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Siobhan Johnson’s career is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and the power of mentorship. As a biomedical sciences professional, she has navigated an unconventional path to success—one that challenges the traditional notion of linear career progression. In a conversation with Steven Fuller on the Race in STEM podcast, she shared her story, offering invaluable insights for those looking to break into the industry.
A Non-Traditional Path to Biomedical Science
Born and raised in North London, Siobhan’s academic journey was anything but straightforward. Initially pursuing a psychology degree at the University of Leicester, she quickly realised that it wasn’t the right fit. Determined to follow her passion for life sciences, she took an alternative route—completing a Level 3 Access course in life sciences at Lambeth College. This decision ultimately paved the way for her entry into biomedical sciences at Brunel University.
Reflecting on this pivotal moment, Siobhan emphasised the importance of being open to change. “It’s never too late to pivot,” she said. “Many people think that once they’ve made a decision at 16 or 18, they’re stuck. But there are always ways to shift gears.”
Breaking into Clinical Research
During her studies, Siobhan worked as a healthcare assistant at the Royal London Hospital, an experience that exposed her to clinical environments early on. Upon graduation, she transitioned into clinical research, taking on a role at the Cancer Research Network, where she managed regulatory approvals and recruitment for clinical trials.
Her career continued to evolve as she moved into clinical trial management at UCL, where she led one of the UK’s largest paediatric epilepsy clinical trials. The experience solidified her expertise in project and stakeholder management, skills that would later become crucial in her global roles.
Navigating Industry Transitions
Siobhan’s career trajectory took her from the NHS and academia into the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors. She highlighted the stark differences between these environments, particularly in terms of resources and relationship management. “In the NHS, you’re often a one-person team handling multiple aspects of a trial. In pharma, you have entire departments dedicated to different functions, which changes how you work.”
A key turning point in her career was joining a Contract Research Organisation (CRO), where she learned the importance of customer service and client management. These experiences equipped her with a versatile skill set, enabling her to take on leadership roles in global biotech firms.
The Role of Mentorship
Throughout her journey, mentorship played a vital role in shaping her decisions. Siobhan credits her mother and aunt for providing early career guidance, even though they weren’t in the sciences. “Mentors don’t always have to be in your industry,” she advised. “Having a different perspective can be incredibly valuable.”
Later in her career, industry-specific mentors helped her navigate the complexities of global pharmaceutical operations. She encourages aspiring professionals to proactively seek guidance, whether through LinkedIn networking, company mentorship programmes, or simply reaching out to industry leaders.
Advice for Aspiring STEM Professionals
Siobhan’s story is a powerful reminder that there is no single path to success in STEM. Her advice for those looking to enter the field?
· Don’t fear change. If your initial degree or career path doesn’t feel right, explore alternatives.
· Just get in. Even if it’s an administrative role, getting into the right environment opens doors to career progression.
· Leverage mentorship. Seek guidance from people inside and outside your industry.
· Stay resourceful. Use platforms like LinkedIn, YouTube, and AI tools to research and plan your next steps.
Now an Associate Director of Clinical Operations at a biotech firm in Switzerland, Siobhan continues to build on her diverse experiences. Her journey underscores the importance of resilience, strategic thinking, and the willingness to adapt.
For those still finding their way in STEM, her message is clear: “You can create your own path. Just take the first step.”