Careers in Discovery

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.