Biology careers are no longer linear.
In this episode of Biology Career Insights, we explore The New Biology Career Map (2026 Edition) — how biology has evolved from a single career path into a flexible skill stack powering roles across biotech, health tech, AI, policy, product, and beyond.
Drawing on conversations with founders, biotech leaders, investors, regulators, and career switchers, this episode breaks down:
Why “academia vs industry” is an outdated debate
The rise of the hybrid biologist
How biology skills translate beyond the lab
Why adaptability matters more than job titles
How visibility and storytelling accelerate science careers
Whether you’re a student, PhD, postdoc, or industry professional, this episode will help you rethink what a modern biology career can look like in 2026 and beyond.
🎧 Subscribe to Biology Career Insights for regular conversations with top people in the life sciences—and, from time to time, a daily dose of biology alongside real career insights.
We are living longer than ever before — but longevity without quality of life is not the goal.In this episode, we explore the science of healthy aging and ask a critical question:How can we improve the final third of life using interventions that are effective, affordable, and accessible to everyone?Drawing from leading research published in journals such as The Lancet, Science, BMJ, and eBioMedicine, this episode distills the latest evidence into a practical blueprint for healthy aging.You’ll learn:Why moderate calorie reduction — not extreme dieting — can improve cardiometabolic health and slow biological agingHow hydration plays a surprisingly powerful role in reducing chronic disease riskThe impact of movement, social connection, and cognitive activity on memory and brain healthWhy lifestyle choices can mitigate genetic risk, even for conditions like dementiaHow small, consistent habits — not perfection — create long-term resilienceThis conversation shifts the focus away from expensive, cutting-edge treatments and toward everyday lifestyle choices that have the strongest scientific backing.Healthy aging isn’t about living forever.It’s about living better — physically, mentally, and socially — for as long as possible.🎙️ Listen to the full episode on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music.📚 Scientific ReferenceHealthy ageing begins with a healthy lifestyleeBioMedicine, Volume 89, 104528
Can you really drink your way to younger skin? 🥤✨ In our latest podcast episode, we dive deep into the multi-billion dollar anti-aging industry to separate marketing myths from medical science.Here is what we are uncovering:• The "Miracle" Cream Myth: While the cosmetics industry offers a huge range of active ingredients like Coenzyme Q10, Retinol, and various vitamins, the truth is that deep wrinkles cannot simply be "creamed away.", Most formulas remain closely guarded manufacturer secrets, and many advertising claims are based on meaningless metrics like "self-assessment" rather than actual medical examinations.,• The Truth About Beauty Drinks: Trending collagen drinks and hyaluronic capsules are often met with skepticism by scientists. Our bodies naturally produce about 3.6 kilograms of collagen, making the 2.5 grams found in a typical beauty drink a negligible amount that likely won't "plump" you up from within.• Prevention Over Products: Expensive serums are no guarantee of smooth skin. We discuss why regular sunscreen use is your best defense against UV radiation—the biggest risk factor for wrinkles—and how simple factors like sleep and hydration outshine pricey products.,• The Risks of the "Quick Fix": Hyaluronic acid injections are medical procedures, not simple beauty treatments. We explore the serious risks involved, including the fact that hyaluronic acid should never be used on forehead frown lines, as it can damage blood vessels and even lead to blindness.Stop spending a fortune on promises and start listening to the science. 🎧 Listen to our upcoming podcast on this soon!
Dr. Ingmar Hoerr, the visionary scientist and founder of CureVac, is widely regarded as one of the earliest pioneers of mRNA technology. His groundbreaking PhD discovery — that naked mRNA can activate the immune system — laid the scientific foundation for the global mRNA revolution that transformed modern medicine.
In this episode of the Biology Career Insights (BCI) Podcast, we dive deep into Ingmar’s journey of curiosity, conviction, and courage, tracing how a simple lab observation grew into a biotech breakthrough that changed the world.
We explore:
How a lab experiment sparked a global biotech transformation
The challenges of building and scaling CureVac during the early days of mRNA skepticism
What the future holds for RNA therapeutics beyond vaccines
Leadership, resilience, and lessons from a remarkable career in science and entrepreneurship
I’m incredibly grateful to Dr. Ingmar Hoerr for sharing his wisdom and experiences on the BCI Podcast.
Don’t forget to subscribe to Biology Career Insights — this episode drops soon! 🎧
#BCIPodcast #Biotech #mRNA #Leadership #Innovation #CureVac #Entrepreneurship #SciencePodcast #RNARevolution
Coping with Fear: Ingmar's Plan B Strategy *Full episode coming soon
In this episode, we dive into Nature’s recent analysis of science Nobel Prize winners since 2000, exploring the remarkable impact of immigrant scientists in Physics, Chemistry, and Medicine. 🌍Did you know that over 30% of laureates were born outside the country where they won their Nobel Prize? The United States emerges as the top destination, hosting 41 of the 63 foreign-born laureates at the time of their award.We discuss:Why global migration is crucial for top scientific talent.How access to research opportunities, cutting-edge equipment, and supportive scientific communities drives these moves.The risks posed by immigration restrictions and cuts to research funding in major countries like the US, Australia, and Japan.Why Physics sees the highest proportion of foreign-born laureates, due to the concentration of expensive experimental equipment in a few nations.Join us as we uncover how international collaboration and mobility shape the future of science, and what this means for aspiring researchers worldwide.🔗 Read the full Nature article here: https://www.nature.com/articles/d4158...#ScienceCareers #NobelPrize #ImmigrantScientists #GlobalResearch #BCIPodcast #Biotechnology #STEMCareers
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. John Ryals — visionary scientist, entrepreneur, and leader with over 30 years of impact in biotechnology and agriculture.Dr. Ryals is the founder and past CEO of Metabolon, the global leader in metabolomics, and the founder of Paradigm Genetics, a pioneer in agricultural biotechnology. Today, he continues to innovate as co-founder and board member of AgBiome, a company leveraging soil microbes to protect crops while reducing pesticide use.From his early curiosity and switch from music to science, to building groundbreaking companies that transformed biotech and agriculture, Dr. Ryals shares his extraordinary journey of discovery, leadership, and innovation.👉 Tune in to learn:How Dr. Ryals’ curiosity shaped his path from music to scienceThe challenges and breakthroughs in launching biotech startupsWhat it really takes to secure funding and build investor trustThe future of science, agriculture, and biotechnology📌 Whether you’re an entrepreneur, founder, scientist, or innovator, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.
In this episode of Biology Career Insights, I’m honored to welcome a true veteran of the life sciences industry: Mark Bloomfield.
With over 40 years of experience across commercial, executive, and leadership roles, Mark has worked with some of the most recognized names in biotech and diagnostics—including Thermo Fisher Scientific, Agilent Technologies, Applied Biosystems, and Life Technologies. But Mark's impact goes far beyond corporate boardrooms.
From scaling early-stage startups like Polyplus-transfection (now part of Sartorius Stedim) to guiding SMEs as CEO, chairman, and consultant, Mark has dedicated much of his career to helping young companies navigate the complex path of commercialization, growth, and leadership.
Today, he continues to support the next generation of biotech leaders through his work with george james Ltd and his own consulting firm, Mark Bloomfield Consulting GmbH.
This conversation dives deep into leadership, resilience, business strategy, and the evolving biotech ecosystem—through the lens of someone who’s been there and done it all.
We had the honor of sitting down with John Ryals, founder of Metabolon, Inc., a true pioneer who built the company brick by brick.
From his early dream of becoming a musician (until disco intervened!) to his journey as a scientist and entrepreneur, John’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and leadership.
One of the most powerful takeaways from our conversation was his approach to leadership, inspired by a mentor:
“I never precisely ask what’s to be done. I just show people the problem and expect them to solve it. If they solve it, they deserve the seat. If not, they can go on to do better things.”
It’s a perspective that empowers people, creates ownership, and uncovers true problem-solvers.
🎥Full Episode drops soon — you won’t want to miss this episode.
In this episode of the BCI Podcast, Dr. Manish Kumar sits down with Dr. Christian Homsy, founder & CEO of Capstan Therapeutics, to explore his inspiring journey from a curious child in Lebanon to a pioneering leader in biotechnology and cell therapy.
Dr. Homsy shares how he transitioned from medicine to entrepreneurship, the lessons he learned founding Celiad, and how those experiences shaped the creation of Capstan Therapeutics—a company at the forefront of in vivo precision engineering using lipid nanoparticles.
💡 Topics include:
The challenges and rewards of moving from medicine to biotech entrepreneurship
Lessons from Celiad and their impact on Capstan’s foundation
The game-changing role of lipid nanoparticles in drug delivery
Navigating fundraising across Europe vs. the US
The importance of resilience, patience, and building strong teams
Leaving a legacy and shaping the future of medicine
🎙️ Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, biotech enthusiast, or simply curious about the future of medicine, this episode is packed with insights on innovation, resilience, and impact.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
Curiosity and passion drive innovation
Resilience is essential in leadership and entrepreneurship
In vivo therapies could revolutionize treatment approaches
Strong teams and patience are key to long-term success
✨ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with leaders shaping the future of biotechnology and innovation.
The PhD is the new MBA?In this episode, we explore why the skills traditionally honed in a PhD program—asking the right questions, challenging assumptions, and inventing new approaches—are becoming essential for business leaders in the age of AI.Drawing on insights from a recent Forbes article by Shivaram Rajgopal, we discuss how AI is reshaping the future of management education, and why tomorrow’s leaders may need more of a scientist’s mindset than a manager’s toolkit.💡 What you’ll learn in this episode:Why PhD-style thinking is becoming valuable in businessHow AI challenges traditional MBA skill setsThe new leadership skills needed to thrive in an AI-driven world📖 Read the full Forbes article here:https://www.forbes.com/sites/shivaram...✨ Subscribe to the Biology Career Insights Podcast for conversations at the intersection of science, business, and leadership.#PhD #MBA #AI #Leadership #FutureOfWork #BCIPodcast #BiotechSocial
In this episode of the BCI Podcast, Dr. Manish Kumar sits down with Dr. Christian Homsy, founder & CEO of Capstan Therapeutics, to explore his inspiring journey from a curious child in Lebanon to a pioneering leader in biotechnology and cell therapy.
Dr. Homsy shares how he transitioned from medicine to entrepreneurship, the lessons he learned founding Celiad, and how those experiences shaped the creation of Capstan Therapeutics—a company at the forefront of in vivo precision engineering using lipid nanoparticles.
💡 Topics include:
The challenges and rewards of moving from medicine to biotech entrepreneurship
Lessons from Celiad and their impact on Capstan’s foundation
The game-changing role of lipid nanoparticles in drug delivery
Navigating fundraising across Europe vs. the US
The importance of resilience, patience, and building strong teams
Leaving a legacy and shaping the future of medicine
🎙️ Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, biotech enthusiast, or simply curious about the future of medicine, this episode is packed with insights on innovation, resilience, and impact.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
Curiosity and passion drive innovation
Resilience is essential in leadership and entrepreneurship
In vivo therapies could revolutionize treatment approaches
Strong teams and patience are key to long-term success
✨ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with leaders shaping the future of biotechnology and innovation.
🎙️ Welcome to TechPod by Biotech Social – where science meets storytelling, powered by AI.
💊 “If exercise were a pill, it would be the best-selling drug in history.”
In this episode, we dive into a brand-new review published in the Journal of Applied Physiology (June 2025; PMID: 40244910 – open access), led by Glenn A. Gaesser and colleagues.
🔬 What you’ll learn:
Why exercise and caloric restriction are the two strongest levers to extend our healthspan (not just lifespan).
How health can be seen as a portfolio strategy – combining movement, nutrition, and even humor (yes, Monty Python’s “Silly Walks” included).
The science-backed ROI: more years of independence, energy, and mental clarity.
At Biotech Social, we’re passionate about translating cutting-edge science into conversations that inspire action. With TechPod, we also leverage AI assistance to distill insights, making research more accessible and engaging.
👉 Tune in, reflect, and ask yourself: What’s in your personal health portfolio right now?
In this episode of the Biology Career Insights (BCI) Podcast, we welcome Professor Robert A. Harris, Professor of Immunotherapy in Neurological Diseases at the Karolinska Institutet and Academic Vice-President for Doctoral Education.Prof. Harris has made pioneering contributions to our understanding of chronic neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis, ALS, Alzheimer’s disease, and brain tumors. His work has advanced the fields of personalized cell therapy and immunomodulation, while his leadership has shaped doctoral education for over 2,000 PhD students at Karolinska.We dive deep into his remarkable career journey—from his early inspirations in science, through decades of impactful research, to his leadership roles at an international level. Prof. Harris also shares valuable advice for aspiring scientists, educators, and leaders in life sciences.🔹 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Prof. Harris’s early career journey and academic rootsBreakthroughs in neuroimmunology and their real-world impactInsights into doctoral education and supervisionBalancing research, teaching, and leadership rolesAdvice for PhD students and postdocs on career development🎧 Subscribe & Follow the Biology Career Insights Podcast:🌐 Website: https://www.bcipodcast.eu📱 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bcipodcastYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tq2gUUtDUvE
In this episode, we dive into a groundbreaking 2025 study from Emory University that shows psilocybin, the compound found in psychedelic mushrooms, reversed signs of aging and extended lifespan in mice by 30%. Even more mind-blowing? Human skin and lung cells lived over 50% longer in lab studies.Our AI-generated hosts, explore the science behind how psilocybin impacts oxidative stress, telomere length, DNA repair — and what it all means for human longevity and the future of anti-aging therapies.🔬 What you'll learn:How psychedelics may fight aging at the cellular levelThe science behind telomeres and lifespanWhy mice on psilocybin looked and aged betterWhat this could mean for humans and longevity medicineThe link between mental health, psychedelics, and healthy aging📚 Based on the 2025 study published in npj Aging:“Psilocybin treatment extends cellular lifespan and improves survival of aged mice”Authors: Louise Hecker, Ali John Zarrabi, et al.DOI: 10.1038/s41514-025-00244-x💬 Sound off in the comments: Would you consider psychedelic therapy for longevity?👇 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more AI-powered episodes on cutting-edge biotech, mental health, and aging.#Psilocybin #AntiAging #MagicMushrooms #Longevity #BiotechPodcast #HealthyAging #Psychedelics #AIpodcastTranscript
UCLA scientists may have just revolutionized the future of hair loss treatment. In this episode, we explore the groundbreaking discovery of PP405, a small molecule that awakens dormant hair follicle stem cells — leading to full hair regrowth.Backed by promising early human trials, this innovation goes far beyond the limited results of traditional treatments. Discover how Professors William Lowry, Heather Christofk, and Michael Jung are reshaping the field of regenerative medicine — and how their spinout company, Pelage Pharmaceuticals, is racing toward FDA approval.🎙️ Powered by AI🔬 Based on verified science💡 For anyone curious about the future of hair restoration👉 Subscribe for more science-based podcast episodes driven by AI🔗 [Insert link to sources or article, if available]#HairLoss #UCLA #StemCells #HairRegrowth #Baldness #SciencePodcast #Biotech #PP405 #PelagePharmaceuticals
PhD Might Not Be Worth It?
With more PhD graduates now working outside of academia, it's worth asking: Is a doctorate always worth it?A 2023 UK study found that while PhD holders generally earn more per hour than master’s graduates, the difference isn’t universal. In fields like law, economics, and management, master’s degree holders actually earned slightly more.Even more interesting: when factoring in years of work experience, master’s graduates across all fields edged out PhDs in earnings.💡 This challenges the assumption that more education always means more pay, especially outside academia.What do you think? Is the PhD still worth it in today’s job market? Or is a master’s degree enough?🎧 Subscribe in now to remain updated: https://lnkd.in/eE9dteWySource: https://lnkd.in/dEZQiAkg hashtag#PhD hashtag#Podcast hashtag#HigherEducation hashtag#AcademicCareers hashtag#DoctoralTraining hashtag#CareerDevelopment hashtag#Education hashtag#Postgraduate hashtag#PhD hashtag#MastersDegree hashtag#WorkplaceTrends
In this episode of Biology Career Insights, we sit down with Patrick Bongartz, Co-Founder and CEO of BioThrust, a biotech startup revolutionizing cell culture processes with its patented bubble-free, low-shear bioreactor technology.Patrick takes us through his inspiring journey—from his academic foundation at RWTH Aachen University to founding BioThrust in 2020, and how he and his co-founders tackled key challenges in bioprocessing. We talk about the technical innovation behind their ComfyCell system, the evolution of cell and gene therapy, and what it means to build a startup in today’s complex biotech landscape.This candid conversation covers:Patrick’s academic and entrepreneurial backgroundThe story and mission behind BioThrustDeep dive into bioprocessing innovation: bubble-free aerationTrends in MSC, CAR-T, and HEK scale-upInsights from ISCT and ASGCT 2025 conferencesReflections on co-founder dynamics, fundraising, and navigating uncertainty in biotechAdvice for aspiring scientists and biotech entrepreneurs✨ A huge thanks to Patrick for generously sharing his story and insights!🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with biotech leaders: https://youtube.com/@bcipodcast
📩 Learn more or get in touch: www.bcipodcast.eu
In the biotech world, flashy ads just don’t cut it. Scientists, researchers, and decision-makers aren’t persuaded by slogans—they’re influenced by evidence, insight, and authentic expertise.That’s why educational content isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s the most effective marketing strategy in biotech today.In this video, we explore how formats like:🎙️ Podcasts✍️ Blog Posts📢 Webinars...offer far more than visibility. They:Build trust by speaking the language of data and discoveryPosition your brand as a thought leader, not just a vendorCreate lasting engagement with communities that care about why, not just what✅ It's time to sell less and teach more.If you’re still chasing clicks instead of building credibility, it’s time to rethink your biotech marketing playbook.👉 How are you using educational content to lead with value?🔔 Subscribe for more insights on content strategy, science communication, and building brand authority in the biotech space.#BiotechMarketing #ContentStrategy #STEMMarketing #ThoughtLeadership #PodcastMarketing #ScienceCommunication #B2BMarketing #EducationalContent
In this episode we discuss a breakthrough in organoid research by Stanford Medicine scientists, who successfully created heart and liver organoids with their own functional blood vessel systems. Traditionally, organoids have been limited in size due to their inability to receive oxygen and nutrients, but this new development allows for larger, more mature organoids that better mimic human organs. These vascularized organoids hold significant promise for advancing research into human development and disease, as well as paving the way for future regenerative therapies, such as implantable tissue grown from a patient's own stem cells. The research involved optimizing chemical "recipes" to reliably produce the necessary cell types for blood vessel formation, demonstrating a successful method that could be applied to other organoid types.