Five women leading the way in the life sciences

Not so long ago, most senior positions in Science-Technology-Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)-related employment were likely to be held by men. In more recent years, however, intense global pressure has created a significant swing towards employment of women in key roles in the life sciences.

The increasing pace of innovation, improvements in technology, greater patient access to healthcare, new funding models and a trend away from large corporations towards smaller startups, are also providing unprecedented opportunities for everyone regardless of demographic, to become key players in the biopharma/healthcare industry.

On 8 March, International Women’s Day celebrates the ‘social, economic, cultural and political’ achievements of women. To this, we would add ‘scientific’, by recognising just a few of the many women who are bringing their wisdom and ingenuity to advancing the life sciences.

Anne Wojcicki and Linda Avey, 23andme

23andme is one of the world’s largest databases of individual genetic information. Co-founded by Anne Wojcicki and Linda Avey in 2006, with the aim of helping researchers better understand diagnostics and drugs, it is now more popularly known for providing information for individuals to learn about and explore their DNA (23 pairs of chromosomes) to better understand their ancestry and potential health risks.

Emma Walmsley, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)

Appointed as chief executive of GSK in late 2016, Emma Walmsley will take over from Andrew Witty later this month. With GSK’s market value at around £80bn, she is set to become the most powerful woman in the pharmaceutical industry. Walmsley has been a member of GSK’s top executive team since 2011 and has worked in the UK, Europe, China and the US.

Jennifer Doudna, Caribou Biosciences

We have touched on CRISPR technology in previous posts; it was Jennifer Doudna’s research that led to the development of this radical new gene editing technique that has sparked off the biotechnology revolution. She is also a member of the team who founded two notable biotechnology companies – Caribou Biosciences and Editas.

Dapo Ajayi, AstraZeneca (AZ)

Chief procurement officer at AstraZeneca since April 2014, Dapo Ajayi’s career has spanned an array of great work experiences, all for AZ or one of its subsidiary businesses. From manufacturing to supply chain, general management to global marketing, she has travelled the world with AZ, while honing her many relationship and leadership skills. You can read more about her journey here.

Cindy Wu, Experiment

Experiment uses the popular crowdfunding concept to create funding for scientific research. Co-founder Cindy Wu dropped out of university after being told that only tenured professors would attract funding of the type she needed to further her scientific interests, and went on to create the startup Experiment. She is quoted as saying “Experiment is creating a world where anyone can be a scientist”.

If you found this blog interesting, you may also enjoy the below:

• Come on men! Are you brave enough to do a Zuckerberg?
• Three mistakes being made in the fight to boost STEM talent 
• Top 10 life science hiring trends for 2017
• The one trait that female leaders need to remember
• 5 ways to build your personal brand in life sciences

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Author

Karin Opdecamp

Life Sciences Senior Recruiter and Team Leader, Hays

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Karin joined Hays in 2007 to start the Life Sciences business of the company in Belgium with a focus on the pharmaceutical sector. Over the years, she oversaw the development of the team and helped to define the strategic vision for the growth of the division. Today, the life sciences activities in Belgium cover a variety of sectors including Pharmaceuticals, Medical devices, Biotech, Environment and Nutrition.

With a PhD in Molecular Genetics and a passion for science applications, Karin focusses her recruitment activities on R&D profiles.  Karin is also heavily involved in the development of the consultancy services of the division and the management of contingent workforces for external clients.