Tips from Recruiters & Industry Leaders: Resume Building, Interviewing, and How to Get Your Resume In Front of a Hiring Manager

Panelist Bios:

Victoria Baker brings 6 years of experience in Biotech and Pharmaceutical recruitment up and down the East Coast. As an Account Executive on Stratacuity’s Research and Development team for Permanent Placement, she focuses primarily on Executive and Leadership roles spanning across Discovery Biology and Chemistry, Pharmacology and Toxicology, DMPK, Target Identification and Validation, Translational Biology, Computational Biology, High Throughput and Platform Development, Bioanalytical, and Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. Her process in best supporting her clients is built on mutual understanding, trust, and clear communication.

Karen Carroll is an accomplished, results‐driven biopharma executive with a proven record of strategic clinical development, people management and projects’ execution to achieve operational and organizational success globally.  Karen is highly accomplished in building and fostering internal and external stakeholder relationships, developing and leading teams, driving the execution of Phase I to III clinical studies, and delivering exceptional individual and team performance. Karen has almost 30 years of experience in the biopharma industry with significant contributions to 3 successful NDAs. Karen holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, an Associates of Nursing degree from NECCO and is a matriculated student with the Isenberg School of Management’s MBA, Finance program at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. She enjoys spending time outdoors skiing, biking and walking with her family and friends. 

Ruba Halaoui is a research scientist specializing in oncology, gene and cell therapy, and genetic engineering. With several years of experience in the startup biotech sector, Ruba leads dynamic teams in conducting cutting-edge scientific projects that advance iPSC-derived cell therapies, among others. She is passionate about mentoring and training the next generation of scientists, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages innovation and growth. Ruba’s work focuses on harnessing innovative approaches to develop transformative treatments, contributing to the next generation of therapeutic solutions in oncology.

Tamara T. Monesmith is the Senior Vice President of Technical Development at Editas Medicine. Since joining Editas Medicine in 2018, she has built teams and capabilities in Process Development, Analytical Development, and Manufacturing Sciences and Technology to support CRISPR-based gene editing medicines. With more than 20 years of experience in autologous cell therapies, she leads Editas’ Technical Development efforts to drive reni-cel to BLA. Prior to joining Editas, she held various roles with increasing responsibility at Argos Therapeutics, including development of their autologous dendritic cell immunotherapeutic platform process, clinical manufacturing for phase 2 and phase 3 trials in oncology and infectious diseases, and establishment of the strategy for supply chain and logistics to support a global phase 3 clinical trial in renal cell carcinoma. She holds a BS degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Arizona and a MS degree in Biological Engineering from North Carolina State University.

Jennifer Price brings over 32 years of biotech experience to her role as Vice President, Clinical & Regulatory direct placement.  She has been recruiting in biopharma for the past 27 years and spearheaded Stratacuity’s Clinical & Regulatory segment almost 12 years ago where she focuses her efforts securing exceptional talent for her clients in the areas of clinical development/clinical operations/pharmacovigilance/regulatory/biostatistics/medical affairs. Her expertise within Boston’s biotech community is the result of her commitment to placing her clients’ needs first, developing not only deep relationships with all stakeholders, but understanding the role, the science, and her clients’ priorities.  Jennifer has developed a reputation that is built on honesty, integrity, and success for all stakeholders.

Kevin Rees is a highly accomplished Account Manager with a proven track record in Technical Operations and R&D-focused scientific placements. At Stratacuity, he has helped build successful teams within Boston's biotech and pharmaceutical industries, leading a team of recruiters and providing strategic guidance. Prior to that, he served as Talent Acquisition Partner at a leading Boston biotech company, where he helped expand the team helping to advance research into novel T cell therapies for cancer patients. Kevin's deep understanding of the hiring process and passion for making a meaningful impact on the lives of patients continues to motivate him. As such, he is committed to providing biotech and pharmaceutical companies with top-tier talent to drive their continued growth and success. His extensive industry knowledge and network positions him as an invaluable resource for these organizations. Outside of work, Kevin splits his free time between the golf course and his recording studio, while making occasional availability for family and friends.

Dr. Jyothsna Visweswaraiah is a scientist with drug development experience in small biotech and a track record of advancing new therapies into the clinic. She currently heads the Antibody Discovery group under the Drug Creation department at Seismic Therapeutic. Previously, she was head of the antibody discovery and engineering efforts at a Flagship Pioneering new co,  developing a modular, multi-specific biologics platform to address the complexities of biology. Prior to this, Jyothsna was at Pandion Therapeutics where she developed novel therapeutics designed to address the unmet needs of patients living with autoimmune diseases. Jyothsna has trained at Harvard Medical School and the National Institutes of Health. She has been an advocate for women in science and workplace inclusiveness. She mentors students interested in STEM careers and early career women scientists. Jyothsna also volunteers with The Antibody Society as a part of the communications and membership committee. 

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