Introduction
Hello! My name is Urjita, and I am from Mumbai, India. My interest in science began in high school, where I studied under the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. As part of the program, I undertook a year-long independent research project in Biology, studying the effects of using certain plant species to remediate soil contaminated with heavy metals. This was my first exposure to research in biological sciences and its real-world applications. The experience taught me the process of scientific inquiry– making observations, forming hypotheses and testing those hypotheses with experiments. Working independently on this project deepened my passion for science, particularly Biology. I then decided to move to the United States and pursue my education at Northeastern University, where I majored in Cell and Molecular Biology.
At Northeastern, I participated in the co-op program, an experiential learning opportunity that allows students to explore different career paths by working full-time across different industries and sectors. My co-op experiences provided me with a glimpse of the biotechnology industry and further propelled me to pursue my Master’s in Molecular Biotechnology through Northeastern’s PlusOne Program, where I learned more about the exciting field of cell and gene therapy. After graduating, I specifically sought roles in this area and began working as a Research Associate in the Process Development team of a late-stage company developing novel cell-based immunotherapy products for cancer patients. Through this role, I learned how genetically modified T-cell products are manufactured and gained technical skills related to cell therapy manufacturing. I also realized the profound impact these novel therapies can have on improving patient lives.
In my current role, I work for an early-stage company with innovative genome engineering technology. I have worked on multiple projects within the process team, applying this technology to develop engineered cell therapy products. More recently, as company priorities changed, I joined the Analytical Development team, where I develop and execute mass spectrometry-based assays for testing and characterizing different oligonucleotides crucial for our technology. While my role has drastically changed, it has allowed me to develop new capabilities and made me more agile - a highly sought-after skill in the biotechnology field. This career transition was a welcome change, and I embraced it as a valuable learning opportunity.
I am excited to share my experiences and provide some key insights into the emerging field of cell and gene therapy through my lens!
Molecular Biology Fellow
career options
The field of cell and gene therapy is rapidly evolving and offers a wide array of career options available for those interested in this area. Some of these options are listed below.
Molecular Biology Fellow
skills
What are the main hard skills you use on a daily basis in your current job?
A strong foundation in cell and molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics and/or immunology is essential for understanding the the development and manufacturing of cell and gene therapies. This knowledge can be gained through foundational biology courses, as well as electives in biochemistry, genetics and immunology.
Proficiency in a lab environment is crucial for hands-on work. Some essential skills include aseptic technique, cell culture, molecular techniques and experience with various analytical methods. The ability to design and conduct experiments efficiently is also important. Undergraduate research opportunities via academic labs or laboratory-based courses can provide hands-on experience and develop these skills.
Knowledge of statistical testing and different data analysis software is beneficial for interpreting experimental results. This knowledge can be gained via statistics courses and online data analysis resources.
Clear and effective written communication is necessary for documenting research, communicating results, and collaborating with colleagues and teams. This experience can be obtained through writing courses, lab report writing as well as opportunities to give presentations.
What are the main soft skills you use on a daily basis in your current job?
Collaboration is essential in this field. Working effectively in cross-functional teams is crucial for project success.
Clear and effective communication is vital for sharing results and collaborating with colleagues. It is also required for explaining complex scientific concepts to various audiences.
The rapidly evolving nature of the cell and gene therapy industry requires individuals who can learn new skills and adapt to changing technologies, latest industry standards and advancements in the field.
Urjita
’s personal path
Tell us about your personal journey in
Molecular Biology Fellow
:
Through the co-op program at Northeastern, I gained invaluable industry experience from three different six-month research-based opportunities in Cambridge, MA. My first co-op was with Cocoon Biotech, a startup developing a silk fibroin-based drug delivery platform. Through this co-op, I saw firsthand how scientific knowledge can be leveraged and translated into products that improve patient lives. I worked closely with a team investigating different processing conditions for silk fibroin and developing various formulations of silk-based hydrogels.
For my next co-op, I worked in cell line development for Acceleron Pharma, that focused on TGF-β based biologics for hematologic and pulmonary diseases. I learned to work with mammalian cell culture and appreciate the magnitude of work that goes into developing biopharmaceuticals. I worked on a cell banking project to establish ideal cryopreservation conditions for a proprietary CHO cell line research bank. This project allowed me to independently execute experiments, analyze data, and present results to the rest of the team. This co-op also propelled me to pursue my master’s in biotechnology and undertake a third co-op with Takeda Cambridge, where despite the unique challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, I worked on optimizing high throughput screening of antibody candidates using automation technology. Next, my graduate education in biotechnology exposed me to emerging areas of research related to cell and gene therapy, which motivated me to seek a full-time position in this field.
As an international student, securing full-time employment presented unique challenges, such as navigating visa requirements and work authorization restrictions. I went through countless job postings for roles that aligned with my interests on platforms like LinkedIn and other company specific sites. I applied to numerous positions, but only heard back from a small fraction. Additionally, the interview process was equally demanding. From initial phone screens to technical assessments and panel interviews, each step required thorough preparation. Through these interviews, I realized the importance of presenting your skills as a narrative, emphasizing how they can address real-world problems rather than simply listing them. While rejections were frequent, I viewed them as a learning opportunity and identify areas for improvement, adjusting my approach accordingly. This iterative process significantly improved my interview skills. Securing my first role as a Research Associate for a company developing cell-based immunotherapies was a significant milestone. The experience equipped me with invaluable industry knowledge and a strong foundation for my career.
After two years, my interest in genome editing prompted a transition to my current role. My journey has taught me the importance of resilience, adaptability and having a growth mindset. Finding the ideal role takes time, and it's essential to build a strong foundation of skills and experience. I encourage students to approach their job search with realistic expectations, leverage campus resources and build a strong professional network to navigate the competitive job market. Remember, every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow.
What would you tell your younger you regarding building your current career?
Embrace curiosity and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Career growth is not a linear path – there will be ups and downs. Just be patient and trust the process. Also, mentorship can be invaluable, so seek guidance from experienced professionals and build out your network. Remember, a balanced life is crucial for long-term success. Prioritize your well-being while building your career.
Final thoughts & tips
The cell and gene therapy industry is a dynamic field brimming with opportunities. There is so much to learn, so embrace your curiosity and passion. Seek out mentors in the industry, ask plenty of questions, explore different areas and shape the path that works best for you! All the best!
Resources to dig in more
ASCGT – American Society of Gene + Cell Therapy - FAQs
This site gives a brief introduction to the field of cell and gene therapy via key FAQs. This resource is a great starting point for understanding more about this field.
International Society for Cell and Gene Therapy
This site provides news, webinars and conference details for all aspects of cell and gene therapies. Stay informed on clinical trials, research breakthroughs, and industry news through their website.
CHROMacademy
This learning platform offers free and paid online courses to educate on theory and practical skills related to key analytical workflows used in the industry.
