Pathways in Life Science

Amir describes a non-linear path into science, switching from social sciences after rediscovering biology and finding organic chemistry intuitive and creative. She explains her PhD work at the University of Calgary in carbohydrate chemistry, synthesizing tumor-associated carbohydrates to support vaccine and detection research. 

Amir outlines how Affinity Immuno started with off-the-shelf ELISA kits, grew within PEI’s expanding biotech ecosystem, and pivoted during COVID-19 to pandemic research tools, rapidly scaling and engaging globally before facing a post-COVID downturn. She details the company’s customer-driven expansion into custom polyclonal chicken antibody production and method development/validation, while preferring organic growth as a small-to-medium business. 

She also discusses active transportation initiatives in Charlottetown and reflects on pandemic risk drivers, climate change impacts on disease spread, and the value of diverse career paths in life sciences.

00:00 AI Intro and Welcome
01:55 Finding Science Late
03:52 Why Organic Chemistry
05:04 PhD Cancer Carbohydrates
05:34 From Pharma to Startup
08:28 Active Transport Advocacy
10:54 Cycling Origin Story
13:08 Affinity Immuno Growth
18:53 Pivoting by Customers
21:36 Small Business Vision
23:09 Next Pandemic Thoughts
27:31 Closing Reflections

We'd be honoured if you checked us out:

Pat on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-tea/

North Star Scientific on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIpR59D5c6N8iuYVBEVIShQ

North Star Scientific on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/north-star-scientific/

Let's Navigate Science Careers Together!

What does it actually look like to be at the heart of the gene therapy revolution in 2026?

In this episode of Pathways in Life Science, Pat pulls back the curtain on the gritty, high-stakes reality of the Gene Therapy Scientist. Forget the futuristic holograms and shiny brochures—this is a world of 7:15 AM starts, "moody" cell lines, and the constant hustle of "failing forward." From the "beat" of DNA sequences to the "GPS-guided missiles" of In-Vivo delivery, we explore why the next generation of breakthroughs won't come from people who think in straight lines, but from "Omni-Scientists" who can dance between wet labs, Python code, and the art of the possible. If you’ve ever wondered if you have the stomach for the coolest job on the planet, this deep dive is for you.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Welcome to 2026: Rewriting the biological software of disease.

1:04 - The "Vibe" Check: Why the reality of biotech is grittier than the headlines.

1:30 - The Drummer and the DNA: Seeing genomic sequences as a musical composition.

2:28 - Typical Tuesday: Digital Twins, bioreactors, and the "sauna" of PPE.

3:12 - Moody Cells: Why biology is like "programming wet spaghetti."

3:56 - Wet Lab vs. Dry Lab: The vanishing wall between pipettes and Python.

5:15 - The Scale-Up Struggle: Moving from a 10mL tube to a 200L tank.

5:40 - The Frontier: Designing LNPs as GPS-guided missiles for the liver.

6:22 - The "Friday Feeling": The high of watching a biological patch deploy.

6:43 - Documentation and the FDA: Why your science doesn't exist if it isn't in the ELN.

7:51 - The Omni-Scientist: Why you need coding, CMC knowledge, and an artsy brain.

9:05 - Closing Thoughts: How to connect with Pat and North Star Scientific.

We'd be honoured if you checked us out:

Pat on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-tea/

North Star Scientific on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIpR59D5c6N8iuYVBEVIShQ

North Star Scientific on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/north-star-scientific/

Let's Navigate Science Careers Together!

Are you a "bench nerd" who’s a little too loud for the lab? In this session, Pat strips away the corporate jargon to explore the world of Medical Science Liaisons. Pat look's at the MSL role not as a sales position, but as the front-of-house engineer of drug discovery—making sure the science sounds exactly like it’s supposed to when it reaches the ears of the world’s top doctors.

We dive into the reality of the hustle, the importance of "soft gear," and why your reputation is the most important instrument you’ll ever play. Whether you're a grad student feeling stuck or a mid-career pro looking for a change, this episode provides a roadmap for finding your "true north" in the field.

Timestamps

• 00:00 – Welcome to Pathways in Life Science: Introduction to the mission of North Star Scientific.
• 00:51 – The Rock Concert Analogy: Why the MSL is the "roadie" and "soundboard engineer" of the pharma world.
• 01:48 – The Accidental Discovery: Why most MSLs start as "bench nerds" and how to recognize the "MSL spark" in yourself.
• 02:50 – The "Why" Behind the Role: Moving from the vacuum of research to seeing science save lives in real-time.
• 03:23 – Life on Tour: The reality of travel, Marriott points, and being a peer to Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs).
• 05:22 – The Regulatory Dance: Why you must never "spin" the science and the importance of compliance.
• 05:44 – Joining the Band: A three-step action plan to break into the MSL gig (Soft gear, specialization, and the "sound check" network).
• 07:33 – The Human Element in 2026: Why AI and data will never replace the need for trusted human expertise.

We'd be honoured if you checked us out:

Pat on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-tea/

North Star Scientific on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIpR59D5c6N8iuYVBEVIShQ

North Star Scientific on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/north-star-scientific/

Let's Navigate Science Careers Together!

What if your next "debugging" session didn't happen on a MacBook, but inside a yeast cell? Welcome to the era of the Synthetic Biology Architect.

In this episode of Pathways in Life Science, Pat peels back the lab coat on one of the most pivotal roles in the 2026 bio-economy. We’re moving past the "Discovery" era of biology and straight into the "Design" era—where we aren’t just reading the book of life; we’re opening a Word doc and writing new chapters.

In this deep dive, we explore:

• The Genetic Circuit: How "IF/THEN" logic is being built into probiotics to create internal pharmacies.
• Coding the Climate: Why microbes on factory exhaust stacks are our best bet against CO2.
• Living Materials: The reality of vat-grown leather and self-healing bricks.
• The Architect Starter Pack: The exact "Wet" and "Dry" skills you need to pivot into this role without a 40-year PhD.

Whether you're a computer scientist curious about the "wetware" of biology or a scientist looking to learn Python, this episode is your blueprint for the future of the bio-economy.

Connect with Pat on LinkedIn to suggest which life science role we should break down next! https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-tea/

⏱️ Episode Timestamps

• [00:00] – The Sci-Fi Reality: Why "debugging a circuit" now applies to DNA.
• [00:50] – The Design Era: Moving from biological discovery to biological authorship.
• [01:25] – Defining the Architect: Why these are the software engineers of the physical world.
• [02:10] – Genetic Logic Gates: How we build "IF/THEN" statements inside living gut probiotics.
• [03:05] – A Day in the Life: In-Silico design, managing "Metabolic Load," and keeping cells happy.
• [04:00] – Microbial Operations Managers: Why nature is the ultimate manufacturing plant.
• [04:35] – Solving the Climate Crisis: Engineering microbes that "breathe" CO2 and "poop" fuel.
• [05:20] – The "Undo" Button: Safety kill-switches in CAR-T cell therapy.
• [06:10] – Self-Healing Bricks: The rise of the living materials sector.
• [07:05] – The Career Pathway: How the "Hybrid" model replaced the traditional PhD.
• [07:35] – The Architect Starter Pack: Essential Wet Skills (CRISPR) vs. Dry Skills (Python/Bioinformatics).
• [08:45] – 2030 Vision: The future of AI co-pilots in DNA blueprinting.
• [09:30] – Final Call to Action: Tips for recruiters, scientists, and fans of the show.

We'd be honoured if you checked us out:

Pat on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-tea/

North Star Scientific on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIpR59D5c6N8iuYVBEVIShQ

North Star Scientific on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/north-star-scientific/

Let's Navigate Science Careers Together!

How do you turn complex scientific data into a compelling narrative that drives sales and investment? In this episode, of the PATHWAYS IN LIFE SCIENCE podcast, we sit down with Paul Naphtali, founder of GenoWrite, to discuss the critical role of storytelling in the life sciences and biotech industries.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: Science isn’t just about the data; it’s about making that data knowable and approachable. Whether you are a scientist, an investor, or a business development professional, this conversation explores:

Why "human-led" storytelling is still vital in the age of AI.

How to translate complex research into accessible blog posts, white papers, and social content.

The connection between clear communication and commercial success in the life sciences.

Paul’s journey from a Biochemistry Graduate to becoming a leading science writer.

ABOUT OUR GUEST: Paul Naphtali, MSc., is a biotechnology professional and the founder of GenoWrite. With a deep background in microbiome research and biochemistry from McMaster University, Paul now helps biotech companies tell the stories behind their innovations to inspire understanding and action.

ABOUT NORTH STAR SCIENTIFIC: North Star Scientific is a premier sales and lead generation agency dedicated to helping life science, biotech, and pharma companies accelerate their growth. We act as the "essential muscle" to ensure groundbreaking scientific innovations reach the market faster.

[Timestamps] 00:00 - Introduction to Paul Naphtali 05:00 - The importance of science storytelling 12:30 - Breaking down complex data for investors 18:45 - How GenoWrite helps biotech companies 25:00 - The future of science writing and AI 29:00 - Closing thoughts and where to connect

CONNECT WITH US: Visit North Star Scientific: https://www.northstarsci.com/ Learn more about GenoWrite: https://genowrite.com/ 🔗 Connect with Paul Naphtali on LinkedIn: [Link]

We'd be honoured if you checked us out:

Pat on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-tea/

North Star Scientific on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIpR59D5c6N8iuYVBEVIShQ

North Star Scientific on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/north-star-scientific/

Let's Navigate Science Careers Together!

In this episode, we sit down with David Remedios, National Sales Digital Pathology Specialist at Leica Biosystems, to explore the rapidly evolving landscape of digital pathology and the intersection of science and technology in modern healthcare.

From the halls of the innovative Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital to remote diagnosis in Newfoundland, David shares his insights on how automation and digitization are solving critical labor shortages and changing the way doctors work. We also dive into his personal journey from a UofT neurobiology major to a leader in clinical sales.

In this video, we discuss:

• The Digital Shift: How hospitals are moving from glass slides on snowmobiles to instant remote sign-outs [02:10].
• AI vs. Pathologists: Will algorithms replace doctors, or are they simply the ultimate pattern-recognition tool? [04:15].
• Regulatory Hurdles: The differences between Health Canada and FDA approval processes [05:42].
• Career Advice: Why you don’t always need an MBA to reach leadership roles in the life sciences [14:22].
• Sales Strategy: The importance of "discovery" and in-person connections in a complex, 2–4 year sales cycle [26:05].
• Funding Innovation: How hospitals navigate capital projects using foundation funds and "Dragon's Den" style pitches [27:35].

Whether you are a pathology professional, a science student, or interested in the business of medical devices, this conversation provides a deep dive into the future of Canadian healthcare.

We'd be honoured if you checked us out:

Pat on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-tea/

North Star Scientific on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIpR59D5c6N8iuYVBEVIShQ

North Star Scientific on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/north-star-scientific/

Let's Navigate Science Careers Together!

In this episode of North Star Scientific, we explore the unconventional journey of Rob, who transitioned from a high school history teacher to a 15-year veteran in the life sciences sales industry.

Rob shares his unique philosophy on being a "Chief Happiness Officer"—focusing on empathy, transparency, and helping customers succeed rather than just closing a deal. We also dive into how technology and AI are transforming the way sales professionals interact with scientists and what the future of lab demos might look like in a virtual world.

In this video, we discuss:

The Career Pivot: How a history degree builds the research skills needed for technical sales [03:14].

The Evolution of the "Cold Call": Why walking hospital halls is a thing of the past and how AI enables "warm calling" [13:09].

Chief Happiness Officer: Why focusing on customer happiness leads to long-term success and loyalty [10:00].

AI vs. Personal Relationships: Will AI ever replace the face-to-face connection in high-stakes biotech sales? [23:47].

The Future of Lab Demos: Could VR goggles and "digital twins" replace shipping heavy equipment for trials? [27:13].

Sales Frameworks: A breakdown of Spin, Challenger, and EPIC selling methodologies [31:32].

The "Nice Guy" Myth: Why compassion and empathy are actually competitive advantages in business [35:17].

Whether you're looking to break into the life science industry or you're a seasoned pro wanting to refine your consultative approach, this conversation offers a masterclass in modern relationship-based selling.

We'd be honoured if you checked us out:

Pat on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-tea/

North Star Scientific on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIpR59D5c6N8iuYVBEVIShQ

North Star Scientific on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/north-star-scientific/

Let's Navigate Science Careers Together!

What happens when a molecular biology major realizes they aren't meant for the lab bench? In this episode of North Star Scientific, we sit down with David Nathan, CEO of Scaler Marketing, to explore the intersection of science, storytelling, and entrepreneurship.

David shares the raw reality of starting a business with a family of five, the unconventional lessons he learned from Amway, and how he transitioned from selling $5,000 websites to running a specialized agency for major scientific companies. We also dive into the future of SEO, the "empty" side of AI creativity, and why every science professional needs a community like SAMPS.

00:00:00 - Intro: The power of being active on LinkedIn

00:01:54 - Growing up in the lab: From Princeton to New England Biolabs

00:03:57 - The Epiphany: Why I wasn't meant for the lab bench

00:05:22 - The "Storytelling Gap" in scientific companies

00:07:05 - Lessons from Amway: Redesigning your life path

00:10:31 - Starting a business with triplets and a $0 salary

00:14:12 - How my wife "kicked me out" to find my first client

00:15:53 - Handling a 6-month sales drought

00:19:35 - How to scale: "Make a mess, then clean it up"

00:23:00 - Moving from $5K websites to $100K projects

00:24:31 - Is SEO still relevant in the age of AI?

00:27:45 - How AI pulls information: The role of backlinks

00:29:18 - Simon Sinek and the "Struggle" of creativity vs. AI

00:30:51 - What is SAMPS? A community for science commercial professionals

00:34:04 - Closing thoughts and future collaborations

We'd be honoured if you checked us out:

Pat on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-tea/

North Star Scientific on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIpR59D5c6N8iuYVBEVIShQ

North Star Scientific on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/north-star-scientific/

Let's Navigate Science Careers Together!

"People make the difference." We sit down with Berendia Jackson, a high-impact sales leader in the biotech industry.

Berendia shares her unique journey from the lab bench to leading commercial teams for global life science giants. We discuss the critical balance between technical expertise and soft skills, how the "customer journey" has evolved over two decades (from Palm Pilots to AI), and the honest reality of being a minority in executive leadership. This is a must-watch for anyone looking to understand the human side of high-stakes scientific sales and the future of diversity in the boardroom.

00:00:00 - Introduction: Meeting a powerhouse leader

00:01:10 - The Journey: From aspiring doctor to life science sales

00:01:55 - "People Make the Difference": The technical vs. commercial balance

00:02:54 - Lessons from a Field Application Scientist (FAS) role

00:04:18 - 20 Years of Change: From Palm Pilots and paper maps to digital tools

00:05:40 - The Modern Customer: More knowledgeable and AI-empowered

00:06:45 - AI in Sales: Will robots replace the human connection?

00:08:44 - The Peak of Human Intelligence? AI’s potential for EQ

00:10:47 - Transactional vs. Million-Dollar Deals: Where AI fits

00:13:51 - AI in Healthcare: Predictive modeling and self-diagnosis

00:16:30 - Diversity in Leadership: Breaking the glass ceiling

00:18:28 - Executive Champions: The importance of diversity in thought and background

00:19:40 - Mentoring the Next Generation: Volunteering with Women in Bio

00:20:55 - Why the Boardroom Needs to Reflect the Real World

00:22:50 - The Responsibility of Representation: Doing the job well first

00:25:15 - Overcoming Unconscious Bias in Hiring

00:26:55 - Healthcare Disparity: Diversity’s impact on clinical trials

00:28:05 - The Next Chapter: Moving downstream toward diagnostics

00:30:45 - Leading from the Trenches: Berendia’s leadership philosophy

#SalesLeadership #LifeSciences #Biotech #DiversityInSTEM #AIinHealthcare #WomenInBio #CommercialExcellence #DiversityAndInclusion #CareerJourney #NorthStarScientific

We'd be honoured if you checked us out:

Pat on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-tea/

North Star Scientific on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIpR59D5c6N8iuYVBEVIShQ

North Star Scientific on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/north-star-scientific/

Let's Navigate Science Careers Together!

Your degree only goes so far. Practical application is what makes you valuable.

In this episode of the Pathways in Life Science podcast, we sit down with our own Managing Partner, Jeff Storelee, to discuss his transition from the QC lab at Bio-Techne to leading major sales teams. Jeff opens up about the "hard lessons" of the Northeast sales territory, why being an introvert didn't stop him from succeeding in sales, and the importance of telling customers the truth—even when it means losing a commission.

Whether you're a student facing "career burnout" or a professional looking to move into business development, Jeff’s story provides a roadmap for stepping outside your comfort zone and building a career based on trust and results.

00:00:00 - Introduction: The "Illustrious" career of Jeff Storelee

00:00:54 - Childhood Dreams: Why I wanted to be a doctor (or a hockey player)

00:01:42 - Junior Year Burnout: Pivoting away from med school

00:02:35 - Starting Small: My first $27,000 lab job at R&D Systems

00:04:02 - The Lab Advantage: Why every sales rep should spend time at the bench

00:05:46 - Learning "Pain Points": How lab experience makes you a better consultant

00:06:40 - The "Shy Kid" in Sales: Can introverts succeed in business?

00:07:34 - Best Career Advice: "You don't get anything without asking"

00:09:44 - Building Loyalty: Why I refused to sell a "piece of crap" instrument

00:11:41 - The Myth of the Extroverted Salesperson

00:13:16 - Selling in Boston: Developing thick skin and negotiation skills

00:14:38 - Sales in 1999 vs. 2025: Competition, Pressure, and Tech

00:16:45 - The Loss of In-Person Connection: Why handshakes still matter

00:18:50 - The Art of Small Talk: Building professional friendships

00:20:54 - Corporate vs. Startup: The freedom of being nimble at North Star

00:23:23 - Advice for Graduates: Don't be narrow-minded with your career

We'd be honoured if you checked us out:

Pat on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-tea/

North Star Scientific on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIpR59D5c6N8iuYVBEVIShQ

North Star Scientific on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/north-star-scientific/

Let's Navigate Science Careers Together!