Partnership Manager Helps Advance Drug Discovery

Name: Helene Fachim (she/her)

PhD: Psychobiology/Neuroscience, University of São Paulo, 2013

What was your main area of research?

I investigated mechanisms involved in neurodegeneration and the activity of natural compounds (i.e. spider venom) as a neuroprotective agent. This gave me the foundational knowledge in neuroscience and behaviour and also in how important it is to collaborate with other groups in order to develop and prove new ideas.

What is your current job?

I am a Partnership Manager for Medicines Discovery Catapult in Greater Manchester, United Kingdom.

Our team engages with people from academia, industry, and government to gather ideas and discuss options to accelerate drug discovery through building partnerships.

What is your favorite thing about your job?

I love being in contact with science without needing to be behind a lab bench, which I did enjoy for years, but after a while I was feeling that was enough and I wanted to progress in my career in other ways.

This job is a very recent one (2 months and a half since I've started), but so far I'm enjoying the new challenges and learning a lot.

What is the most important skill you developed or experience you had during your PhD that now helps you in your current position?

General knowledge in neuroscience, problem solving skills, innovative ideas, and building collaboration

How did you build the skills necessary for your current role?

I developed these skills mostly by experience through the years, keeping good relationships, and networking.

How did you find this position? What were the career steps you took to get to where you are now?

Network + LinkedIn

PhD graduate ➡️ 2 years Postdoc in the UK ➡️ 2 years Postdoc in Brazil ➡️ 1 year postdoc in the UK ➡️ 3 years NHS research scientist UK ➡️ Principal Scientist (start up UK) ➡️ Partnership manager UK

If someone is interested in a similar role, what would you recommend they start doing now to prepare?

That's tough because I didn't envision this pathway, but I would say a mix of knowledge in academia and industry would be beneficial.

Why did you decide to not pursue a career in academia?

It was a very hard decision through many years struggling for funding. I know that being a lecturer was not my desire and carrying on being a postdoc was too stressful and unstable. So, I started to search for different possibilities and talk to people to understand what I could do without throwing away so many years of dedication.

What advice do you have for someone getting their PhD and looking to pursue a career outside of academia?

I would say to try to contact companies (from small to big ones) and ask for the opportunity to have some job experience (even for a few weeks).

This would give you an idea of how science is outside academia and allow you to start building connections with people beyond the academy.

Are there any components of your identity you would like to share, including how they have impacted your journey?

Persistence and resilience are key components of my journey.