Career as a Process Development Scientist | PhD to Biotech Industry | Biopatrika
Career Konnect brings forward diverse and evolving career paths for life science professionals. In this edition, we feature Dr. Sreyashree Bose, Process Development Scientist at Lonza, USA. With a background spanning biotechnology, plant molecular biology, and cancer research, her journey highlights how PhDs can transition into industry roles that focus on translating scientific processes into scalable therapies. Her work in cell and gene therapy reflects the growing importance of process development in modern biotechnology and precision medicine.
Interview
Q1. Dr. Sreyashree, could you tell us about your academic journey and experiences before joining Lonza?
Sreyashree:
I completed my BTech in Biotechnology in India, which introduced me to the fundamentals of molecular biology and sparked my interest in pursuing research. Immediately after my graduation, I moved to the United States to pursue my PhD at Texas A&M University. During my doctoral research, I worked on telomere biology in plants, which provided me with strong training in molecular and cellular biology.
After completing my PhD in 2020, I briefly pursued a postdoctoral position in a breast cancer lab, where I gained exposure to human biology and translational research. Following this, I transitioned into industry and joined Lonza in November 2021 as a Process Development Scientist.
Q2. What was the interview process like at Lonza?
Sreyashree:
The interview process at Lonza was quite structured and similar to most industry roles in the United States. I initially applied for the position online and also leveraged my network to seek referrals. Referrals play a significant role because they provide an additional level of credibility to your application.
The process began with an HR screening round, where I was asked behavioral questions and given an overview of the role. This was followed by an interview with the hiring manager, which focused more on my technical background, training, and how well I fit the role.
The final stage was a panel interview, which typically lasted an entire day. I interacted with multiple stakeholders, including team members, senior scientists, managers, HR representatives, and the department head. Each interaction assessed different aspects of my profile, from technical expertise to teamwork and communication skills.
Q3. What does your role as a Process Development Scientist involve? What does a typical week look like?
Sreyashree:
I work in a Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) within the cell and gene therapy business unit. In this role, we collaborate with multiple clients to develop and optimize processes for their therapeutic products.
My work is quite similar to that of a laboratory scientist, especially during experiment-heavy weeks. I plan and execute biological processes, collect data, and work closely with a team of scientists and research associates. Some weeks are focused on data analysis and report writing, while others involve reviewing literature or preparing documentation.
Depending on the project, I may also participate in client meetings where we discuss project progress and align on next steps. Overall, the role is dynamic and involves a balance of hands-on experimentation, analysis, and collaboration.
Q4. What skills are essential to succeed in this role?
Sreyashree:
One of the most important skills is the ability and curiosity to learn. My career path involved multiple transitions across different domains, and being open to learning new concepts played a key role in my success.
Teamwork is another critical skill. Unlike academia, where individuals often work independently, industry requires close collaboration across teams. Time management and project management skills are equally important, as you often handle multiple projects simultaneously.
People management and training skills also become increasingly important as you progress in your career. Additionally, the ability to communicate effectively with clients—especially simplifying complex scientific concepts without losing their essence—is crucial in a role like mine.
Q5. What advice would you give to someone interested in entering this field?
Sreyashree:
Process development, especially in areas like cell and gene therapy, is a rapidly growing field with significant future potential. The key is to understand how your current skill set can be aligned with industry needs.
Students should focus on building relevant skills and gaining exposure to different aspects of biotechnology. It is important to stay adaptable and be willing to shape your academic experience in a way that aligns with industry requirements.
Q6. What is the best way to secure a job or internship in this industry?
Sreyashree:
Networking plays a crucial role in securing opportunities. Platforms like LinkedIn and even Twitter can be valuable for connecting with professionals and learning about job openings.
It is also important to understand market trends and identify the skills that are in demand. Building a well-structured and targeted resume is essential, as it helps highlight your strengths effectively.
Engaging in activities beyond the lab, such as student organizations or volunteering, can also help develop transferable skills like leadership, teamwork, and time management, which are highly valued in industry roles.
Q7. Looking back, would you choose the same career path again?
Sreyashree:
Yes, I would choose the same path again. Each stage of my academic journey—from my undergraduate studies to my PhD and postdoc—helped prepare me for my current role.
If I were to emphasize something more, it would be gaining additional exposure to immunology, as it is highly relevant in today’s biotech landscape. However, it is difficult to predict future trends, so maintaining an open mindset and willingness to learn is key.
Q8. How did your involvement in student organizations help your career?
Sreyashree:
Being involved in student organizations helped me develop essential skills such as teamwork, leadership, and time management. Working with people from diverse backgrounds taught me how to collaborate effectively and manage responsibilities efficiently.
These experiences closely mirror the demands of industry roles, where you need to work in teams, lead initiatives, and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
Q9. What advice would you give to current PhD students?
Sreyashree:
It is important to stay informed about the broader job market and not limit yourself to your immediate research area. Understanding industry requirements early on can help you build relevant skills during your PhD.
Maintaining an open mindset and resilience is crucial, as research often involves challenges and setbacks. Taking care of mental health is equally important—taking breaks, seeking support, and maintaining a work-life balance can significantly improve your overall experience.
Remember that a PhD is a part of your life, not your entire life.
Q10. How do you maintain work-life balance?
Sreyashree:
I make time for activities that help me relax and recharge. I practice yoga regularly, which helps me manage stress and maintain focus. I also enjoy singing, which has been a long-standing passion and serves as a therapeutic outlet.
These hobbies help me stay balanced and energized, both personally and professionally.
Dr. Sreyashree Bose’s journey highlights how adaptability, continuous learning, and strong interpersonal skills can lead to impactful careers in process development. Her experience reflects the growing opportunities in biotech, particularly in cell and gene therapy, where science is translated into scalable solutions for patient care.
Interested in sharing your journey?
Interested in sharing your career journey or job insights?
Check this out and fill the form today:
https://biopatrika.com/career/career-konnect/reimagining-careers-in-life-sciences-career-konnect/
Explore more
🎤 Career – Real career stories and job profiles of life science professionals. Discover current opportunities for students and researchers.
💼 Jobs – The latest job openings and internship alerts across academia and industry.
🛠️ Services – Regulatory support, patent filing assistance, and career consulting services.
