To begin with, we would be delighted if you could briefly introduce yourself and share a little about your current role at PopVax?
I am Bartika Ghoshal, a senior scientist working at PopVax Pvt. Ltd., where I work in the Immunology Team of the R&D department. My journey into science began with a degree in Zoology, which sparked my interest in genetics and molecular biology. After completing my master’s degree, I pursued a Ph.D. focused on microRNA and its role in cell biology. During this time, I investigated the mechanism of microRNA transfer between mammalian cells by Extracellular Vesicles. This experience led me to focus on the use of Extracellular Vesicles for drug delivery. After exploring diverse areas from Zoology to drug delivery I have reached a stage in my career where I want to apply my expertise in drug delivery to translational research and development.
You built a strong academic research career before moving into industry. What inspired your transition from academia to biotech?
I had always imagined a career in academia. However, towards the end of my Ph.D., the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted that path and reshaped my perspective. As companies like Moderna, Pfizer, Bharat Biotech, to name a few, came into the global spotlight; I began to truly understand how research moves from the bench to the bedside. This realization motivated me to develop expertise in using Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) as drug delivery systems. I soon had the opportunity to work at IISc on an mRNA vaccine program as well drug delivery using immune cell-EVs, and since then, there has been no looking back. Being part of impactful translational research redirected my passion toward the biotech industry.
How different is scientific work in a biotechnology company compared with academic research?
In academia, research is primarily driven by curiosity and the pursuit of fundamental questions, without being constrained by a specific organizational vision. In contrast, research in the biotech industry is tailored according to the company’s vision and priorities with basic scientific ideas being shaped towards translational outcomes such as drug discovery and development for specific disease conditions.
Another key difference lies in how work is structured. Academic research is typically more independent and flexible, whereas industry research involves close collaboration across multiple teams. This means that the work has to be done in a more collaborative, coordinated manner within strict timelines.
Your academic work involved extracellular vesicles, mRNA delivery, and immune engineering. How has your research background helped you in your current industry role?
I think the fact that my skillsets partly align with drug delivery paved the way for my transition into industry. My Ph.D. provided a strong foundation in cell biology and biochemistry, while my postdoctoral work helped me develop a translational perspective on fundamental scientific problems, along with the ability to troubleshoot complex research questions. During this phase, I learnt the basics of Immunology and mRNA vaccine biology, which also helped me move into my current role. Understanding the full journey– from mRNA as the starting material to the final product– helped shape my transition into the vaccine or therapeutics-focused industry.
What motivated you to join a company like PopVax at this stage of your career?
I was not ready to give up on actively doing innovative research when I was deciding to transition to industry. Initially, I had limited understanding of how research in biotech companies operates, which made the decision feel intimidating. When I started to learn and research about the different R&D biotech companies in India, I realized that some companies are involved in innovative translational research. This understanding reinforced my decision to make the transition. Finally, when I learnt that PopVax is doing innovative R&D research on mRNA vaccines and therapeutics, I was excited to apply. It assured me that this path would keep me closely connected to science, with continuous opportunities for growth rather than a monotonous career trajectory.
PopVax is working at the intersection of vaccines, cancer immunotherapy, and AI-driven biotechnology. What excites you most about being part of this kind of innovation ecosystem?
The answer lies in the question itself. What excites the researcher in me the most is the opportunity to continuously learn and work at the intersection of compelling scientific questions. While the breadth of knowledge required is wide and constantly evolving, the learning curve and growth have been both rapid and substantial. This experience has helped me develop a more interdisciplinary approach to scientific problem solving and has kept me deeply engaged with ongoing research.
What has been the most surprising or rewarding part of your journey after moving into industry?
I had always held a different perception of industry jobs, especially in India, and assumed they would be monotonous, involving routine execution of assays. Despite that, I decided to make the shift and I am glad that I did not let my preconceived notion guide me. In reality, industry research is definitely not monotonous. Every day is different and one has immense scope of learning. This has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my transition, as I have been able to acquire new knowledge in a relatively short span of time and continue to build on it. The experience has also given me a broader perspective on emerging drug delivery strategies and innovations being pursued globally, which has been both enriching and motivating.
Were there any challenges or uncertainties when you moved from academia to industry? How did you navigate that transition, both professionally and personally?
Yes, unfortunately there is still limited awareness about how biotech companies operate in India, how they are funded, what the typical career structures or pay scales look like. As a result, transitioning into industry initially felt like stepping into unknown waters. However, during my postdoctoral period, I did have the opportunity to network, attend seminars and conferences and learn about how the Indian biotech ecosystem functions. These interactions helped me understand different companies, their areas of focus, and their long-term goals, which gave me the confidence to apply for industry roles.
On a personal level, it took me some time to come to terms with this transition. However, having made the transition, I can say that my growth has not stunted, instead, it has expanded and I have developed new skills along my career journey.
Many young researchers worry that moving to industry means “leaving science.” Based on your experience, how true or untrue is that?
I was also among the researchers who believed that moving to industry meant, “leaving science.” However, my experience has shown otherwise. After joining, it took me some time to adjust to how an industry setup functions, but I gradually realized that it can be just as intellectually stimulating as academia. It offers the opportunity to engage in innovative translational research and to continuously learn about new developments across multiple areas. While academia often involves deep, focused exploration of a specific topic, industry can offer exposure to a broader range of scientific problems, depending upon the goals and priorities of the company. This has allowed me to expand my understanding across disciplines, and the growth in knowledge has been anything but linear.
What kinds of skills are most important for scientists who want to build a successful career in biotech or translational research?
A scientist can acquire hard skills at any stage of their career- we are trained that way. However, I feel certain soft skills often play a defining role in shaping a career in the biotech industry. For instance, time management, communication skills, taking ownership of the task assigned to you, accountability are very important in the industry setting. In addition, one has to be flexible and open to learning, as translational research often requires adapting quickly to evolving needs and priorities.
How do you see the future of biotechnology and vaccine innovation evolving in India over the next 5–10 years?
Post-COVID, the Indian biotech sector has seen a boom in start-ups and companies, which are trying to do innovative and cutting-edge research. I believe that over the next 5-10 years, India will make significant strides in mRNA, DNA vaccine platforms, gene therapy, CAR-T therapy and AI- driven drug discovery. With the support of emerging funding sources and national initiatives, more start-ups will thrive, improving both research efficiency and clinical outcomes.
Furthermore, I believe the gap between academia and industry will continue to narrow, with stronger collaborations between the two. This will not only enhance knowledge exchange but also create greater awareness and smoother pathways for researchers transitioning into industry.
What advice would you give to students, PhD scholars, and postdoctoral researchers who are considering a transition from academia to industry?
From my personal experience and interactions, I have observed that most researchers tend to transition from academia to industry out of frustration and disappointment. My suggestion would be whatever the case, be it a conscious choice or a difficult decision, one must conduct extensive research about the companies they wish to apply to. This will help them align their skillsets with the company goals and expectations. The resume must be carefully structured to highlight relevant skills and research interests. Additionally, networking is very crucial in gaining a clear understanding of a company’s vision to ensure that it aligns with one’s own interests before making the transition. Finally, trust the process, the transition will not be smooth in most cases and will take time but the experience will be valuable contributing significantly to both personal and professional growth.
