Careers in Discovery

Garry Pairaudeau, Exscientia

"We think about drug discovery as a learning problem...How can we learn our way from a very early hit molecule to an exquisitely designed, safe, efficacious drug candidate that you're prepared to take into the clinic?"

Garry Pairaudeau is the Chief Technology Officer at Exscientia, a company pioneering AI technology in drug discovery.

Garry joined us to talk about his career in Medicinal and Computational Chemistry, the marriage of technology and science, how his early experiences in academia shaped his life in industry and the importance of working with great teams.

Enjoy!

Mark Mackey, Cresset

"These days, even stable jobs aren't so stable, so if you have a great idea for a business or an itch to go out and get entrepreneurial, then go for it."

Mark Mackey is one of the founders of Cresset, a computational chemistry company who have built a reputation for high quality computational solutions in drug discovery.

Now the company's Chief Scientific Officer, Mark shared his journey with us through the twists and turns that come with building an organically-grown business, along with his views on the role of computational chemistry in modern drug discovery.

Enjoy!

Marcel Gehrung, Cyted

"If you start a company, it comes with responsibility and accountability. That's not always written on the label, but things like becoming a responsible employer and understanding that equity funding is there to help you create value, not just spend money, are great lessons to learn early."

Marcel Gehrung is the CEO of Cyted, an AI-driven company developing digital diagnostic infrastructure to enable the earlier detection of disease.

Marcel talked with us about his career in AI and other entrepreneurial ventures, the reality of implementing new technologies in primary & secondary care environments and starting a company in the lockdown era.

Enjoy!

Helen Horton, Touchlight Genetics

"Be broader in your thinking, and try to grow your network with people who don't necessarily do the same things you do which could be useful, certainly early in your career."

Helen Horton is the Chief Research Officer at Touchlight Genetics, a synthetic DNA company developing a range of novel vaccines, including for cancer and covid-19.

We spoke to Helen about her career, along with:

🧬 How thinking ahead improves your research

🧬 Moving jobs (and countries!) at the height of a pandemic

🧬 Why passion is essential for scientists

Enjoy!

Terri Gaskell, Rinri Therapeutics

"Don't be bound by what you think you should be doing, and keep looking for opportunities to learn new skills and to meet new people. Networking and personal development are hugely important."

Terri Gaskell is an expert in stem cell research, and she recently joined Rinri Therapeutics as Chief Technology Officer to help develop regenerative therapies for hearing loss.

We talked about her career in cutting edge research, the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the Biotech sector, how the stem cell field has advanced over the course of her career, and transitioning into industry.

Keith Foster, Sutura Therapeutics

"We don't just want to give kids with rare diseases hope, we want to give them a better life and better treatments."

Keith Foster is the Chief Scientific Officer of Sutura Therapeutics, a company he founded to develop precision gene therapies for rare diseases, starting with Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy.

Sutura is a genuinely patient-focused company, and if you've ever wondered what patient-centricity truly is, Keith's interview is a must-listen.

Enjoy!

Alison Clayton, Biogelx

"When you get into a leadership role, it's your responsibility to make people good at their job, to support them and to develop them. You must take that responsibility."

Alison Clayton is the CEO of Biogelx, and she joined the company in May 2020, just as the coronavirus pandemic took hold in the UK.

Alison sat down with us on Careers in Discovery to discuss the unique challenges that created for her as a new CEO, as well as her career in Biotech and the things she's learned about leadership along the way.

Dean Edney, Sai Life Sciences

"Reflect and think about your career over the next 3-5 years. If you do and you're proactive, and you work with your organisation, then you'll find your way to where you want to be, whereas if you're passive, you'll end up where the organisation wants you to be."

Dean Edney is the Senior Vice President and Global Head of Process R&D at Sai Life Sciences, a rapidly growing CDMO with real ambition.

Dean joined us on Careers in Discovery to discuss his journey so far, as well as:

🧪Process chemistry and the unique scientific challenges it presents

🧪How a love of learning has driven his career

🧪Moving from a major global Pharma to an up-and-coming organisation

Enjoy!