Two popular solutions exist for the one huge dilemma faced by graduate students: Where to look for a job once the degree is in hand? These two choices, academia and industry, each have their own positive and negative aspects, and, recently, a scientist with experience in both areas gave useful advice to UAB graduate students.

Dr. Robert A. Copeland, Vice President of Biology, who is in charge of the Oncology Center of Excellence in Drug Discovery at GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Pharmaceutical Company, is well versed in both industry and academia. Not only does he hold a prestigious position at a booming pharmaceutical company, but he is also an adjunct professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. On October 12, he addressed a packed house of graduate students to share his experiences in both worlds, thanks to support from the UAB Industry Roundtable.

“Since he is currently an adjunct professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Dr. Copeland was able to do a fabulous job of comparing the various pros and cons of working in the pharmaceutical industry versus working in academia,” said Brett Pickett, a co-chair of the UAB Industry Roundtable.

Copeland, who received his degree in biochemistry from Princeton University before continuing his studies at the California Institute of Technology, worked at Bristol-Myers Squibb and Merck Research Laboratories before entering the ranks at GSK.

“I think the IR seminar was very informative, which not only pointed out the ‘collaborative differences’ between industrial research and academic research, but also pointed out the career pathway that could combine the positives of both realms,” said Yuquan ‘Eddie’ Wen, a UAB graduate student.

Prior to his employment in academia, Copeland was an assistant professor at the University of Chicago School of Medicine on the brink of obtaining tenure, the pinnacle of an academic career.

“I had to do some soul-searching at that time and decide what was my view of a successful career,” he said. “While I enjoyed academia and especially interacting with students, this wasn’t really what I wanted to do with my life.”

It was at this point that he decided to dedicate his career to drug discovery; he quit academia and went to work for Bristol-Meyers Squibb.

Copeland now uses his experiences to advise students and provide them topics to contemplate when deciding upon a career.

“Know what you want out of life and visualize what success looks like for you. When you are 65 or 70, what do you want to look back on as being success?” he said. “Be sure to identify role models and seek them as mentors. Furthermore, be adaptable to change, as science changes often.”

According to Copeland, one of the main differences between academia and industry is the actual focus of the research projects. Academia, which puts a greater focus on biology, tends to ask more broad scientific questions; if the project is not going to yield a drug, academic investigators will continue to study the basic biology. Pathobiology is the main focus in industry, and the scientific questions are directed toward clinical utility. In the pharmaceutical industry, if a research project will not yield a useful drug, the project is terminated.

“The project may be scientifically interesting, but if it is not good for a patient, we do not have the time or energy to chase it,” said Copeland.

A common misconception about industrial scientists is that they are unable to publish their work or otherwise obtain external recognition. Copeland has proven this theory wrong, as he has authored 4 books, 9 patents/applications, and over 135 scientific papers.

“The bottom line,” Copeland said, “is that it is possible to have a productive career in industry.”

Graduate students found Copeland’s seminar to be quite useful.

“I thought that the seminar was rather informative, both for persons who are considering industry and those who are considering academia and how one can straddle both fields,” said Carlene Chapman-Moore, a UAB graduate student. “I especially like his suggestions for success!”

The next Industry Roundtable seminar will take place on Friday, Nov. 2 from 10:30-12:30 in Spain Auditorium (corner of 19th Street South and 7th Avenue South); the featured speaker will be a science writer.

Published in the UAB Kaleidoscope on October   , 2007