2024 Industry Skills Series

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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 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. 

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.