Career as a Research Scientist in RNA Therapeutics | Biopatrika
Career Konnect brings forward diverse and evolving career paths for science professionals. In this edition, we feature Dr. Saikat Bala, Scientist II at Beam Therapeutics, USA. With expertise in organic chemistry, nucleic acid therapeutics, and RNA process development, his journey from India to the United States highlights how interdisciplinary scientific training, networking, and strategic career planning can lead to impactful careers in biotech and RNA therapeutics.
Current Position: Senior Manager of Drug Substance Manufacturing at Stoke Therapeutics
Career Konnect Interview (Based on 2023 interview)
Early academic journey and interest in nucleic acid therapeutics
“My interest in RNA therapeutics and biotechnology started much earlier than my PhD. I completed both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in India with a strong focus on chemistry, particularly organic chemistry.
During that period, I also had opportunities to work on undergraduate research projects involving peptides and nucleic acids. Those experiences introduced me to the interface between chemistry and biology, and I became increasingly fascinated by nucleic acid therapeutics and their applications.
Later, I moved to the United States for my PhD and joined the laboratory of Dr. John Chaput at the University of California, Irvine. My research focused on nucleic acid chemistry and its therapeutic applications. Working in that environment exposed me to several exciting areas including RNA therapeutics, nucleic acid therapeutics, and origin-of-life research.
I spent nearly five years working in this interdisciplinary space, and that training became the foundation for my transition into biotech and RNA development.”
Transitioning directly from PhD to industry
“Traditionally, many PhD graduates consider pursuing a postdoctoral position before transitioning into industry. I also explored both academia and industry opportunities when I completed my PhD in 2019.
However, I always had a long-term goal of eventually joining the biotech industry. As an international student in the United States, immigration considerations also become a major factor in career planning. Whether you pursue academia or industry, visa sponsorship is something you constantly need to think about.
At that time, biotech companies were actively hiring and willing to support immigration requirements. I asked myself a simple question — if my long-term goal is industry, why wait several more years before making the transition?
That perspective encouraged me to apply directly to industry roles after my PhD. Looking back, I think that decision aligned very well with both my career goals and my scientific interests.”
Importance of networking during graduate studies
“Networking played a very important role in helping me transition into industry. During my PhD, I had opportunities to collaborate with biotech companies, which gave me exposure to industrial research environments.
The University of California, Irvine also organized regular career fairs every few months, and I actively attended those events. I spoke with professionals from different biotech and pharmaceutical companies, learned about their work, and gradually built professional relationships.
In addition, I attended conferences and scientific meetings, which further expanded my network. Those conversations helped me understand industry expectations and eventually contributed significantly to landing my first industry role.
I believe networking is important regardless of whether someone wants to pursue academia or industry. Building connections gives you access to opportunities, information, and mentorship that can shape your career.”
Preparing an industry-oriented resume
“One of the first things I realized was that resumes for academia and industry are very different.
Academic CVs usually focus heavily on publications, research depth, and scholarly accomplishments. However, industry recruiters also want to evaluate how effectively you can work in collaborative environments and contribute within cross-functional teams.
During a PhD, especially in chemistry, you often work independently — designing experiments, performing synthesis, analyzing data, writing papers, and publishing results yourself. But industry operates differently. Projects involve multiple teams working together toward a shared objective.
Because of that, I modified my resume to highlight collaboration, communication, adaptability, and teamwork instead of only focusing on publications. I included only the most relevant publications and provided my Google Scholar profile for additional details.
I also tailored my resume depending on the role and company I was applying to. Understanding the organization’s expectations and customizing your application accordingly is extremely important.”
Using LinkedIn strategically for career growth
“I strongly believe LinkedIn is one of the most powerful professional networking platforms available today.
For students and researchers interested in transitioning into industry, maintaining a strong LinkedIn profile is essential. Your LinkedIn profile often acts as an extended version of your resume and allows recruiters and professionals to understand your expertise even before directly interacting with you.
However, simply creating a profile is not enough. You need to actively engage — connect with people, participate in discussions, explore companies, and interact with professionals in your field of interest.
I always recommend students regularly update their profiles and use LinkedIn not just as a job portal, but as a professional networking tool.”
Role at Beam Therapeutics and RNA development
“At Beam Therapeutics, I worked on RNA therapeutics and development, leading both internal and external development and production of RNA.
The field of RNA therapeutics is rapidly evolving, and my training in nucleic acid chemistry and therapeutic development helped me contribute meaningfully to RNA process development and manufacturing-related activities.
What I found most exciting was working at the intersection of research, development, and translational science — contributing to technologies that have the potential to create transformative therapies for patients.”
Advice for aspiring industry scientists
“One of the most important things for students is to gather information early and understand the career path they want to pursue.
Whether your goal is academia or industry, preparation matters. Build strong technical expertise, improve communication skills, learn how to collaborate effectively, and actively network with professionals in your field.
Also, do not hesitate to reach out to people for advice or mentorship. Most professionals are willing to help and share their experiences if approached genuinely.
And finally, stay open-minded. Careers evolve in unexpected ways, and sometimes opportunities appear when you actively prepare yourself for them.”
Dr. Saikat Bala’s journey highlights how interdisciplinary scientific training, strategic networking, and long-term career planning can open doors to impactful careers in biotech and RNA therapeutics. His experience demonstrates the growing opportunities in advanced therapeutics and the importance of aligning scientific expertise with collaboration, adaptability, and translational impact.
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