biotechnology: Jobs Landed

While I always knew that I wanted to pursue a career in science, during my PhD work I found that the parts of working as a researcher that I enjoyed the most were the communication aspects: analyzing, writing and presenting.  I also knew that while I love learning, teaching and speaking about science, I did not enjoy hands-on lab work.  I began to research career options and discovered many articles about medical writing.  I tried my hand at a few freelance gigs during graduate school, and I enjoyed the work so much that I decided to become a full-time freelancer after graduation this past August.  This was also a perfect opportunity for me to relocate back to my home state of Michigan, since I only work from home.

My job consists of writing and editing various types of media for medical communication companies, academic medical centers and researchers and publication companies.  I help my clients to create slide decks, manuscripts, needs assessments, continuing medical education (CME) materials, sales force training modules, patient information materials and posters.  I love the variety of not only the different projects that I work on, but also the many different subject areas that I get to write about.  One day I may be writing about cancer therapies, and the next day I am writing about autoimmune disorder treatment strategies.  The other great aspect of this job is that I get to work from home, according to my own schedule.  This career is a perfect fit for me and I am happy to say that I finally am working my dream job!

Swift Biosciences is a new company that started in January 2010 and has already grown to six people. We are working to develop molecular biology reagents for research and diagnostic applications. We are working with partners to bring the products to the customers and are excited about the future of the company! I moved to Ann Arbor because I wanted to experience living in a new part of the country, in an area that was conducting cutting-edge research, to gain insight in building a company, and because of all the region has to offer.

The Cayman IT department is a service organization providing technology solutions for all of our offices including our global headquarters in Ann Arbor, Michigan as well as locations in Estonia, Czech Republic, and Australia. Running this global service department as the Director of IT at Cayman, I drive all the technology solutions of the business. This has many responsibilities including strategic planning as a member of the Executive Team, managing budgets, partnering with consulting houses across the globe, negotiations with IT equipment resellers, managed print solution providers, telecommunications vendors, infrastructure purchasing, etc. as well as analyzing, defining, and managing significant web and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems development and deployment projects.

I primarily work to improve the quality of life for end-stage renal failure patients by implementing a new technique/design during hemodialysis.  This new design has the potential to reduce inflammation associated with the disease.  I have specifically been a part of a clinical study at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit and am now working on a second clinical trial which will begin hopefully in October. 

I primarily work to improve the quality of life for end-stage renal failure patients by implementing a new technique/design during hemodialysis.  This new design has the potential to reduce inflammation associated with the disease.  I have specifically been a part of a clinical study at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit and am now working on a second clinical trial which will begin hopefully in October. 

As I mechanical engineer with Accuri Cytometers, I am in charge of mechanical design, Design/manufacturing testing and troubleshooting.

My job entails assisting with grant and manuscript preparation, maintaining grant documents, assisting with human resource duties, assisting with company accountants, assisting with contracts, and general office duties.

As a researcher associate at Innovative Biotherapies, I am responsible for developing a Bio-artificial kidney.