Industry Skills Series
The UNC Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPA) and Training Initiatives in Biomedical and Biological Sciences (TIBBS) present the 2025 Industry Skills Series, designed for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars at UNC-Chapel Hill who are exploring careers in industry.
This year’s series brings together expert-led workshops, panels, and networking events that highlight the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in today’s life sciences workforce. With a focus on transferable skills, underexplored industry roles, and practical strategies for career transitions, participants will gain insight into how PhD training translates beyond academia. Sessions also provide unique opportunities to connect directly with industry professionals, recruiters, and UNC alumni working across diverse sectors.
The 2025 program features six sessions, including a recruiter and hiring manager roundtable, a Merck research symposium, and the annual TIBBS Career Blitz. Registration is required for each session, and early sign-up is encouraged as space is limited for certain events. See below for full session details and links to register.
Session 1: Transferable Skills (Discussion with Industry Leaders)
Format: Panel Discussion
Date: Tuesday, September 23rd
Time: 12:00- 1:15 PM
Location: Virtual
Registration: https://apps2.research.unc.edu/events/index.cfm?event=events.go&key=CA39
PhDs develop a powerful set of transferable skills – but how do those skills translate to careers beyond academia? In this session, industry leaders will highlight how competencies like project management, communication, collaboration, leadership, and people skills are recognized and valued across sectors. Panelists will share real-world examples and offer tips for identifying and articulating your strengths when navigating career transitions.
Speakers:
- Francesca Bargiacchi, PhD. Global Head Medical Strategy, Menarini Group
- Nicole D. Fleming, PhD. Manager I/Bioanalytical Project Manager, BioAgilytix
- Don Rose, PhD. Entrepreneur in Residence, Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.; Adjunct Professor, UNC-CH
- Suresh de Silva, PhD. Chief Scientific Officer at Shattuck Labs
Session 2: AMGEN Medical Science Liaison (MSL) Networking
Format: Networking; Lunch & Learn
Date: Tuesday, September 30th
Time: 12:00- 1:00 PM
Location: Mary Ellen Jones Room 3116
Registration: https://apps2.research.unc.edu/events/index.cfm?event=events.go&key=CAA7
Are you curious about a career as a Medical Science Liaison (MSL)? Join us for a boxed-lunch event featuring two MSLs from Amgen, who will offer insights into their company and roles. Following their presentations, you will have the opportunity to engage in a discussion and Q&A. Lunch will be provided. Co-sponsored by OPA, UNC’s Postdoctoral Association (PDA), and TIBBS. Space is limited, so please only register if you can attend or cancel promptly to open your spot for waitlisted individuals.
Speakers:
- Richard Ashworth, Medical Science Liaison, Cardiovascular, AMGEN
- Donna Cook, Medical Science Liaison, Bone Health, AMGEN
- Julia Seabolt, Senior Medical Science Liaison, Inflammation, AMGEN
Session 3: Underexplored Roles in Industry for PhDs
Format: Panel Discussion
Date: Tuesday, October 7th
Time: 12:00- 1:15 PM
Location: Virtual
Registration: https://apps2.research.unc.edu/events/index.cfm?event=events.go&key=CA47
Industry offers a wide range of fulfilling careers for PhDs – many of which extend far beyond the bench. This session highlights impactful and often overlooked roles in areas such as quality control, technical sales, business development, and scientific consulting. You’ll hear from PhDs who have successfully transitioned into these paths – why they made the move, what skills helped them pivot, and how they navigated the transition. Whether you’re actively exploring career options or just starting to think beyond academia, this session will expand your understanding of what’s possible with a PhD.
Speakers:
- Chad Cecil, PhD. Associate Head of QC, Microbiology, Fujifilm
- Michael J Miley, Ph.D. Commercial Zone Leader, Central/Southeastern US, (Sales) Cytiva
- Harold Haun, PhD. Scientific Consultant, Grant Writing Specialist, Eva Garland Consulting
- Bailey Zwarycz, PhD. Business Development Director at Alimentiv
Session 4: Merck Research Symposium
Format: Symposium
Date: Wednesday, October 15th & Thursday, October 16th
Time: 12:00-5:30 PM
Location: Murray Hall
Website for Additional Information: https://tibbs.unc.edu/merck-unc-research-forum/
Registration: http://apps2.research.unc.edu/events/index.cfm?event=events.go&key=C2BD
Merck is coming to campus and wants to meet with UNC Postdocs, Grad Students & Faculty. This is an exciting opportunity to network with a wide array of Merck scientists who are looking for talent and fostering collaboration with UNC scientists. We strongly encourage any UNC postdocs that are interested in learning more about Merck and impactful networking to register for the Merck-UNC Research Forum and Idea Exchange on October 19th, held on the Ground Floor of Murray Hall. The symposium will feature lectures by Prof. Michael Fitzgerald from Duke and Dr. Jason Cheung from Merck. This will be a unique opportunity to come and present your science with either a lightning talk or poster to over 20 Merck scientists from Research & Development, Discovery Chemistry, Structural Biology, and Manufacturing. These areas encompass all disciplines in Chemistry, Virology, Immunology, Biochemistry, Cell and molecular biology, Pharmacology, Protein sciences, Predictive sciences, Toxicology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Materials Sciences, and more!
Session 5: Recruiter + Hiring Manager Roundtable
Format: Panel Discussion
Date: Thursday, October 21st
Time: 12:00-1:15
Location: Virtual
Registration: https://apps2.research.unc.edu/events/index.cfm?event=events.go&key=CA48
Ever wonder what really happens behind the scenes during hiring? This session brings together recruiters and hiring managers to offer a candid look at how candidates are evaluated – from initial application through final decision. Panelists will share what they prioritize when reviewing resumes, how interviews are assessed, and what separates strong candidates from the rest. This discussion will provide tips for strengthening your job search strategy and presenting yourself more effectively to employers.
Speakers:
- Joshua Jutton, Talent Acquisition Leader, Fujifilm Biotechnologies (Previous: Syneos)
- Bradley McMillan, RPM ReSearch (owner) Expert Recruiter, Biotech Partners
- Alice Pilo, Associate Principal Scientist and Director of Biologics Analytical R&D, Merck
Session 6: TIBBS Virtual Career Blitz
Format: Virtual speed networking with professionals
Date: Tuesday, November 4th
Time: 2:00-5:30PM
Location: Virtual
Registration: https://apps2.research.unc.edu/events/index.cfm?event=events.go&key=CA3B
Don’t miss the 15th Annual TIBBS Career Blitz!
At the annual Career Blitz dozens of PhD-trained scientists from different career tracks are on hand in a casual setting to answer your questions about what they do, how they navigated their career paths, and how you can follow in their footsteps. Each scientist, or pair of scientists with similar careers, will briefly describe their career and then answer questions from individuals interested in networking. See the list of almost 40 presenters plus the times they will be speaking at the Career Blitz Website: https://tibbs.unc.edu/2025-virtual-career-blitz/
2024 Industry Skills Series
The UNC Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPA) and Training Initiatives in Biomedical and Biological Sciences (TIBBS) are presenting the 2024 Industry Skills Series, designed exclusively for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars at UNC-CH who are interested in transitioning to careers in industry.
This series offers expert-led workshops, panels, and networking sessions focused on building essential skills for success in today’s professional landscape, with a special emphasis on scientific leadership, communication, and teamwork. Participants will have opportunities to connect with industry professionals and mentors, gaining valuable insights into career paths, opportunities, and the culture of the life sciences industry. The series also highlights the resources at UNC that support the move from academia to industry.
Comprising 8 sessions, the Industry Skills Series includes skill-building workshops, a research symposium with Merck scientists, a site visit to RTP, a career blitz, and career panels. Participants who attend 6 of the 8 sessions will earn a Credly certification badge. Registration is required for each session, and early registration is recommended as spaces are limited. Additional information and registration links can be found below.
Session 1: Industry Landscape
Date: Wednesday, October 2nd
Time: 1:00-3:00 PM
Register for Session 1: Industry Landscape
Location: MBRB G-202 & Lobby
Speakers: Don Rose, Chrissy Kinkade
The first session of the Industry Skills Series, titled “Industry Landscape,” introduces graduate students and postdocs to key aspects of the corporate world. The session features two expert speakers: the first will delve into the “Anatomy of a Company,” providing insights into how companies are structured, their operations, and key functional areas. The second speaker will explore the broader “Industry Landscape & Career Options,” offering an overview of various industries, emerging trends, and diverse career paths available beyond academia. This session sets the foundation for understanding industry.
Session 2: Professional Communication
Date: Wednesday, October 9th
Time: 1:00-3:00 PM
Register for Session 2: Professional Communication
Location: – Innovate Junction
Speaker: Tim Flood
Elevate your networking game with our interactive workshop, led by Tim Flood, a seasoned expert and professor of communication at the Kenan-Flagler Business School, as well as the Managing Director of Launch Chapel Hill. Hosted by the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, TIBBS, and Innovate Carolina, this session is designed to help you master the art of effective communication, whether you’re in academia, the professional world, or bridging both.
Session 3: Leadership & Teamwork
Date: Wednesday, October 16th
Time: 1:00-2:30 PM
Register for Session 3: Leadership & Teamwork
Location: Bondurant Hall G100
Speakers: Bob Black
Leadership and teamwork can take on different meanings for professionals in academia versus industry. Developing leadership qualities that align with the motivations and priorities of life science companies is crucial for success in industry. Many new industry hires, particularly those with extensive academic experience, often find that understanding the structure and dynamics of industry teams—and how individuals collaborate and rely on each other—is something they wished they had grasped earlier. This session will focus on how effective teamwork can drive innovation, meet project goals, and support professional growth. You’ll gain insights into managing cross-functional teams, balancing diverse perspectives, and maintaining a results-driven focus in the fast-paced, competitive landscape of a life science company.
Session 4: Career Exposure | TIBBS Career Blitz
Date: Wednesday, October 23rd
Time: 2:00-5:30 PM
Register for Session 4: Career Exposure / TIBBS Career Blitz
Location: Virtual
Description: At the Career Blitz 24+ PhD-trained scientists from more than a dozen different career tracks will be on hand in a casual, virtual (zoom) setting to answer your questions about what they do, how they navigated their career paths, and how you can follow in their footsteps. Each scientist, or pair of scientists with similar careers, will briefly describe their career and then answer questions from individuals interested in networking.
Session 5: Design Thinking
Date: Wednesday, October 30th
Time: 1:00 -3:00 PM
Register for Session 5: Design Thinking
Location: Innovate Junction
Speakers: Kelly Parsons, Bill Romani & Kyle Mcquillan
Description: This two-hour session will introduce participants to design thinking, a problem-solving approach that emphasizes understanding user needs to create innovative and effective solutions. This interactive session begins with an introduction to Innovate Carolina, the Office of Technology Commercialization, and their exciting new Franklin Street space, the Junction. The introduction will be followed by an overview of design thinking principles, including rapid prototyping and human-centered design. Participants will then use these principles in a guided, hands-on workshop designed to explore the components of a meaningful, joyful career in Innovation.
Session 6: Merck Research Symposium & Professional Networking
Date: Wednesday, November 6th
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Register for Session 6: Merck Research Symposium & Professional Networking
Location: Kerr Building
Description: The Merck & UNC Research Forum is a chance for UNC graduate students, postdocs, scientists, staff, and faculty to share their current work with the campus research community and with R&D scientists from Merck. This day-long event will feature keynote speakers from Merck and academia. A dozen scientists will be visiting from Merck facilities in New Jersey, Philadelphia, and Boston. There will also be lightning talks (10-15 minutes each) from trainees, free continental breakfast and lunch (for those who register by October 17th), a poster session, career panels, and networking events. There will be awards for the top poster presenters. More information can be found on the website for the Merck Research Symposium.
Session 7: RTP Site Visit & Professional Networking
Date: Wednesday, November 13th
Time: 3:00 – 5:00 PM
Register for Session 7: RTP Site Visit & Professional Networking
Location: Alexandria Center® for Advanced Technologies (8 Davis Dr, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709)
Description: Join us for a site visit to the Alexandria Center for Advanced Technologies in Research Triangle Park. The Alexandria Center is a dynamic campus designed to support cutting-edge life science companies with first-class laboratories and office spaces in a collaborative environment. Ribometrix will host a panel discussion featuring scientists working at various start up companies at the site, followed by an audience Q&A and networking session. Mireya McKee will also be present to introduce attendees to KickStart Venture Services, which supports research-based startups by providing education and early-stage funding at UNC-Chapel Hill. This visit offers a unique opportunity to explore a modern industrial space and learn about the startup work environment.
Session 8: Recent Hire Panel & Professional Networking
Date: Wednesday, November 20th
Time: 1:00-3:00 PM (Panel 1:00-2:00, Recruiter/Networking 2:00-3:00)
Register for Session 8: Recent Hire Panel & Professional Networking
Location: MBRB G-202 & Basement Lobby
Description: This final session offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from recent hires who have successfully transitioned into roles within life science companies. In this panel, you’ll gain firsthand insights into their experiences navigating the job market, the challenges they faced, and what ultimately helped them land their positions. Following the panel, there will be time for networking with the panelists and with recruiters and scientists from companies actively seeking talent in industry. Whether you’re currently job hunting or still planning for your next career move, this session will provide invaluable advice, real-world strategies, and direct connections to help you succeed in your job search.
Acknowledgements
The organizers would like to thank each of our speakers and panelists for donating their time. The organizers would also like to extend our gratitude to Innovate Junction, Alexandria Center® for Advanced Technologies, and Ribometrix, for their collaboration on the series.