Challenge:
HireMinds was engaged by a client that needed to build out a full team in stem cell R&D and manufacturing. There was a sense of urgency with a need to build out the team quickly. These were niche skillsets and the CSO had a very high bar for talent with aseptic cellular technique experience and attention to quality in the hands-on lab team.
Solution:
Specialized Recruiting Team:
HireMinds built out a core team of recruiters with cross-functional expertise to cover multiple open roles. We partnered with the CSO and VP of the team to build out a team qualified in iPSC stem cell culture, differentiation, and Immunology laboratory hires. Our talent plan focused on identifying candidates who have experience with intricate stem cell techniques in the lab, but also complemented the team’s dynamic and diverse culture.
Transparent Partnership:
Both HireMinds and the CSO and VP of the hiring team committed to weekly meetings to monitor and optimize the search progress.
Results:
Successfully filled nine critical roles:
- Associate Director/ Director Project Management
- Senior Scientist, Immunotherapy
- Lab Manager
- Scientist – AD, PSC Directed Differentiation
- Associate Director, Stem Cell Immunology
- Downstream Process Engineer I/II, MSAT
- Manager, Manufacturing (cGMP Cell Therapy)
- Associate Scientist, Stem Cell Culture (iPSCs)
- Associate Scientist, Stem Cell Culture (iPSCs)
Learnings:
Given the niche skillsets, we had to get creative to find the best talent for each roles. We were able to successfully identify four candidates from abroad and we guided the client to relocate the candidates to the Waltham, MA office. We also assisted in one visa transfer scenario to help successfully hire the talents with tight qualifications the client needed to meet vital business challenges. Recruiting often requires significant market research, flexibility and creative solutions to meet ongoing business needs and strong partnerships enable the best results.
Chris Clancy is Practice Director leading the HireMinds Life Sciences & Biotech team. With over a decade of experience, he and his team have successfully filled hundreds Biotech search assignments, and he is widely recognized as a trusted leader in recruiting for Discovery Biology, Discovery Chemistry, Computational Biology, Immunology, Pharmacology, Toxicology, Translational Biology, Preclinical Development, Process Development, Manufacturing, CMC, Program Management, Clinical, and Regulatory roles at all levels of the reporting structure.