Episode 13: Mark Namchuk

Mark Namchuk: The Art of the Argument Between Science and Business at Every Level

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Mark Namchuk is the Executive Director of Therapeutics Translation at Harvard Medical School. Before he joined Harvard, Mark had a 24-year research and development career in the biotech industry, working in a number of areas, including drug discovery, translational science and pharmaceutical development. Mark began his industry career at Cubist Pharmaceuticals as head of the enzymology group. Then Mark spent 17 years at Vertex, holding a number of senior research positions, including senior vice president of North American research and interim global head of research. In 2015, Mark joined Alkermes as senior vice president.

In this episode:

• He talks about how he fell in love with science after being inspired by the Star Trek character Spock and watching science programs on TV with his father.

• He talks about his transition from academia to industry, including the moment he received his first job offer and ultimately describing the exciting energy at Vertex in its early days.

• He comments on the wisdom he’s gained while serving in senior leadership positions at Vertex and other companies and expounds on he belief that “Biotech is an argument between science, management, and business… part of the art is knowing who’s turn it is to win.”

• He talks about his philosophy on the differences between academic science and industry science and how to bridge the two.

• He describes the premise and structure behind the Harvard Medical School Therapeutics Initiative and the Harvard Life Labs.

• He provides actionable advice for PhD graduates and post docs trying to navigate a down job market

Co-hosts: Tanner Baldwin and Fang Xie