Career Development
Allison Radwick, PhD (she/her/hers)
Sr Regulatory & Policy Comms Mgr
USP
East Fallowfield
Joe Flynn, BS (he/him/his)
Principal
COMMEX Consulting
Black Earth, Illinois
Ami Patel, MS
Director
BOYDS
This session examines the strategic career transition pathway from research science to business development and sales roles within contract research organizations (CROs), contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs), and laboratory products/instruments companies. As the life sciences industry continues to expand, these organizations increasingly value professionals who combine deep scientific knowledge with commercial acumen, creating unique opportunities for scientists seeking career evolution beyond the laboratory.
The session will explore the distinctive value proposition that research scientists bring to business development positions, including their ability to engage in high-level technical conversations, quickly grasp client challenges, and translate complex scientific needs into appropriate solutions. We will examine how scientific expertise enhances credibility with clients, enables effective qualification of opportunities, and facilitates the building of trusted advisory relationships rather than transactional sales interactions.
Participants will gain insights into the specific skills and competencies required for success in business development roles, including those that may already exist within their scientific toolkit and those that require deliberate development. The presentation will address common transition challenges, from adopting commercial mindsets to building business acumen, and provide practical strategies for addressing these gaps. We will explore various entry points into business development careers, from application scientist and technical support roles to account management and specialized sales positions.
We will illustrate diverse career progression paths taken by scientists who have successfully made this transition.
By bringing together insights from both successful career transitioners and hiring managers, this presentation aims to equip research scientists with actionable strategies for pivoting their careers toward the dynamic intersection of science and business.