2026 Biotech Education & Talent Development Webinars

September–December 2026

The Biotech Education & Talent Development Webinar Series features three webinars on building a career in the biotech industry. Across three sessions, senior, mid-level, and early-career leaders share how scientific training translates into industry roles, what hiring managers look for, how careers progress in R&D, clinical development and medical affairs, and business development, finance, and venture capital.

Register

Webinar 1 — Careers in Biotech: Research and Development

Friday, Sept. 11, 2026 · 11 a.m.—12:15 p.m. ET · Online

Time Session
11—11:05 a.m. ET
Introduction
Moderator: Claire Vanpouille-Box, PhD - Weill Cornell Medicine
11:05—11:35 a.m. ET
Speaker Presentations
Senior leader perspective: Howard Kaufman, MD - Ankyra
  • Types of roles within R&D and how careers progress
  • Skills that translate from academic training into R&D roles
  • Hiring priorities and what makes candidates competitive
Mid-level perspective: Robert G. Newman, PhD - Ankyra
  • Navigating advancement within a biotech and what proved effective along the way
Early-career perspective: Kanika Jain, PhD - Ankyra
  • Personal path from academic training into biotech R&D
  • Building a resume, seeking guidance and standing out
  • Skills that transferred well and what they had to adapt to in industry
11:35 a.m.—12:10 p.m. ET
Moderated Panel Discussion and Audience Q&A
12:10—12:15 p.m. ET
Closing Remarks

Webinar 2 — Careers in Biotech: Clinical Development and Medical Affairs

Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026 · Noon—1:15 p.m. ET · Online

Time Session
Noon—12:05 p.m. ET
Introduction
Moderator: Praveen K. Bommareddy, BPharm, MS, PhD - Replimune Inc.
12:05—12:35 p.m. ET
Speaker Presentations
Senior leader perspective: Christopher Ryan Heery, MD (affiliation to be confirmed)
  • Roles within clinical development and medical affairs and how these careers progress
  • Skills that translate from academia, research or clinical training into these roles
  • Hiring priorities, including cross-functional collaboration and communication
Mid-level perspective: Kristen Hurley, DNP - Kite Pharma
  • Navigating advancement within a biotech and what proved effective along the way
Early-career perspective: Brynn Duncan, MD - Kite Pharma
  • Personal path into clinical development or medical affairs
  • Positioning prior experience to become a strong candidate
  • Skills that transferred well and what differed from academia or clinical practice
12:35—1:10 p.m. ET
Moderated Panel Discussion and Audience Q&A
1:10—1:15 p.m. ET
Closing Remarks

Webinar 3 — Careers in Biotech: Business Development, Finance and Venture Capital

November or December 2026 · Noon—1:15 p.m. ET · Online · Date to be announced

Time Session
Noon—12:05 p.m. ET
Introduction
Moderator: Jennifer L. Guerriero, PhD - Brigham and Women's Hospital
12:05—12:35 p.m. ET
Speaker Presentations
Senior leader perspective: David Kaufman, MD, PhD - Third Rock Ventures
  • Roles within business development, finance and venture, and how these careers progress
  • Skills that translate from scientific or clinical training into business-side roles
  • Hiring priorities and what makes candidates competitive in these functions
Mid-level perspective: Marit M. Van Buuren, PhD - Third Rock Ventures
  • Navigating advancement within a biotech and what proved effective along the way
Early-career perspective: Speaker to be announced
  • Personal path into the business side of biotech and why it was the right fit
  • Translating a scientific background and building credibility as a candidate
  • Skills that transferred well and what they had to learn or adapt to
12:35—1:10 p.m. ET
Moderated Panel Discussion and Audience Q&A
1:10—1:15 p.m. ET
Closing Remarks

Target Audience

The target audience includes mostly early career professionals interested in transitioning into a career in biotech. Individuals later in their career looking to make a transition into this industry may also be interested.