Monash Careers Seminar: Biotech Project Manager Emma Ball BSc (Hons), PhD, MBA 14 Sept 2005
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Transcript of Monash Careers Seminar: Biotech Project Manager Emma Ball BSc (Hons), PhD, MBA 14 Sept 2005
Monash Careers Seminar: Biotech Project ManagerEmma Ball BSc (Hons), PhD, MBA
14 Sept 2005
Agenda
Background on my current company & roleHow I got there (reverse order)Biotech industryAdvice for new players
Prima Biomed Ltd ASX listed company (PRR) Immunotherapeutics: oncology focus, some infections
disease & rheumatoid arthritis Multiple projects: Phase II clinical trial to early stage
research & development Virtual management company (sub-contract, outsource) Technologies from Austin Research Institute Many high profile partners
AstraZeneca Biomira Zymogenetics Xencor Medarex Universities: Monash & Melbourne
Prima Biomed
CancerVacphase II
ovarian Ca trial
Arthron preclinical
RA therapies
Panvaxpreclinical
Ca & ID vaccine
Oncomabpreclinical
Ca antibody
Organisational Overview
Prima Biomed BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Marcus Clark
Business Development& IP Manager
Vanessa Waddell
Project ManagerDr Emma Ball
Business Development& IP Assistant
Larisa Chisholm
Prima Biomed LtdManagement Structure
Project Manager’s Role(June 2004 – current) Milestones are met & projects run to budget Coordinate all parties involved in operations (e.g.
scientists, manufacturers, service providers, consultants, contractors)
Development & implementation of product development strategies
Construct R&D plans & budgets Technical review committees, scientific advisory panel Liaise with business development to develop and
implement new projects Liaise with IP management to ensure patent protection Communicate to management, board and external
stakeholders
Pros & ConsCons Keeping scientists focused on
timelines & budget Juggling multiple projects &
responsibilities Juggling multiple
relationships Managing competing projects Pressures of being listed &
reporting
Pros Interact with great scientists &
science, without having to do it
Exposed to multiple projects & responsibilities
Making many contacts Exposed many technologies
and multiple aspects of product development paths
Exposed to commerce & finance.
How did I get there?
MBA (2003-05)Was highly technically specialisedNeeded to learn more general skillsUnderstand a new languageNot feel intimidated in a room full of suitsMeet new people from varied industries
Commercial Role at Monash (2001-2004) 2003-04 Project Manager, Prostate Diagnostics:
Monash spin-out company Interaction with MonComm & Commercial
world (AusBiotech, Bio) Connections & Mentors Stood out from other scientists by doing
something slightly different Started with an interest in patenting research
2001
Academic Role at Monash(2000-04)Post-docMentored by Gail Risbridger: strong female
role model, highly supportiveNeeded another challenge: could do the
science but needed something else
RMH(1999-2000)Worked with UrologistsLearned about clinical aspects of scienceApplied for jobs at Lonely Planet, Australian
Australian Volunteers Abroard etc etc – anything to get away from science
Experience was invaluable (hindsight)
PhD (RMH & RCH)(1994-1999)BAD Took too long Isolating experience At the end, confidence
shattered, no direction
GOOD Would not have changed
anything! Made some great friends Learned how to do good
science in a clinical environment
Learned independence & persistence
BSc(hons)(1990-1993)Melbourne UniMajored in GeneticsHonours at RCHNo clear career goals or direction
Current Role & Future Goals
34 years old: career just beginningHappy in current company: many
possibilitiesDon’t know what’s in store, well positioned to
make a move when it is appropriateBusiness development then CEO role (?)May seek experience in another industry,
will probably gravitate back to biotech
mid – late 1990s
Was interested by science but did not want to be a scientist
Did not know what other career options were available other than bench or lecturing
Australia seemed like a black hole
2005………
Biotech / pharma industry in Australia is growing
Many more local opportunities, varied rolesThe world is becoming smaller, a truly global
industryA way to go yet, opportunity to ride the wave
Biotech Industry
Difficult, complex industry Few successful models Need to be a jack-of-all-trades and a specialist
simultaneously (education & experience) High level of uncertainty Pressures of being listed Probably earn better $ sooner in another
industry
Biotech Industry
Exciting & dynamic industryGreat peopleIndustry is crying out for talentPlenty of opportunitiesYou are in the right place at the right time!
Advice It is OK not to have a plan, proviso:
Ensure you a good at what you are doing at the time & approach your work with enthusiasm
Be visible in your organisation Forge links with the outside world, talk about your work. Be prepared to take risks & extend yourself Work out what makes you different & build on that
If you are lucky enough to have a plan, work out how you can make small incremental steps to get there
Seek mentors & champions Remember where you have come from & be
prepared to help others, share your networks
CONTACT DETAILS:T: 61 3 9854 5700F: 61 3 9854 5777
www.primabiomed.com.au