WHEN IN STEM

Episodes

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  What Is Business Development in Biotech? | How Scientists Transition Out of the Lab 29.07.2026 49m

  What does a Business Development professional actually do in biotech? And how can scientists transition into this career?In this episode of the When in STEM Podcast, I sit down with Sarah, who began her career as a Senior Research Associate before making the transition into Business Development in the biotech industry. We discuss what Business Development actually is, what a typical day looks like, why she decided to leave the bench, and how her scientific background prepared her for a business-facing role. We also talk about whether you need an MBA, the skills that transfer from research, career growth opportunities, work-life balance, and practical advice for anyone considering a transition out of the lab.Whether you're a student exploring career options, an early-career scientist, or an experienced researcher wondering what's next, this episode will give you a clear understanding of one of biotech's most misunderstood career paths.In this episode, we discuss:- What Business Development is in biotech- A day in the life of a Business Development professional- Why Sarah transitioned from the lab- How scientists can break into Business Development- Do you need an MBA?- Skills that transfer from the bench to business- Career growth opportunities- Work-life balanceIf you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who's curious about careers beyond the bench!#Biotech #BusinessDevelopment #STEMCareers #Biotechnology #CareersInSTEM #BeyondTheBench #Scientists #LifeScience #WomenInSTEM #CareerTransition #WhenInSTEM
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  What Is Regulatory Affairs? | The Science Career Nobody Talks About 23.07.2026 47m

  What is Regulatory Affairs, and why is it one of the most important careers in the pharmaceutical industry?If you've ever wondered who works behind the scenes to help bring new medicines and therapies to patients, this episode is for you.In this episode of When in STEM, I sit down with a Regulatory Affairs professional Jessica Weckhorst to break down what the role actually involves, how it differs from research, and what it takes to build a career in this field.We discuss:What Regulatory Affairs actually isA day in the life of a Regulatory Affairs professionalHow Regulatory Affairs works with scientists, clinicians, and health authoritiesSkills that transfer How to break into Regulatory AffairsAdvice for biology and biotechnology studentsCommon misconceptions about the careerWhether you're a student, a recent graduate, or a scientist considering a career beyond the bench, this episode will give you an inside look at one of biotech's most impactful, and often overlooked, career paths.🎙️ Listen on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts.If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe, and share it with someone exploring a career in STEM.#RegulatoryAffairs #Biotech #Pharma #STEMCareers #Biotechnology #Biology #WomenInSTEM #CareerAdvice #PharmaceuticalIndustry #LifeSciences #WhenInSTEM
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  Is Quality Control (QC) the Easiest Career Transition from the Lab? | Careers Beyond the Bench 15.07.2026 54m

  Thinking about leaving research but not ready to leave biotech?One of the most common pieces of advice scientists hear is: "Transition into Quality Control (QC)." But is it really the easiest career move from the lab?In this episode of When in STEM, I sit down with a Quality Control Specialist to break down what a career in QC actually looks like. We talk about how she made the transition, the skills that transfer from research, what hiring managers look for, and whether QC is the right fit for someone looking to pivot their career.Whether you're a biology student, a research associate, or an early-career scientist wondering what comes next, this episode will help you better understand one of biotech's most common career paths beyond researchIn this episode, we discuss:🧪 What a Quality Control Specialist actually does🧬 Is QC really the easiest transition from research?📈 How research skills transfer into QC🎓 Do you need another degree or certification?💼 What companies look for when hiring QC professionals🚀 Career growth opportunities after Quality Control⚖️ The pros and cons of working in QC🎙️ How our guest broke into Quality ControlIf you've ever thought, "I love science, but I'm not sure research is for me," this episode is for you.
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  5 Reasons You Should Study Biotechnology | (From a Biotechnologist) 08.07.2026 12m

  Thinking about studying biotechnology?Last week, I shared 5 reasons why you should NOT study biotechnology. This week, we're flipping the script.Despite the challenges, I would still choose biotechnology every single time.In this episode of When in STEM, I'm sharing the five biggest reasons I think biotechnology is one of the most exciting degrees you can study. From meaningful work and diverse career paths to strong salaries, transferable skills, and entrepreneurship, we'll talk about why this field has so much to offer.If you're considering a degree in biotechnology, biology, life sciences, or another STEM field, I hope these last two episodes help you make an informed decision by showing you both the challenges and the opportunities.In this episode, we discuss:🧬 Why biotechnology is shaping the future of medicine, healthcare, agriculture, and sustainability🧬 Career paths beyond the lab, including regulatory affairs, quality, consulting, and biotech business🧬 Why biotechnology is one of the most interdisciplinary STEM degrees🧬 Biotechnology salaries, career growth, and long-term opportunities🧬 How a biotech degree can prepare you for entrepreneurship and innovationIf you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe for more conversations about biotech careers, STEM education, and life in science#Biotechnology #BiotechCareers #STEMCareers #LifeSciences #Biotech #ScienceCareer
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  5 Reasons You Should NOT Study Biotechnology | (From a Biotechnologist) 24.06.2026 15m

  Thinking about studying biotechnology?Before you choose a biotech degree, there are a few things I wish someone had told me first.In this episode of *When in STEM*, I'm sharing 5 honest reasons you should think twice before studying biotechnology, from how competitive the job market can be, to the reality of layoffs, relocation, and the gap between what you learn in school and what companies actually expect you to know.This isn't meant to discourage you. I love biotech and have built my career in this industry. But if you're considering a degree in biotechnology, biology, life sciences, or a related STEM field, these are the realities you should understand before making your decision.In this episode, we discuss:🧬 Why a biotech degree alone may not be enough to get hired🧬 The importance of internships, co-ops, and research experience🧬 Why biotech careers are concentrated in a few major cities🧬 The difference between university labs and industry labs🧬 Biotech layoffs and industry volatility🧬 Why flexibility and career pivots are essential in STEMIf you're a student, recent graduate, or someone considering a career in biotech, I hope this episode helps you make a more informed decision.🎙️ Subscribe for more conversations about careers in STEM, biotech, science, and life sciences.#Biotechnology #BiotechCareers #STEMCareers #LifeSciences #Scientist #WomenInSTEM
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  I Answered Your Most Asked Questions About STEM, Life & My Career 03.06.2026 15m

  In today's episode, I'm answering your most asked questions about my life, career, and journey in STEM.From why I chose biotech over medicine, to why I didn't pursue a PhD, how I got promoted in industry, and where I see myself in the future, this episode is a chance to get to know me beyond the lab coat.We'll also dive into personal questions about my routines, goals, life in Boston, favorite immune cell, travel dreams, and more.Whether you're a student exploring careers in STEM, an early-career scientist, or just curious about my journey, I hope this conversation gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the person behind the content.In This Episode:✨ My journey from pre-med to biotech✨ Why I chose industry over academia✨ Why I didn't pursue a PhD✨ My first job in science✨ How I approach goals and personal growth✨ How I deal with burnout✨ Where I see myself in the next 5 years✨ Life outside the labSubscribe for more conversations about careers, science, personal growth, and life in STEM.🎧 Listen to When in STEM on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts.#STEM #Biotech #WomenInSTEM #ScienceCareers #Biotechnology #Premed #PhD #CareerAdvice #Scientist #Podcast #WhenInSTEMSubmit your questions/scenarios for Career Corner 👇HERESTREAM WHEN IN STEM : https://liinks.co/when.in.stem.podcast ♡ Stay Connected:♡ Subscribe to my channel for more: Youtube♡Follow me on Instagram ♡Follow me on Tiktok💌 For business inquiries: info@labskillsacademy.com
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  7 Harsh Truths About Working in Biotech 27.05.2026 13m

  In today’s episode of When In STEM, I’m talking about some of the biggest lessons working in biotech has taught me in my 20s.From navigating imposter syndrome in Boston biotech, to understanding how important networking and managers really are, to realizing biotech is way more business-focused than I ever expected… this episode is an honest conversation about the realities of working in STEM that nobody really talks about.We’re discussing:How your manager can shape your careerWhy networking inside your company mattersThe truth about biotech cultureLayoffs and instability in the industryWhy biotech is both science AND businessCareer paths beyond the benchFeeling lost, intimidated, and figuring things out in your 20sWhether you’re a biology student, early-career scientist, pre-med student reconsidering your path, or someone trying to navigate the biotech/pharma industry, I hope this episode makes you feel a little less alone.Subscribe for more conversations about biotech careers, STEM, women in science, career growth, and navigating your 20s in the life sciences.#Biotech #STEM #WomenInSTEM #Biotechnology #ScienceCareers #BostonBiotech #Pharma #CareerAdvice #BiologyMajor #WomenInScience #STEMCareers #Podcast
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  Why Smart Women in STEM Stay Stuck - (How to overcome it) 20.05.2026 19m

  Have you ever walked into a room and felt like everyone else belonged there more than you?In this episode, we talk about imposter syndrome, confidence, leadership, and the pressure many women feel while navigating STEM careers. From feeling small in executive meetings to questioning our own accomplishments, this is an honest conversation about learning to take up space in rooms we already deserve to be in.If you’ve ever doubted yourself in science, biotech, or leadership spaces, this episode is for you.
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  Why Grades Don't Matter: A Biotech CEO's Honest Career Advice 12.05.2026 46m

  Ever felt like you're not smart enough for a career in science? This conversation is for you.In this episode of When In STEM, I sit down with Nicole Richards, CEO of a biotech startup working on solutions for mining, PFAS removal, and water treatment, for one of the most honest career conversations I've ever had.Nicole didn't follow a straight line. She "barely made it through" chemical engineering, took a job in the middle of nowhere as a 21-year-old, said yes to roles before she felt ready, and somehow ended up leading a biotech company.We talk about why grades genuinely don't matter, how to network when you're an introvert who hates it, why you should speak in the first 5 minutes of every meeting, and the one mindset shift that changed her entire career.If you've ever felt behind, unqualified, or like you don't have your career "figured out", please listen to this! ⏱️ Chapters:00:00 Intro02:14 Why she chose chemical engineering (the honest answer)04:34 "I barely made it through"07:55 Why grades don't matter09:15 Her first job in the middle of nowhere14:52 How to network when you hate networking21:57 The biggest misconception about what CEOs look for28:53 Saying yes before you feel ready40:29 The 5-minute rule for women in leadership45:15 Pushing back on workplace misconceptions47:32 Career Corner: listener questions📱 Follow on Instagram: @labskillsacademy🎵 Follow on TikTok: @labskillsacademyFor brand inquiries: labskills@viralnationtalent.com📌 New episodes every Wednesday. Make sure you subscribe and rate this podcast!
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  From MIT to CEO: Rachel Sha on Big Pharma, Startups & Leading as a Woman in Biotech 06.05.2026 45m

  📌 Note: this episode was recorded when the company was still called Vaxess Technologies. It has since rebranded to Terrestrial Bio, Inc. (Terrestrial).What does it actually take to go from MIT chemistry to running your own biotech company?Rachel Sha is the CEO of Terrestrial Bio (formerly Vaxess Technologies). Before that, she spent over a decade at Sanofi and earned her MBA at Harvard. We sat down to go deep on the *actual* path , not the polished one.In this conversation:– why she pivoted from chemistry into business, and what an MBA actually does for a science career– how she stood out and rose at Sanofi (a 100,000-person company)– the politics of big pharma and the lessons that stuck– why she eventually left corporate to become a CEO– what nobody tells you about leading a startup in life sciences– leading as a woman in a still-male-dominated industry– the advice she'd give her younger self at MIT– plus listener questions on MBAs, early-career strategy, and pivotingIf you're navigating the bridge between science and business or wondering what your next step looks like, this one's for you! 🎙️ Hosted by MarieFollow @wheninstem and @labskillsacademy on Instagram for more📩 Brand inquiries: labskills@viralnationtalent.com
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  From English Major to Life Sciences Leader — How?! 29.04.2026 37m

  Can you work in the life sciences with a BA in English?In this episode of When in STEM, I sit down with Rosie from Life Science Cares Boston to talk about her nontraditional path into the life sciences. From studying English to working at the intersection of biotech, nonprofit leadership, and social impact, Rosie’s journey challenges what we think a “STEM career” should look like.We talk about how she broke into the industry, what Life Science Cares actually does, and why your background might be more valuable than you think. If you’ve ever questioned whether you belong in STEM, this episode is for you.
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  Career Paths You Can Take With a Chemistry Degree 22.04.2026 19m

  You got a chemistry degree… now what?Most people think it means staying in the lab forever, but that’s far from the truth.In this episode, I break down what a chemistry degree actually gives you and the different career paths you can take in biotech, from R&D and QC to project management, supply chain, regulatory, and even tech and business roles.We also talk about salary progression and how to pivot your career without starting over.If you’ve ever felt stuck in STEM, this episode is for you.Your degree is not your job, it’s your starting point.
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  She Made It to Leadership at Bayer… With Just a Bachelor’s 15.04.2026 33m

  She made it to leadership at Bayer… with just a bachelor’s. So how did she do it?In this episode of When in STEM, I sit down with Kristen Landgren, a chemical engineering graduate who went from starting her career in the lab to leading innovation and science at Bayer, without a PhD.We break down her full career journey, the risks she took, and the skills that actually helped her stand out and move into leadership in the pharmaceutical industry.If you’ve ever felt like you need more degrees to succeed in STEM, this episode might change how you think about your path.
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  I Quit the Lab for a Fully Remote Biotech Job (With a Chemical Background) 08.04.2026 41m

  “I quit the lab for a fully remote biotech job”… but how does that actually happen?In this episode of When in STEM, I sit down with Alexandra to talk about her journey from chemical engineering to working as an analytical chemist, and how she transitioned into a remote project management role in the pharmaceutical industry.We break down what it’s really like working in a startup, the skills that helped her move beyond the lab, and how she built a more flexible career in biotech.If you’re wondering what you can do with a chemical engineering background, or how to pivot out of the lab, this episode is for you.🎧 New episodes of When in STEM every week📌 Follow to learn more about careers in biotech & science
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  From a Chemistry Degree to Big Pharma — No PhD Needed 01.04.2026 42m

  What can you really do with a chemistry degree?In this episode of When in STEM, I sit down with a Site Research Lead Associate at Thermo Fisher to talk about her path from organic chemistry and cancer research to working in clinical trials, without a PhD.We dive into what clinical research actually looks like, how she broke into biotech, and the biggest misconceptions about careers in this space.If you’re a biology or chemistry major figuring out your next move, this episode gives real insight into a path that’s often overlooked.📲 Listen now on Spotify, Apple, or anywhere you get your podcasts.⁠Submit your questions/scenarios for Career Corner ⁠⁠STREAM WHEN IN STEM⁠ ♡ Stay Connected:♡ Subscribe to my⁠ Youtube channel ⁠for more ♡Follow me on⁠ Instagram⁠♡Follow me on ⁠Tiktok ⁠💌 For business inquiries: info@labskillsacademy.com
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  I Have a Biology Degree… Now What? (All Career Options Explained) 25.03.2026 15m

  You have a biology degree… now what?Most people think their only options are med school or a PhD.But in reality, there are so many career paths in biotech, you just haven’t been exposed to them.In this episode, I break down the entire biotech industry so you can finally understand where you fit in.We walk through:Research & Development (R&D)Cell culture, discovery, and assay developmentProcess Development & CMCManufacturing & bioprocessingQuality (QA/QC)Regulatory AffairsClinical ResearchBioinformatics & non-lab rolesAnd most importantly, I explain the actual job titles you should be searching for on LinkedIn.If you’ve ever felt lost with a biology degree, this episode will give you a clear starting point.Biotech Careers Guide - BioSpace - https://www.biospace.com/career-advice/career-coach-transition-into-a-career-in-biotech
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  From Bachelor’s Degree to Principal Scientist: How He Made It in Biotech All the Way From Nepal 18.03.2026 1h 2m

  From Bachelor’s Degree to Principal Scientist: How One Scientist Made It in Biotech All the Way From NepalIn this episode of When In STEM, we sit down with Ananda Mishra, who went from earning a bachelor’s degree to becoming a Principal Scientist in the biotech industry, all while navigating the challenges of moving from Nepal to the U.S.Ananda shares:📌 How his identity as an international student shaped his career journey📌 Lessons learned working at startups, cross-department collaboration, and big pharma📌 Strategies for career growth and financial freedom in biotech without an advanced degree📌 Advice for international scientists navigating visas, opportunities, and career pivotsWhether you’re just starting your biotech career, considering a move from academia to industry, or looking for inspiration on making bold career decisions, this conversation is full of insights and actionable advice.📌 Follow Ananda’s journey and learn how to thrive in biotech, even with just a bachelor’s degree.🔗 Connect with Ananda MishraSubmit your questions/scenarios for Career Corner 👇https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe-57wMEkBTFQ954QJrlZp9MP0ZPKK3Urmn8rPvS6Yfq42qlA/viewformSTREAM WHEN IN STEM : https://liinks.co/when.in.stem.podcast ♡ Stay Connected:♡ Subscribe to my channel for more: https://www.youtube.com/@labskillsacademy2979♡Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/labskillsacademy/ ♡Follow me on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@labskillsacademy💌 For business inquiries: info@labskillsacademy.com
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  Is a Master’s Enough for a Biotech Job? A Gene Therapy Scientist Explains 11.03.2026 54m

  Ever been told a master’s degree isn’t enough to land a career in biotech? Michaela Duffy proves it can be.In this episode of When in STEM, Michaela shares her journey from graduating during the pandemic, reaching out to scientists in Boston, and developing a rapid COVID testing machine at MIT, to building a career in gene therapy. She talks about her experience working in rare disease drug development, downstream process development at a CDMO, presenting at ASGCT, and navigating challenges like burnout, ADHD, and breaking stereotypes as a woman in STEM.If you’re a biology graduate or early-career scientist wondering what it really takes to succeed in biotech, this episode is packed with honest insights, inspiration, and practical advice.
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  Can You Work in Biotech with Just a Bachelor’s in Biology? 04.03.2026 48m

  Feeling stuck with just a bachelor’s degree in biology? Think your career has hit a ceiling? Think again.In this episode, we dive into real stories and expert advice to show you how to leverage your skills, learn new ones, and relentlessly move forward, no matter where you started.Our guest, an accomplished researcher and biotech professional, shares her unconventional journey from microbiology student to sequencing expert, emphasizing that your first job is not your final destination. She reveals how curiosity, networking, and a willingness to learn can accelerate your career, even if you have only undergraduate experience.You will discover:How to turn entry level roles into stepping stones for growth by asking for responsibilities and taking initiative.The importance of being proactive about promotions and skill development, plus the value of asking your manager outright.Practical tips for showcasing your skills, even with limited lab experience, by framing what you did in college as valuable.Why adapting to industry trends and timing can be more critical than having the “perfect” CV.The impact of strategic networking, shadowing, and being fearless about trying new techniques.How to navigate layoffs, uncertain markets, and feelings of imposter syndrome, all with resilience and confidence.This is essential listening for anyone feeling uncertain about their career path, overwhelmed by job postings, or questioning the value of their degree. It is about reframing challenges as opportunities, mastering the art of self advocacy, and understanding that your value goes far beyond that first diploma.Whether you are just starting out or looking to pivot, our guest’s insights will inspire you to take control of your journey and realize that success is not about the degree you hold. It is about the skills, attitude, and grit you bring along the way.Tune in and get inspired to build the biotech or science career you deserve.
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  8 Unique Ways to Get Research Funding 25.02.2026 15m

  Funding can feel confusing, overwhelming, and honestly… gatekept.In this episode, I’m breaking down 8 unique and overlooked ways to fund your research, especially if you’re early in your career or applying for the first time.Even if you’ve never written a grant before, this episode gives you clear, actionable steps to move forward and maybe even some shortcuts that could save you months of frustration.This is an episode you’ll want to save!🏛 Government FundingNational Institutes of Health (NIH)National Science Foundation (NSF)🌟 Major Philanthropic & Private Research FundersHoward Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI)Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) Simons Foundation👩‍🔬 Funding Specifically Supporting Women in ScienceL’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in ScienceAmerican Association of University Women – Fellowships🚀 Interdisciplinary & Career Pivot FundingSchmidt Science Fellows🌍 Open Science & Emerging ModelsResearchHub💡 Crowdfunding for ScienceGeneral science crowdfunding platforms (search by project type)🔍 Tools to Find Grants for Your ResearchOEDB – “100 Places to Find Funding”https://www.oedb.org/ilibrarian/100_places_to_find_funding_your_research/Grants.govhttps://www.grants.gov/GrantForwardhttps://www.grantforward.com/indexInstrumentl – Science Research Grantshttps://www.instrumentl.com/browse-grants/grants-for-science-research💬 Your Turn:What’s been the hardest part about funding for you? Finding opportunities, writing grants, or dealing with rejection? Drop your tips and experiences in the comments, let’s help each other succeed in science!