Career Path of a Clinical Research Associate at a Public Biotech Company
Kimberly's career path began with a biopsychology degree and neuroscience research lab experience at UC Santa Barbara, leading to roles in biotech startups focused on early R&D and clinical research. This culminated in a Clinical Research Associate position where they "helped guide cancer patients to cancer treatments in clinical trials," and even contributed to COVID-19 studies, ultimately prompting further business school education to better integrate research and business within the healthcare industry.
Biotechnology, Clinical Research, Healthcare, Career Development, Research
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Kimberly Sern
Clinical Research Associate
Public Biotech Company
University of California, Santa Barbara
UCLA Anderson FTMBA 2024
Biology & Related Sciences
Biotechnology & Pharmaceutical
Research and Development (R&D)
Video Highlights
1. Kimberly's background in biopsychology provided a strong foundation for her career in clinical research.
2. Her experience in neuroscience research labs and biotech startups gave her practical experience in the field.
3. Her work on cancer clinical trials and COVID-19 studies demonstrates her commitment to improving patient care and her ability to adapt to new challenges.
Transcript
Could you walk me through your career path, starting with your experiences in college? Did you have any internships or jobs before your current role?
Definitely. I studied biopsychology at UC Santa Barbara for four years. This is where I got the chance to really understand how medicine plays a role in our society and the detailed mechanisms of how to navigate that.
I had the opportunity to work in a neuroscience research lab, which let me dive into that world after graduation. I wanted to continue in the healthcare space but not necessarily on the lab side.
So then I started working for biotech startups, first in early R&D and then in clinical research. My most recent role was as a clinical research associate, where I helped guide cancer patients to cancer treatments in clinical trials.
During the COVID pandemic, I actually helped launch four COVID studies to help people in real-time regarding COVID screening. I worked on a lot of different research aspects of my career, and that's why I came to business school. I want to better understand how to blend the two sides together – research and business – in order to continue making an impact and driving change in the healthcare space.