the power of curiosity, adaptability, and having the courage to bridge science and business.

If you're curious about making the leap from academia to biotech, or want to hear what it really takes to build a company with heart, tune in—you won’t want to miss this episode.

Christian Code, Dianox

In this episode of Careers in Discovery, we’re joined by Christian Code, Chief Technology Officer at Dianox, as we explore how his career journey took him from being a young science enthusiast in Canada to leading a cutting-edge biotech startup in Denmark.

Christian opens up about the unexpected path that led him into the world of diagnostics and therapeutics, where he and his team are now using AI to uncover new possibilities for drug discovery and push the boundaries of what’s possible in healthcare. He shares some hard-earned lessons about curiosity, the importance of connecting with others, and finding your own unique strengths, whether you’re in a lab or building a business.

Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on embracing opportunities, following your interests, and letting curiosity guide you to places you never thought you'd end up.

Simon Young, C4X Discovery

In this episode of Careers in Discovery I sit down with Simon Young, VP of Translational Science at C4X Discovery.

Simon’s career has taken some fascinating twists and turns, from veterinary medicine to electrical engineering, and eventually into diagnostics, drug discovery and precision medicine.

He shares how those experiences have shaped his approach today, and how staying flexible, taking on new challenges and stepping out of your comfort zone have helped him to build an exciting career.

Peter Pack

This week on Careers in Discovery, I'm joined by Dr Peter Pack, an influential figure in the Biotech industry whose journey has taken him from Germany to the dynamic Biotech landscape of the UK, where he now operates as a strategic partner and advisor to Private Equity firms and startups.

In our conversation, Peter shared his diverse experience, including his time as a CEO for nearly 20 years and his current role mentoring young biotech teams. He offered insights into the differences between the Biotech industries in Germany and the UK, the importance of building strong networks, and his passion for supporting innovative startups.

Peter also reflected on his early inspirations in science, the development of groundbreaking technologies at Morphosys, and the valuable lessons he has learned about commercialization and strategic decision-making. He emphasized the importance of collaboration, learning from mistakes, and the critical role of supportive investors.

Join us as we explore Peter's fascinating career, his views on the future of biotech, and the key factors that contribute to successful leadership in this ever-evolving field.

Adam Glen, Unicorn Biotechnologies

In this episode of Careers in Discovery we sit down with Adam Glen, co-founder of Unicorn Biotechnologies, to talk about his journey from academia to building a biotech company that’s tackling one of the biggest pain points in life sciences: manual cell culture.

Adam shares the frustrations that led him to start his own company, explaining how his experiences in academia and industry shaped his vision. He talks about the challenge of scaling up stem cell manufacturing and how Unicorn Biotechnologies’ approach strips complex problems back to their fundamentals, making the whole process more efficient and accessible.

In a candid conversation, Adam also reflects on his personal journey—balancing his love of science with a growing entrepreneurial drive and learning from the highs and lows of start-up life. He offers advice for those thinking about making the leap from research to business, emphasising the importance of being driven by curiosity, embracing uncertainty, and continuously learning.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in biotech innovation, entrepreneurship, and the real-world challenges of scaling scientific breakthroughs.

Volker Herrmann, Sonata Therapeutics

In this episode of Careers in Discovery we’re joined by Volker Herrmann, CEO of Sonata Therapeutics, for a fascinating conversation about his journey from a cardiologist to a biotech leader. Volker shares the moments in his career that led him to question the traditional approaches in medicine, which sparked his innovative thinking at Sonata Therapeutics. He discusses the company's unique approach to using "network medicines" to potentially reprogram disease cells to fight illness, akin to a form of "biological judo."

Volker also reflects on his career transitions, from leading Pfizer’s CNS Pain franchise to spearheading a service and solution business aimed at improving patient outcomes beyond pharmaceuticals. Throughout the discussion, he emphasizes the importance of authenticity, purpose, and impact in driving success within the biotech industry. He offers advice on maintaining a strong sense of urgency, fostering a purpose-driven culture, and how to navigate the difficult elements of leadership in a fast-paced environment.

Join us this week as we discuss the challenges and rewards of leading a biotech company with a focus on innovative patient-centric solutions.