Careers in Discovery

Martin Brenner, iBio

This week on Careers in Discovery, we’re joined by Martin Brenner, CEO and CSO of iBio and one of Biotech’s most experienced R&D leaders.

Martin shares his journey from pharmacologist to global R&D executive, with leadership roles at Pfenex, Recursion, AstraZeneca, and Stoke Therapeutics. Now at iBio, he leads a company developing gene therapies for rare diseases - while applying lessons from decades of drug development to a new generation of science.

We talk about the power of simplicity in communication, why leaders need to create space for science to breathe, and how to build R&D teams that are lean, smart, and focused on what matters most.

Erica Barnell, Geneoscopy

This week on Careers in Discovery, we’re joined by Erica Barnell, Chief Medical Officer and Co-founder of Geneoscopy.

Erica shares how Geneoscopy is transforming gastrointestinal health with a platform that uses RNA biomarkers from stool samples to diagnose, monitor, and help prevent colorectal cancer and other GI diseases. She talks about the inspiration behind the company, building a patient-friendly alternative to colonoscopy, and why early detection is key to changing outcomes in colorectal cancer.

We also dive into Erica’s journey from MD-PhD student to entrepreneur, the challenges of shifting from product development to commercialization, and how she navigates the balance of leadership, family, and growth in a dynamic start-up environment.

 

Michael Lutz, iotaSciences & osteolabs

This week’s guest on Careers in Discovery is Michael Lutz, CEO of Iota Sciences and Osteolabs.

Michael leads two innovative companies - one pioneering single-cell and stem cell handling technologies, the other developing early diagnostics for osteoporosis and bone metastasis. He shares his journey from chemist to Biotech entrepreneur, what he learns building capital-efficient businesses, and why staying close to the science keeps leadership challenging and rewarding.

We talk about the realities of being a hands-on CEO in small companies, the importance of speed and execution in a crowded market, and how Michael uses communication to build trust and alignment within his teams. He also reflects on the evolving Biotech funding landscape, lessons from scaling multiple ventures, and why embracing the unknown is key to turning breakthrough ideas into successful products.

Paulo Fontoura, Xaira Therapeutics

In this episode of Careers in Discovery, we're joined by Paulo Fontoura, Chief Medical Officer at Xaira Therapeutics.

Paulo shares his journey from neurology and academia into big pharma and now Biotech, reflecting on what he learns along the way. He talks about Xaira’s bold mission to use AI not just to speed up drug development, but to rethink how we do it entirely - overcoming human limitations in how we explore biology.

We also discuss why he leaves a successful career in pharma for the high-risk world of startups, how he stays optimistic in the face of failure, and what it really takes to build a company that’s aiming to change the game.

A thoughtful conversation with a leader bringing deep experience - and fresh perspective - to the future of drug discovery.

Tim Sparey, Tay Therapeutics

This week on Careers in Discovery, we're joined by Tim Sparey, Executive Chair at Tay Therapeutics and Non-Executive Chair at Concr.

Tim shares his journey from early days as a medicinal chemist at Merck to a career spanning business development, CEO roles, and now chairing multiple early-stage Biotech companies. He talks about the shift from operator to portfolio leader, how he evaluates new opportunities, and why capital efficiency is a critical part of Biotech success - especially in the current market.

We also dive into Tay’s approach to doing more with less, how Concr is applying AI to reshape precision oncology, and what Tim looks for in founding teams. Along the way, he reflects on the value of learning from setbacks, building trust with investors, and why simplicity, storytelling, and timing make all the difference.

Ashley Zehnder, Fauna Bio

Ashley Zehnder is the CEO & Co-founder of Fauna Bio, a company that uses comparative genomics and evolutionary biology to identify novel drug targets by studying how other species resist and recover from disease.

In this episode of Careers in Discovery, Ashley shares her journey from exotic animal vet to cancer biology PhD, and how that unique background leads her to explore biology through a completely different lens. She talks about the science behind Fauna’s work - how hibernating squirrels, among other species, reveal new insights into heart failure, obesity, and more - and how the company translates those discoveries into real therapeutic programs.

Ashley also reflects on what it means to build a platform company as a non-traditional founder, the challenges of raising capital for a truly novel idea, and why she believes in running a company built on trust, focus, and adaptability.

Søren Melsing, EXOCURE

Søren Melsing is the CEO of EXOCURE, a company harnessing the therapeutic and delivery potential of exosomes across oncology, inflammation, and beyond.

In this episode of Careers in Discovery, Søren shares his journey from chemical engineer to Biotech CEO, including leadership roles in R&D, commercial strategy, and company-building across Europe. He talks about learning by doing, transitioning from large pharma to start-up environments, and what it really takes to turn a scientific platform into a viable business.

We also explore the promise of exosomes as a new therapeutic modality, the realities of raising investment in a tough market, and why surrounding yourself with the right people - and staying curious - makes all the difference.

Remi-Martin Laberge, Arda Therapeutics

This week on Careers in Discovery, we’re joined by Remi-Martin Laberge, Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Arda Therapeutics.

Remi shares his journey from academic research to building companies, the lessons he learned at Unity Biotechnology, and how Arda is using single-cell sequencing and targeted antibodies to eliminate disease-driving cells in chronic conditions.

We talked about the leap from scientist to founder, applying oncology tools beyond cancer, and why curiosity and risk-taking go hand in hand in Biotech.