Biotech Career Perspective: From Lab bench to Head of Research at AbbVie Stemcentrx

Biotech Connection Bay Area brings together academic scientists and industry professionals to facilitate life science innovation. Our mission is to help exceptional graduate students and postdoctoral fellowsacquire the business tools necessary to become life science leaders while providingbiotech partners with valuable market research, diligence & academic insights.JOIN THE BCBA COMMUNITYTo learn more about how BCBA can help your business or organization, please contact us at:bioconnect.bay@gmail.com

Biotech Connection Bay Area

<P CLASS="MsoNormal">As Head of Research at AbbVie Stemcentrx, Sam leads a multifunctional organization focused on the discovery and preclinical development of therapeutics targeting cancer stem cells. Prior to joining Stemcentrx, Sam was Vice President, Business Development and Applications at Biodesy, a South San Francisco based biotech startup developing and commercializing novel protein conformation technology for small molecule drug discovery. Before Biodesy, Sam worked at Roche Venture Fund, where he triaged, sourced, and conducted scientific due diligence on investment opportunities in the life sciences industry. While at Roche Venture Fund, Sam worked with Biodesy’s founders to help shape the strategic vision for Biodesy, and helped lead the Series A financing (in which Roche participated). Sam also worked as a medicinal chemist at Genentech, where he designed and synthesized small-molecule drugs for the treatment of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Sam received both an MBA and a BS in Chemistry, with Honors, from Stanford University. Sam also serves on the Board of Directors for BCBA. His former company, Biodesy, is a two-time client of BCBA.</P>
<P CLASS="MsoNormal">Sam will talk about his career path from the lab bench to venture capital to a biotech start-up to leading a research organization within a major pharma company. Sam will talk about his experiences and role in growing a business for a novel technology at Biodesy. He will then discuss his experience at Stemcentrx, before and after the landmark acquisition by AbbVie. Sam will end with some lessons learned and tips for rapid career development. The talk will be very informal and Q&A is encouraged throughout. </P>