In this chapter of Career Stories, we bring you the story of Kirthana Sindhe, who has an extensive experience of working in the pharma industry. In this candid chat, she talks about her journey in the life sciences industry and shares some nuggets on acing the Academia-Industry Transition.
After engineering, what influenced you to choose research and pursue PhD?
After completing my bachelors in biotechnology, I pursued a masters in pharmaceutical chemistry and biotechnology at VIT Vellore. My passion for research was ignited during my masters dissertation at IISc (Indian Institute of Science), Bangalore, which led me to pursue a PhD at JNCASR (Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research). Following that, I gained valuable research experience through a postdoc at UCSF (University of California, San Francisco), where I observed different research mindsets, cutting-edge facilities, and executed projects. Overall, these experiences have enriched my understanding of research.
I see that you have done sMBA. Could you tell us what degree it is? What is the difference between sMBA and regular MBA?
sMBA, or Scientist MBA, is ideal for PhDs seeking to transition into management positions in the industry without pursuing a separate MBA program. This course is offered by Cheeky Scientist which is an organisation dedicated to helping PhDs transition into industry jobs. This program is designed for those interested in management over and above traditional R&D (Research and Development) or scientist roles, facilitating a smooth career switch to industry.
The sMBA program is a self-paced program which consists of video or audio-guided modules. Unlike a traditional two-year MBA, sMBA covers management-level modules at a superficial level without extensive case studies. While a regular MBA is recommended for a deeper understanding of management roles, sMBA is sufficient for transitioning and provides basic business acumen.
Were your goals clear before PhD and what led you to choose industry over academia despite changing track after engineering?
I was always interested in shifting to industry, influenced by my peers and fellow friends who secured placements during my PhD. During my postdoc in San Francisco, I witnessed ideas materialize into start-ups which inspired me to transition into a business role. The fast-paced environment, immediate application of work for human benefit, better pay scale, and ample growth opportunities in industry motivated me to move out of academia. The industry offered a broader vision and diverse career path, making it a rewarding choice. Joining Zumutor Biologics, a cancer immunotherapeutic start-up, aligned perfectly with my R&D experience.
What would you suggest to someone who wishes to transition into industry – to switch after a masters or a PhD? How would you describe the level of support you experienced in academia compared to the industry?
Both paths have their merits. With a masters degree, you enter as a fresher, possibly with lower pay. Additionally, it takes a longer time to advance to higher positions. In contrast, a PhD invests more in education and research, fostering independence and advanced skills. Moving from academia to the industry as a PhD graduate still makes you a fresher in the industry, but around 60-70% of your knowledge and experience can be applied. I would say having a PhD can accelerate your progression in the industry. However, ultimately it’s a personal choice between gaining early industry experience and advancing later or getting deeper into research and transitioning directly to higher positions.
In both academia and industry, I experienced a supportive environment. I would say that irrespective of the setting, it is the people and networking that matter most. I think valuing relationships and reciprocating support are essential for fostering a positive environment. I was fortunate enough to receive support in both realms.
What was your inspiration to start Runninggenes®? How do you manage your time effectively while pursuing a job as well as freelancing?
Runninggenes® is a fitness community platform through which I help others to achieve their fitness goals and guide them to ensure a healthy lifestyle. During my postdoc in the USA, I faced tough times and numerous research failures. I was feeling unfulfilled with a lack of returns for my time investment. So I shifted my focus to fitness. Surprisingly, this pursuit transformed me into a marathon runner. I realized the profound benefits it brought, not just physically, but also mentally. The experience of running marathons instilled immense mental strength in me, enabling me to face life’s challenges with resilience and adaptability. Thus, my motivation to create Runninggenes® stemmed from this desire to impart such empowering experiences to those around me and I aim to share this gift by impacting over 500 people.
Despite the overwhelming nature of my routine, I manage it efficiently by scheduling my calendar, dedicating eight to nine hours to work, and prioritizing self-development and family time. I try to adhere to them which helps me accomplish most of my tasks. Self-discipline is crucial as it allows me to balance various aspects of life without compromising on other tasks. So I would say focus on all areas of life. If not equally, at least in the right ratios.
Besides my regular full-time job, I do freelancing on the side, albeit not on a large scale. Although I still lead the organisation, my availability is limited due to my primary job. So, I have two other coaches who help me manage Runninggenes®. While I provide guidance and direction, they assist in day-to-day operations.
How has your research background and additional certifications in the fields of management, leadership and public health contributed to your career?
The certifications I pursued – sMBA and scientific writing, have been beneficial in various ways. They enhanced essential scientific skills like research, communication, and critical thinking, which were valuable in different job roles. As a scientific manager, research skills drive projects, while writing skills play a role in designing a project. Obtaining certifications does not guarantee a job, but how you apply and translate the knowledge gained from them determines their usefulness.
Do industry employers also take into account the courses and certifications we have undertaken? Could you recommend such equivalent certifications in India?
Certifications can be beneficial to some extent. If you possess the right skills and expertise for a specific job, certifications become less crucial and serve as an additional advantage. However, in cases where you lack expertise but aim to upgrade through theoretical knowledge, certifications become more valuable. They might play a primary role in facilitating your transition into those job roles. Ultimately, the significance of certifications depends on your existing skills and their relevance to the job you are pursuing.
The importance of certifications depends on the specific industry job you’re pursuing. For R&D roles, your research skills through a PhD or experience in relevant organizations matter. On the other hand, management positions often value MBA or related degrees. There are various short-term certifications offered by reputable institutions like IIMs and universities, which can be found on platforms like LinkedIn. You can choose certificates based on your job role, interests, and the skills you want to improve from established organizations.
Does a masters in pharmaceutical chemistry (like you did), vis-à-vis a masters in life sciences, enhance/support a robust work experience in the pharma industry?
In my experience, having a background in pharmaceutical chemistry was beneficial for transitioning into the industry. Pharmaceutical chemistry provides insights into small molecules and their application in drug discovery and development, which aligns with the common work pipeline in pharmaceutical companies. Integrating core life science domains such as cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, and protein research further enhances the understanding of the drug development process. This combination of knowledge allows for a well-rounded approach in the pharmaceutical industry.
People without a pharma background may face a lag phase in adapting to the new environment and understanding the drug development pipeline. Nonetheless, planning ahead by making informed decisions about your career trajectory, along with acquiring complementary knowledge and skills, can support a smoother and successful transition into the pharmaceutical industry.
Please provide us a detailed insight into the specific duties of a Scientific Manager, Commercial Marketing Manager, and Senior Strategic Manager, having worked in these roles yourself.
Scientific Manager- At Zumutor Biologics, I was focused on developing novel biologics for prostate cancer. My responsibilities included designing critical assays to understand the molecule’s functionality and allowing it to progress to preclinical and clinical development. I used to liaison between different teams, from discovery to downstream processes, gaining exposure to the entire product development journey. In addition to lab work, I also engaged in meetings and discussions with colleagues and stakeholders. It was a valuable and comprehensive experience that covered the entire spectrum from discovery to application and manufacturing of the product.
Commercial marketing manager- As a commercial marketing manager, I operated at the intersection of science and business. My role involved implementing various training programs, moderating services, and overseeing internal team training. We offered diverse services such as multiplexing assays for biomarker discovery, cell biology assays to study therapeutic compound cytotoxicity, and protein research analysis with an auto 2D gel electrophoresis. I managed the lab’s business, including positioning different biology portfolio products for revenue generation. Additionally, I engaged with stakeholders in academia and industry to explore new opportunities and expand the lab’s footprint across India. In essence, I focused on driving the lab’s business and devising strategies for business development.
Senior strategic manager- As the person responsible for the diagnostic solutions business, my role revolves around developing strategies to enhance revenues of our diagnostic portfolio products. This involves identifying customer segments, understanding top-selling products, and building brand awareness. I also engage with various customers, including doctors in diagnostic labs and pharmaceutical companies. One of the portfolios I handle is histopathology, and we also deal with detection systems and oligos. I focus on positioning our products for future demand and growing our market share in the next two to three years.
Does your current role as a strategy manager demand frequent travel? What are the potential growth opportunities?
Yes, my job involves a significant amount of travel. I oversee and manage the company’s business operations and collaborations with customers across all regions of India. I work closely with the account managers and sales team, to position our products, provide scientific and technical information to customers, and collectively close sales as a team.
There are abundant growth opportunities in this field. For example, I have experience in commercial marketing and strategic management over the past two years. Further, I can choose to specialize in product management, commercial marketing, or product strategy. You see that there are various options to advance to higher positions including moving up the hierarchy, starting from senior manager and progressing to associate director or director positions in larger companies. Alternatively, switching to smaller companies could lead to direct entry as a director, CEO, or other leadership roles.
What are the differences in work culture between a multinational company (MNC) and a start-up? Is it correct to say that implementing one’s own ideas in MNCs can be challenging?
Start-ups have a localized decision-making process with a clear end-to-end view of operations and frequent employee interactions. They typically follow a flat hierarchy. In contrast, MNCs operate across multiple countries and have complex structures with various business verticals. Working in MNCs involves learning collaboration across different regions and departments, thus, emphasizing teamwork. So, both experiences offer valuable opportunities for growth.
Implementing ideas in MNCs is not necessarily difficult, but the approval process for all ideas can be challenging. Global teams often influence decisions, and aligning with the company’s objectives is crucial for the successful implementation of our ideas.
