Introduction
Hello everyone, my name is Marie Goulard. I’m originally from France, where I earned my Ph.D. in Oncology and Hematology from the University of Paris Diderot. Throughout my academic journey, I developed a deep passion for cancer biology and blood disorders. It was there that I developed my research skills. Throughout my career, I’ve been driven by a deep commitment to advancing molecular biology and therapeutic development. I truly believe that research has the potential to transform lives, and every day I work toward bringing that vision closer to reality, for the patients. Outside of work, I have a strong love for travel and culture. During my Ph.D., I made it a point to take one big trip each year, as exploring new cultures and learning about different ways of life has always inspired me. When I’m not working or traveling, you’ll likely find me spending time with my friends or my cats. I always strive to find balance, whether it’s through work, discovering the world, or simply relaxing at home.
Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work across a variety of therapeutic areas, including oncology, hematology, and cell therapies. I’ve been lucky to contribute to some exciting research and innovations along the way with incredible Teams. Stem cell biology and therapeutic development are where my heart lies, and I’m constantly inspired by the potential of these fields to change the future of medicine.
As for my career, I started my career in academia driven by a passion for the challenge and the thrill of scientific discovery. The research environment provided me with the opportunity to explore new ideas, ask tough questions, and push the boundaries of knowledge. However, over time, I realized my true calling was to translate those discoveries into tangible solutions that could make a real impact on people's lives. I was drawn to research because it offered the opportunity to ask tough questions and explore new ideas. Over time, though, I realized that my passion extended beyond discovery and research, it extended to applying that research in a way that could have a direct impact on people’s lives. This led me to transition into the industry, where I could take the knowledge, I gained from academia and apply it to the development of therapies that could reach patients in need. It’s been an incredibly rewarding experience to see groundbreaking treatments move from the lab to Manufacturing and then to the clinic.
Currently, I’m the Director of Research and Development in a biotech. My role is a mix of scientific oversight, strategic planning, and leadership. My days often start with leading team briefings to discuss project updates, address challenges, and provide guidance on technical issues. In addition to overseeing daily operations, I dedicate a significant portion of my time to reviewing experimental data, assessing the progress of research, and ensuring our therapies are moving forward. Moving into industry has been incredibly rewarding, as I now have the chance to work on bringing innovative treatments from the lab to the clinic, helping to improve or even save lives. For me, the transition was all about using my scientific background to not only understand the complexities of diseases but also to bring real, life-changing solutions to those who need them most.
Molecular Biology Fellow
career options
A career in cell therapies research offers the chance to discover new targets and develop innovative treatments. It's a dynamic field where science can directly impact patient care and drive groundbreaking discoveries in medicine.
Molecular Biology Fellow
skills
What are the main hard skills you use on a daily basis in your current job?
Expertise in molecular biology, cell biology, and stem cell therapies, with a strong foundation in genetics, immunology, and oncology. This expertise was gained during my academic years (Ph.D. and postdoctoral position) and reinforced in the labs.
Understanding of bioengineering principles (Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for cell-based therapies) and bioprocessing technologies related to the manufacturing of cell-based therapies at small and large scale. This skillset was obtained by hands-on experience in the industry.
Strong ability to write detailed technical reports, grant applications, regulatory documents, and scientific. This skill was obtained mostly while completing my academic research projects, while writing reports and grant proposals, and specialized in industry by writing regulatory submissions.
What are the main soft skills you use on a daily basis in your current job?
Ability to communicate complex scientific concepts in a clear, concise, and simple manner to both technical and non-technical personnels. This includes presenting research findings, writing reports, and making recommendations to senior leadership or regulatory bodies. This skillset is developed in the academic setting (internships, conferences, presentations).
In-depth understanding of regulatory guidelines (FDA, EMA, etc.) for cell therapy products, including IND submissions, clinical trial design, and product approval processes. This skill is normally learned in specialized training (regulatory affairs courses) but can be acquired with hands-on experience in industry by working or consulting regulatory affairs experts.
Expertise in managing complex R&D projects in cross collaboration with other departments, including timeline management, resource allocation, and cross-functional team coordination. This skill can be developed both in academia and industry by managing either students or technical teams first and following management courses. For this specific skills, on-the-job experience will make a real difference in better understanding your team members.
Marie
’s personal path
Tell us about your personal journey in
Molecular Biology Fellow
:
My journey to becoming a player in Cell Therapy Research started with a natural curiosity for science in school. I’ve always been fascinated by how things work, asking millions of questions, and generally being curious. This naturally led me to pursue a career in biological research. At the university, I focused on topics that came easily to me, diving deeper into subjects that felt exciting like cell therapies, hematology and oncology. These areas of research became the foundation of my academic journey.
After completing my Ph.D., I took the opportunity to move overseas for a postdoc as this experience is often seen as a necessary step in Europe to broaden one’s scientific network and gain exposure to different research environments. I decided to move to another country for a personal challenge and to push myself out of my comfort zone, gaining valuable international experience along the way. My first postdoctoral position was in Paris, in a previous collaborator’s lab, to better decide what my next move would be. Afterward, I continued my postdoctoral journey at Ohio State University with a collaborative exchange with Harvard’s lab, where I had the chance to work with a different set of collaborators and tackle new challenges in a new culture and a new language. During this time, I made sure to seek out mentors who could guide and challenge me, helping me shape my career and providing valuable advice.
Eventually, I realized I wanted to have a more direct impact on people's lives. After spending several years in academia, I reached a turning point. My former colleagues, who had started their own company, invited me to join them in the industry with the idea of having a more direct impact on people’s lives. That desire led me to transition from academia to my first industry job, where I could apply my research to develop real-world therapies. From there, I continued to grow my career by leveraging my network. I reached out to mentors and colleagues in the field for guidance, which ultimately led me to my current position. This move allowed me to engage with a new aspect of research, one where the focus is on translating scientific breakthroughs into therapies that can have a meaningful impact on patient care. It’s been an exciting and rewarding journey, and I’m motivated every day by the potential to make a difference.
What would you tell your younger you regarding building your current career?
If I could talk to my younger self about choosing this career, I would say: "Follow your curiosity and embrace all the challenges. The path you're about to take won't always be easy, but every step and setback will teach you something new. Be open to opportunities, like taking a postdoctoral position overseas, because each offers unique experiences that will shape your growth. most importantly, stay focused, stay resilient, and trust in your ability to learn and adapt."
Final thoughts & tips
The field of cell therapies is one of the most exciting and impactful areas of modern science with a concrete impact on people’s lives. To be successful and embrace this path, the first step is always to stay curious. Cell therapies are evolving rapidly. Always be open to learning new techniques, technologies, and approaches that can help you make breakthroughs. All of this is true if you connect with a strong network and seek mentorship. Building relationships with peers, mentors, and colleagues can provide valuable guidance, new perspectives, and career opportunities. Cell therapy is highly interdisciplinary. Whether it’s Stem Cell Therapies, Bioengineering, Immunology, or clinical Transfer, building strong collaborations with experts from different fields will expand your knowledge and provide new insights.
Do not forget to think Beyond the Bench. While scientific expertise is critical, developing skills in project management, manufacturing, quality, regulatory affairs, and business strategy will help you bridge the gap between research and practical application. Ultimately, the Cell Therapies field offers endless opportunities to innovate and contribute to advancing medicine in ways that were once unimaginable. Stay focused, stay passionate, and embrace the journey!
Resources to dig in more
International Society for Cell & Gene Therapy (ISCT)
A global society for professionals working in cell therapy, offering webinars, conferences, and a job board.
Advanced Cell and Gene Therapy Journal
A peer-reviewed journal that focuses on advances in cell and gene therapy, with open access articles and industry reports.
Cell Therapy News
A platform providing news and updates on the cell therapy and regenerative medicine sectors, including new therapies, companies, and research developments.
Nature Reviews Drug Discovery
This journal regularly publishes articles on advances in drug development, including cell and gene therapies.
Science Careers (AAAS)
A job portal for scientists, with job listings in cell therapy, research, and biotech industries.
A useful tool for networking and discovering job opportunities in the cell therapy field, with companies and research institutions often posting relevant openings.
